At first I was humble with responsibility, vowing to use my power for good instead of evil. I had not considered what function I would fill. I simply clicked on a website and became an instrument of God. It's an everyday sort of thing I suppose. The good people from Universal Life Church who have accepted me into their flock expouse just two principles... 1) promote freedom of religion. 2) do what is right.
To be honest I have a little trouble with the second principle. That's ok however, I have read enough John Irving novels to realise that an element of doubt is a vital component to growing one's spritual connection. My concern over 'do what is right' is merely the inference that one knows what is right.
To my mind the great source of conflict between nations and people is the tendency for us all to believe we know what is right. To this end the pursuit of tolerance is of great value. So I figure there is value in these two principles and enough for a simple reverend as myself to follow.
Later this very day I did a little more research. "Let google be your guide". I found quite a few other organisations offering ordination online, one of them featuring the inpsired words of none other than Carl Sagan...
"A religion old or new, that stressed the magnificence of the universe as revealed by modern science, might be able to draw forth reserves of reverence and awe hardly tapped by the conventional faiths. Sooner or later, such a religion will emerge."
...hhhm, I cant help but wonder if the great Sagan is more impressed with the laws of physics than the potential for spiritual development?
Isnt that just typical of the issue of religion though - great swagging crowds of people gathered together in awe of the church, while the real mystery is of a somewhat grander scale. Of course religion per se is naught the problem, it's merely the manner in which people follow and interpret what they perceive to be a greater wisdom.
That brings us back to 'do what is right'. Lord help me.
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The various modes of worship, which prevailed in the Roman world, were all considered by the people, as equally true; by the philosopher, as equally false; and by the magistrate, as equally useful.
Edward Gibbon, Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.
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