Modern * Ecumenical * Church

                                " Mysticism  is  the  link  that  unites  all  religions "

           

               

 

                      C h u r c h   re-created

 

          Modern   Ecumenical   Church

 

 

                              A truly ecumenical church welcomes all people, from all walks of life,  to partake

                                   in this universal community.      Our church  strives to be  "open-hearted" :

           

                                   inviting all people who come in peace, to join us and try the Aquarian path. 

                                                                      

                                We prefer to call ourselves a 'church', rather than a community or movement.

                              A church is a radical challenge to the secular world : a place dedicated to love !

                                     If you are seeking an alternative to traditional religion, consider a modern

                                  spirituality and an inclusive church which speaks to people in today's world.      

   

                                                             

 

                      An earth-friendly church 

 

              The Ecumenical Church is dedicated to the salvation of our planet

       

                                        ( n o t   j u s t   p e o p l e ) 

                                  The earth is a mystical place.   Yet we can loose a sense of it's beauty in cities.

                              Around forests and rivers, mountains and oceans, is where many feel truly spiritual.

                                  Nature sustains us.  Our health and longevity is dependent on our environment. 

                                                        Thus, we must strive for a pure earth - so that all people 

                                                      ( not just the rich and powerful )

     

                           can breathe fresh air,  be cleansed in pristine waters,  and be nourished by

                                           wholesome foods.  For this, we must minimise pollution, live modestly,

   

                                                      and share our resources with those who need sustenance.

         

                                                   

            One co-dependent world - symbolised by the ancient super-continent : Pangaea.

                                     ( we are not implying a one world government which is a political objective of socialism )

           

                                            Humanity's challenge is to co-operate and learn to respect difference,

                                                        rather than form one world culture / society / government.  

                                                      Love one another : not  try to make everyone in my likeness

                                                      

                         Modern  Spirituality  is   holistic  

                                 ( concerned for the whole : people and planet )

                         Our Spirituality is also  salvational :  salvation - from the

             latin word  'S a l u s' -  means : whole  ( i.e. wholesome / complete / holy ).

     Christian Spirituality is a way of living that completes us (fulfils) as human be-ings,

      

    providing spiritual health, wisdom & genuine happiness, so lacking in today's world.

    

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           Modern   Ecumenical   Church

                         

     M o d e r n  C h r i s t i a n   S p i r i t u a l i t y     

                           

                                 

                            

                                                                          

Who are we :    

 

The Ecumenical Church is a Modern Spiritual Movement - with a modern, holistic & communitarian approach

to spirituality.  The Church is dedicated to offering a biblical-based life-path, known  as  'Modern Christian Spirituality'. 

Our foundational text is the Gospel of Love ; a modern day life-guide written for all people who seek greater wisdom,

self efficacy, and a better way of living, in this world.

 

Our Mission:

 

The Ecumenical Church promotes a healing message of compassion and kin-ship, so we can all learn how to live more effective

beneficial and joyful lives, and in turn, help to create peace-filled, thriving & healthy communities everywhere on earth.  

 

 

Our Vision:

 

1.  For the Church to become a strong network of local churches and online communities 

2.  For a modern holistic and communitarian spirituality to be a valuable life-guide for modern-minded people.

 

 

Our Values:

 

·         To be open hearted - welcoming all people, from all walks of life, to our church. 

·         To be compassionate and loving in everything we do.

 ·        To support personal freedom, growth and inter-dependence, promoting a healthy and thriving communal life

 ·        To be open minded  -  gently testing all ideas  in order to broaden our experience of life

·         To be open to scientifically validated knowledge concerning the cosmos & its creation, yet avoid scientific dogmatism

·         To be open to wisdom teachings found in all ancient religious, philosophical and wisdom traditions. 

 

 

Our promise:

1)   a supportive movement concerned for the needs of all Companions and all local churches,  and

2)   a grass roots movement of the people, led by an accountable central leadership team.

 

 

                                                                          

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S e r m o n s    o n   S p i r i t u a l i t y  

Do we still need religion today  ?  

 

This first Sermon is about living in today's world.   Capitalism and socialism have

shaped our economic and political systems today.   But are they good for us ?

Does religion play a vital role,  precisely because of the human systems we live in ? 

Religion dares to put people and community  first.   

Corporations value profit.   Governments value power.   Individuals value themselves.

Yet, a world dominated by greedy profit, power & self  interest, can create untold suffering and destruction.  

This need not be the way.  People  can choose to act with honour and decency, and build healthy relationships

and communities, by putting love, compassion, empathy, mercy and respect ahead of power, profit and self interest.

Therefore, religion today, is justified when it strives to protect the unalienable rights & dignities of the people against 

the forces of those who seek to exploit, harm or diminish others.   

Good religion - provides for the people - an effective anti-dote, which mitigates suffering in our lives no matter where

in the world we live, and under whatever human system seeks to control us.

 

 

Ancient Pharaoh's and Kings, keen to preserve their earthly power for all time, were obsessed with the idea of  eternity. 

 

For the ancient rulers, religion was all about glorifying themselves, and securing a good after-life.  

 

Thus, myths were created around their needs, a priesthood employed to enact the supporting rituals, and the common people,

 

were compelled to participate in the state sanctioned religion - all in support of the Pharaoh's bid for immortality.  

 

Sure, the people had their own "home gods" and superstitions, but state religion, was always designed around a ruler's needs.  

 

  

Over time, the Pharaohs and Kings of this world, were gradually replaced by new systems, dominated by a wealthy elite - "the Kapitalists".

Kapitalists emerged during the 17th and 18th century, gaining almost exclusive control of the " money machines " -  banks and industry.

 

Kapitalists came to dominate commerce, finance and trade.  To enhance their monopolies, Kapitalists sought free trade and limited regulation,

exerting pressure on governments, by seducing them with political funding.   This allowed Kapitalists to get away with many injustices, such as 

low wages, unsafe work conditions & low taxation.  In the process, they became very wealthy and free market capitalism became the operative

economic system up until the 20th century.

 

Kapitalism's key ideological platforms are : 1)  individualism  and  2)  consumerism.   Individualism  ( or self centred behaviour ),  is a handy ideology 

for Kapitalists, as individualism undermines communitarian values, such as sharing & caring - neither of which are profit-maximising behaviours.  

The individual - removed from family and community, stands alone in their private world.  

To ease the existential angst of not knowing what to do with one's leisure time, the unskilled person, turns to consumerism 

to help fill the void, to kill time, and overcome the emptiness of existence.   

Thus consumerism stems from individualism. 

 

Kapitalists like religion - but only their own version :  - The Masonic Order & Temple : which promotes belief in a distant ' G '  ( Great Architect )

- a very handy theology for the Elite, as there is no doctrine of hell or a God of justice : so Kapitalists are free to go about their exploitation, 

with little moral conscious.   Many believe the Roman  Church was infiltrated by Masons in the 1960's.  Notice modern Catholic Churches 

are very plain.    They've become 'secular' - looking just like Masonic Temples.   At the 2012 Christmas Mass, the Pope & his senior cardinals, 

were cloaked in religious attire devoid of any religious symbols.   Flowers and even an Egyptian Pharaoh motive adorned the Pope's vestments.  

Pope Benedict has even said that Hell is not a place - but an idea : hardly the stuff of traditional Catholicism - but understandable if the Roman 

Church is being quietly transformed into a one-world religion : a true modern global religion, uniting socialist principles, Masonic ideals and 

moderated Christianity.    

Kapitalists love the free market system, which works best for those with the wealth to provide for all their needs.   The free market system 

would work better, if the wealthy offered to share more of their wealth : to help run hospitals or charities, so that no person should suffer.

Societies have become split between the top end :  the 20% who own just about everything,  and the 80% who just get by or fall into poverty.    

In the 20th century,  wealth disparity became so extreme, that an alternative to Kapitalism was almost inevitable.   Thus, from the revolutionary

theories of Karl Marx,  Socialism and Communism came to be.    Violent revolutions toppled many traditional governments and their monarchs. 

Nations around the world, were thus transformed -  from market economies, to planned economies.    Entrepreneurs and even small businesses, 

were declared the new 'enemies' of socialism. State owned enterprises, economic planning and enforced compliance, characterised socialist states.

Socialism appealed to the poor & middle class.  The battle lines, after all,  were about eradicating poverty.  Few would disagree with this goal.

Wealth redistribution sounds like a just and noble goal.   However, in reality, Socialist revolutions rarely benefitted the workers.  The leadership 

discovered how to (secretly) amass great personal wealth, whilst publicly, remaining "loyal" socialists.    Meanwhile, the cadrés and comrades,

were given a few minor concessions - just enough to feel like some 'progress' and 'change'  (two favourite words of socialists) had occurred.   

Socialists had a much bigger agenda than just poverty : a new utopia (new world order), where monarchs & monasteries were eliminated, 

and the state would reign supreme, was the goal.  The  Socialist / Communist agenda,  involved destroying all tradition structures, at all levels, 

in order for the new elite, to rise to the top and enjoy the privileges of power.  Sovereign nations became socialist 'states'.   The European Union

was formed with the goal of eradicating nations.  Nations are an obstacle to the Socialist goal of a one world government, as national loyalties,

compete with loyalty to regional governments, such as the (now defunct) U.S.S.R., the United Nations or the European Union - all forerunners to 

a world government.   Socialism seeks to undermine nationalism, by encouraging migration - thus creating highly multi-cultural states.   The more

a nation is made up of mixed  cultures, the less likely it's leaders are able to summons enough patriotic fever, to support an attack on another nation.

Multi-culturalism, say Socialists, will secure world peace.   This theory remains totally unproven.   However, in the mean time, nations must endure 

internal tensions, as each wave of new migration adds to racial disharmony, religious strife, rising crime and the formation of migrant ghettos : all in the 

name of socialism's grand aims at destroying sovereign nations, and empowering regional structures  (such as the E.U.).   

Nations have existed for thousands of years as unique cultural identities.  Commerce and trade brought merchants together, and thus progress was 

achieved through a free exchange of ideas.  

Yes, greedy kings and governments emerged throughout history, who waged war on neighbouring nations.  We must acknowledge & condemn this as well.

However, history is no excuse for wrecking, what is an essential characteristic of our human story - our uniqueness & difference.  Socialists are attempting 

to eradicate our natural (national) uniqueness' and differences, in order to create a utopian mono-culture.    In the process, thousands of years of culture 

is being eroded.  Some churches are participating in this travesty.  The Roman Catholic Church proclaims itself as a universal church, and is thus targeted

by socialists, who see an opportunity in the Catholic Church, to create a mono-cultural world religion.    Historically, local churches e.g. Church of England, 

or Scotland, or the Orthodox Church of Russia or Greece, or the Coptic Church or Egypt or Ethiopia, were all strong NATIONAL churches : each with its own  

local character - respecting other churches - but remaining focused on serving the needs of it's nation's populace.   Today, in contrast, the Anglican Episcopal 

church is an experiment in socialist multi-culturalism - and no longer retains its British heritage.     Accordingly : the pews are empty.        

  

Traditional religions are the enemy of the Socialist utopia.   Why ?  Religion competes for the loyalty of the people.   The Socialist state demands total

loyalty.   Loyalty (compliance) is necessary for the Socialist state to achieve its grand visions - a compliant citizenry, supporting the corporate goals of

Socialism.  Under Communist regimes, many churches were either destroyed or closed, and priests and pastors were duly imprisoned or killed.  

But the killings did not stop with church clerics.   Anyone who disagreed with the state  (including entrepreneurs & small business owners),  could

be sent to the Gulags.   Almost every Communist or National Socialist state, conducted purges at all levels of society.   No individual was ever safe.

This created the ideal climate for compliance.  Fear is the perfect tool for controlling the masses.  Almost every Communist state ruled by murdering 

it's perceived enemies :  Cambodia, U.S.S.R,  Soviet controlled Poland, Eastern Germany, Cuba, China, Nazi Germany.   The result was almost 100 

million citizens were murdered by Socialist / Communist regimes in the 20th century.

Total control over the lives of citizens, is achieved by taking the lives of citizens.  A death culture developed in every leftist state.  Under extreme 

Socialism (USSR / NAZI),  Gulags and Concentration camps took care of anyone who stood against the state.   In the modern Socialists state,  a 

culture of death is also evident : abortion and euthanasia policies, have become today's killing fields.  Once the populace accepts that the state 

can legislate to kill, it's only a matter of time before killing is used to control others in society.   

Only when we absolutely stand against any form of killing,  can we prevent an ever spreading culture of death in our society.    No state, no nation

should have the freedom to kill its citizens.  ONLY when defending the defenceless,  can we ever justify killing.  Thus, the US led defence of Europe

against NaZi Germany,  or the liberation of Kuwait and the Kurds,   the elimination of the Taliban from Afghanistan,   or the defence of the South 

Vietnamese people -  are all valid examples of justifiable military action.  Yet it is these actions, that socialists object to.  Yet they have no concerns

with killing unborn babies - the ultimate defenceless beings.  

Today, Socialists accept that eradicating religion is hard.   Thus, a new strategy is being fought.   Infiltration and gradual change is the strategy.

Socialists remain ideologically opposed to religion,  but they have come to appreciate, how religion can be used to help achieve their global aims

via a compliant religion & church.   The easiest target, is the biggest : the Roman Church, which by the 1950's was struggling with modernism & change.

Infiltration by socialist-minded bishops (and Masons - led by Cardinal Bugnini  See our HISTROY webpage),  paved the way for the Vatican Council 

reforms in the 1960's.  From this time forth,  the church would move to the left, abandoning it's earlier traditionalist stance against modernism.  

Pope John Paul 2 often warned of the difference between socialism and Christianity.  In South America, priests promoted socialist doctrines as church

teachings.  "Liberation theology" was promoted by Marxist clerics proclaiming socialist doctrines, rather than administering Christ's sacraments.  The

current German Pope,  Benedict XVIth, is fast-forwarding the church towards socialism - perhaps relieved that his church was chosen to become the 

preferred 'state' religion of the new socialist world order - rather than some other church  ( just as Christianity was once chosen by Emperor Constantin 

ahead of other eastern religions).   

However, despite the transformation of the Catholic church into an acceptable 'socialist'  religion, many socialists remain fundamentally against religion.   

Recently, the European Union (a socialists instrument) sought to remove any reference to Europe's Christian heritage in it's new 'constitution'.   

Yet Europe has been largely Christian for around 2,000 years ! 

Socialists are obsessed with control.  Controlling the population, especially children, with prescription drugs, is another form of mind control 

using 'chemical weapons'.   Today many children are diagnosed with social disorders, and then promptly medicated.   Good discipline, setting 

boundaries and moral values for children, is now being replaced by chemical management of kids.   Yes some children do need medicines as 

their condition is real.  However, more and more families are substituting good parenting, with drugs.

Fear is the socialists most effective tool.   In modern Socialist states, state-sanctioned murder is replaced by state control of personal freedoms, 

through restrictive legislation : such as the various Vilification legislations designed to limit free speech.  With each new law, the state intrudes

further upon the individual.  Terrorism attacks have become an excuse for Socialists states, to control freedom of movement  (visa restrictions)

and free speech (e.g. laws enabling government agencies to monitor everyone's internet use without a court order).

 

Socialist states attack traditional family values, because family loyalty clashes head on with loyalty to the state.   The rights of child to a mother and

a father, is being undermined by leftist policies, such as easy divorce, de-facto unions, lesbian "rights" to create children and families, or single mother 

welfare incentives (why have a husband, when you have the whole state support you !).    All the while, traditional family support is overtly diminished.   

The state promotes Mothers day or Fathers day, but never a FAMILY Day.  Divide & conquer : it's all done under the banner of personal freedom & choice. 

What started simply as a response to the greed of Kapitalists, Socialism has grown to think of itself as new world utopia  :

a dream however, that quickly turns into a nightmare in every state that socialism or communism is implemented.  

Today, you most likely live under a Socialist regime : some masquerade as Democratic Socialism, others are a military Socialist state (e.g. China).

100 years ago, it was more likely, that you lived in a free market environment, with under-regulated economies, and a few very rich Kapitalists 

dominating most industries.   Poverty was experienced by many, but the ethos of the day was clear :  work hard and save, and you can make ends

meet.  Don't waste you money on alcohol (the drug of it's time).  Live by your religion's commandments.  Support your family and community, 

and live within your means.  Charities meant that the destitute, would have some support.  Today we leave welfare to the government, which actually

destroys personal responsibility and community cohesiveness.  People don't feel bad about taking advantage of government welfare departments, because 

nobody really cares about a big Federal welfare bureau.   Local charities, staffed by sincere locals, not only gave material sustenance, but an offer of 

friendship and companionship  - which inspired many individuals, to get back on track.   State welfare demoralises the person, often instituting 

generational poverty and alienating individuals from their communities. 

  

There were many positive aspects of the traditional free market economy and society :  

The family and the local community combined to form an effective self-managed society, with a smaller role for government protecting lives, property

and boarders.  Whilst no family or community claims to be perfect - governments did not need to intrude in every aspect of life.   The people could turn 

to their religion for wisdom and a guiding hand on how to live their lives.     There was no need for government to provide a grand ideology .

People felt free.   Some abused that freedom, or exploited others - but that's when the government was called in.  Otherwise, a small government meant 

low taxes, and most were happy to work hard and know that their hard earned money wasn't being squandered on some elitist socialist art project that 

offered nothing of value to anyone.

Public education has become for the socialists, a means of promoting it's ideology.   Public education is radically anti-religion.  University Liberal Arts 

courses promote secular ideals, such as feminism, multi-culturalism and other leftist agendas.  University think-tanks help unions and left leaning 

governments to implement socialist policies.  Universities provide graduates to leftist media organisations- such as THE AGE  and the ABC in Australia.  

Socialist minded media dominate the modern media landscape, helping to gently mould the minds of people towards the left's agenda.  Evolution Theory,

which undermines the sacredness and mystery of life, is promoted ahead of Creationism - despite having NO firm scientific evidence.   U.S. schools have 

even been compelled to teach Evolution Theory AS SCIENCE and FACT - despite many leading independent scientists having highlighted the inadequacies

of the theory.   Evolutionary theory is passionately promoted by socialists,  as it is anti-religion and anti-life :  the human being becomes just another 

part of nature's (not God's) cruel evolutionary process - thus justifying any state actions that eliminate lives - all under the banner of  'natural selection

or survival of the fittest'   (as occurred during the time of National Socialist Germany, and today in state hospitals, where many unborn are killed simply 

because they are not selected for life  - by an ignorant or selfish mother ).  When man plays god,  man suffers.  The Hebrew Bible warned us of this in many  

of its stories - mythical or otherwise.   We would do well, to honour life as sacred - the alternative is a growing culture of  death. 

Socialism triumphed in the 2oth century because of the excesses of Kapitalism.     Yes, we can blame the greed and excesses of a few

Kapitalists, for allowing Socialism to take hold.  Had Kapitalists shared their wealth more generously : socialism may not have triumphed.

Today, Kapitalists have not gone away.  Rather, they have learnt to live with Socialism - and even benefit from it !  

Today, Kapitalists don't necessarily oppose Socialism, as long as the states don't over regulate their global markets -  allowing Kapitalists to move

money around the world,  to low tax or low cost countries.   Hence, rather than boycotting China as a totalitarian regime, Kapitalists embrace China 

for it's abundant cheap and unprotected workforce.   Aside from costs, Kapitalists care little for Socialism's big utopian dreams : as long as they 

have their profitable tax havens to create and preserve their wealth, Socialism is left unchallenged to carry on it's utopian experiment.

 

 

In the last century, Kapitalist greed resulted in economic turmoil and poverty for many.    Under-regulated big business in the 1920s and 

1990s, resulted in huge profits for a few, whilst the working class experienced falling incomes, exploitation, and eventually, a lack of jobs.  

Profiteers wrecked entire industries as factories closed in the US, and then reopened in China.  

In a reaction to the failings of Kapitalism, some nations in the 20th century, experimented with extreme alternatives - and  failed.  

 

Today, experiments in extreme Socialism, such as Communism and National Socialism (NAZI) stand discredited.  And rightly so.

 

Neither systems were capable of creating viable and stable systems, nor containing human greed and other toxic behaviours.  Over 

100 million people were murdered by the various extreme socialist systems in the 20th century.   Nothing compares to this evil. 

Yet these same toxic systems (Communism and National Socialism) are closely related to today's Socialist systems, 

which are equally as toxic, but have learnt to achieve their aims more subtlety.    But this makes them no less evil. 

In the end, Socialist systems are about a controlled utopia - an unobtainable illusion that requires all citizens 

to agree to do what the state desires - we must behave like machines  - with no room for free thought or action. 

North Korea is an overt example of this, but Socialists in the free world, as just as ambitious.  Today, the E.U.

is trying to seize the private bank accounts of people in Cyprus.  Who in Europe will be next ?  In Australia, the

socialist Labour Party, is planning to seize superannuation funds (private retirement savings), despite earlier 

assurances that these funds were secure from government theft.

Today, Democratic Socialism (Europe, some South American and African republics) and military Socialism (China, Cuba etc) 

are the inheritors of the Marxist - Communist agenda.  Socialism is also the dominant philosophy of the labour union movement.

Socialist states are today huge welfare states - which necessitate high taxes.     With high taxes,  welfare states discourage innovation

& entrepreneurial behaviours, which create wealth in the first place.  Thus Europeans are today, burdened by big government & lack the ability

to compete against the emerging tiger economies of Asia, such as Indonesia, South Korea or Taiwan - for they have become too concerned with 

early retirement, short working weeks, long vacations - policies which have resulted in a lazy and selfish populace who spend much of their 

energies on trying to avoid the state's taxes !

Underneath all the propaganda on equality and justice :  those at the top of the Socialist ladder, are becoming as rich as the original Kapitalists.

The Russian socialist (ex state security agent) President / Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, is reputed to be worth billions.  China's top brass are 

reputed to be equally well off.     It's not very socialist at the top !  In the end, Socialism is just another means for some, to get to the top. 

Shame they're prepared to kill millions and usurp the wealth and freedom of billions to get there.     Socialism is evil.  PERIOD. 

"But its better than the evils of free market economies" some like to argue, often referring back to the Depression of the 1920's.  In the end,

neither system is ideal.  One is greedy.  The other is greedy.  Neither is perfect or good.  They are both, creations of man.  Need we say more. 

It is little wonder, that Christians realised long ago, that human government is never perfect.   The Messiah said his kingdom is not of this world.

The Bible speaks of a 1,000 year period, when the Messiah returns to earth, and a just "government shall be upon his shoulders".  

The Messiah overturned the money changers tables at the Temple and never aligned himself with the Pharisees who ruled the Jewish faith.   

Christians were often taught to distance themselves from government.  Lets hope the Messiah's 1000 rule, will be an improvement on our current 

options : socialism or capitalism !    

Buddhists too see the fallacy of seeking utopia on man's earth.  Instead, they create nirvana in their minds and bodies - a perfect indifference 

to the broken ways of the world, knowing that greed and lust will always be a characteristic of human government, so it's better to seek one's

peace through meditation and living a pure life, freed from needless worldly desires.     

 

If our political and economic systems are "as good as it gets", - we the people,  need good guidance (wisdom, knowledge and life-skills ) to help us to survive 

within the existing system.  Religion specialises in teaching essential " life skills ", thus helping people to live better lives and create healthy communities.       

 

Religion is therefore, not a revolution that seeks to overcome the incumbent political or economic structure.  Religion's goal is to help us to survive 

and thrive, within whatever system we are living under.  

 

 

The word 'religion', comes to us from the Latin  " re-ligio " - which means something like : " to be connected with ". 

 

This suggests, religion is about "connectivity" or "relationships" - i.e. how we relate to each other and the wider world.   

Religion thus aims to create effective  (beneficial)  relationships between people, and thus contribute to healthier communities. 

Religion should not be confused with politics.   Politics and political organisations do not replace religion.

 

Politics is about "getting things done"  - organizing people and groups in society to undertake certain activities.

 

However, political parties or politicians, must first identify 'what they stand for'.  

 

Political ideology, must be informed by something - i.e. some set of core values.   Religion (as in the case of the Christian Democrats of Europe,

 

Islam in the Middle East, Judaism in Israel, Buddhism in the East, or even the Catholic religion of U.S. President John F. Kennedy), plays 

a vital role in shaping political ideology and determining which actions, are undertaken.

Anti-religious ideology can also influence the nature of politics (i.e anti religious ideologies of Communism, National Socialism or Liberal Capitalism).     

 

 

Religion, which precedes politics, asks  "why should certain things happen in the first place ?"   (i.e. why is a certain law beneficial  

or harmful to our personal and communal wellbeing ?).   Religions thus helps provide a moral and ethical foundation for society -  

(i.e.  a wisdom-based voice for what is good and right for people, communities and/or the planet).  

Therefore, it is very important that religions actively contribute to all levels of political debate - informing the people and its representatives 

(the professional politicians), on issues that enhance or diminish personal and collective wellbeing.

 

 

Many modern-minded people argue, that traditional religions cannot speak with credibility in today's modern world.

They argue that most traditional religions are based on superstitions designed to support the 'glory' of ancient Kings and Pharaohs.

 

Thus traditional religion are more concerned with appeasing royals and rulers, than the common folk and the poor.     

 

 

 

However,  one ancient religion -  the religion of the Israelites - might just show us how religion can be 'for the people'.

The ancient Israelites - broke new ground, by organising society, around the principles of social justice, equity and compassion.   

All were bound by it's ethical norms, including kings and priests.

 

The Israelites, believing that their God (YHWH), was the God of justice and compassion, argued that the people too, should be a

people of " justice and compassion".   Anything less, would dishonor their God.  

 

 

Perhaps ancient Israel never managed to create a "perfect society". Nonetheless,  Israel's progressive thinking, would inspire influential religious

movements, such as the Essenes (proto Christians),  Rabbinical Judaism, Christianity & Islam, to uphold the centrality of social justice and compassion

teachings, in their emerging religions.  

 

Whilst Christianity was all about social justice in it's early days, things changed when Emperor Constantine offered Christian Bishops,

a life of luxury and official sanction.  The ruling Bishops soon became more concerned with enhancing their power and prestige, to the detriment of 

Roman Christianity as a religion for the people.

 

 

Whilst the Jews lost their homeland in the first century, they somehow managed to preserve the essential character of the early Hebrew religion,  

as they moved first to the Black Sea region, and then to Europe.  So whilst Catholic Europe plunged ever deeper into the "Dark Ages", "an enlightened 

way" was quietly preserved by the exiled Rabbis.  

This exiled religion of the Rabbis (which we now call Rabbinical Judaism), would eventually help revive Christianity and move Europe out of it's "darkest age". 

 

  

It seems, that of the three great Western religions, Imperial Christianity, unlike rabbinical Judaism,  succumbed most to the temptation of  power in

the West, as it aligned itself with the nobility, rather than with the common people.  Rome's Imperial religion took a backward step & remained regressive,

right throughout the "dark middle ages".   It was not until the "Age of Enlightenment" - first ushered in by N. Copernicus, who studied  Middle Eastern

astronomy,  that the Christian people of North Western Europe, began to seriously question Rome's theocratic regime. 

  

 

During the Reformation, Christianity slowly restored it's original (and proper) focus on the common people (including the poor).  

 

Many "Protestant" Christians, seeking a more authentic expression of Christianity, were inspired to rediscover their religion's Jewish origins,

 

and it's teachings on social justice.   The more they studied the ancient Hebrew religion, the more they discovered the deviations that Rome had taken.  

For centuries, the Roman Church had downplayed Judaism's contribution to it's own Christian teachings.  

 

Power it seems, always feels fragile, and any perceived threat, is quickly acted upon.  Just as Imperial Christianity had once burnt down the great

libraries of Alexandria, to cover up Christianity's Egyptian links,  it seems Christianity's Jewish links were also downplayed by Rome's paranoid Popes.  

 

Some Catholic Churches even preached an anti-Jewish sermon during Holy Week, which often led to simple-minded Catholics, attacking their Jewish

 

neighbours in a sad "act of revenge" for the Jew's "condemning Jesus to death" !   How tragic that European Jews were paying with their lives, for an

 

ancient Nazarene condemnation of  Jerusalem's temple priesthood !  How tragic that European Catholics, so passionately took up the Nazarene's dislike 

of "temple Judaism".   ( find out more about Christian history - visit our informative HISTORY webpage on this website).  

 

 

As European monarchs crumbled (or simply lost effective control), Christianity often found itself deprived of it's royal support base.  

 

The kings and Queens of  "old Europe" were fading fast, whilst the "new elite" - the Kapitalists - found traditional religion a complete hindrance 

 

to making money.   In many ways, the Christian Churches now have no choice, but to go back to the common people for support.  

 

 

Where once, Kings and Church  "justified" each other : now, the Church, is forced to seek support from the common people in the street. 

 

The world has changed, and this change has forced  churches  to think carefully about who it can turn to for ongoing support ! 

 

 

Thus, today, most Western religions, stand united with the people and against those who exploit them.

      

 

Thus, it is proper, that religions again promote  community as their unique anti-dote to Kapitalist and Socialist "culture ".

 

To counter the destructive ideologies, religions offer a communitarian ethos - i.e.  where people are considerate of  the impact

 

of their actions upon the greater good.   

 

 

Religion is not however, an alternative "operating system", in the way Communism was an alternative system to Capitalism. 

Theocracies - where religions become the political and economic system - are prone to excesses, just as any grand ideology is

when it becomes totalitarian. Instead, religion, works best as an  anti-dote  to whatever system is around - ready to soothe the 

pain and suffering of all people, and offer a better way of living within any society or system.

 

 

( Thus, we don't talk about a "communitarian society" as such, but a "communitarian ethos within society" ).

 

 

 

In short,  religion is like medicine.    If society makes people ill ;  then the people will need medicine !  

 

 

 

 

 

 

The rise of anti-religion

 

  

By becoming "champions for the poor and marginalized", most religions have become a major nuisance for the elite. 

 

Religion stands firmly against greedy Kapitalism and Socialism.  Therefore, not surprisingly - the Elite would rather that religion go away.

 

But it doesn't.  The people suffer, so religion is needed, and it survives.  Socialist states have attempted to offer an alternative to

Kapitalism - but, they are overwhelmingly failing, largely due to poor economic principles and a lack of human values.  Western religions 

generally stand against Socialism  ( but sadly, not always, as some, such as the Episcopal Church in the USA, is very pro-socialist ).

Both Kapitalists and Socialists are very anti religion.    Religion gets in the way,  of either making fat profits (the Kapitalist agenda),

or the utopian dream (New World Order) of the Socialists.    Depending on where you live, either Kapitalist or Socialist may constitute

your 'Elite'.   

In effect, these two systems, are simply two sides of the same evil, as both systems seek a society that is free of religion and spirituality. 

In an attempt to quash religion, Socialist Elite promote a combination of secularism (no religion), and  individualism (no community).

The key goal of the Elite Socialists,  is to evict religion from all public life and public institutions,  including government, law and education.

 

Kapitalists largely go along with this - as long it doesn't interfere with their profit making.   

 

Destroying religion

 

Militant atheists, such as Richard Dawkins, are enlisted to the Socialist cause. They are promoted within academia and given significant 

media air-time, in order to spread their secular gospel.   Atheists focus their attack on traditional religion's weakest point - its mythical 

foundations.  We all know, with modern knowledge, that traditional religion's myths are more and more vulnerable.  

 

"Undermine the myths - and religion will fall" - is the simple but effective strategy employed by atheists.  

 

And it seems to be working in much of the West.   Many church pews are empty.   That's a concern. 

 

 

Remember, traditional religions, founded on ancient superstitions and myths, were crafted to serve the interests of ruling Pharaoh's and kings.

 

Today, these myths and superstitions, are no longer acceptable to many modern-minded people, in light of modern science-based knowledge.

Thus religion has a credibility problem for modern minded people. 

 

Yet many modern-minded people still hunger for justice, fairness, and a "good" society to live in.  

Many modern minded people still search for a trustworthy voice to guide them throughout their life.  

In short, many people still hunger for  salvation.  

 

 

As many modern-minded people will not go back to traditional religion, a new modern life-path (religion) is needed : - 

           -  which concords with modern senses and sensibilities;

 

           -   that offers a soothing anti-dote for today's suffering

    

 

 

This modern voice of salvation for today's world, can be found in the Apostolic Spirituality of the  Ecumenical Church.   

Our name defines who we are and what we do :

 

      1)    We are 'modern' - open minded - in touch with the ways of the modern world 

 

      2)    We are 'ecumenical' -  open hearted - a voice for all people,  and

 

      3)    We are a 'church' -  a  " a communitarian sanctuary " for today's people and planet.  

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Preserving religious freedom

 

 

Modern minded people understand, that hopes for an 'after-life', arise from a primal fear of finality.  

 

After all, we will all die in the end.  The desire to avoid death, is a powerful instinct for most people.

 

Just as in ancient times, many people today desire to live a longer life -  and even to exist beyond their time here on earth.

 

Many still dream of heaven, or hope for a good reincarnation. 

 

 

Today,  some people  are already looking forward to the time when technology will give them a real chance of living well beyond life's natural limits.  

With rapid and profound technological development, there presents for some, the hope of a much healthier and longer life, through ground 

breaking technology, such as bio-pharmaceuticals or nano-technology - which could radically alter the aging & disease process.   

For the lucky few, this expensive and exclusive knowledge, is already extending their lives or fighting off once terminal diseases.

 

 

 

For the poor, who do not have the ability to afford this 'life saving' or 'life enhancing' technology, it presents, as yet another source of inequality and injustice.  

Some argue that many life saving medicines, are already out of reach of most of the poor.   With low incomes, how can the poor afford expensive 

new therapeutic treatments ?  Instead, the poor are seduced with fast food, alcohol and tobacco, which, creates wealth for the supplier, but shortens the life 

and quality of life, of the poor.    In the new high-tech world, which promises so much, it seems, the poor are yet again, missing out.   

 

 

 

As once the ancient Pharaoh's of Egypt prepared for their after-life with elaborate burial tombs,  today's super wealthy, are able to

 

take full advantage of  new 'life technologies' designed to extend the quality of their life.    Nothing has changed.

 

Today, the "hope for a heavenly after-life" is, for the rich, being replaced by the reality of a "long and heavenly life ", here on earth. 

 

 

 

S i n g u l a r i t y

 

On 21-02-2011, TIME magazine published a cover story on the idea of  'Singularity'.  TIME defines Singularity as :

"the moment in time, when technological change becomes so rapid, and so profound, it represents a rapture in the fabric of human history". 

 

 

Many futurists predict that we will soon have the ability to create super-human intelligence. 

 

The consequences will be ground breaking.   Firstly, super intelligence will enhance the quality of life - for some.  

Secondly, super intelligence has the potential to enhance control over the general population.  If you think current I.D. cards are a concern,

imagine nano-technology, monitoring every aspect of our lives,  providing corporations such as banks, or the Pentagon, the ability to maximize 

their influence upon consumers and citizens, whilst easily marginalizing the 'contaminated ones' - those who resist compliance.  

 

                                           

                            http://www.kurzweilai.net/

 

 

Forget some mythical  "New Age of Aquarius" -  a "spiritual re-creation of humanity" or some global "epoch of peace",    

Singularity, will be  the most profound change in our time -  brought about, by the greatest explosion in artificial intelligence ever seen. 

 

Put simply,  with advances in computing power, computers will become super-intelligent, to such an extent, as to overtake human function and 

performance in many areas.   If you think that's science fiction, consider the exponential explosion in computing power in the last decade and extrapolate it.  

Consider what computers can do today, verses 10 or 15 years ago, and image the possibilities if you look forward into the not-so-distant future. 

 

 

 

TIME magazine declared that Singularity, will most likely occur by 2045 - thats less than a generation away !   

 

 

In just a few decades,  a few very wealthy people and organisations, will have the means to exert the most profound control over our lives,

 

that has ever been ( technologically ) possible - technology such as R.F.I.D. chips, which use radio frequency to identify and track objects (including people). 

 

 

The Food and Drug Administration in the US has recently approved the use of  R.F.I.D. chips in humans. Some business establishments give customers the

 

option of using an RFID-based "tab",  to pay for services, such as the Baja Beach nightclub in Barcelona.  This has provoked concerns into the privacy of individuals,

 

as they can potentially be tracked wherever they go by an identifier unique to them. There are concerns this could lead to abuse by an authoritarian

 

government or lead to removal of freedoms.

 

 

With the rise of R.F.I.D. technology, many already fear the loss of rights due to  RFID human implantation.

RFID information can be pulled from individuals by using only $250 worth of equipment.

Critics believe that this technology will lead to tracking individuals every movement and will be an invasion of privacy.

Some conceptualize a future where every movement is tracked by the government.  In the book SpyChips: How Major Corporations and

Government Plan to Track Your Every Move with RFID by Katherine Albrecht and Liz McIntyre, we can now see a world of no privacy;

where your every purchase is monitored and recorded in a database and your every belonging is numbered, and where someone

many states away or perhaps even in another country, has a record of everything you have done. 

 

 

 

Most traditional religions are focused on the past, bound by ancient superstitions, dogma and tradition.  

Clearly, it is not easy for old institutions to adapt to change and focus on future trends.

 

Also, the appeal of traditional religions, is often limited to their traditional followers.   Wider influence is thus limited. 

 

Most modern-minded people, will not look to traditional churches, having being seduced away from them for years, 

by secularism or consumerism.

 

 

Thus, a  people's church  is needed :  one, which all modern minded people are happy to speak on their behalf.

 

  

You can be assured, that just as the Pharaohs did not include the common people in their heavenly after-life plans, 

the Elite today, and in the future, will exclude many from the privileges of their pleasure-filled, long lives.

 

 

The common folk, as always, will miss out.  Not only will they not live healthier and longer lives, but we'll be exploited as consumers 

and controlled as citizens with ever more ease - thanks to new technology.   Hence, we the common people, will face the real danger of 

technology-based slavery.   

 

  

 

An  effective and independent  voice for freedom and justice,  is needed in anticipation of this coming "rapture".  

A true voice,  of  and  for modern minded people, can only come from genuine people movements, such as the Ecumenical Church.

 

 

Genuine justice and freedom loving movements, seek :

 

 

1)   equal and affordable access to life-enhancing & life-saving technology,

 

2)   an end to the exploitation by the elite, and 

 

3)   an more equitable redistribution of wealth.    

 

 

 

Such movements are in 2011, already rising up in the Middle East and Northern Africa, where the common people are seizing political control from

 

Kings and dictators  (modern day Pharaohs).   One dictator in Egypt, is believed to have amassed billions of dollars, whilst citizens struggled in poverty 

for 30 long years.  When the people had  enough of the exploitation and being marginalized, they acted in unison.  

In a few short weeks of 2011, the common people became the liberators of their ancient land of Egypt.   

In an ironic twist, modern technology (the internet, Facebook etc), played a vital role in this revolution.

 

 

 

To protect our  freedoms and rights, society will need many "champions of the people", such as the Ecumenical Church, 

capable of  reaching out to modern-minded people and uniting them under a common cause.

                                                                                          

                                                                          

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