i do not think my spiritual beliefs and religious practices are relevant material for the course but you may (or may not) want to know the biases I bring to our discussions. In my opinion, spirituality is about existential questions and religion is about how we answer those questions.

I believe in a creator / deity because I cannot otherwise comprehend what was before the beginning (whenever it was) or what will be after the end (whenever it will be). Likewise, I cannot comprehend the concept of infinity or what is beyond the end of the universe so there is something beyond my human comprehension. In some way that is comforting because I could not worship a deity I could comprehend and understand.

In terms of religious practice, I am a Christian, I am what most would call a liberal Christian on social issues and a conservative Christian on issues of religious practice. I choose to worship as an active Episcopalian. My answer to the question, "are you born again?" is complex. I believe in grace so that each time I ask forgiveness for my shortcomings when judged against the "Great" commandments (love God with all your heart, mind and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself), I am born again. That is so often that I am constantly in the process of being born again.

I look forward to our learning together.

Bob
10-10-05