tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15157007.post4892260164913054452..comments2023-10-07T05:53:16.570-04:00Comments on Anne-Davnes Elser: ChurchAnne Elserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425559946353875253noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15157007.post-9716798984855157982009-07-25T11:04:20.611-04:002009-07-25T11:04:20.611-04:00Anne, your life is beautiful and amazing and open ...Anne, your life is beautiful and amazing and open and alive, and I hope that everything you do in your life keeps it this way.<br /><br />KatieKatiehttp://www.seekatiedraw.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15157007.post-22602675331406134222009-07-24T15:04:42.299-04:002009-07-24T15:04:42.299-04:00I remember when plastic was the material of the fu...I remember when plastic was the material of the future...Now the future is here, nobody likes plastic...:( <br /><br />MikeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15157007.post-35365573145543535902009-07-23T16:57:02.951-04:002009-07-23T16:57:02.951-04:00Mike, do you seriously want to be PLASTIC? Those p...Mike, do you seriously want to be PLASTIC? Those plants are so icky looking! If I'm gonna be a fake plant, I'll be an embroidered or beaded one, thank you. Sheeese. <br /><br />Meg, Are you the meg who came to look at my vintage pens or someone else? I thought I sent all my god poster students off with the truth about my own beliefs - remember my Stations Of The Cross studies? <br />I've been on the verge of a spiritual transition for a long time now. Feels good to really get the ball rolling now. Thanks for your thoughts, too.Anne Elserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02425559946353875253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15157007.post-15795802004953835162009-07-23T12:20:46.856-04:002009-07-23T12:20:46.856-04:00Tree? Personally, I would like to be a houseplant-...Tree? Personally, I would like to be a houseplant- plastic and not needing water..just the occasional dusting...:)<br /><br />Anon 2 (aka Mike)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15157007.post-48817097586662351822009-07-21T16:20:25.396-04:002009-07-21T16:20:25.396-04:00Anne,
I am so happy for you. Having took your &qu...Anne,<br /><br />I am so happy for you. Having took your "God Poster" class I always wondered what your thoughts were. It was by far one of the toughest projects to tap into because it was so personal. Little did I know that we thought so similarly about religion and faith. Thank you for sharing. I wish you the best on your spiritual journey.<br /><br />MegMeghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04497483810576395011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15157007.post-76601784418349113272009-07-20T23:37:02.691-04:002009-07-20T23:37:02.691-04:00I Agree Steven,
The entire service and following ...I Agree Steven,<br /><br />The entire service and following its liturgy is so formulaic. I used to find it comforting. Not now, though. It is amazing to be on the other side of things. I can't tell you the difference I feel - the peace and connectedness I have with my environment now. The fights and tensions I have are all within myself. The evil isn't out "there." It's in here and is just the opposite of love. I am working on being one of those trees that are flexible during a storm - that bend with the wind, don't mind getting wet or losing some foliage, who appreciate the thirsty drink and how lucky we were not to be in a drought. I want to be that tree.Anne Elserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02425559946353875253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15157007.post-33736728686245092832009-07-20T12:01:07.051-04:002009-07-20T12:01:07.051-04:00A great post. I know exactly where you are coming ...A great post. I know exactly where you are coming from.<br />I've always believed the correct way to approach spirituality was as a quest, a journey, a search for answers that may, and perhaps should be, unattainable.My problem with churches, of any shape, size or description, is it always feels a little like a club filled with folk that believe they have reached thier destination. These are our beliefs. This is our dogma. Perhaps they have found what they are searching for. I certainly don't feel like I can criticize. I only know that my search continues and that unpacking my spiritual bags St. Whoever's isn't for me.<br />Besides, I'm not much of a joiner.Stevenhttp://augustachronicle.com/uhlesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15157007.post-68875944645545160322009-07-19T19:14:28.353-04:002009-07-19T19:14:28.353-04:00Dear Anon #2. I could kiss your face. You have mad...Dear Anon #2. I could kiss your face. You have made my day.Anne Elserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02425559946353875253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15157007.post-82942836044957704792009-07-19T19:12:21.687-04:002009-07-19T19:12:21.687-04:00Hey Molly! I'm going to delve deeply into that...Hey Molly! I'm going to delve deeply into that book! <br />Thanks for the kind words. Miss you! <br /><br />Anon- I appreciate your prayers, though I don't know who you are. <br /><br />I'm not an Atheist. <br /><br />I only realize now that the church isn't the only place to worship, love and open to god, who has worked and continues to do so in my life. Rather, it's the atmosphere of fear and the worship of a parental, domineering and judgmental god that I no longer love.Anne Elserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02425559946353875253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15157007.post-10854131474975864592009-07-19T19:02:22.453-04:002009-07-19T19:02:22.453-04:00In Buddhism, the concept of God is acknowledged- h...In Buddhism, the concept of God is acknowledged- however the importance of a deity is somewhat irrelevant. Suffering comes from a mind that is not quiet- peace comes from the awareness that all sentient beings are connected. <br /><br />You have a life that is very connected- with much joy and beauty that is close to you. You have started down a path now, where God isn't necessary- but most importantly, where the future isn't determined by the past, but the present. <br /><br />No one had to die for you to feel bliss. There is no damnation as a threat for you to do the right thing. You are free to embrace what you have. God is still there- but this god is one of creation and kindness- you will still feel his presence- but through nature, not man. <br /><br />Peace...:)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15157007.post-85234053558394059332009-07-19T17:42:25.277-04:002009-07-19T17:42:25.277-04:00anne, as you know, i am a christian. I have realiz...anne, as you know, i am a christian. I have realized the many ways God has worked in my life and i cannot deny his existence. it saddens me to read your post. i admire your courage, and i will pray for you to be protected through your journey of seeking truth.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15157007.post-83629461798638342242009-07-18T21:50:33.508-04:002009-07-18T21:50:33.508-04:00Beautiful entry, Anne. Wish I could sum up my feel...Beautiful entry, Anne. Wish I could sum up my feelings regarding religion like you just did. I heard a great interview with Julia Sweeney on Fresh Air months ago and keep meaning to read her book "My Beautiful Loss of Faith Story".Mollynoreply@blogger.com