I really enjoyed Dr. Tom's definition of the term sacramental experience today as the contact between the human and the divine. Seeing the use of sacraments as an opportunity for us to experience this sacred contact is a truly beautiful idea to me. Growing up in the Episcopal church, I think that I always intuitively (and somewhat experientially) felt the holiness of communion. I knew that it was symbolic, but no one impressed the idea upon me that any experience where the human contacts the divine is truly a sacramental experience.
This opened me to the thought of defining this term to a congregation and then opening the floor to new ideas for the creation of sacramental experiences in worship services. In Unity we have created (or adapted...sorry I don't know enough about the history of burning bowl and other such ceremonies) ways in which we can come together and have these sacramental experiences beyond the seven sacraments that were introduced to me in the Episcopal church in which I grew up. It is exciting to think about defining this term for congregants, and then seeing what new ideas (or re-vamped old ones) that we can come up with. Perhaps this can evoke new ways in which people can come together in unity to have spiritual experiences without evoking a form of religion that may be associated with painful memories to some. Maybe more modern symbols and rituals can be created to make the service feel more up-to-date, and yet no less spiritual.
I also like Dr. Tom's idea of using some of the old sacraments, such as communion, more often in our Unity services. I think that if the meaning of these practices can be described in a way that is deep and expanded, a new feeling of depth, love and joy can be brought out of an ancient practice, thereby utilizing the collective energy surrounding this sacrament and merging it into modern thought and modern times. Perhaps mixing some new sacraments with the old ones could create a more meaningful link with our past traditions and yet provide a chance to express and create new ones. Could there be a sacramental experience surrounding modern music in the church for instance? Could we create some modern chants in english to accompany some really amazing modern music and collectively have a sacramental experience? Ideas like this seem to blend old and new in an honoring way allowing us to be joyful of our past and creative with our future. I find this idea of finding new ways to create sacramental experiences in Unity an exciting and uplifting thought.
Jeffery,
ReplyDeleteI love your idea of coming up with new sacraments for Unity. A weekly tradition at the Unity of Birmingham once included singing “Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place.” We sang it to prepare ourselves for meditation. I always thought it was a tradition in the larger Unity church until I was exposed to many other locations. I really miss that being a part of my Unity experience. Having ritual is important to me.
As for communion I would integrate the practice as a way of breaking bread together. Or in other words, a ritual that is indicative of sharing a meal with our community. I feel that is what Jesus was really trying to say. We could begin the practice at a community meal as a prayer or blessings on the meal we are about to receive. Not just the body and blood of Christ, but with some chicken and rice and Banana pudding!!
Elise
I think sacrament rituals that come from more traditional churches have been really toned down in some Unity churches. Since it is a reminder of what some people have left, it can make people uncomfortable. Of course, I have also seen it go the other way as well. Serving communion, and then sharing a Unity interpretation of it, can be very liberating and freeing as well. As a Board member in my church, I served communion several times and always felt it was such an honor. There truly was a sacramental union of energy going on. While I am not a very traditional Christian, I can honestly say that my experience with Unity would not have been the same without this sacramental opportunity to unite with the One.
ReplyDeleteComing from the Catholic background I miss the rituals and sacraments sometimes. I found going to confession a freeing experience. I wonder if the burning bowl ceremony could be adapted to accomplish what confession did for me.A ritual of forgiveness is so important.
ReplyDelete