Information
An informal group to be called the Orlando Area Progressive Theology Club will begin gathering in Longwood. The intent is to provide a place where interested people may look at and consider theology in an open and accepting atmosphere whether or not they are associated with a particular religious group. All who wish to visit or attend are welcome.
The group will be moderated by a layperson. DVD materials will be used to introduce ideas and raise questions that may then be discussed by those present. This group is to be a safe place for all and a group where those present subscribe to keeping it that way.
A safe place
A place where civility reigns and all may share their journey without any judgment by others
(A tall order at best)
A place to “love our neighbors” by letting down our personal “tribal” boundaries
(Such boundaries are tough to remove, for when we do we tend become a tribe with new ones but we can recognize this and so each one deal with their own personal situation)
A place where we are willing to let the ideas of others into our own experience
(Once you hear any idea or question it becomes a part of your experience and it must be personally dealt with)
A place for raising questions without prescribing answers
(Really tough questions don’t seem to have answers, but we may still wrestle with the questions)
A place not on the road less traveled but on the road less mentioned
(In our culture many people seem to feel they shouldn’t ask the religious questions that cross their minds)
The group will move it’s meeting site from time to time so that it does not become associated with any particular religious or secular venue or group.
We think Christianity has something good to offer the human race. At the same time, many have a sense that they are alone in being a “thinking” Christian. They welcome a safe environment where people have permission to ask the questions they’ve always wanted to ask but have not voiced for fear such questions might not be welcomed.
The initial venue is on the campus of The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection Longwood and Sweetwater Episcopal Academy. Meetings will be Wednesdays at 7:15 PM in the Teacher’s Lounge (Building F) of the Sweetwater Episcopal Academy.
All are welcome at any time. To participate you need not attend any particular church or even any church at all and you will not be pressed to do so. Attend regularly or irregularly as you wish or can.
Questioners may contact the church office at 407-788-3704 or Peter Rautenstrauch at 407-970-1381
