This page is part of “Creating a New Positive Religion or Spiritual Tradition”.
This is still a DRAFT.
Temples, churches, synagogues, and mosques host many kinds of activities. Here we go over them and describe our counterpart to each. In the spirit of co-creation, this is a menu of ideas, not a fixed order of service: participants choose from it, and anyone can suggest new ideas.
Shared spiritual practice
| In existing religions | In Lumessianity |
|---|---|
| Communal prayer (public prayer, Mass, salat) | A shared intention or blessing, without addressing a deity |
| Reciting a founding text aloud (the Shema, the Creed, the Shahada) | Reading aloud together a reminder of our core values and why we meet: Why We Gather |
| Reading a holy text (Torah reading, readings from the Gospels or the Quran) | Reading an inspiring text from any source, chosen by the participants |
| A sermon (derasha, khutbah) | A positive, inspiring talk |
| Singing and music (choir, piyyutim, kirtan, gospel) | Singing and music together |
| Meditation and silence (zazen, Quaker meeting) | Meditation and shared silence |
| Confession and asking forgiveness (vidui, Yom Kippur) | Self-reflection and repairing relationships |
| A blessing (the Priestly Blessing, benediction) | A mutual blessing at the end of a gathering |
Learning
| In existing religions | In Lumessianity |
|---|---|
| Group or paired study (beit midrash, Torah class, Bible study, halaqa) | Studying and discussing together the ideas of Lumessianity and Wellism, and texts that inspire us |
| Religious education for children (Sunday school, Talmud Torah, madrasa) | Education for children in our values, without coercing beliefs on them |
| Preparation for rites of passage (bar/bat mitzvah, confirmation) | Preparation for our own rites of passage |
Ceremonies and the cycle of life
| In existing religions | In Lumessianity |
|---|---|
| Rites of passage: birth and naming, coming of age, wedding, funeral and memorial | Our own rites of passage, designed and revised together |
| Holidays and festivals throughout the year | Holidays that connect us to nature and celebrate our values, starting with the solstices and equinoxes |
| A fixed weekly service (Shabbat, Sunday, Friday) | Regular gatherings |
| Shared meals (Kiddush, potluck, iftar, the Sikh langar) | Shared meals |
Community and mutual help
| In existing religions | In Lumessianity |
|---|---|
| Socializing (coffee after the service) | Socializing, as a central part of a gathering |
| Support in hard times (visiting the sick, comforting mourners, bringing food to those in need) | Support for one another in hard times |
| Personal counseling and guidance (a rabbi, priest, or imam one can turn to) | Volunteer mentors |
| Small groups by interest or stage of life (youth, women’s, parents’ groups) | Small groups by interest or stage of life |
Reaching outward
| In existing religions | In Lumessianity |
|---|---|
| Charity and donations (tithe, zakat, fundraising) | Giving to causes that enhance wellbeing |
| Volunteering and social projects (food banks, help for refugees) | Volunteering and projects inspired by Lumessianity |
| Hospitality and openness to guests (hachnasat orchim) | Welcoming guests, whether or not they identify with Lumessianity |
| Culture and the arts (concerts, exhibitions) | Culture and the arts |
The place and the organization
| In existing religions | In Lumessianity |
|---|---|
| Caring for the house of worship and its beauty | Caring for our meeting places, and in the future, for our community center, as places of beauty and inspiration |
| Running the congregation (a board, a general assembly) | Running the community together, by its members |