"an association of people who have a common interest in exploring religious thought and expression from a non-dogmatic and human-oriented standpoint"
Why "Sea of Faith"?
The name comes from a phrase in Matthew Arnold's poem "Dover Beach":
The Sea of Faith
Was once, too, at the full, and round earth's shore,
Lay like the folds of a bright girdle furl'd.
But now I only hear
Its melancholy, long, withdrawing roar,
Retreating, to the breath
Of the night-wind, down the vast edges drear
And naked shingles of the world.
The phrase was used in 1984 as the title of a BBC television documentary series and book by the English theologian Don Cupitt. The book and the television series trace pivotal changes in western science, philosophy and religion over the past 350 years which together call for a radical re-thinking of our faith traditions.
What Does The Sea of Faith Believe?
The Sea of Faith Network itself has no creed. It draws its members from people of all faiths and also from those with no attachment to religious institutions. It publishes a regular Newsletter, assists in setting up discussion groups, and holds an annual conference.
In New Zealand The Sea of Faith Network bears a striking resemblance to a group called "Ephesus". You can study the similarities and differences here.
If you are curious as to the content of Sea of Faith discussions and papers then you might like to take a tour around our archives.
The Sea of Faith Network (NZ) therefore ...
AFFIRMS the continuing importance of religious thought and practice as a vehicle for awe and wonder and for the celebration of key social and spiritual values;
DRAWS freely upon our spiritual heritage without being bound by it;
PROMOTES the quest for meaning and fulfilment as a human activity;
PROVIDES encouragement, stimulation and support in fellowship with others engaged in the quest.
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