Sat with a group of people who were mocking Christianity last night. It was set of refreshing that they had such strong feeling about it! Interesting, as people’s religious views often come up when i sit down at a table. Interesting also that not one of their complaints had to do with Jesus Himself—all had to do with their experiences with organized church or christian institutions.

Bad experiences, mainly with church, had turned them away from the christian way. I often end up asking people something like: I see that you don’t like christianity, but what about Christ? What’s your experience with Him.

In my own life, i had to separate the cultures of his followers, from Him Himself in order to have an authentic encounter. Only later, did i get His Love for His People, which i think has to get imparted from Him. We wouldn’t naturally choose most christians to love, that would be radical: like loving your enemies. And most of us can’t self-muster that much love.

Always leads to interesting conversations, when you actually start talking about Jesus Himself-who He was, what He taught etc. Last night, i also asked the group how their meditation, yoga and buddhist practices were working for them in life. Some where very honest about parts of their spiritual practices they liked and didn’t—all of them practiced something.

Did they find themselves living more fruitfully, morally etc—loving others as ourselves. We all agreed that the golden rule applies across the board. And that Loving others still mattered. My question as always is what empowers your ethics, is it religious practice or union? Etc. Good talk. I enjoy talking practical spirituality with people. Sense, we are all spiritual, and have core needs there.

Another question i like to ask mixed groups is: how do you measure spiritual growth in your personal practices? How do you know you are developing spiritually?

Sometimes I’ll start with:what is your Ultimate—the nature of your Highest? IN other words, sometimes I’ll start with The Father; but last night everyone wanted to talk about Jesus. Nice.

Once, you peel back christian culture, which is actually different everywhere, and throw a light on religious spirit, versus Christ’s Spirit, you end up in fruitful talks. (Religion and Racism actually killed Him, after all, so He understands legalism of every form).

I’m not really an evangelist, more of an arts counselor, myself. I just like facilitating good conversations. I like people, and what makes them more whole. So that was a fun night for me. Usually I’m with some of my Jewish friends, but last night, we had a table full of buddhist, some forms of new age, and a few adamant anti-all religions, but who meditate regularly. Nice mix!

One thing I’ve noticed repeatedly, is the conversation changes when Jesus shows up at the table! I like watching those moments-even the atmosphere shifts in the other realms-the fragrance changes. Some things get more volatile others more peaceful, depending on what gets stumbled on! Sort of like the angels etc already know who He is. Cool observing this dynamic. Anyways, I think most people have lots less problems with Jesus than the do christianity. I get that. My kinda conversation last night, anyways! Thankful to be in the open dialogue in our times. As my Jewish friend often says, in the end, we are just people trying to be people!