Shuck and Jive


Thursday, April 28, 2011

May Day, Beltane, and Pluralism Sunday

I am looking forward to celebrating Pluralism Sunday this first Sunday in May. What is Pluralism Sunday? Read on!
On the first Sunday in May- this year, May 1, 2011 – (or other times during the year) churches around the world dedicate their worship to a celebration of our interfaith world. Progressive Christians thank God for religious diversity! We don’t claim that our religion is superior to all others. We recognize that other religions can be as good for others as ours is for us. We can grow closer to God and deeper in compassion—and we can understand our own traditions better—through a more intimate awareness of the world’s religions. On PLURALISM SUNDAY, churches celebrate elements of other world faiths in their sermons, litanies, and music; many feature speakers and singers from other faith traditions. Some congregations have exchanges with other faith communities, going to each other’s houses of worship.
Here is a sermon from a Pluralism Sunday past. At our place we try to make every Sunday Pluralism Sunday.

For instance, at 6 p.m. on Sunday evening we are having a...

BELTANE CELEBRATION, 6p, May 1st marks the pagan festival of Beltane - "bright fire" or "fire of Bel." Bel was the Celtic sun god who was in his glory during the light half of the year. In the old traditions, this feast day celebrated the new growth and fertility of the land and all of its inhabitants.

The Peacemaking Committee will celebrate with dancing and dining at the church, and will hold the rite outside if weather permits. Bring a dish for the Beltane feast, which will be held in the church dining room and kitchen. Beltane foods traditionally include dairy products or the season's first produce. If you would like to, please also bring ribbons or flowers to decorate our outdoor festival site.
Yeah, that's pretty pluralistic!

2 comments:

  1. Hi there, I'm doing a college assignment on Christian Pluralism. Prior to this class, I was unfamiliar with pluralism in religion. Your site offered me some clarification and I have to say I am inspired with the idea of religious peace, tolerance, and recognition. I need to find a piece of art that exemplifies the pluralistic nature of contemporary Christianity, could you recommend a piece?

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  2. Thanks for the kind words. Nothing comes to mind immediately, but I am sure it will in time. I made a new post about your query. Perhaps the wisdom of the larger community will help! Thanks for finding us and commenting!

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