Suggested introduction
Our inner faith does not usually build on theory or philosophy, but on our personal experiences and relationships. Individually and collectively, most UUs' experiences have led us to challenge traditional religious thinking and to contribute decisively to the reformulation of our theologies.

Diana Eck said it well in her book Encountering God: A Spiritual Journey From Bozeman to Banaras: "For many people, religion is a rigid concept, somewhat like a stone that is passed from generation to generation. We don't add to it, change it, or challenge it, we just pass it along. But even the most cursory study of the history of religions would undermine such a view. Religious traditions are far more like rivers than stones. Like the Ganges or the Gallatin, they are flowingand changing. Sometimes they dry up in arid land; sometimes they radically change course and move out to water new territory."

This program will help us examine how our spiritual beliefs have changed over time, and give us ideas of how our beliefs can be applied in daily life.

Materials:
One Sheet of Newsprint per participant
Pens and pencils
Markers
Masking Tape

Program Process
The facilitator introduces the subject of spiritual values by reading from one of the following: Encountering God: A Spiritual journey from Bozeman to Banaras by Diana Eck; In The Name of God/Good by Ann Mitchell; "The Eco-Spiritual Awakening" from Winter 1994/95 issue of Earthlight Magazine.

Setting Up
A room with three or four tables and enough chairs for everyone to sit comfortably while writing and speaking. Divide the group into teams of three to four people each, by having them count off. If you have 16 people, for example, count off 1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4... Number the tables 1-4 and ask all the "1s" to go to table 1, etc. Distribute the attached handout (below), a sheet of newsprint per person, and a selection of writing/coloring tools to each table. Begin with the following questions:

• How many people's spiritual beliefs have evolved significantly over the years since childhood? (ask for a show of hands)
• Would anyone be willing to share how these beliefs have evolved?
• Would anyone be willing to share how their present spiritual beliefs get applied in every day life?

HANDOUT:

Berore you start, close your eyes, sit comfortably, take a few deep breaths and breathe out any tiredness or reluctance you may feel to do this exercise.

Step One
Children usually are both spiritually aware and enthusiastic artists. Using crayons or colored pencils and a big sheet of paper, draw a "picture" of your earliest impressions of God. Put yourself somewhere in this picture, too. Stick figures only! This is not a drawing competition. You have 5 minutes.

Step Two
Individually answer the following questions. You have 5 minutes.

1. How has your concept of God Ghanged? Using symbols or words, describe God as you perceive Him/Her/ It today.
2. Scott Peck in The Road Less Traveled states: "The path to holiness (spiritual growth) lies through questioning everything." (page 193) What spiritual or religious concepts have you questioned?
3. What are your operational beliefs -- the beliefs by which you actually live? Write them down below. Don't write what you think you ought to believe, or what you wish you could believe, but what you actually believe.

Step Three
Share your pictures, your operational beliefs, their importance to you, and how they affect your day-to-day behavior with the other members of your group. You have 20 minutes.