When were you at Eastern? Prior to moving to Clearwater, FL a year ago, I lived in King of Prussia, 1/2 mile south of the Mall which I didn’t really frequent. I was and still am a member of Church of the Saviour in Wayne and miss it a lot. I was in the choir and grew up appreciating church hymns as well as contemporary Christian music. (I became a Christian back in 1971 when I was 16 and discovered “Christian Music” back then!!!) Seems all of the churches, the evangelical ones, not the ones steeped in “churchianity”, all use contemporary music. This has caused me to do some reading and searching on the whole idea of “worship”. I knew that if I went to a “church” in a foreign country, it would be very different, including music. We’ve had a few generations who never “grew up” with “church” or any kind of familiarity of such. These people would not be interested in music 100 or 200 years old or more!!! We do need to reach people where they are and attract them rather than forcing them to conform to some “image” of “church”!!! Its not really about church anyway!

I have read a number of John Eldredge books, currently finishing Desire (published originally as Journey to Desire) which has to do with “worship”…..not “church”! I also like Randy Alcorn’s stuff too. I do enjoy reading a lot of stuff.

Oh, when I was in college and took an anthropology course called “Ethnology of the American Indian”, I wrote a paper entitled, “Disputing the Origins of the American Indian Held by Believers in the Book of Mormon”……..I know you are smiling and appreciate that title! LOL

I have had some very interesting discussions with Mormon Missionaries. I do find it amazing that I can wind up with the comment, “Why is it that ‘you’ value ‘intelligence’ in all aspects of life yet you choose to leave your brain at the door when you walk into church?”

I use to have my own “JW’s” as my former pastor would say because they would go visit him, too! I knew Lily and her daughter, Darlene, for quite a number of years. They were “pioneers” and had to spend 100 hrs a month “visiting”. They loved spending at least an hour a week with me – sometimes we’d talk “religion” but mostly about other things! Lily has now gone on to her nothingness and last I knew, Darlene was still up at “Bethel” in NY.

Now I am living in Scientology Mecca. I’ve visited a few churches in the area but haven’t decided on one specifically yet. I use to work every weekend and that can put a damper on church attendance – even working 7p to 7am, prone to falling asleep and/or not able to think deeply!!! I am hoping to find an appologetics course re: Scientology. The St. Petersburg Times has written a multi-part scathing expose on Scientology and its top leaders. Very interesting.

So, when you were at Eastern, did you come across Tony Campolo or Ron Sider? Interesting personalities for sure. Ron’s ideas were popular in the 70’s – 80’s with a church I attended in Philly – Living Word Community. I was working at HUP at the time. I have a son graduating in the spring from Drexel. I’m glad he’s gotten a “city” education! I was glad for my few years in the city but I’m definately not a city person!

Anyway, its been interesting reading about your life’s path and adventures. I am on Facebook as Karen Allison Schmidt. A number of classmates from high school have found each other this past year – how we wax nostalgic as we get older! I have also been on a website called Christian Mingle and have met a number or wonderful people on there, online and in person. Many have moved over to FB.

Thanks for the interesting travels on your site!!!

~Karen <