MAKING SANE DECISIONS . Rev. Andrew Bagley

Each of constantly makes decisions every day. Even seemingly little things like .when to cross the street..  If you made it across the street in one piece without too many near misses from city buses, long-haul sixteen-wheeler trucks, people driving cars while trying to see the road through cell phones.you made an accurate decision and carried it out.

            How can you be sure you are making a right decision about larger matters of life and living?  In joining a church, for instance?

            Here are some suggestions of things to look at that might help: 

Ask around. Check it out.  Spend some time looking into it and finding out what it actually does. What are its stated goals.  Would it help you expand your own goals, aspirations or philosophy of life?

            Is it inclusive of a wide range of people, rather than exclusive?  Avoid exclusionary groups.  If you could fast rewind and fast forward across history you.d notice that such groups do not expand over time, they contract and die of their own principles. Especially if they are intolerant and discriminate against others belief systems.

            Be wary of persons that label other groups or activities as .cults.. That word has been misused since the latter part of the 20^th century by people who too often a) had no religion of their own or b) had decided only their personal brand of religion was acceptable and all other flavors and sizes were .cults..   (The word cult used to mean .a system of belief or worship. and only in recent history has had a negative side attached to it - mostly because of the way the media uses it.)

            Take almost all media reports about  religion with a large pinch of salt. Investigate for yourself if curious.  Religious experts are not usually employed by newspapers and magazines. (Except specifically religious media.)

            One way you can judge an activity is against the simple rule of, .how many ways does this group/activity benefit and enhance my existence and how many other people are benefited by its existence as well?.

            Then look to see to what extent it detracts from yours and others existence.

            Decide in the favor of the one most beneficial and you should find yourself associating with people who are doing something positive with their lives.

            And a religious group that is operating that way as well.