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VIA MEDIA - Reflections of a Visiting Fellow Episcopalian by Gary Goodman Earlier this year, I found myself in a temporary job here in Los Angeles that took me away from my home in South Orange County during the week. As I began to look forward to the Lenten Season I realized that I would be unable to attend the series of Wednesday meetings my own parish always schedules during this important time of reflection. What to do? I started searching the web sites for local Westside parishes to see if there might be a program that I might be able to attend. Then I spotted the information on Via Media…hmm. This looked interesting. Could this be like the "Middle Way" that I had studied in Buddhism many years ago? Is this some new Anglican concept that had escaped me all these years as an Episcopalian? I had to find out. I knew I had made the right choice when Mother Joyce immediately greeted me with a warm smile as I entered the door for the first meeting. I immediately made that connection that always occurs when I am in the midst of fellow Anglicans. My family and I have frequently sought the refuge of our communion when we are traveling on vacation whether it is to distant lands or just a few miles away from our parish. The program has been a wonderful experience so far. While starting off rather slowly with a basic introduction, I now find myself wrestling with theological concepts that I have never contemplated before. For example: Was Christ's crucifixion necessary for our personal relationship with God? Does the Holy Spirit pre-date Christ? How do Episcopalians approach the Bible? I especially enjoy the group discussions after the short video. It seems there are many points of view to hold in our church. To embrace them all, and to compare and contrast them is a rewarding and rich experience indeed. As the Holy Spirit continues to guide me through this program, I can only report a continually broadening understanding that has greatly enhanced my spiritual journey. Oh, I am so glad to be an Episcopalian!
Copyright © 2005 St. Augustine by-the-Sea
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