My story took place at a Unitarian Universalist church. I chose to post this under the Jesus thread as UU evolved from Christian roots.
The speaker for the day had given a sermon about the parable of the good Samaritan. I'm sure most of you are familiar with the story or can look it up, so I won't ramble on about it. Anyway, he mentioned that if the story were told today, it would probably be a Muslim helping a Christian or a Palistinian helping an Israeli. The whole story was told by Jesus in response to the legalistic reactionaries of his time and place.
After the service, a woman and I were talking about how society would be healthier if we got back to the tradition of the Sabbath, just having one day out of the week where everyone just stays home to take it easy. She mentioned the Dudeist principle of Shabbos. What was really cool about this is that she said "Dudeism" without the slightest hint of mockery or indication of it being a joke in any way. She maintained the same tone of voice as if she were talking about any other religion. Perhaps we're making some progress.
I mentioned that I was an ordained minister of Dudeism. Perhaps I'll get invited to speak at the UU church in the future. Blessings, my friends.
I can't say I'd ever heard of Unitarian Universalists before reading your post. After finding their website and reading up a little on who they are and what they're about, I can understand why the woman you spoke with would be familiar with Dudeism--the two beliefs/philosophies appear to be very similar, except they're more proactive and organized. Far fucking out, man.
Cool man.
People will take it as seriously (yet while taking it easy) as we do...
I could be labeled a Unitarian (not Universalist) or Biblical Unitarian for my general spiritual faith. I embrace Dudeism as a way of life to apply in the context of my spiritual faith and hope to bring people back to the "first draft" so to speak. Or at least live by example and among others in a Dude-like fashion... comfortable in meeting people where they're at with no condemnation.
Way to go at the UU!
Abiding in Christ,
Christian Dude