I wasn’t raised in a church and only attended religious services a handful of times as a child. My parents weren’t religious; my mother had grown up Catholic but didn’t want to go back, and my father didn’t think about religion much. I was raised with values of equality, equity, inclusion, and respect for nature. My mother became interested in Wicca when I was a teenager, but I never connected with the supernatural elements. However, through Wicca I discovered ancient Celtic traditions and Druidism, which resonated with me more due to their reverence for the natural world and their social values.
In my mid-20s, after the 2008 Recession disrupted my life, I began searching for a spiritual community. I moved to Denver, Colorado, to live with my brother temporarily while looking for work. Knowing I’d need to find a new support system, I started searching for a religious community without the “hocus-pocus” and dogma that had turned me away from religion in the past. I found Unitarian Universalism and a small congregation called Prairie Unitarian Universalist Church.
I felt at home right away. The sermons focused on social justice, and the congregation was diverse and welcoming. I became deeply involved, volunteering and helping in any way I could. I began to hone my spiritual beliefs, identifying as an atheist but embracing my Celtic heritage and reverence for nature. The Unitarian Universalist church helped me define my personal values, which aligned with their Seven Principles at the time.
After moving to Minnesota, I became involved in Unity Church but eventually drifted away due to political activism, which negatively impacted my well-being. After separating from my wife, I re-engaged with Unity and started teaching childhood religious education and sexual education classes, which helped me feel more fulfilled and re-energized my spiritual exploration. I began to question my atheism and my relationship with Abrahamic religions. These questions also led me to re-evaluate my career and consider leaving the for-profit industry.
My spirituality became clearer. I didn’t believe in a higher power in the traditional sense, but I did believe that the Earth was a living entity, a God that I could connect with and learn from – Our Common Mother. I resonated with the ancient Celtic Wheel of the Year, which marked the natural cycles of life. I also found meaning in the music of artists like VNV Nation and Peter Mayer, whose music helped neutralize my negative reactions to religious language. My spiritual practice was further shaped by Buddhist teachers, philosophers, and scientists.
Today, I’m sharing my journey and exploring the music and works that have shaped my beliefs. I hope to inspire others who have struggled with religion but still feel a spiritual void. While no community is perfect, I’ve found that Unitarian Universalists practice what they preach and are willing to evolve. The recent update to Article II, along with my desire to serve, teach, and advocate for social justice, has inspired me to begin to pursue a career in ministry.
The Neon Chalice is my way of sharing the influences, music, and insights that have shaped my spirituality. By showcasing diverse forms of sacred texts, music, and philosophy, I hope to help others reconcile their past experiences with religion and find a path forward. My goal is to offer hope and a way to create meaningful change, because we only have one life, and it’s up to us how we use it.