Preface

I. Preface to this Draft

Welcome! The Eos Network is a proposal for a new, independent network of faith communities. The name "Eos" is derived from the Greek word for dawn. It symbolizes new hope for those seeking a vibrant community of persons committed to deepening their relationships with God and one another.

Our proposed constitution espouses a simple theology focusing on the depth and mystery of God's nature. Our proposed views of the human person, society, and the environment are informed by traditional faiths as well as contemporary science, philosophy, and spirituality. We are not affiliated with any established faith tradition, and our main tenets are distinct from other faiths. However, persons from all spiritual backgrounds are welcome to explore this proposal and share their insights with us.

The following sections on this page provide a brief snapshot of our main tenets, mission, and ministry programs. It is the same information found in our brochure. By clicking on the blue text below, you may skip this summary and move to the "Introduction" section of our web site. Here you will be able to navigate to longer explanations of our mission, our proposed perspectives on God, the human person, society, and the environment; our vision of spiritual and moral development; our ministry strategy and programs; and our organizational structure.

As you read these different sections, please remember that this is only a proposal that is intended to start a conversation. Every section of this proposal -- even the name and motto -- is to be reviewed and revised as deemed appropriate by those who wish to participate in the founding of this organization.

We are currently recruiting persons who wish to serve on our Founding Committee and participate in this reviewing process. Using the "Response Form" on this web site, you may join this committee. You may also indicate sections of the proposal in which you have a special interest. The tentative plan for the process of revising and ratifying this proposal is described below, at the end of the brief "Summary" section. Once again, to skip the summary and move on to longer presentations of the introduction, mission, and other sections of this proposal, click on the blue text below the text box.

If you have a quick question or comment about any aspect of this proposal, please give us a call at 301-589-4349 or fill out the comment box on our response form. To apply to join our Founding Committee, please fill out the entire response form.

If you get tired of reading a computer screen, click here to receive a PRINTED COPY of this web site.

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Summary of Main Tenets, Mission, and Ministry Programs
(from the text of our brochure)

As the foundation of this faith community, we propose a distinct understanding of God and an integrated vision of personal growth, social ethics, and ecological stewardship.

Understanding of God

We propose to articulate our view of God through metaphors, adjectives, and images that express how God is experienced by us in our personal devotion, community life, and social outreach. Using adjectives, we may describe God as personal and loving. We may also experience God in ways that are similar to human relationships. We may thus describe our relationship with God metaphorically by comparing it to our relationships with a parent, spouse, or mentor.

We also propose to describe God through more abstract images that somehow express how God is present to us. For example, one may experience God as a "force," a "presence," or "undertow" that draws one toward greater meaning, holiness, and fulfillment.

These metaphors, images, and modifiers may help us to better grasp God's presence and guidance in our lives, but we believe that none can capture the full depth and mystery of God's nature and God's relationship to the world.

For a further discussion of our proposed views on God and God's relationship to the world, see the sections of this proposal entitled "Our Mission to God" and "Our Proposed Views of God."

Views on Personal Growth

Spiritual development can be complex and unpredictable. It may occur suddenly and unexpectedly in the midst of a life crisis, as circumstances conspire to make us more aware of God's presence in our lives. Yet it may also be realized gradually as the fruit of a deliberate, life-long quest to deepen our relationship with God. It may be experienced by loyal members of faith communities and by those who have been indifferent or even hostile toward spirituality.

We do not claim to have a set 'method' for promoting spiritual awareness. Wherever individuals may be in their search for truth and meaning, we propose that they may become more 'available' to experience God's presence and guidance by practicing a holistic framework of eight types of spiritual disciplines. Each type provides a unique way to cultivate an awareness of God's presence in one's life -- in one's inner thoughts and aspirations as well as one's various roles, relationships, and life projects.

The different types of disciplines include contemplation, theological reflection or study, faith-sharing, spiritual mentoring, service, ritual, witness, and disciplines of the body such as yoga, fasting, and fitness activities. These practices may be integrated into a rhythm of spiritual formation that may be adapted to individuals’ unique needs, interests, and lifestyles.

For further discussion of our proposed views on the human person and personal growth, see the sections of this proposal entitled "The Human Person as Developmental, Relational, and Multi-Dimensional" and " Our Proposed Spiritual and Moral Vision for Individuals."

Small Group Ministries

These spiritual disciplines may be practiced by individuals or in small groups that use the framework of disciplines to structure their activities.

Our Social Ethic

All aspects of our social ethic pursue the same ultimate goals: holistic personal development, balanced social progress, and ecological cycles of growth and renewal. We describe these goals collectively as 'the common good.'

Economically, we advocate a vigorous entrepreneurial spirit and socially responsible business practices.

In civil society, we promote active participation in voluntary organizations, such as service organizations and civic clubs, that cultivate a variety of interests and promote the public good.

We will also encourage informed political participation by sponsoring Political Education and Action Groups. These groups will be composed of citizens within and beyond our local chapters who wish to engage in political dialogue and action.

We will provide these groups with innovative strategies for political organizing, dialogue, analysis, and advocacy. Our methods for organizing and dialogue will enable members to cultivate skills and attitudes that are essential for working effectively in small groups. Our method for analysis will help group members to understand and evaluate a broad range of political topics, including political parties, candidates, debates, speeches, and public policies. Our method for advocacy will help groups to promote their views persuasively in the public square.

In addition to publishing printed resources, we will develop creative software applications that will enable users to analyze topics using computer technology. A project management application will help users to plan strategies for advocating candidates and policies in the public square.

For more information on our public ministry, see our proposed "Ministry of Political Education and Action."

For further discussion of our proposed views on society and social ethics, see the sections of this proposal entitled "Our Mission to Society," "Society," and "The Social Dimensions of the Spiritual and Moral Vision of The Eos Network."

Ecological Stewardship

We propose an ecological ethic that respects the beauty and complexity of the diverse systems of life upon which we rely for our well-being and survival. With enduring commitment, careful planning, and technological innovation, we believe that it is possible for societies to meet their basic needs while safeguarding the integrity of the natural world. We also value wilderness as a setting that provides opportunities to encounter the sacred amid the quieter rhythms of the natural world.

The Eos Network will thus promote the responsible stewardship of the Earth's bountiful yet limited natural resources, both in the management of our communities’ physical resources and in our outreach to society. We will also work to ensure that all persons in all societies may be able to benefit from the Earth’s resources in more equitable and sustainable ways. Furthermore, we will support and join efforts to preserve wilderness areas, to protect endangered species and fragile ecosystems, and to safeguard the integrity of the biosphere as a whole.

For further discussion of our proposed views on ecology and ecological ethics, see the sections of this proposal entitled "Our Mission to the Community of Creation," "Ecology," and " Environmental Ethics in the Moral and Spiritual Vision of The Eos Network."

Structure, Governance, and Leadership

We propose to organize into local chapters that may be formed wherever interested persons live. We advocate a representative form of government that encourages all members to take responsibility for the welfare of their communities. A National Congress of representatives will convene in order to address issues that affect all local communities. Leaders on all levels of organization will receive training in ministry and leadership throughout their period of service.

For further discussion of our proposed institutional structures, norms, and policies, see the sections of this proposal entitled "Our Mission to Ourselves as an Organization" and "Proposed Organizational Structures and Policies."

Proposed Ministry Programs

The eight types of disciplines may be woven into a variety of different events such as small group meetings or longer retreats, which are, in turn, organized according to the following types of ministry programs. You may click on each type to read a fuller explanation of it in the section of this proposal entitled "Proposed Ministry Programs."

Weekly Ritual and Worship with a variety of different formats

Small Group Ministry In small faith-sharing groups, individuals will gather to reflect on spiritual themes and discuss significant events in their day-to-day lives. Small groups may also come together to practice any of the other types of spiritual disciplines described above.

Support Groups and Pastoral Counseling that will provide opportunities for individuals to seek comfort and encouragement from professional counselors as they struggle through difficult periods in their lives

Individual and Group Spiritual Direction for persons seeking to more clearly discern God’s presence and guidance in their lives

Vocational Ministries for integrating spiritual perspectives into family life, career planning, and civic participation

Life Transition Groups for navigating major changes and turning points in one’s roles, relationships, and projects. These may include programs for adolescents, the newly employed, engaged couples, parents whose children are "leaving the nest," and persons who are grieving the loss of a loved one or a significant relationship.

Life Stage Ministry Programs tailored to the needs of specific age groups

Gender-Specific Programs tailored to the concerns and experiences of each gender
Diversity Programming that will help members to recognize and honor diversity within their community
Programs in Relationships and Sexuality that will provide guidance for forming rewarding relationships of all types

Service Groups that will provide personal, face to face care and assistance to those with special material, psychological, and/or spiritual needs

Political Education and Action Groups that will host civil and informed discussions of a broad range of political topics
Informal Discussion Groups or 'Salons' in which we can share perspectives on any topic of interest
On-Line Journals that will help individuals to reflect upon their personal experiences

Music, Art, and Book Clubs that will explore how spiritual themes are interwoven into various forms of artistic expression

Fitness Clubs and Athletic Leagues that will help members to recreate and to gain the energy and confidence that help them to pursue their spiritual quest

Social and Recreational Activities such as dinners, folk dances, talent nights, and any other forms of healthy recreation that our members can cook up

Seekers Groups for those interested in exploring different spiritual perspectives before they make any definite commitment to an Eos community.

Tentative Plan for Implementation
The tentative process for the establishment of this organization will begin when a sufficient number of persons have volunteered to serve on the Founding Committee. Local members of this committee who live in the Washington, DC area will meet about once a month over a period of several months in order to informally discuss the different sections of the proposal. All committee members will meet for two weekends during this period in order to formally review the proposal and reach a consensus on an official constitution. These meetings will be held in the Washington, DC area. Committee members will bear some of the costs for travel and housing accommodations (pleasant and inexpensive). Committee members will also be able to 'chat' about each section of the proposal on a special discussion web site.

    After a constitution has been ratified, the Founding Committee will begin to establish local chapters or communities wherever interested persons may live.

    If you do not wish to participate in the Founding Committee, we still urge you to share any feedback and insights that you may have concerning this proposal. There is space provided for this purpose in the response form on this website. If you are interested only in founding a local community, please indicate this on the response form and we will contact you when we are ready to begin establishing them.

    We are grateful for your interest, and we hope that you will somehow contribute your insights and inspiration to this process!

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