Frequently Asked Questions
- Why the name “Becoming?”
- I’ve seen references that Becoming is a “Modern Pantheistic” group. What does “Pantheism” mean?
- I hear you all were a Pagan group. Do I have to be Pagan to be a part of Becoming?
- I’m new to this Pagan thing — would Becoming be a good choice for me?
- Do you have a Yahoo!Group I can join?
- How can I join Becoming? What’s the difference between Friends and Members?
- Is there any charge for attending Becoming events?
- Does Becoming have any training or ordination programs?
- Where are you located?
- Are donations to Becoming tax deductible?
- What’s up with this “aura fluffing” thing?
- Why the name “Becoming?”
The name means different things to different people. Basically, it is meant to represent that we are all changing all the time. People are always becoming something. This of course begs the question, “What are you becoming?” - I’ve seen references that Becoming is a “Modern Pantheistic” group. What does “Pantheism” mean?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Pantheism as:
1: a doctrine that equates God with the forces and laws of the universe
2: the worship of all gods of different creeds, cults, or peoples indifferently; also : toleration of worship of all gods (as at certain periods of the Roman empire)Becoming does not dictate which Deities people believe in or worship. Our services allow people of all paths to worship together and in their own words.
Pantheism is the view that everything (you, me, that tree, the table, the sun, mosquitoes, etc.) makes up the Divine (or what most people call “God”).
One way to describe pantheism would be the analogy: you are to the Divine, as an individual cell in your body is to you.
Panentheism is the belief that that the universe is a part of God/the Divine/the Great Mystery and that Nature is thus an aspect of divinity.
Taking the individual cell analogy further: an individual cell is to your physical body, as you are to the Universe. The individual human is self-aware as is the Universe. Divinity is seen as both immanent (part of the Universe) and transcendent (separate from the Universe). Some panentheists see self-awareness as evolving from the physical; others view it as originating from outside the physical.
Theism is usually defined as belief in specific deities (or just one)
Hence you get:
Monotheism = belief in one deity
Henotheism = belief that many deities exist, but only one is worshiped
Polytheism = belief in and worship of multiple deitiesThe concepts of pantheism, panentheism, and combinations of the theisms can be found in much of contemporary Western pagan thought, discourse, and practice.
How does all of this fit into Becoming?
The concepts behind pantheism and panentheism allow the members and friends of Becoming to find common ground and make meaningful connections, while still honoring specific deities, ancestors, and/or spirits within a mutually respectful framework.Our core tenant is “The Divine abounds everywhere and dwells in everything. The Many are One.” We lifted this phrase from Marcia Falk’s The Book of Blessings. While this book sets forth a contemporary interpretation of Jewish prayers, we found that it expressed our thoughts quite nicely regarding the nature of the Divine without specifying any culture, religious tradition, gender or number.
We do not have to worship the same gods in the same way, but since everything is sacred, we can respect each other’s paths and celebrate together.
- I hear you all were a Pagan group. Do I have to be Pagan to be a part of Becoming?
Absolutely not! Although many friends and members of Becoming identify as Pagan, Becoming is open to anyone who would find spiritual satisfaction through our method of worship. - I’m new to this Pagan thing — would Becoming be a good choice for me?
That is a very personal decision. Because of our open structure and support of people who travel different paths, Becoming may be a good choice for you. - Do you have a Yahoo!Group I can
join?
We have an Announcement List that is open to anyone and a full Yahoo!Group which is open to Friends and Members of Becoming (e.g. those who have attended at least one Becoming event). - How can I join Becoming?
In a nutshell, come to one of our events! Becoming has two levels of membership, Friends and Members. Friends are people who have attended at least one Circle of Connection. You are eligible to be Member when you’ve attended four Sunday Circles within eight months. Please see our blylaws, for complete details on membership. - Is there any charge for attending Becoming events?
Most Becoming events, including the Circle of Connection, is free of charge, but donations are always welcome. Occasionally to cover our costs, we do charge a small fee for larger rituals, classes and workshops. There are no set dues for Becoming members, although many do donate funds on a monthly basis. - Does Becoming have any training or ordination programs?
Becoming does offer ordination for members who are called to serve the Becoming community in that capacity. The program is a 3-year program of study and service tailored to the candidate.We also offer seekers classes, occasional workshops relating to holidays or other events. See the calendar for the schedule of these events.
We do not offer any initiate-style training. Our Journeys program does provide a course of directed study for Becoming members who choose to pursue it.
- Where are you located?
Becoming is located in the Metro Washington, DC area. From April to October, the Circle of Connection is held at the picnic area of the National Arboretum in NE Washington, DC. In the winter months, we move indoors to various locations inside the Beltway. We also hold events in Maryland and Northern Virginia. - Are donations to Becoming tax deductible?
Donations to Becoming are tax deductible. We are an incorporated church within the District of Columbia. - What’s up with this “aura fluffing” thing?
Angela has written a good essay on this very topic.
