outside perspective

We had a few college students from a University an hour away come to film and interview people at Eikon. They are doing a documentary. We had a great time with the guys.

As they were leaving, Tony let them know that we'd value their perspective on Eikon or Christianity in Scotland in general if they were willing to comment for Eikon's blog.

He responded with this email to be posted to the site within a few hours. Here are his thoughts: His name is Richard Mooney.

"Going into Edinburgh today, I was sceptical about this project that my good friend and colleague Fraser had suggested to me.

A documentary about a new ‘kind’ of church. I was almost certain I was going to be preached at by some all knowing priest. Telling me how I’m going to Hell and how I should live my own life.

Let me give you an insight into the project and myself before I go on any further. The project aims to produce a 20-30 minute documentary about Christianity in today’s society. How we as people accept it and how various churches differ in their approach.

Now looking at Eikon, we see a newly established church that offers a different approach to God and being, whereas we will be comparing this to another Anglican church and its traditional methods in their approach to Christianity. Despite the differences we hope to show that there is the same message from both churches, that there is a God and that he loves you.

I am at a funny place in my life, I don’t know where I’m going, I don’t know what I am going to do once I finish college and I haven’t seriously attended Church in about ten years.

I do consider myself a Christian. A Christian who believes in God, but who doesn’t want to be preached at by priests. I’ve not lost my way or anything, I just didn’t believe that there was a place of worship that I could worship God in my own way and have that way appreciated. Every Church I have ever been too in my entire life has told me this is how we worship God and this is how you should too. I lost faith in Churches, but not in God.

At Eikon, my mind was blown away today. I wasn’t told how to worship God, I didn’t even have to worship God to be there. The idea of ‘come as you are’ and you will not be judged is brilliant. This is how God should be worshipped. In your own way and as you are.

Everyone who is there is open and honest. We’re actually allowed to ask questions. We’re even allowed to disagree and not be judged upon. Your views are respected at Eikon. It’s genuine and real.

I am thankful for my experience today. I hope to come back again soon and I hope that more people come to Eikon.

Eikon is a church with a difference. It’s what society needs."

Good stuff.