Really excited newly for making #MITOCWcentric @WorldUnivAndSch #freeWUaSdegrees available w #WUaSAIandML in #GrowWithGoogleWUaS program for speakers of ALL 7159 living langs; strategic plan - https://t.co/7FDLDHCMHk ~ (#SocInfoTechAndTheGlobalUniversity upcoming book @WUaSPress)
— Languages-World Univ (@sgkmacleod) September 23, 2025
languages - all 7159, at WUaS
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EXPANDED -
Really excited for making newly @W freeWUaSdegrees available with #WUaSAIandML in a #GrowWithGoogleWUaS program for speakers of ALL 7,159 living languages - #
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Nontheist Friends (NtFs) are individuals who engage in Quaker practices but don't believe in a theistic God. The terms NtFs and NtQs refer to Nontheist Friends and Nontheist Quakers, which are used interchangeably. They are particularly active within the unprogrammed branch of Quakerism, where there's no pre-planned service, clergy, or formal creed.
Nontheism and Unprogrammed Quakerism
Unprogrammed Quakers, also known as liberal Friends, rely on silent, waiting worship to seek personal spiritual experience. This tradition's emphasis on direct, unmediated experience over doctrine is what makes it a natural home for nontheists. Instead of waiting for a divine "Inner Light," as traditional Quakers do, nontheist Friends may interpret this experience in different ways, such as:
A connection to innate human goodness and the capacity for empathy and altruism.
An exploration of the human condition and the mystery of the universe.
A focus on human values and the moral and ethical principles that guide a fulfilling life.
While some traditional Quakers may struggle to understand how a nontheist can participate in worship without a belief in God, many liberal Friends find that this diversity strengthens their community. The focus remains on shared values like peace, simplicity, integrity, community, equality, and social justice, which are central to the Quaker "testimonies."
"Big F, Little f" and Nontheist Friends
The distinction between "big F" Friends and "little f" friends often refers to a difference in formal membership and practice within the Society of Friends.
"Big F" Friends (Friends): This term typically refers to individuals who are formal, registered members of a Quaker Meeting. They are part of the organized Religious Society of Friends and may have a stronger commitment to the community and its business meetings.
"Little f" friends (friends): This term can refer to people who attend Quaker Meetings and are active participants in the community but are not formal members. It can also be used more broadly to describe anyone who resonates with Quaker values and testimonies, regardless of their formal affiliation.
For Nontheist Friends, this distinction is particularly relevant. Some nontheists may become formal members ("big F" Friends) of a liberal, unprogrammed Meeting, fully participating in all aspects of community life, including business meetings and decision-making. Others may be "little f" friends, drawn to the silent worship and shared values, but not seeking or needing formal membership. The unprogrammed tradition's welcoming and inclusive nature allows for both levels of engagement
Yes, the concept of "little 'f' Nontheist friends" can absolutely extend to people who engage with nontheist Quaker thought but are also exploring new, innovative processes, perhaps informed by fields like evolutionary biology, that go beyond traditional NtF or NtQ frameworks.
The Evolution of Nontheist Quakerism
Nontheist Quakerism is not a rigid or static belief system. It is, by its very nature, a space for ongoing inquiry and personal experience. This is especially true within the unprogrammed tradition, which has a long history of embracing diverse and sometimes radical ideas. The phrase "that of God in everyone" is interpreted by nontheists as the inherent goodness, wisdom, or moral capacity in each person, a perspective that aligns well with an evolutionary understanding of human social and cognitive development.
Some ways "little 'f'" nontheist friends are innovating include:
Science-Informed Spirituality: Instead of interpreting the "Inner Light" as a divine presence, some nontheists explore it through the lens of psychology, cognitive science, and evolutionary biology. They may see the Quaker practice of silent waiting worship as a method for accessing deeper levels of intuition, empathy, and collective consciousness that have evolved within the human species.
Deconstructing Traditional Language: Some nontheists, particularly those with a background in social justice or decolonization, are re-evaluating traditional Quaker language. For example, they may challenge the use of terms like "worship" or "the Light" because of their theistic and historical ties to colonialism and patriarchal systems. They seek new, more inclusive language that resonates with a secular, pluralistic understanding of the world.
New Forms of Practice: While silent worship remains central, some nontheist friends are developing new practices inspired by sources outside of traditional Quakerism. This might include incorporating elements of mindfulness meditation, secular humanism, or philosophical movements to deepen their spiritual practice without relying on supernatural belief.
The existence of these diverse perspectives is a testament to the dynamic and open-ended nature of liberal Quakerism. It allows individuals to find meaning and community without being bound by specific creeds or dogmas, which is precisely the point of a "little 'f'" friend.
- Worship style: Services are typically planned, with a welcoming message, readings (from diverse sources), hymns, musical performances, a sermon delivered by a minister, and a collection of offerings.
- Clergy: A professional minister is central to the service, acting as a spiritual leader who guides and challenges the congregation rather than dictating a specific creed.
- Theology: UUism is a non-creedal religion. Its theology is not fixed and individual members can hold a wide range of beliefs, from Christian to atheist.
- Governance: The local congregation governs itself, a model known as congregational polity. Members collectively call and settle their minister.
- Physical space: The worship takes place in a building often called a "church" that may include a stage-like area for the minister and other speakers.
- Worship style: Unprogrammed worship consists of sitting in silent, expectant waiting. There is no minister or planned program. Anyone who feels led by the Spirit to speak is free to offer vocal ministry, after which the silence returns.
- Clergy: There are no designated ministers or pastors in unprogrammed meetings. All participants are considered equally capable of receiving spiritual guidance.
- Theology: The theology emphasizes a direct, unmediated experience of the divine, or "the Light Within," rather than a formal creed. A wide range of spiritual views are held, even among Quakers who share the same worship style.
- Governance: The local meeting, also a congregational model, conducts business on a monthly basis, though it is served by various administrative and spiritual committees.
- Physical space: Worship takes place in a "meetinghouse," which typically has no altar or religious iconography. Seating is often arranged in a circle or a square to emphasize the equality of all participants.
From the perspective of 2025, the definition of a "church" has become far more expansive than it was a century ago. While traditional, denominational churches with their formal structures and rituals remain a cornerstone of religious life, the last 100 years have seen the rise of what are often called "modern" or "non-denominational" churches. These new forms challenge the old norms and offer a more fluid, community-centric model of what a church can be.
What Makes a Modern Church a Church?
The defining features of a modern church, particularly in the last 100 years, are less about the physical building and more about the principles and practices that guide its community.
Focus on Community and Accessibility: A modern church's mission is to create a welcoming and open space for everyone. They often focus on the immediate needs of their local community, social justice, and action-driven faith. This contrasts with traditional churches, which may place a greater emphasis on established rituals and theological doctrine.
Non-Denominational and Independent: Many modern churches are not affiliated with a larger organizational structure like the Baptist, Catholic, or Methodist churches. This independence allows them to be more flexible and responsive to their congregation's needs, as they are not bound by a specific set of doctrines or a rigid hierarchy.
Contemporary Worship Style: The shift in worship is a major differentiator. While traditional churches often use hymns with an organ or choir, modern churches are more likely to feature a praise and worship band with contemporary music, drums, and guitars. Services are often less formal, and people are encouraged to "come as they are" rather than in their "Sunday best."
Emphasis on Personal Relationship: There is a strong focus on developing a personal relationship with a higher power, often Jesus, and applying biblical teachings to daily life. This is often prioritized over adherence to specific traditions or rituals.
Technological Integration: Modern churches embrace technology, using digital Bibles, live-streaming services, and church apps to connect with their community both in and outside of a physical building. This extends the church beyond the sanctuary.
Definitions of a Church
A hundred years ago, a church was almost exclusively defined as a specific building for Christian worship, part of a formal denomination with a clear set of beliefs, rituals, and a hierarchical leadership. Today, the definitions are more nuanced:
The Traditional Definition: A church is a building or place of assembly for Christian worship, guided by a specific denomination's doctrine and led by an ordained clergy. It is a physical place where a congregation gathers for liturgical services, sacraments, and religious education.
The Theological Definition: Many Christian traditions define the church as "the body of Christ"—a community of believers, not a building made by human hands. This definition is rooted in the early Christian church, which often met in small houses. It emphasizes that the church is the people, not the place.
The Modern/Functional Definition: A church is a community of people who gather to explore a shared spiritual path, foster personal growth, and serve a common purpose. This definition is less concerned with traditional Christian dogma and more with the function of the group—providing a sense of belonging, support, and guidance. This can include non-Christian or unaffiliated groups that serve a spiritual purpose for their members.
Guiding Principles and the Example of Harbin Hot Springs' Heart Consciousness Church
The principles of a church often revolve around community, purpose, and a shared spiritual journey. The example of Harbin Hot Springs' Heart Consciousness Church highlights how these principles can manifest outside of a conventional religious framework.
The Harbin Hot Springs' Heart Consciousness Church is a fascinating case study in the evolution of the modern church. It operates not in a traditional building, but on a vast property where the "sanctuary" is the entire natural environment, including the pools. The church's guiding principles, as described in their "Statement of Consciousness," are rooted in the Human Potential, Natural Holistic, and Universal Spirituality movements.
Key principles of this kind of unaffiliated "church" include:
A Unique "Sanctuary": For Harbin, the sanctuary is not a man-made structure but the natural environment itself—the warm pools and the surrounding land. This space is a central element of their spiritual practice, where the physical act of "soaking meditations" and "inner releasing actions" leads to a state of serenity and the "de facto relaxation response" akin to a spiritual experience.
Community as the Church: The church is the "practical, living embodiment of Oneness" experienced by the people who gather there. The community is built on shared values like stewardship of the land, mutual respect, and harmonious interaction.
Holistic and Body-Centered Spirituality: Harbin's approach integrates the body and mind into its spiritual practice, with activities like yoga and soaking meditations being central to the experience. This aligns with a broader modern trend of seeking spirituality through physical and emotional well-being, not just intellectual or doctrinal study.
Non-Dogmatic and Inclusive: The "church" is not bound by a specific religious dogma. Instead, it weaves together threads from various spiritual traditions and welcomes people of all backgrounds. This reflects the growing trend of individuals who identify as "spiritual but not religious" and seek a community that values personal spiritual exploration over rigid creedalism.
In conclusion, from a 2025 perspective, the definition of a church has been stretched and redefined. It can still be the traditional building on a street corner, but it can also be a gathering in a school gym, a live-streamed service, or a community centered around a natural hot spring. The essence of the church, in all its forms, seems to have converged on a few core principles: a shared purpose, a commitment to community, and a space—physical or metaphorical—for spiritual growth and transformation.
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"New Fast Track #KYC feature is released to enable earlier wallet activation for new users! Learn more in the app" But how does PI work re #PiKYC & #PiKyB - #PiKnowYourBusiness - for this #PiDailyMiner who can't yet by anything with Pi? https://minepi.com/sgkmac ~
A #PiDevelopment:
— WUaSPress (@WUaSPress) September 24, 2025
"New Fast Track #KYC feature is released to enable earlier wallet activation for new users! Learn more in the app" But how does PI work re #PiKYC & #PiKyB - #PiKnowYourBusiness - for this #PiDailyMiner who can't yet by anything with Pi? https://t.co/XHd8o443QE ~
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- Eligibility assessment: Before applying, a business must confirm it is a legitimate entity that operates within the Pi ecosystem, follows its community guidelines, and offers clear value through its app or use case.
- Document gathering: The business collects key legal and financial documents, such as:
- Business registration certificates
- Articles of incorporation
- Shareholder lists
- Identification for directors or officers
- Details on the company's operations
- Application submission: The business submits its application and uploads the required documents through the official Pi Network business dashboard on the Pi Browser.
- Review and verification: The Pi Network's compliance team vets the application and documents. This may involve cross-referencing information with official government databases and potentially requesting follow-up information or an interview.
- Risk assessment: Each applicant undergoes a risk assessment to identify fraudulent companies, shell entities, or those involved in suspicious activity.
- Approval and onboarding: Upon successful verification, the business is added to the official Pi Network KYB list, which allows it to integrate with the ecosystem and access business-related developer tools.
- Ongoing compliance: The business must maintain its verified status by adhering to network policies, updating its information annually, and responding to periodic network audits.
- Enhances trust: Pi users can interact with KYB-verified businesses with confidence, knowing they have been vetted for legitimacy and security.
- Reduces fraud: By vetting companies, the process mitigates the risks of scams, money laundering, and other illicit activities.
- Ensures regulatory compliance: The KYB framework helps ensure that all business activity within the network is compliant with global Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) standards.
- Supports real-world adoption: The strategy focuses on real-world commerce by directing Pi tokens to verified businesses and users, rather than flooding them onto speculative crypto exchanges.
- Prepares for the open mainnet: A network of KYC-verified individuals and KYB-verified businesses provides the foundation for launching the open mainnet, which enables secure peer-to-peer transactions and commerce
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.jpg/1597px-Clarkia_franciscana_(1).jpg?20110920103933)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarkia_franciscana
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Clarkia_franciscana
https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=2187
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