Let us face it, this t has been a messed-up decade around the world. And even during it all people go about their lives clinging to family, friends, partners, escaping with DND, video games and social media to find a sense of community and friendship. I am not bashing that — I use all those things to enjoy life as well.
During the pandemic, Elder Scrolls online and Conan the Barbarin online were my reality. But in the realms of the virtual world, I never found the higher meaning I had before the pandemic in the small Lutheran church that I visited weekly following my early 20s.
Over the years, I have always found warm and welcoming auras in local Lutheran and Episcopal churches. Strangely, the communities I have been part of whether they be Christan, Pagan or Jewish I have felt a sense of purpose, with an embracing community that I find in very few secular hangouts with exceptions being Madison College or my larping group.
I have spent my 20s searching and wrestling with personal and cosmic questions, finding amazing pastors and clergy who, in my experience, have been more welcoming, open to conversations and personal journey than most academics or “progressives” I have met in Madison.
Most spiritual groups I have met tend to be the least extreme and controlling places. I have spent my time in Madison and offer wide and diverse spiritual practices and philosophies that help many people I have met grow and find a place of belonging. I have been in Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, Jewish and many other places of worship that offer wide and diverse cultural and personality that have help shape many people.
Many of these groups, such as local churches, play a huge role in helping the marginalized, from the homeless to the severely depressed, healing both physically and mentally.
During the pandemic, the local churches in Madison were on the streets helping as many as possible. These communities offer much and can be a wonderful place to find meaning.
But for all those that seek a different sort of meaning that science and social media cannot offer you personally, then look no further than Madison, which iconically has some of the best doorways to faith than I have ever seen.