What we’re about
This is a form of protest which is the opposite of normal demonstrations (which have their place) in that they involve, for the most part, complete silence. It utilizes the more hidden, mystical dimensions of our spirituality. To do it, I think you must have some experience of this deeper part of your being and be sincerely pursuing it in some way. It can’t just be a nice idea.
In finding myself wanting to engage in this kind of activism, I cannot imagine doing it unless I subscribe to the following notions: 1) that God exists and lives within us, 2) that everyone wants God, however perhaps unconsciously, 3) that the major religious all say and teach the same thing in different ways (meaning that no religion is superior to any other), and finally 4) that knowledge of God is communicable: spiritual evolution naturally takes place through appropriate sharing of experiences.
How would this be done? Contemplative protest, it seems to me, would involve a small group of participants standing together and holding large signs with the same profound message, although perhaps expressed differently. While we wish to attract appropriate interest (leading maybe to brief conversations), unless that happens, we maintain silence, allowing a smile, nod, and brief eye contact to greet passerby. We do not seek to engage people in conversation, nor (needless to say) do we utilize other, more animated forms of group spiritual practice such as singing, dancing, preaching, etc.
For me, the goal of this activism involves faith--faith that viewers will "hear" this message on some level and be confronted by it. This is certain to stimulate different reactions in people. For some, admiration and signs of support; for others, maybe confusion or even resentment due to things in their background. A few will probably want to talk.
What might other signs say and look like, and how do we handle those conversations? These will be the main topics of our first meeting!
