I got the idea for this google discussion group the other night in a
religion class at FIU with profesor Bidegain. Dr. Bidegain was
pointing out that the most rapidly growing segment of self-identified
religious affiliation is  "non-religious." Although some people assume
that these are atheists (see the latest issue of the Economist for
example), it is likely that this category includes many people of
faith (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, New Age) who simply cannot find a
religious organization that they feel comfortable identifying with.
Profesora Bidegain pointed out the need for research to find out who
these people are (actually, I am one of them myself) and what they
believe.

While we were talking in class, I got the for starting this google
discussion group to see if it attracts people of faith in Miami
without a church, temple or mosque membership. I am still trying to
figure out how to get the word out there ... my guess is that there are
at least 50 to 100 thousand people of faith in Miami who do not attend
any churches, or perhaps who gather at home with their family and few
friends for prayer and friendship (or Starbucks or Stick & Stein's in
Homestead or PS13 in Miami).

I am inviting those people I know who are living out their faith in
some unorthodox, non-organization way. We can upload notes, papers,
mp3 files, and JPEG image or graphics files here as well as have
discussions.

Please be nice, and do not make any assumptions that members of this
forum are "Christians". I have invited good friends who I know to be
people of faith, from Islamic, Jewish and Wiccan traditions as well as
New Age. Let's get a head start on practicing "love for our neighbor"
and mutual respect and tolerance in this forum.

Let me know if you have any feedback.

Sincerely

Joseph Holbrook
History Department
FIU