A new community religious celebration has come to town this winter. On January 17 at 7:00 pm, the public is invited for the second session of “singing HU” at the Community House.
I had no idea what that meant. So I spoke with Susan Stone, the event organizer. She explained that it is a celebration of God that welcomes all religions.
I asked if they were familiar songs or sing-along sheets be provided. The answer is that people literally sing “HU”. (Like a chant.)
Stone explained that she organized the events because she herself has found it to be transformational. She is a representative of her faith, Eckankar. But the event is meant to welcome all faiths.
Aside from a brief introduction to the activity, the event entirely consists of song.
Stone tells me that the first celebration, in December, was well attended and received. It included members of different churches in town. She was happy to note that many people lingered after to discuss their spiritual experience.
She plans to hold regular events, the third Friday of each month.. For more information, call 508-497-8888.
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WARNING, DO YOUR OWN HOMEWORK ON THIS GROUP.
The link below is one of many links on the web that speak to the cult nature of this group. I am not rapping anyone individually, but this is an opposing view.
http://truthbeknown66.stormpages.com/
Have you heard of Eckankar? Considering joining? Just wondering what it’s all about? This short synopsis will give you a clearer understanding of it, as opposed to what it tells you in its glossy brochures and intro booklets. With Eckankar websites proliferating all over the Internet, it’s necessary to present an opposing viewpoint to balance out their slick, professional presentations. I was a member of this “religion” for 21 years – a higher initiate, and speak from first hand experience. My opinions expressed here are mine alone, and I don’t profess to speak for anyone else, nor do I represent any organized groups.
Just to clarify – I was told that this is an event for all religions. She is not asking people to join Eckankar.
Thanks for the headsup
Thanks for the warning.
Hmm. Then I suggest she change the song from “Hu,” which is apparently the Eckankar chant. Sure sounds like it’s a religious pitch, or a first step towards one.
On doing more research and reading about this group, apparently this is a common way to initially attract new comers; to hold these open meditation meetings, saying they are welcoming all religions but with the actual intent of pushing their own “religion”.
I’m going to cut off discussion about Eckankar at this point. A warning has been made and shared. Now continued comments I worry are too slanderous.
I allowed the first comment because it came from someone who had an experience to share. But now comments coming in seem to be based on internet searches rather than commenters’ own experiences with this group.
Religion is a very volatile subject. So I’m going to lay this to rest.
Someone pointed out in error in my comment above. I didn’t realize the text below the first commenter’s link was a quote from that link – not actual comment’s view point. The fact that accusations are from anonymous source on internet is just all the more reason to stop the thread.