[Vision2020] Virtues Project is Non-Sectarian

[Nick Gier]

Dear Visionaries:

I'm afraid that Phil Nisbet misunderstood the nature of the Virtues 
Project, and he has neglected the all important qualifier "non-sectarian" 
when it comes to mentioning religion in the public arena.  I was UI 
Coordinator of Religious Studies for 23 years, and the classes we offered 
drew on the virtues and insights from the scripture of all the world 
religions.  We of course we not allowed to favor one religion over another.

If Phil had quoted the complete Q&A on this question, he would have 
resolved his own quandry.  I would simply add that the virtues that human 
being have developed in common are found in religious and nonreligious 
writings as well as nonreligious authors.

Is The Virtues Project  connected with a particular Faith community or 
organization?

The Virtues Project is not about the practices or beliefs of any one 
religion. It is sourced in the teachings about virtues found in the sacred 
traditions of all cultures. Its purpose is to support all people, both 
those who are religious and those who are not, to awaken the virtues of 
their character.

Is it a "religious" program?

Virtues Project programs and materials are used by many secular 
organizations such as schools, health care agencies, and corporations to 
help create a positive culture of character. Diverse faith communities 
around the world also use the Virtues Project to enhance the cultivation of 
virtues and the authenticity of their spiritual practices.

The word "spiritual" is used in Virtues Strategies. How are you defining it?

The word "spiritual" is contained in many educational mandates as a 
significant dimension of character education. The working definition of 
spirituality used in The Virtues Project is:
-Having a sense of meaning and purpose
-Living with integrity, according to a person's highest beliefs and values
-Mastery of the virtues of our character
-A sense of reverence for life and for all people.

 From www.virtuesproject.com/faqs.html.

Yours for a City of Virtues,

Nick Gier

"The god you worship is the god you deserve."
~~ Joseph Campbell

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