Why Do You Call Entheo Community a Church?

Words create reality. Word choice is everything. In creating Entheo Community we have thought carefully about the words we use.



So why do we sometimes refer to Entheo Community as a church? And why do we use the terms sacrament, minister, ordination, God, etc.? These words can be triggering to those with religious trauma. Additionally, they can lead people to think we are a Christian church when really we’re a syncretic church.



In this stage of our country's spiritual evolution, these familiar (albeit overloaded) terms allow people to relate our religious practice to others that have already been so widely accepted, despite our differences. 



Additionally, many legal publications use the term church, so adopting this title ensures we are more likely to see our first amendment rights protected. As churches like ours continue to spring up, the terminology will become more flexible as the focus shifts more toward the integrity of the practice itself.



We also use the term sacrament in the religious model instead of the term medicine, which belongs to the healthcare model. This is to ensure that we are not regarded as treating a condition or “fixing” people. We are just here to facilitate a connection to Source.



Another term we use that people have asked about is “religious exercise”. This term is taken straight from the RFRA, so it is important to reference it when appropriate. This is also called religious practice.



Additionally, we try to avoid any street names for our sacraments in order to show them the greatest respect. We refer to them by their accurate & respectful scientific names when possible.



It is important to note that Entheo Community does not prescribe a specific religion or set of religious doctrines, as we are a syncretic church. We do not subscribe to a specific faith, but rather faith in general. Therefore, we welcome you to practice our sacraments with or alongside your existing church’s traditions if that feels in alignment for you.



Remember that your words carry significant power. Use them wisely.