Ithaca, March 31- Stuart Fegely did not feel that there was a place for him and his spiritual ideas to go, so he created one. Jesusians of Ithaca is not a religion, and is not affiliated or sponsored by a church or religious organization. It is a discussion group for people who believe in the teachings of Jesus, but might have doubts about him being a Messiah.

“It was my idea to start up something like this because there really isn’t anything out there for someone who is interested in learning about, and following, the teaching of Jesus, but they don’t  necessarily believe all the teachings about his being divine, being the son of God, performing miracles, rose from the dead and all that,” Stuart Fegely, the group’s creator, said.

Each member has a unique reason for joining the discussion group. In some cases the church or its practices did not feel like the right fit for them. Molly Ames, a Jesusian member, has found a comfortable place to go each Sunday in the Quaker Meeting House. She joined Jesusians in order to discuss different ideas about Jesus.

“By considering the historical evidence of the real Jesus, I am able to consider other interpretations, other possible significances to common assumptions and beliefs,” Ames said. “I am seeking every opportunity to deepen my spiritual understanding, given my understanding of the modern world and science, and this seemed like a good place to do that.”

Some Jesusians, like Frances Bergstrom, have been involved with churches in the past but questioned many of the Christian teachings. Bergstrom has been a regular to the meetings so far.

“Christian education materials and sermons do not tend to give a more complete picture of Jesus and his times,” Bergstrom said. “What do I want to get out of the meetings?….New ways of thinking about Jesus and life and the impetus to become a better human being.”

Advertisements for the group were spread all over; the Ithaca Journal, the Freeskool, even posters on message boards around the Ithaca College campus.

Jesusians of Ithaca just finished their first month. They meet every Tuesday at the Ithaca Friends Meeting House. All ages, orientations, and religions are welcome to join the discussion. The meetings usually consist of watching a video or documentary and discussing the topic at hand. In the future they might read a book, Fegely said. For now, they plan to discuss the core of Jesus’ teachings, and how they might apply to aspects such as science, or gays and lesbians in the church.

According to 2012 data from the Pew Research Center, Americans are turning away from religion in the highest numbers since polling on the subject started. One fifth of the American population identify as “religiously unaffiliated.” As the population and its ideas about spirituality change, so must religious expression.

“The trend is unmistakable that people are leaving the churches in droves,” Fegely said. “I think that would be tragic if these people end up never even trying to explore the teachings of Jesus.”