Monday, October 09, 2006

When Not Seeing Is Believing

Andrew Sullivan, a gay conservative commentator, blogger and writer, has a fascinating essay in the October 9 issue of Time magazine.

A sample:

Fundamentalism is not the only valid form of faith, and to say it is, is the great lie of our time. There is also the faith that is once born and never experiences a catharsis or born-again conversion. There is the faith that treats the Bible as a moral fable as well as history and tries to live its truths in the light of comtemporary knowledge, history, science and insight. There is a faith that draws important distinctions between core beliefs and less vital ones...

1 comment:

ariane said...

I like this:

"Doubt, in other words, can feed faith, rather than destroy it. And it forces us, even while believing, to recognize our fundamental duty with respect to God's truth: humility. We do not know. Which is why we believe."

I think it's interesting that after several years as a bishop you continue to offer others opportunities to grow spiritually. When I began to go to church again a couple of years ago, I wanted to see what would happen if I embraced the organizing principles of the religion I grew up with and with which I was familiar, but didn't compromise my doubts (or beliefs, either, I guess). I decided to go along--I'm okay, you're okay. Sometimes, I would feel so irritated I'd want to get up and run out. Other times, I'd have insights I couldn't have on my own. In any event, I got to engage in a spiritual conversation that I'd missed before. And I got to meet people who I have come to love and respect.

I appreciate the conversation you have going here. And, clearly I'm not the only one.