Faith matters

I’m reading a book called Speaking of Faith by Krista Tippett, host of the Public Radio show of the same name.

It’s a smart and interesting book about the intersection of faith and reason and the search for a belief system that grows along with us. I love the idea that faith can be fluid, rather than fixed. It just makes sense. Shouldn’t our faith continue to evolve like everything else? Shouldn’t we go deeper into the stories and mystery as we grow, rather than staying penned in by tenets that don’t jibe with what our maturing minds and hearts tell us is true?

I believe so.

Tippett quotes many of my favorite people in her book, including Albert Einstein and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. All her sources manage to look beyond the apparent in search of the divine. I can’t help trying to do the same. And I love to read the insightful comments of other seekers.

If you, too, long for a faith that encompasses the ever-expanding breadth of the heart, mind, and soul, then I suggest this book as an affirming and enlightening read.

Let me know what you think.

Glorious creations

I was storyteller in Worship and Wonder today.

Per the schedule, I drew the Creation story. Oh boy, I thought. Maybe I'll have to interject a little lesson on Darwin.

The children, mostly new to our church and exceptionally wide-eyed, sat rapt as I displayed cards representing the wonders of the world upon the blue felt, blessed each with my hand, and pronounced it good.

During prayer time, little voices thanked God for the sun and the rain and the green grass and grandmothers -- all things that sweeten life and reveal the divine.

At the end of the service, I felt that afterglow that comes from watching children express their spirituality. I decided the story was meant for me to tell today, after all.

I needed the reminder to thank God for our beautiful world, and all its beautiful creatures.