I often wonder what I’d think of God if I’d grown up differently. How would the divine permeate my consciousness had I grown up without any religious training or been influenced by a different faith tradition? What if I’d been raised in the faith outside of the United States? What if my theology had been formed by both male AND female pastors? What if I’d heard other theories about hell and the afterlife? What if I had partaken in communion alongside folks in the LGBTQ community?
I often wonder the same thing, but my upbringing was so very different. Never heard a word about God or the Bible. I also came to the faith in college, not through a church but (ironically) because an atheist philosophy professor wrote a question on the chalkboard that I couldn't shake. I didn't have any filters of religious expectations. I used to think my churchless upbringing and churchless start was a disadvantage, but the more stories I hear, the more thankful I am for it. I went and became a pastor before anyone else had the chance to tell me I wasn't supposed to be one. 🤣
Oh if I had the words to express “what if I had...” In your 34 years you have discovered this and it will allow you to grow and continue with gathering. I am 67 and am nearly too weary. So grateful for words that soothe.
I so very much resonate with this one. I’m grateful for a Christian foundation while bemoaning the ways it hemmed me in unnecessarily. Im still trying to figure out how to not “fall off a cliff” while exploring beyond the prescribed boundaries presented as theological soundness.
I often wonder the same thing, but my upbringing was so very different. Never heard a word about God or the Bible. I also came to the faith in college, not through a church but (ironically) because an atheist philosophy professor wrote a question on the chalkboard that I couldn't shake. I didn't have any filters of religious expectations. I used to think my churchless upbringing and churchless start was a disadvantage, but the more stories I hear, the more thankful I am for it. I went and became a pastor before anyone else had the chance to tell me I wasn't supposed to be one. 🤣
Amen and amen and amen.
"But integrity requires self-reflection, looking within instead of judging without."
wow.
This is the first essay I’ve read form you and I’m hooked! I love this, thank you.
Oh if I had the words to express “what if I had...” In your 34 years you have discovered this and it will allow you to grow and continue with gathering. I am 67 and am nearly too weary. So grateful for words that soothe.
I so very much resonate with this one. I’m grateful for a Christian foundation while bemoaning the ways it hemmed me in unnecessarily. Im still trying to figure out how to not “fall off a cliff” while exploring beyond the prescribed boundaries presented as theological soundness.
This is beautiful, Sarah. 🤎