I think I learned that my questions are not unique, and my experience that often feels foreign in my small circle is actually a reflection of a much larger trend. Reading these questions reminded me of my own journaling:
"How do I actually know what I believe, since I may simply be succumbing to pressure from gatekeepers whose groups I need or want to be part of? Whom have I sold out to maintain my secure place in a religious group?
Why would I ever want to be part of a group that pressures me to say I believe things I may not even understand, or be capable of forming an opinion about? Why would I want to believe something under threat, promise of reward, or some other form of pressure or duress? Shouldn’t sincere belief be unforced and free?
How might a community hold beliefs as something other than tests of belonging? What is the alternative? Could a faith community use a standard of belonging other than beliefs as a membership requirement? How would that work?"
These are questions I have been wrestling with for a long time—and it was just really comforting to see that my line of logic wasn't irrational or unique to my own experience. For me, this text was just hauntingly familiar—almost every chapter.
I think the biggest takeaway for me was the importance of honoring each stage of faith in McLaren's developmental model. I need to get better at giving space to those for whom stage 1 and 2 are working. Like Zach said, it was great to discuss the book with people who have journeys similar to mine. There is a lot of wisdom and experience in the group.
I really enjoyed reading Brian McLaren's book and discussing it with like minded people. It is hard to sum up the experience, but Brian came close in the title of his Afterword "You're Not Crazy and You're Not Alone". I have engaged in online communities before, but there is something a little different when you are looking at the people and having a dialogue, vs typing to a stranger on some blog. Brian's book illustrates that people of all faiths are having their beliefs challenged and unorthodox members of all religions are feeling frustrated. The opportunity to discuss how the book resonates with us in a small group setting over zoom was very enjoyable. The pace of the group was good. The moderator did a good job of keeping the discussion moving. I look forward to reading and discussing more information that will help me on this journey!
This may be an obvious and simple answer but the idea that doubt is required to love struck me deeply. One of those sentences you read and feel all the way down to your toes. It gave meaning to my suffering. I also appreciated the description of cycling through the four stages of faith throughout life just at another level. That put words to my experience. This will forever be one of my favorite books!
I love this book for sooooo many reasons, but mostly for Brian’s long steady stream of reassurance that I am not crazy or alone, and that my adventure through the world of faith and religion is more universal than personal. Ahhhh, the relief. A few points that have stayed with me and are still sticky notes above my desk…
- Doubt is the doorway to greater love and understanding (a complete turnaround from a lifetime of religious conditioning)
- This is my spiritual playground now - FAITH expressing itself as infinite, gracious, extravagant, non-discriminatory, revolutionary LOVE.
I think I learned that my questions are not unique, and my experience that often feels foreign in my small circle is actually a reflection of a much larger trend. Reading these questions reminded me of my own journaling:
"How do I actually know what I believe, since I may simply be succumbing to pressure from gatekeepers whose groups I need or want to be part of? Whom have I sold out to maintain my secure place in a religious group?
Why would I ever want to be part of a group that pressures me to say I believe things I may not even understand, or be capable of forming an opinion about? Why would I want to believe something under threat, promise of reward, or some other form of pressure or duress? Shouldn’t sincere belief be unforced and free?
How might a community hold beliefs as something other than tests of belonging? What is the alternative? Could a faith community use a standard of belonging other than beliefs as a membership requirement? How would that work?"
These are questions I have been wrestling with for a long time—and it was just really comforting to see that my line of logic wasn't irrational or unique to my own experience. For me, this text was just hauntingly familiar—almost every chapter.
We were reading this book at the same time. Our paths are interconnected. I'm grateful.
I think the biggest takeaway for me was the importance of honoring each stage of faith in McLaren's developmental model. I need to get better at giving space to those for whom stage 1 and 2 are working. Like Zach said, it was great to discuss the book with people who have journeys similar to mine. There is a lot of wisdom and experience in the group.
Thanks Joe, it was so great to finally get a chance to meet you. Thanks for your participation and insights.
I really enjoyed reading Brian McLaren's book and discussing it with like minded people. It is hard to sum up the experience, but Brian came close in the title of his Afterword "You're Not Crazy and You're Not Alone". I have engaged in online communities before, but there is something a little different when you are looking at the people and having a dialogue, vs typing to a stranger on some blog. Brian's book illustrates that people of all faiths are having their beliefs challenged and unorthodox members of all religions are feeling frustrated. The opportunity to discuss how the book resonates with us in a small group setting over zoom was very enjoyable. The pace of the group was good. The moderator did a good job of keeping the discussion moving. I look forward to reading and discussing more information that will help me on this journey!
Thanks Zach, you sure added a lot to the discussion. Sure appreciate your contribution.
This may be an obvious and simple answer but the idea that doubt is required to love struck me deeply. One of those sentences you read and feel all the way down to your toes. It gave meaning to my suffering. I also appreciated the description of cycling through the four stages of faith throughout life just at another level. That put words to my experience. This will forever be one of my favorite books!
I love this book for sooooo many reasons, but mostly for Brian’s long steady stream of reassurance that I am not crazy or alone, and that my adventure through the world of faith and religion is more universal than personal. Ahhhh, the relief. A few points that have stayed with me and are still sticky notes above my desk…
- Doubt is the doorway to greater love and understanding (a complete turnaround from a lifetime of religious conditioning)
- This is my spiritual playground now - FAITH expressing itself as infinite, gracious, extravagant, non-discriminatory, revolutionary LOVE.