Fearless Faith

The checklist began before sundown by syncing the six by 24 mm finder scope with the primary barrel of the five inch (127 mm) equatorial Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope. Lightweight and efficient, it reflects gathered light back and forth until it enters the eyepiece, drawing the ultimate attention of the observer. Securing the mount in place based on latitude is followed by orienting the scope toward the North Star. From there, declination (the angular distance from the equator) and right ascension (the celestial equivalent of terrestrial longitude) help pinpoint the location of celestial objects. Tracking for this model is accomplished manually, a source of pride and accomplishment for younger stargazers.

Engineering plays a big part in the manufacture of the scope. Tolerances are necessarily small. The difference between a great experience and never caring to look through a telescope again is slim. A 600X drugstore telescope for $49.99 should inoculate most persons from ever wasting their money again on marginal equipment, questionable hype and shaky tripods. The kind of telescope, its configuration, and the quality of the optics and eyepieces all play into the result. An effective power between 250 to 300X can be had for the particular scope mentioned above. Just don’t set yourself up for disappointment. The willingness to drop a little effort into researching a telescope before it is purchased helps reduce frustration and improves the overall result.

It’s concerning how many of us are content to buy into 600 power drugstore variety religion and then complain when it doesn’t work out well. The opportunity is there, particularly in this age of internet, to delve deeply and richly into religion’s owners’ manuals, so to speak. Vacant promises of sales persons are all the more evident in the midst of using ill-performing equipment. On the other side of the argument is the all-too-human tendency to take at face value all sorts of foolish claims dressed up as belief. Ultimately, it’s on us to be responsible and informed consumers of religion. The doctrine of emptor caveat prevails; let the buyer beware.

Once the research phase is consistent and ongoing, what are the next steps? One is to use caution regarding the value of the information that is held. Does it apply to all settings and situations? Is it the only information available or is there a need for additive understanding, the kind that flows from what is already known to something that still yearns for answers? Do techniques and material know how change based on what is observed or anticipated? Why do we so often fail to take into account influencing factors and a person’s ability to comprehend and perform at various levels?

The role of community looms large. What do we discern together that cannot be distinguished apart? Haven’t we all been grateful at one time or another for that small minority voice that finds the courage to rise above the noise and speak to the truth of the matter? It is the voice of faith, reason, objectivity and passion risked for the betterment of community, even as its members are storming the gates with pitchforks and torches. Who is willing to be that voice, to set aside invective and hype for the benefit of others? Will churches set the pace or will they settle for selling the cheap stuff? As religious consumers, we have a choice.