Fearless Faith

Heavy snows and cloudy skies highlighted a rather difficult week of getting out and about. Driving was an exercise in caution regarding the drifting and blowing snow. The whites and grays of consecutive snowfalls and dismal skies blended to form a monochromatic and featureless landscape. It always helps to see the edge of the road while driving, but even that became difficult due to lack of contrast.

Polarized sunglasses were somewhat helpful but could not solve the dilemma entirely. Blowing snow, still on the move from earlier storms, quickly filled in previously plowed dips and curves and even a few high places on the gravel roads. Thank goodness for neighbors willing to help neighbors. It’s a long time until the spring melt!

Without contrast, the world would be a difficult place to navigate. Our culture would be subject to political whim based on who is under whose thumb in the moment. There would be no vigorous debate and ideological intercourse, the kind that inspires and challenges and takes us to new places of understanding, something that is essential to the lifeblood of humanity. Sameness, it would seem, is the silent killer no one likes to acknowledge.

To hear major political parties claim moral guardianship of the nation is unfortunate and sad. Too often, when people are asked how to fix the country‘s perceived problems, the answers are simplistic, selfish, and naïve. The way to fix things for many is to somehow convince the other side of their “wrongness” and demand that they become exactly like us and vice versa. We forget that sameness is an equal opportunity disaster in the making. In imagining there exists only one view, we rob ourselves of the potential and opportunity for growth. Farmers and agronomists have long recognized the concept of hybrid vigor and increased yields in mainstay crops. Is it so farfetched to imagine a similar increase in our abilities to function efficiently because we have decided to be more intentional in the process?

Driving blind in a snowstorm is simply not fun. It is a relief when it breaks and we once again begin to see features in the snow and on the path traveled. It reminds us of the need for markers and guideposts and ideas to build on, to get us safely from one point to the next. Christian thought is filled with plenty of snow and drifts and decisions that must be made based on what we know, what our experience tells us and what resources are at hand. It’s never one-size-fits-all.

The late author/theologian John Shelby Spong, both praised and reviled, was adept at encouraging us to use our God-provided intellect to ponder and question and inquire in new ways. He was good at introducing us to a more expansive vision, suggesting that for every elemental part of the beloved creeds there exists alternate views as to their meaning and purpose. He reminded us that one can still claim Christian citizenship without having to check mark off each and every creedal element. In a world of sameness, Spong would likely suggest that it takes a bit of courage to stand against the tide.

Be courageous when it comes to faith. Judge the conditions, read the road, and be prepared to consider an alternate route or two. Seek out contrast to get you safely home.