As someone who leads a faith community for ex-vangelicals and others who live with religious trauma—as well as carrying my own share of it—I understand well the harm that Christianity wreaks in many people’s lives. This is not to mention the historical evils of the faith: colonialism, Crusades, and the like.
But the picture is not so simple, because the faith also contains treasures of hope, love, and peace. This is one of the things I love about reading the Century. Pieces like Yolanda Pierce’s new essay, describing how God shows up when we gather (even when we don’t feel like it), remind me of these treasures. Likewise, Rachel Mann reflects on how the faith equips us to face terrifying realities like death with courage and honesty.
Scroll down for other great new content. Amy Frykholm’s love for the poet Rumi propels her to a treasure hunt in Jerusalem. Caroline Simon discusses her philosophical journey, from her Baptist upbringing to the works of Plato and Aristotle. Plus more below!
Email Jon: What do you most appreciate right now about your faith?
“God always shows up. Sometimes God shows up in the parking lot, in the person who greets me with a firm handshake or a hug. Sometimes God shows up in laughter over bagels during coffee hour. Sometimes God shows up in the face of the impossibly cute toddler who wants to play peekaboo with me all service long.”
“Like many somewhat spiritually inclined Americans of my race, class, and age, I’ve been quoting Rumi for all of my adult life. Or rather, quoting a version of Rumi.”
