The Beginning

Dear Gary,

In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, a little girl named Lucy goes through a wardrobe and finds a magical world. When she returns to her own time, she is very excited to share her adventures with her siblings. But she can't get anyone to believe her. Even when her brother Edmund discovers the truth about the wardrobe, he betrays her and tells their other two siblings that it is only "make-believe." Poor Lucy is so hurt. She has found something wonderful that she wants to share with others but not only do people not believe her, some of them even mock her.

I sometimes feel that is an apt description for what it is like to be a Christian in today's world. We are faced with the task of living and sharing our faith while functioning in a secular space. It can be very difficult.

I grew up as Christian. My father was an Episcopalian and my mother was a Baptist so they raised me in a non-denominational bible church. I was "dedicated" to God as a baby because we didn't have infant baptisms in my church. I attended Sunday school regularly and often went to the churches of my grandparents. I was baptized when I was fourteen through total immersion. And then, my family quit going to church. I didn't have an active faith life as a teenager. In fact, I felt a little embittered and hurt by the whole thing. But when I went to college, I reached out and found a home in my non-denominational campus chapel where I became a Deacon. Because I am a Liberal, I often feel that many Christians don't accept me or that they are overly critical of me. On the other hand, many of my liberal acquaintances don't take me seriously because I am Christian. It is like balancing on a tightrope. Leaning too far either way could make you fall. But then, I need both of those sides to keep me whole.

As an adult, I have found a home in the Lutheran church. Their focus on good works appeals to my liberal/social justice inclinations. And I have the opportunity to participate in a community of faith which is very important to me. The thing about faith is that it is never static. It is constantly growing and changing. I don't have all the answers. I am not a theologian. But I try to learn and develop my faith all the time.

One Christian who has inspired me a great deal is C.S. Lewis. Lewis was an atheist who was "surprised by joy." He claims he fought very hard against God but God won in the end. He shares his faith journey through such books as Mere Christianity. I suggest we start there.

Will you join me?

-Malady