Sunday, Glorious Sunday

Mom, Dad, my brother Josh, my step-dad, five grandparents, an aunt and uncle all drove down here this morning for my confirmation service at church. It was a delight to be able to take communion with all of them. Their presence made an already special day extraordinary. Not only did they come to church with me, we all went out to lunch together. I feel that I was really blessed today. It was amazing. When I got to the restaurant (last), I saw everyone sitting at one table, all mixed among each other. They were talking and mingling and the whole scene was incredibly heart-warming.

My confirmation was a great experience. I have been an unofficial member of this church for over three years now. They have been unwavering in their receptiveness and support. My priest, Mother Bear, is a rock. This church is the force that makes Hattiesburg a home for me.

I must admit, I feel very empowered right now. My Lenten discipline is to be more proactive in my life and my spiritual journey and today was not only a ceremony to commemorate my joining the church but also a milestone where I took responsibility for the direction of my walk. I feel as if a million doors were opened for me today and I can't wait to see where they lead.

I would also like to share something with you all in this post. It's Brother Bono's acceptance speech at the NAACP awards ceremony. Say what you will about Bono's personality or the direction the NAACP has gone in; Bono has a fantastic message and the power to reach the whole world with that message. I am a firm believer in the One Campaign and in what he has to say here. He isn't saying anything new, but if he can make a difference, I hope he repeats it until every living person has heard it a hundred times.

The Religious Scientist

I will be a confirmed Episcopalian on March 4th. Today was the first day of my meetings with my priest, Mother Bear. I was glad to hear that the church will not consider me a heretic just because I don't believe God created the universe in seven earthly days.

Mother Bear did mention that the church is undergoing discussions of theology and doctrine at this time that will have a huge impact on the future Episcopal church. If that's the case, I hope that it will be in the direction of a blending of spirituality and science.

I was afraid to ask how 'the church' would respond to my belief that Jesus was not born of a virgin, but born of an immaculate love between Mary and Joseph. This, again, goes back to my belief that God cannot break his own laws. Some would say, "Well, God is omnipotent. He can do what he wants." I say, "Yes. He can do what he wants. But if he set up natural laws that 'make the world go round' then he must follow those laws. Otherwise he is not a part of nature and therefore does not exist."

My faith in God and his goodness lies within the proof that I see in the beauty of the human body and the world in which it resides. This trend that belief in the natural order must be suspended in order to be a true Christian doesn't sit well with me.

At the same time, sometimes I wonder: Am I a heretic? Will I be worthy when my Judgement comes? I don't think it is right to change a spiritual perspective simply because you are afraid of condemnation. I must be true to myself, as well as true to my faith and my God.

As my favorite quotable scientist once said, "Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind."



Of course, he didn't believe Jesus was born of a virgin birth either. So there you go! Ha!