Last week I ran into my old pastor at a community event. I got to thank him for the "spirituality without sharp corners" that I was exposed to as a kid. When I was 12 or so, on the eve of my confirmation, I told him that I believed that Jesus was a great man, but not the son of god. He was appreciative of my questioning. Then he said that if I still wanted to be confirmed, it would be up to me.
It was an important lesson for me. He was the "God Authority" of my childhood and he let me know that questioning the "word of god" is a totally acceptable spiritual act. It’s nice to be allowed to question.
And it feels nice to thank people who shaped you.
Jan 15, 2000