Dale Cresap's blog

Have you ever inherited a large amount of money? This is an experience that anyone would welcome. What about your faith? Did you inherit that? If you were born into and raised in a faith tradition, and embraced it and still practice it on your own, then is it fair to say that you inherited it? Is this easier to see in those of other faiths? Would you have ended up in the same place without the childhood influence? You can be grateful to those who have led you on the path of life. Yet the questions concerning inherited faith still remain? What can you do to make your faith your own? 

Have you ever wanted something with great intensity and obtained it and been disappointed in it? Disappointments correspond to great expectations. The more you imagine that something will be satisfying and even life transforming the harder it is for that thing to live up to your expectations. If you have experienced this in the past, perhaps you should recalibrate your expectations going forward. Reasonable expectations lead to fewer disappointments. My followers have been called sojourners and pilgrims.

Are you objective? This is considered an admirable goal in a rational world. The implication is that if you are influenced by emotion or affection then you can’t think clearly. But the term clearly implies that it is desirable to view everything in the situation (including people) as objects. It also implies that it is best to remain detached and uninvolved. Is this the true perspective from which accurate judgments can be made? It is a small step from being disinterested to being uninterested. Don’t you find that you are better able to assess reality when you are involved and caring?

Are you familiar with the story about Jacob wrestling with me? The story says he wrestled with a man, but you would correctly infer that this was no ordinary man. Have you ever wrestled with a God you can’t see? You may recall from the story that the wrestling match took place at night, and further that this man/angel/God was motivated to end the engagement before sunrise when he would have been visible, for no man can see God and live. Do you view this encounter as a positive or negative experience for Jacob? Do you think it would be beneficial for you to wrestle with me?

Do you think that your church has a corner on the truth? Something attracted you to go there in the first place, and the leadership and others attending will reinforce your original assumption that this is the right place for you. But have you ever found truth outside of your tradition? It is there if you look, but this can be a threatening experience if your identity is based on already being in possession of the truth. Are you prepared to engage with other groups for the purpose of finding the best of what they have to offer?

Do you think of yourself as an insider or an outsider? How do you see me? I attended the synagogue up until the day I was called on to read from the scroll. It wasn’t well-received and I was cast out and never went back. So I spent the time of my ministry on earth as an outsider, which was typical of John the Baptist and other prophets. The church established in my name is an insider organization, with, in most cases, membership requirements and an organizational hierarchy. I called those who responded to my message to follow me.

Do you think that virtual reality is a recent development? Today you can have completely artificial experiences. But how long have you been living in an artificial environment? Do you spend most of your time surrounded by concrete and steel and plastic and glass? What would you call this in comparison to the world of grass and trees and streams and lakes and mountains? Do you find yourself drawn outdoors to experience these things firsthand? Do you find it to be beneficial for you when you do? How many of my earliest followers encountered me in remote wild places? You can too.

Do you know believers who have become atheists because they prayed fervently for something they really wanted and it didn’t happen? Is it all the more poignant if they asked for something noble and selfless? Have you ever had the same experience and remained a believer? You are familiar with the same promises that you shall have whatever you ask for in prayer, so what is the difference? You also know that you are not to put the Lord your God to the test. Are you encouraged when you do see your prayers answered against astronomical odds?

Are you a teacher? You may not hold this job title, and you may not be paid for teaching. I wasn’t, and I never had a position at a formal school, but would you consider me a teacher? If you break it down into simple elements then this term is quite inclusive. Do you know something worthwhile? Are there people who are willing to listen to you share your knowledge?

Are you familiar with the idea of pantheism? This is a claim that everything is divine, and this is held by some faith traditions, but rejected by Christians. Are you familiar with the idea of panentheism? This slight variation makes all the difference. This means that God made all things and so they bear his fingerprints, so to speak, and have a divine intention and purpose. Do you look at everything you see and wonder what this purpose is? You can do this and be faithful to me. In fact, this is a means by which you may increase your awareness, devotion, and the practice of your faith.