Further to yesterday…
‘Secret’ faith doesn’t think about or ask questions. Faith may exist but is a low priority. It is comfortable.
‘Secure’ faith has clear opinions. Truth – often God’s truth – can be explained and defended. It is secure.
‘Searching’ faith asks difficult questions. It lives with comfort and discomfort, security and insecurity.
But…
It is messier than being ‘secret, secure or searching’. We move from one to another. We can hold all three positions simultaneously.
When the night has come, and the land is dark and the moon is the only light we’ll see. No I won’t be afraid, oh I won’t be afraid, just as long as you stand, stand by me
I was brought up with a secure faith. I was taught well. I knew what I believed.
I retired, read and studied. I have always been more interested in questions than answers.
Relationship and pilgrimage developed alongside belief.
In the insecurity of unanswered questions I have a deeper faith and a greater sense of security.
If the sky that we look upon should tumble and fall or the mountains should crumble to the sea. I won’t cry, I won’t cry, no I won’t shed a tear just as long as you stand, stand by me
Musing on: ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.’
How might the 3 stereotypes respond?
The ‘secret’ could be a friend and show empathy. In recent weeks many good people have acted with kindness and compassion
The ‘secure’ may offer help and practical support. Believing that they have the right and best answers the needy are invited to join them.
The ‘searcher’ invites others to travel with them. They share questions and insecurities. They support each other, and humbly learn together.
Ref:
‘Stand by Me’ by Ben E King (1961) was developed from an old spiritual based on Psalm 46: 1-3. It describes both faith as a relationship, and relationship to others
Proverbs 31:8-9
‘Is it OK for my Christian Beliefs to Change?’ by Chris Goswami (Premier Christianity May 6 2020) is an excellent blog/article which discusses some of these ideas.
