In this episode of Creation's Paths, I reflect on the profound journey my faith has taken, inspired by my recent reading of A Generous Orthodoxy by Brian D. McLaren. Each chapter of McLaren's book ends with thought-provoking questions, prompting me to explore the faith I truly hold. Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing my personal answers to these questions and invite you to join me in this exploration. Pick up the book, dive into its questions, and let's discern the voice of the Spirit together.
In this episode, I begin with the many faces of Jesus I’ve encountered throughout my life. Inspired by McLaren’s framework, I share my own experiences:
- The Conservative Protestant Jesus: My early years in a Baptist home filled with family discussions about the Bible, contrasted by the fear-driven experiences of religious schooling.
- The Pentecostal/Charismatic Jesus: Discovering a superhero-like Jesus through Pat Robertson, only to feel rejection as I realized my sexuality.
- The Roman Catholic Jesus: Finding solace in the Rosary during a moment of despair and embracing the Catholic faith.
- The Charismatic Catholic Jesus: A summer immersed in the joy of the Charismatic Catholic movement, where ritual and exuberance collided.
- The Eastern Orthodox Jesus: Learning the profound beauty of the crucifixion as a love letter to humanity.
- The Liberal Protestant Jesus: My journey to uncover the historical Jesus, exploring the diverse expressions of the early church.
- The Jesus of the Oppressed* Finding my spiritual home in the Cosmic Christ of Matthew Fox’s Creation Spirituality.
These Jesuses, while unique to me, echo the larger themes McLaren explores. They’ve left me seeking a relational Divinity, one that is truly present in my life. Join me as I share these stories and reflect on the lessons I’ve learned.
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