Professing of Faith

We thought it would be amazing to get some of the folks here at the Parliament event to volunteer to be on camera and to talk about their faith. Honestly, we were not sure how many people would agree to be videotaped, especially about such a personal topic, and allow it to be posted on the web. Much to our surprise, we have had an overwhelming response. Yesterday, Leo recorded interviews with people from the most diverse backgrounds including a Rastafarian, a Jain, a Sikh, a Wiccan, a Hindu, and a Gnoostic. Unbelievable group of people — with unbelievable stories.

What was more interesting to me was the willingness of these people to put their story out there — for all the world to see. To be willing to say, this is who I am, this is what I believe and I think this is important to my life. This is bold — remarkably bold.

I was not raised to talk about such things. Faith and Religion was something private and personal and was not to be talked about in mixed company. If asked, you were to politely answer in vague terms and indicate that it was not really someone else’s business what I believe. (Which is an interesting juxtaposition given my attempt to blog on the Patheos site!)

To say that this is interesting to watch as people share such intimate and meaningful descriptions of their faith would be an understatement — it would minimize the impact of such expression. It is a blessing to me and is transformational in many ways. I hope it will be for you too — we will be posting the clips on the site over the next couple of days to share with you.

It is not necessary to believe the same things as these people, you can fundamentally disagree. But as I watch the people of our vast world, I am learning that there is strength in conviction — and glory in the ability to be who you are and believe what you believe with all your heart.

And that gives me hope for this world.