Possible Faith, Part IV

The following entry completes the preface to my forthcoming book Possible Faith - For Those Who Are Finding It Less Than So.

I am seeking to be Christian in a way that is neither defensive nor divisive – that is hospitable, gracious, and inclusive, and that is humbly possible. I want to widen my understanding of the origins of the universe that is informed by both science and spirit. A theology I can live with is one that envisions the communal and creative nature of God – a faith that looks for God's continuing self-revelation, that embraces post-Newtonian science and post-Reformation theologies.

I want to live into a hopeful future that asks questions like “Where is Creation leading? What does it have to teach us and reveal to us? What is this world coming to?” A future I can live into is one that embraces a “thy kingdom come on earth” vision, co-created with other hopeful people and with God who has chosen not to make a world without us in it.

This book is a testimony, a sharing of my unfolding faith. It is not intended to convince or convert. In the movie The Matrix Reloaded there is a telling exchange between the commander of Zion’s defensive forces and Morpheus, a John the Baptist-type character who believes Neo is the long-expected savior of their people:
 
          Commander Lock: “Dammit Morpheus, not everyone believes what you believe!”
          Morpheus: “My beliefs do not require them to.”
 
My journey of believing does not require anyone, including you, to believe as I do. My journey does require me to receive the way you believe with genuine interest and care.