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As a pastor, writer, professor, and poet, I have endured much criticism over the years, and quite a bit of pure meanness, from persons who are uncomfortable with faithful skepticism. I have been called “liberal,” when I know I am not a “liberal,” and I have been told, bluntly, that I am going to hell. I do not regret that. In fact, I feel sad for persons who seem to have a “God” that seems not big enough to handle honest doubt.
No, faith to me is most seen in a man like Father Frank Shore, and I hope in a man like Brian Kenneth Wilcox. For me, there is a faithful skepticism. Likewise, there is an unfaithful faith. I choose the former, for I believe it is the way of higher integrity and honor, and reflects best the responsibility imparted to me from my Creator to use the brain given me.
Likewise, my father Theo modeled such honesty to me, even though he and I often have not agreed on religion. Nevertheless, I inherited from him a priority on integrity, both moral and intellectual. Remembering his example has helped me accept and remain firm under many situations of criticism. Religion can be very harsh toward its own who do not tow the line. But, after all, are we not celebrating the Life of someone who never placed priority on towing the line?
Quietly Responding
1)Have you had a time of crisis in belief, through which you worked to arrive at a stronger, more mature, and more honest faith? Explain.
2)Are you struggling with your faith generally now? How are you working with that?
3)Is there a belief you have held and are not sure about? What emotions does this arouse for you? What might you do faithfully to work with the doubt you are having?
4)Do you believe most churches want dishonest faith or faithful faith? Explain your response.
5)In your beliefs do you seek first to agree with Truth, or believe what others among family and friends … will approve of? Explain.
Blessings! In Love! And Peace to All!
Brian Kenneth Wilcox July 21, 2009
briankwilcox@yahoo.com
Facebook: Brian Kenneth Wilcox
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*OneLife Ministries is a ministry of Brian Kenneth Wilcox, SW Florida. Brian lives a vowed life and with his two dogs, Bandit Ty and St. Francis, with friends and under a vow of simplicity. Brian is an ecumenical-interspiritual leader, who chooses not to identify with any group, and renounces all titles of sacredness that some would apply to him, but seeks to be open to how Christ manifests in the diversity of Christian denominations and varied religious-spiritual traditions. He affirms that all spiritual paths lead ultimately back to Jesus Christ. He is Senior Chaplain for the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, Punta Gorda, FL.
*Brian welcomes responses to his writings or submission of prayer requests at briankwilcox@yahoo.com . Also, Brian is on Facebook: search Brian Kenneth Wilcox.
*Contact the above email to book Brian for preaching, Spiritual Direction, retreats, workshops, animal blessing services, house blessings, or other spiritual requests. You can order his book An Ache for Union from major booksellers.
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