Why Faith? A baptism at St Peter's in North Lake.
Why do I choose to be a person of faith? At this stage in my life, the following are the reasons:
1. Christianity reinforces for me the absolute importance of relationship – both vertical (God) and horizontal (to my loved ones and those not so loveable) as well as to my church family. 2. My faith helps me deal with the realization I am not perfect, that I make mistakes. My faith reminds me that I can find forgiveness if I am willing to forgive those whom I believe have sinned or erred against me. 3. As I age, I am reminded of my mortality. My “segment” of life gets shorter every day. I find both strength in healing on my journey and in my relationship with God through Christ Jesus. This helps me negotiate life’s passages, its “ups and downs” – some which are painful and grief producing, but always “survivable.” 4. The historic Christian faith provides a template for me to “walk my talk” and ways to strengthen my spiritual life as I worship, pray, give thanks, confess my sins, and act on my faith. 5. My faith supports my commitment to work for peace and justice and the practical aspects in the 25th chapter of Matthew’s gospel and to work to bring about God’s reign now and not at some future date: “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’” 6. My faith gives me hope for the future in what I believe to be God’s promise of restoration and a life with God beyond this one. (As I age, this one is a big one.) 7. I continue to be amazed by mystery and awed by God’s amazing grace in my life and the lives of others around me. A graceful mystery that has helped me be present through my wife Sabine’s cancer diagnosis, the death of a child and grandchild, and the challenges of being a priest. 8. Finally, I choose Jesus because he is the template, the personal qualities to which I aspire to be. I strongly believe the Letter to the Colossians totally describes this Jesus: “In him, the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.” I believe this knowing I do not have to claim religious superiority over others who seek God in other ways and faiths. ==================================== |
A Candid Interview
Q: What is your background? When did you come to St Peter’s and where did you come from? How did you become a priest?
In twenty words or less? I received a “call” to Christian ministry in the summer of 1991. At the time, I was the Chief of Police in Madison, WI. This event changed my life. So, after over thirty years in four police departments, I retired and attended seminary at Nashotah House in nearby Delafield. After graduation, I was ordained and then took a year’s residency in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Meriter Hospital in Madison. Then I went to my first parish, St John’s in Portage, WI. At the time, St John’s was a small, struggling parish who had lost their priest. We were blessed to work with the people for nine wonderful years as the parish became a vibrant again. After my wife, Sabine, retired in 2003 (also from the police), we decided to “downsize” a bit with regard to work. We learned that St Peter’s was open and we immediately fell in love with the place and the people. We started serving St Peter’s in January of 2005 and are looking for many more years in ministry here. Q. Well, let’s start out with this question: Why should anyone become a Christian? Why not? Looks like I have walked into this one… But let me first say that there is a big difference between the Jesus we Christians know from the Bible and the way in which his teachings are practiced. I think you should think about becoming a Christian because it is one of the primary ways in the world to practice love. It was Jesus who said that all we had to do were just two things: totally love God and totally love one another. I think choosing love is a good idea – though I will have to say, no one ever said to would be easy! Q. So, if a person was disposed to think about becoming a Christian, how would they begin? Good question. Now the Christian fundamentalists will tell you to confess your sins and ask Jesus to come into your heart, and you will be forever saved. I think there is another way that is just as effective. To me, an inquiring person would want to first check out these people who say they are Christians. What are they like? Are they loving – not just to insiders, but to outsiders as well? Are they kind to you and to others? Are they patient with your questions and even your disbelief? If they don't measure up, turn around and run – fast! But if you find that these are the kind of people you would like to be around, who appear to "walk their talk," then ask a lot of questions, begin to read the Bible (say the first five books of the Hebrew Bible and then John’s gospel in the New Testament). Then start attending some Christian events – be a “seeker.” Then, after a while you can decide if you want to take the important step of being baptized; which is how one first becomes a disciple of Jesus – a Christian and a follower of "The Way.". (Continued below...) |
An Interview with Fr. David... (continued)
Q. But what if I still have a lot of questions? What if I don’t believe in all this?
Faith is falling in and out of belief (sounds like a country western song, doesn’t it? “Falling in and out of love!”). There are many times in our lives in which we question, even doubt if we believe. That’s okay. It’s part of the journey and God still loves us in our unbelief. When one worries about whether or not they are “good” enough to be a person of faith, I always tell them that there is nothing they can do which will make God love them less, and there is nothing they can do which will make God love them more. God simply loves us – all of us. Our creation story from the Book of Genesis, which is the text of three faiths: Jews, Christians, and Muslims, tells us we all were created in the image of God. Pretty powerful stuff – we ALL are God-imprints – everyone of us! On top of that, we are, literally, stardust!
Q: What about the Bible? Can a person realistically believe the Bible today?
I would first say this about the Bible, not to read the Bible today would be to miss one of the most important pieces of literature that human beings have ever produced. I don’t think you can call yourself an educated person if you have not seriously read the Bible. Is it infallible, inerrant, God’s Word? The Bible is the heart of the Christian tradition and the product of two historical communities – ancient Israel and the early Christians. It is a human product, written by a number of people, using a variety of literary techniques, over a thousand years. These men and women wrote about how they saw things and how they experienced God in those events. The Bible contains our stories and they apply to us today as much as they did in ancient times. That's one of the ways I see the Bible as sacred. There are stories about love, hate, war, betrayal, deception and forgiveness – human things we all experience. The Bible is historical (written about a people and their past), metaphorical (has more than a literal meaning) and sacramental (shows how God becomes present to us). We can learn much about God and Jesus from the Bible and I heartily recommend you read it. But please use a modern translation such as the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) or Eugene Peterson’s contemporary translation of the Bible called, “The Message.”
Q. Now that you have brought up other faiths, what about them?
While Jews, Christians, and Muslims share the same creation story, we also know that God is one and did not just give them God’s imprint. God’s imprint is on ALL human beings. We ALL are created in the image of God. Now there has been a lot of talk about “Christian exclusivism;” that Jesus is the only way. Now I have thought a lot about that statement that no one comes to God but through Jesus. But I believe there is more than just one way to interpret this. One of the ways, a more fundamental approach, is to say "that is exactly what Jesus meant; if you want to be with God in heaven, you must be a Christian.” But isn’t that a rather dangerous position to take in a multi-faith world; a world that has known considerable inter-religious violence? How is that interpretation going to help us all live together in the world? Is there not another way to understand what Jesus said? Today, we live with Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, many other people of faith, and a great number of others who say they have no faith. I think the way we should approach the world is to first say, "God is love" and then to practice it. And, yes, the way of Jesus is the way of love. But if others in the world who are not Christian also practice the “way of love,” then I am confident that they, too, will be able to “come to God” along with the rest of us. If not, what is the end-point of the exclusivist position, to convert the world at sword point? I am confident that is not what Jesus meant. But what he did mean is that we must love one another regardless of their faith or lack of one
Q: Okay, let’s get to some specifics. What about St Peter’s, the church you serve – is St Peter’s the best church in Waukesha County? Should I come here?
Of course it is and you should! Seriously (smiling), for those who are members and regular visitors to St Peter’s (including me), we believe our little church is best for us. If it isn’t, then we need to find someplace that is. We all have the opportunity to engage in a deep spiritual walk in this life. Without that walk, life is simply work and die -- drudgery. A church community is a place that helps its members know and experience God and, at the same time, provides an opportunity for its members to serve others. I see the church in this way: It is a field hospital for those of us with broken lives, we stagger in there, and we are given help and a way. After a while, our lives are healed. We recover. And when we are able to get up on our feet, we take a very important next step -- we reach out and help others. That's church to me. A spiritual hospital – not a country club!
Q: If I were to come to St Peter’s, what would I see and, hopefully, experience?
First of all, I hope you would experience a welcoming atmosphere – a deep and genuine hospitality; that people would welcome you, but not bowl you over! Secondly, I hope you would experience the sacredness and beauty of God, God’s creation and the fullness of worship. St Peter’s is a small church – vibrant, yet intimate. You would also sense that St Peter’s is a forward-thinking and progressive (not fundamentalist) church. We love sacred music and we sing songs about God and Jesus, we praise God, we give ourselves to God, and we ask God to help us, our families, and the world because we need God's help on this journey through life. Because we are a “liturgical” church, we have candles and flowers on the altar, I wear historical garments (vestments) and each Sunday, we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion. We do this each week because on the night before Jesus died, he asked us to do this; to celebrate this sacred meal in which he promised he would be present in each one of us. Through this holy act, we find forgiveness of our sins, and strength and encouragement in our lives. This is part of the rich tradition which goes back to the early days of Christianity. After worship, we take time for coffee, treats and fellowship. Everything we do has a reason – historical and theological. In fact, many of us use a three-fold test of things religious or spiritual: Is it in the Bible? Is it part of our Tradition? And, is it Reasonable? We believe our faith should be reasonable as well as biblically-based and a tested practice of the Church down through the ages.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to say?
I think being a Christian is a wonderful experience, a wonderful way in which not only to live this life, but to leave it when our end comes. It is a practice that I highly recommend. I invite you to come to St Peter’s – doubter, seeker, or strong in faith. We are a church where you don’t have to park your brain on the front steps before you enter. It is a real place and a sacred place. And if we are not the place for you, don’t give up, check out others. But remember what I suggested earlier: “Is this place loving? – Not just to insiders, but to outsiders like you? Are they kind to you and to others? Are they patient with your questions and even your non-belief? If they are not, turn around and run – fast!” May God continue to bless you on your journey!
Q. But what if I still have a lot of questions? What if I don’t believe in all this?
Faith is falling in and out of belief (sounds like a country western song, doesn’t it? “Falling in and out of love!”). There are many times in our lives in which we question, even doubt if we believe. That’s okay. It’s part of the journey and God still loves us in our unbelief. When one worries about whether or not they are “good” enough to be a person of faith, I always tell them that there is nothing they can do which will make God love them less, and there is nothing they can do which will make God love them more. God simply loves us – all of us. Our creation story from the Book of Genesis, which is the text of three faiths: Jews, Christians, and Muslims, tells us we all were created in the image of God. Pretty powerful stuff – we ALL are God-imprints – everyone of us! On top of that, we are, literally, stardust!
Q: What about the Bible? Can a person realistically believe the Bible today?
I would first say this about the Bible, not to read the Bible today would be to miss one of the most important pieces of literature that human beings have ever produced. I don’t think you can call yourself an educated person if you have not seriously read the Bible. Is it infallible, inerrant, God’s Word? The Bible is the heart of the Christian tradition and the product of two historical communities – ancient Israel and the early Christians. It is a human product, written by a number of people, using a variety of literary techniques, over a thousand years. These men and women wrote about how they saw things and how they experienced God in those events. The Bible contains our stories and they apply to us today as much as they did in ancient times. That's one of the ways I see the Bible as sacred. There are stories about love, hate, war, betrayal, deception and forgiveness – human things we all experience. The Bible is historical (written about a people and their past), metaphorical (has more than a literal meaning) and sacramental (shows how God becomes present to us). We can learn much about God and Jesus from the Bible and I heartily recommend you read it. But please use a modern translation such as the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) or Eugene Peterson’s contemporary translation of the Bible called, “The Message.”
Q. Now that you have brought up other faiths, what about them?
While Jews, Christians, and Muslims share the same creation story, we also know that God is one and did not just give them God’s imprint. God’s imprint is on ALL human beings. We ALL are created in the image of God. Now there has been a lot of talk about “Christian exclusivism;” that Jesus is the only way. Now I have thought a lot about that statement that no one comes to God but through Jesus. But I believe there is more than just one way to interpret this. One of the ways, a more fundamental approach, is to say "that is exactly what Jesus meant; if you want to be with God in heaven, you must be a Christian.” But isn’t that a rather dangerous position to take in a multi-faith world; a world that has known considerable inter-religious violence? How is that interpretation going to help us all live together in the world? Is there not another way to understand what Jesus said? Today, we live with Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, many other people of faith, and a great number of others who say they have no faith. I think the way we should approach the world is to first say, "God is love" and then to practice it. And, yes, the way of Jesus is the way of love. But if others in the world who are not Christian also practice the “way of love,” then I am confident that they, too, will be able to “come to God” along with the rest of us. If not, what is the end-point of the exclusivist position, to convert the world at sword point? I am confident that is not what Jesus meant. But what he did mean is that we must love one another regardless of their faith or lack of one
Q: Okay, let’s get to some specifics. What about St Peter’s, the church you serve – is St Peter’s the best church in Waukesha County? Should I come here?
Of course it is and you should! Seriously (smiling), for those who are members and regular visitors to St Peter’s (including me), we believe our little church is best for us. If it isn’t, then we need to find someplace that is. We all have the opportunity to engage in a deep spiritual walk in this life. Without that walk, life is simply work and die -- drudgery. A church community is a place that helps its members know and experience God and, at the same time, provides an opportunity for its members to serve others. I see the church in this way: It is a field hospital for those of us with broken lives, we stagger in there, and we are given help and a way. After a while, our lives are healed. We recover. And when we are able to get up on our feet, we take a very important next step -- we reach out and help others. That's church to me. A spiritual hospital – not a country club!
Q: If I were to come to St Peter’s, what would I see and, hopefully, experience?
First of all, I hope you would experience a welcoming atmosphere – a deep and genuine hospitality; that people would welcome you, but not bowl you over! Secondly, I hope you would experience the sacredness and beauty of God, God’s creation and the fullness of worship. St Peter’s is a small church – vibrant, yet intimate. You would also sense that St Peter’s is a forward-thinking and progressive (not fundamentalist) church. We love sacred music and we sing songs about God and Jesus, we praise God, we give ourselves to God, and we ask God to help us, our families, and the world because we need God's help on this journey through life. Because we are a “liturgical” church, we have candles and flowers on the altar, I wear historical garments (vestments) and each Sunday, we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion. We do this each week because on the night before Jesus died, he asked us to do this; to celebrate this sacred meal in which he promised he would be present in each one of us. Through this holy act, we find forgiveness of our sins, and strength and encouragement in our lives. This is part of the rich tradition which goes back to the early days of Christianity. After worship, we take time for coffee, treats and fellowship. Everything we do has a reason – historical and theological. In fact, many of us use a three-fold test of things religious or spiritual: Is it in the Bible? Is it part of our Tradition? And, is it Reasonable? We believe our faith should be reasonable as well as biblically-based and a tested practice of the Church down through the ages.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to say?
I think being a Christian is a wonderful experience, a wonderful way in which not only to live this life, but to leave it when our end comes. It is a practice that I highly recommend. I invite you to come to St Peter’s – doubter, seeker, or strong in faith. We are a church where you don’t have to park your brain on the front steps before you enter. It is a real place and a sacred place. And if we are not the place for you, don’t give up, check out others. But remember what I suggested earlier: “Is this place loving? – Not just to insiders, but to outsiders like you? Are they kind to you and to others? Are they patient with your questions and even your non-belief? If they are not, turn around and run – fast!” May God continue to bless you on your journey!