Discovering Christianity
FAITH
Faith is fundamentally about trust—trust that the world is larger than our minds and hearts can contain. It's a deep sense of belief that there is more to be discovered beyond what we can immediately see, understand, or perceive. This trust isn't rooted in certainty or in knowing all the answers, but rather in a willingness to enter into something unknown, guided by a sense of being accompanied on the journey. It is an exploration, where we walk forward with confidence, even if the path ahead is unclear.
Faith doesn't promise a clear, logical roadmap or provide a set of facts that others can't access. Instead, it’s the trust that, as we take steps in life, we discover that the ground we’re walking on is reliable. It's not blind faith in the sense of recklessness or foolishness, but a quiet confidence that even when we cannot see all that lies ahead, we are not walking alone. Faith is akin to walking through a fog, one step at a time, trusting that with each step, the view will slowly begin to shift and reveal more.
In this sense, faith is not a rigid set of beliefs about specific facts or propositions but rather a lived, experiential journey. Belief may be tied more to intellectual affirmations, to propositions like "I believe this to be true," while faith is more about confidence—confidence in the world, in others, and in our place within it. As we explore this confidence, we deepen our understanding of the divine, not through intellectual certainty but through lived experience, relationships, and moments of connectedness to something larger than ourselves.
Sometimes, our faith is tested when unexpected or tragic events shake our trust. In those moments, it may feel as if what once felt reliable is no longer solid. But this is where faith becomes something deeper. It’s about choosing to continue, even when the answers aren’t clear, even when the emotional certainty has faded. The journey of faith is often one of growth, where the very act of questioning and struggling can lead to a deeper, more profound trust in the long run. It’s a trust that evolves as we move through life’s challenges, reshaping our understanding of what it means to be supported by something greater.
In this way, faith is not a static thing but a dynamic, ever-evolving relationship with the divine, with the world, and with ourselves. It challenges us to grow beyond our initial understanding and to find deeper meaning in both moments of clarity and moments of uncertainty. The choice, then, is whether to trust that this journey, even in its difficulty, will lead to something greater. Faith is the process of growing, evolving, and walking into the unknown, with the hope that, in the end, we are not walking alone.
CHRISTIANITY
Christianity is a profound and transformative experience, beginning with an intimate relationship with God that is revealed through Jesus Christ. The essence of Christianity is rooted in the recognition of God's self-giving love, which unfolds in a deep connection with the divine. Central to this relationship is the concept of the Trinity, a mystery that encapsulates the dynamic and personal nature of God. Rather than envisioning God as an isolated, distant being, the Trinity presents God as a living environment in which the universe is continually sustained—a relationship of love, intelligence, and vitality.
The Trinity comprises three interrelated aspects: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Father represents the source of all life and love, pouring out unreservedly into creation. The Son, Jesus Christ, reveals this divine life through his human existence, offering us a glimpse into the eternal reality of God. The Holy Spirit is the breath of life that continues this flow of divine energy into the world, enabling believers to partake in the very life of God. These three are not separate persons, but expressions of one inseparable divine reality, each contributing to the fullness of the Christian experience.
Christianity invites followers into the same relationship with God that Jesus himself experienced. This relationship is not abstract or intellectual but rooted in lived transformation. Through Jesus, believers are called to participate in the divine life, entering into the love and wisdom that define the Trinity. The language of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is an invitation to recognize the dynamic, personal, and loving nature of God, which, through Jesus, is made accessible to all.
Moreover, Christianity does not merely focus on the historical Jesus as an inspiring teacher, but on the living presence of Jesus in the lives of believers. Even though Christians today may never meet Jesus physically, they encounter him through the Holy Spirit, which continues to make his life and love real in the world. The Holy Spirit, far from being an abstract or impersonal force, is a deeply relational presence that unites believers to God and to one another, forming a community of those who share in the divine life.
Thus, Christianity is not just a set of beliefs or doctrines but a transformative way of living—centered in the divine relationship made possible through Jesus Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit. It is a call to live in alignment with God's love, embodying that love in the world, and sharing in the ongoing work of divine transformation. Through the Trinity, Christians are invited into a deep, personal experience of God that shapes their understanding of themselves, the world, and their place in it.
THEOLOGY
Theology is the disciplined and thoughtful exploration of one's faith and the world they inhabit as a believer. It goes beyond mere intellectual curiosity or abstract theorizing about God, instead focusing on understanding the impact of belief on one's life, identity, relationships, and understanding of the world. Theology is not about capturing God within rigid definitions or trying to "pin down" the divine, but about engaging with the experience of faith in a way that seeks to uncover deeper meanings and connections.
In its essence, theology is an exercise in intelligent gratitude—it begins with a sense of thanksgiving for the transformative experiences of faith, and then works to understand the implications of those experiences. It's about refining and specifying the language we use to articulate our beliefs, while also being cautious about using terms that may not resonate with others. Theological reflection requires an ongoing dialogue with tradition, culture, and personal experience, which makes the language and symbols we employ both an art and a responsibility.
At its core, theology is an evolving process. It begins with the exploration of fundamental questions such as "Who am I as a believer?" and "What kind of world do I live in?" As it develops, theology becomes more precise, offering insights that not only help believers understand God but also themselves, others, and the broader world they are part of. This process, much like the faith it springs from, should be dynamic, expansive, and deeply connected to lived experience.
Moreover, theology involves a search for words that truly capture the mystery of God, and this is where it encounters difficulty. Because we are dealing with a reality that cannot be fully captured by language, there is always a sense of limitation in our theological expressions. However, this challenge can be viewed as an invitation to embrace the vastness of the mystery, to explore new metaphors and creative expressions that bring greater depth to our understanding. Theologically, we must be prepared to be humble, recognizing that we will never have complete or final answers, and that silence or prayer is often as vital as words in truly engaging with the divine.
Theology also has a vital connection with prayer. It’s not just an intellectual discipline but a deeply spiritual practice that grows from the relationship with God. Without prayer, theology risks becoming a sterile academic exercise. Prayer allows us to remain open to the living presence of God and ensures that our theological reflections are grounded in that relational experience. At its best, theology, far from being just a scholarly pursuit, is a conversation with the divine that nurtures the heart and transforms the way we live in the world.
CHURCH
The question of "Why church?" is deeply connected to the role of community and the transformative experience of connecting with the divine. Church serves as a space where individuals are invited into a relationship with God that is personal, dynamic, and life-changing. It is not merely a place for rituals or social gathering, but a living community where God’s presence is encountered and experienced in a real way.
At the heart of the church is the mystery of the divine—God, understood not as a distant, solitary figure, but as a relational, life-giving force. This is reflected in the concept of the Trinity, which describes God’s nature as active and interconnected. The church is the environment where this relational aspect of God is made real in the lives of its members, drawing them into a deeper experience of divine love. Through prayer, worship, and communal reflection, the church becomes a space where individuals can experience God not as something abstract, but as a personal and intimate presence.
Church is also about living out the life that Jesus exemplified—one that invites people into a way of being that reflects the love and wisdom of the divine. It is more than just a place to receive teachings; it is a living expression of the transformative journey of faith, where believers are encouraged to embody the life of Christ in their everyday experiences. The church, as a community, offers a shared rhythm and purpose that allows individuals to grow in their faith together, supporting each other on the journey of transformation.
In a world often defined by individualism and isolation, church offers a sense of belonging and solidarity. It is within the church that people find support, encouragement, and an invitation to participate in something greater than themselves. The church is not only a space for reflection and worship, but it is a living body that embodies divine love and truth, seeking to make God’s presence known through action and service in the world.
Ultimately, the church is a place where the divine comes alive in the hearts of individuals, drawing them together in a community that transforms the world through love and compassion. It is in the church that people can encounter the fullness of God, live out the teachings of Christ, and contribute to healing and peace in the world. The church provides a foundation for personal transformation and a collective movement toward the realization of God's Kingdom on earth.
The Tricycle of Faith
We tend to imagine faith as a straight path, a direct ascent to certainty. But faith—if it is alive—moves. It turns, it expands, it deepens. Perhaps it is less like a rigid framework and more like a tricycle: stable yet dynamic, grounded yet in motion. Tradition, Scripture, and Experience are the three wheels that allow us to move forward in our understanding of the sacred. Without all three, we risk imbalance, a faith that wobbles or even topples over.
Many people claim to rely on “only Scripture,” as if that were a neutral and objective stance. But no one reads Scripture in a vacuum. The moment we engage with sacred texts, we bring our assumptions, our history, our cultural influences. Even the choice of which translation to read reflects a tradition, a particular interpretive lens. And our experience—who we are, what we have lived—inevitably shapes what we see in the text. To deny this is not to be faithful; it is to be unexamined.
This is why the tricycle is a more honest image. Tradition is one wheel, giving us the wisdom of those who have wrestled with these questions before us. Scripture is another, offering the sacred stories that ground and challenge us. And Experience is the third, because faith must be lived; it must be tested in the reality of our own lives. When these three are in balance, we are not trapped in rigid dogma, nor are we lost in mere subjectivity. We are instead moving with a sense of grounded openness, able to engage Scripture not as a weapon or proof text, but as a living invitation.
Jesus himself interpreted Scripture through this tricycle of faith. He honored his Jewish tradition while challenging its distortions. He engaged Scripture deeply, yet not rigidly—he quoted it selectively, emphasizing what resonated with his own experience of the Divine. He did not discard tradition or experience but wove them together, discerning what led toward love and liberation. If he is our model, then we, too, must approach Scripture with a spirit of discernment rather than blind obedience.
A faith that moves—one that is not stuck in literalism or rigid certainty—is a faith that can grow. It is a faith that welcomes the unfolding of truth rather than fearing it. Sacred texts, when engaged with the full tricycle of faith, do not confine us; they open us. They do not shrink the world; they expand it. And in that expansion, we find what has always been true: faith is not about standing still but about learning how to move in harmony with the divine.
SCRIPTURE
Scripture, or the Bible, serves as a profound anchor for many believers, offering a foundation for both faith and life. It is much more than just a collection of ancient texts; it is a living dialogue between God and humanity, continuously shaping and reshaping the understanding of the divine and human existence. The Bible invites its readers into a dynamic relationship with God, allowing for personal transformation through its words.
One of the key aspects of scripture is its role as a repository of sacred stories, wisdom, and teachings that reflect the history and experiences of God's people. In both the Jewish and Christian traditions, scripture was not initially seen as a singular, static entity but as a growing collection of texts—some familiar, some on the margins—integrated into the life of the community. The Jewish scriptures, which early Christians read and engaged with, formed a vital backdrop for understanding the new revelations found in the life of Jesus and the writings of the apostles.
The process of forming the Christian Bible was neither quick nor simple. It evolved over centuries, with books gradually being accepted as scripture based on their connection to the apostles and their alignment with the community’s experience of God’s revelation. This gradual sifting, rather than a committee’s decision, illustrates how scripture emerged from the life of the church, deeply intertwined with the lived experience of its people.
Scripture’s inspiration is often misunderstood as a mechanical or dictatorial process, but it is better understood as a dynamic collaboration between God’s spirit and the human authors. The texts were not dictated word-for-word, as with the Quran in Islamic tradition, but were shaped by the human context in which they emerged, reflecting both divine guidance and human struggle. In this sense, the Bible does not offer a simple manual for moral behavior, but rather a collection of stories that, in their failures and successes, point to God's unwavering faithfulness.
In the everyday life of a believer, scripture offers inspiration in myriad forms. Whether through a surprising insight, a familiar passage that takes on new meaning, or an image that calls for deep meditation, the Bible continues to serve as a touchstone for spiritual growth. It is not simply a historical document but a living text, where God’s spirit continues to speak to individuals and communities, drawing them into a deeper understanding of the divine and their place within God’s unfolding story.
In essence, scripture is both the foundation and the springboard for the ongoing relationship between the believer and God. It is a text that continually reveals God’s faithfulness, inviting readers into a living dialogue that spans time and space, offering guidance, correction, and encouragement. The inspiration of scripture is not a singular event but an ongoing process where the spirit connects the ancient texts to the lives of believers in the present moment. This sacred dialogue is what makes scripture an ever-present source of life, wisdom, and transformation.
TRADITION
Tradition, in the context of Christian thought and practice, is not merely about repeating old ideas or customs; it is about engaging with a living legacy that spans centuries. It serves as a vital connection between the individual and the wider community, as well as between the present and the past. The relationship between scripture, tradition, and reason forms a holistic approach to understanding Christian faith, where each element feeds into the others in a dynamic, ongoing process. Tradition, in this sense, acts as a bridge—linking us not just to the historical understanding of faith, but also to the wisdom of countless people who have wrestled with the same questions of existence, morality, and the divine.
At the heart of tradition is the idea of community. Tradition is not a solitary endeavor; it is communal. When one engages with the Bible, they are not merely interpreting it alone, but are doing so in the context of a centuries-old conversation that stretches back through the great thinkers, theologians, and mystics. For example, reading the Gospel of St. John, one is aware of the generations of people who have meditated on these words—interpreting, challenging, and incorporating them into the rhythm of worship, daily life, and prayer. Tradition allows the individual to tap into this vast reservoir of collective wisdom, enriching one’s understanding of scripture and deepening their connection to the divine.
In this sense, tradition is not independent of scripture; it is shaped and enriched by it. The great thinkers of the past, such as St. Augustine, Charles Wesley, and figures from the 16th century like St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross, helped shape Christian tradition by reflecting deeply on the Bible, while also embedding their insights into the ongoing practice of Christian life. These voices are foundational, yet tradition also requires us to listen to voices that have been suppressed or marginalized—whether those of women, enslaved peoples, or those outside the privileged circles of authority. By engaging with these voices, tradition becomes not just a static inheritance, but a dynamic process that continues to evolve in response to new insights and new questions.
Furthermore, tradition is not about preserving an idealized past. It is about understanding how people throughout history have grappled with the reality of God, often in the face of suffering, injustice, and the complexities of life. Tradition, therefore, is not a simple nostalgia for a time gone by; it is about learning from the past while also challenging it. It encourages us to critically examine the voices we naturally hear—often those of privilege—and to seek out those we have historically overlooked. By doing so, we honor the full breadth of Christian tradition and ensure that it remains relevant and life-giving in the present.
Ultimately, being serious about tradition means embracing its ongoing, transformative power. It’s not about adhering blindly to past teachings, but about engaging with them in a way that challenges us, stretches us, and calls us into deeper reflection and action. This living tradition—rooted in scripture, enriched by reason, and sustained through community—is what continues to shape and transform the Christian faith across the centuries.
EXPERIENCE
Experience is the threshold through which all genuine spiritual growth occurs. It is not enough to be told about the sacred; we must encounter it directly. Too often, religion has relied on external authority—Scripture, tradition, doctrine—without acknowledging the inner authority of lived experience. But knowledge about God is not the same as knowing God. No amount of theology, intellectual understanding, or inherited beliefs can substitute for the raw immediacy of personal encounter. Experience is the bridge between abstraction and transformation.
The nature of experience is such that it refuses to be contained. It moves beyond rigid categories, beyond the tidy boxes of sacred and secular, holy and profane. Every moment holds the possibility of revelation. Every encounter, every relationship, every breath has the potential to open us to the Divine. The mistake we make is assuming that the sacred is only found in special places, in rituals, or in the lives of religious figures. But the sacred is not confined; it permeates everything. The challenge is not in finding it but in learning to see it.
Spiritual experience is not a passive event; it requires participation. We must bring to it a posture of humility, curiosity, and openness. The contemplative mind is not one that merely thinks about God but one that allows itself to be moved, shaped, and transformed by direct encounter. Experience shifts knowledge from the head to the heart. It takes theological ideas and grounds them in reality. The notion of love, for instance, is abstract until we have been truly loved or have given love freely. Forgiveness is theoretical until we have both received it and struggled to offer it. Suffering remains an intellectual concept until we have endured loss and discovered the quiet resilience that emerges from the depths.
This is why experience cannot be bypassed. It is the crucible in which transformation happens. Without it, spirituality remains distant and detached, a set of beliefs rather than a living, breathing reality. But when we allow ourselves to fully engage with life, to be present in our joys and our sorrows, our longings and our losses, we step into the mystery of the sacred. Experience becomes the means through which we come to know what is real, what is trustworthy, what is eternal.
The spiritual journey, then, is not about acquiring more knowledge or following more rules. It is about awakening to what has always been true: that the Divine is already here, already present, already woven into the fabric of our lives. Experience is the invitation to see this truth for ourselves, to move beyond secondhand religion and step into the fullness of direct encounter. And when we do, everything changes—not because we have been given new ideas, but because we have been given new eyes.
REASON
Reason is often perceived as a sterile or "bloodless" concept, associated with logical arguments or mathematical calculations, which can seem disconnected from the richness of human experience. However, when we consider reasoning as a dynamic process rather than a static application of rules, it becomes something that allows us to engage with ideas, ideas with one another, and ultimately, with ourselves.
At its heart, reason is about conversation—both with others and with our own thoughts. It is an activity that goes beyond simply winning arguments or proving one's correctness. Instead, it’s a way of engaging with differing perspectives to arrive at a deeper understanding, not just of the other person’s viewpoint, but of the larger context in which those views are situated. Reasoning requires a sensitivity to culture and time, recognizing that what might have been a solid argument in the past might not hold the same weight today, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the past truths are invalid. It simply means that reasoning, like all human activities, evolves with the context in which it’s applied.
In the premodern sense, reason was tied to harmony—a capacity for discerning and aligning oneself with the divine order. This perspective sees reason not as a tool to secure individual victories in intellectual battles but as a means to build relationships and foster understanding. The goal of reasoning, then, is not to win but to grow together. In a conversation, we recognize that the other person’s thoughts have value, and by engaging with them, we both enlarge and enrich our own understanding.
In today’s world, where conversations can often feel more about asserting personal rightness than about fostering true understanding, the power of reason becomes particularly important. It offers a way to engage in dialogue with the humility to listen, to ask questions, and to allow our views to be challenged. When we approach others with the expectation that we will be nourished by the exchange, rather than simply aiming to prove our own correctness, we open ourselves to deeper conversations that build trust and mutual respect.
This kind of reasoning is not limited to debates between individuals—it extends to how we reason with ourselves. For example, as theologians like Karl Barth have shown, we are called to hold Scripture alongside the events of the world, engaging in a dynamic conversation between timeless truths and the contemporary crises we face. The Bible offers transformative insights, but only when it is actively brought into dialogue with the real-world circumstances we live in.
Thus, reason is not just a tool of intellectual rigor. It is the means by which we grow and evolve in our understanding, both individually and as a community. It shapes how we relate to others, and it invites us to step into a space of trust, curiosity, and dialogue. Through this process, we are not merely constructing arguments but creating relationships, and through those relationships, we deepen our connection to the divine, to one another, and to the world around us.
IT MATTERS
"Why does it matter?" is a fundamental question, not just about Christianity, but about the role of any spiritual or philosophical tradition in the lives of individuals and communities. Christianity, as a tradition, matters because it offers a framework that addresses the most profound aspects of human existence—our identity, purpose, relationships, and the nature of the universe itself. Christianity’s impact reaches beyond intellectual knowledge or historical influence; it invites personal transformation, societal change, and a deeper connection with the Divine.
At the heart of Christianity is the belief that humanity is made in the image of God. This concept is more than a theological statement; it is a radical affirmation of human dignity. In a world where so many struggle with feelings of inadequacy or worthlessness, Christianity proposes that every human being carries within them the divine spark, the potential for greatness, and the capacity for communion with the Creator. This expansive view of human nature challenges any understanding that reduces people to mere biological or economic units. The Christian doctrine of creation asserts that we are inherently valuable, not because of our achievements, but because we are beloved by God.
Christianity also matters because it offers a vision of life that transcends the limits of self-interest. It invites followers to engage in practices that cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and the world. Through prayer, meditation, and acts of service, Christianity opens up spaces for personal transformation, pushing us toward a life of generosity, empathy, and sacrifice. The message of love and reconciliation at its core teaches that we are not simply to look after our own needs but to care for the needs of others, especially the marginalized and oppressed. This call to love one’s neighbor as oneself challenges the notion that self-preservation is the highest good, and in its place, offers a vision of a community built on trust, care, and mutual responsibility.
One of the most significant aspects of Christianity’s relevance is its capacity to transcend tribalism and division. In today’s world, where differences in race, nationality, ideology, and religion often drive us apart, Christianity offers a radical vision of unity. The Christian message challenges us to see all people as beloved by God, even those we might consider "other." This is not just a theological claim; it has practical implications for how we live in the world. Christianity calls us to reject hostility and embrace radical hospitality. The invitation to "come and see" is a call to encounter others, especially those who are different from us, with open hearts, ready to learn and grow from each other. In doing so, Christian faith provides the potential for a deeper, more inclusive community—one that moves beyond mere tolerance to active love.
In a world that often feels fragmented and broken, Christianity offers a pathway to healing. The Church, ideally, is a place where individuals can find healing not just for their spiritual lives, but also for their emotional and psychological wounds. This is especially important in a society where mental health challenges are on the rise, and many people are disconnected from a sense of community and purpose. Christianity’s message of grace allows individuals to admit their shortcomings and failures without fear of rejection, offering a space where imperfections are met with compassion rather than judgment. This is one of the most radical aspects of the Christian faith: it does not demand perfection but invites us into relationship with a God whose love is not contingent on our success but on our willingness to be in relationship with the Divine.
Finally, Christianity matters because it confronts us with the reality of the love of God. This love is not an abstract concept; it is a force that transforms the world. The love of God is the bedrock upon which the entire Christian narrative is built. This love isn’t confined to a select few but extends to all people, including the most marginalized, the broken, and the "unlikely." In this love, we find the foundation for our own worth and the dignity of others. The knowledge that we are loved by God means that we are never alone, that we are never without hope. It invites us into a fuller, more complete life, one where we do not have to rely on ourselves alone to find meaning and purpose. It empowers us to live out our faith in tangible ways, not as a form of self-congratulation but as a reflection of the love that God has shown to us.
Christianity matters because it provides a framework for human flourishing, not just individually but collectively. It calls us to see the divine in each person, to expand our sense of community, and to embody a love that transcends all boundaries. It challenges us to admit our failures, embrace vulnerability, and extend grace to others. It invites us to live with a deeper sense of purpose, with a vision of a world transformed by love and reconciliation. It doesn’t offer easy answers or simplistic solutions but provides a compelling narrative that invites us into a fuller, more meaningful life, both now and in eternity.