texturediguana t1_j1kxbig wrote on December 25, 2022 at 5:06 AM

In what moment were you closest to giving up the faith?

And another one: why would a being capable of creating a universe do so?

revanon OP t1_j1kxz2t wrote on December 25, 2022 at 5:13 AM

I don’t know what would be closest for me. I definitely needed a few months away from the church after I burned out on congregational ministry, but I never felt like giving up my faith. Maybe when my wife had a very much wanted pregnancy end in a miscarriage that required surgery? I remember sitting in the hospital chapel and having some extremely unkind things to say to God. But even then, I never deeply felt like walking away. So I don’t know.

I think God created the universe for the same reason artists create art, writers create stories, etc.: when it is who you are, you are at your sacred best when you create. Maybe God could’ve still been God without creating the heavens and the earth, but then God would not have been God the Creator.

texturediguana t1_j1kyjjm wrote on December 25, 2022 at 5:19 AM

Thanks for the honest reply.

Oversoul_7 t1_j1n2cs8 wrote on December 25, 2022 at 7:30 PM

Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty. I, to have found my most important spiritual experiences and deepening of faith have occurred when I allowed myself to express my anger directly towards God.