Faith in a Secular Age

          On Saturday, April 24th, during the MNO Synod Convention, Professor Andrew Root did a presentation on “The Church in a Secular Age.”  He used several recent songs to help us reflect on this time in history when all beliefs are contested (even unbelief!).  One of these songs talks about not knowing what’s right and what’s real, and it struck me that this is where many people are at these days.

          This is evident in people’s response to the pandemic and also in people’s response to faith.  It is hard to know who to trust and who to believe.  It is hard to know what’s right and what’s real.  It is hard to separate truth from fiction and to know what to believe and what to do.

          Some people respond to this state of affairs by taking refuge in what we might call ultra-conservative religion, where everything is laid out in black and white with no grey areas allowed.  However, many others who are still searching are not comfortable with any faith that does not leave space for questions, or for a diversity of opinions and people.

          One of the best stories of contested faith is found in Genesis 32, where Jacob wrestles with God.  In this story, it is no accident that he is wrestling with his own fears at the same time.  While the story is purposely vague about whether he was wrestling God or an angel or a man, it becomes clear that God was present in this encounter.  Jacob also gets a new name, Israel, because he “has striven with God and with humans,” and has prevailed (Gen. 32:28). This is one of many biblical stories about encounters with God (although it is the only one I can think of that literally involves wrestling).  As it turns out, one of the suggestions from Andrew Root’s presentation was that perhaps churches should be places where we can wrestle with God.  At the same time, we reflected on the importance of sharing our stories of encounters with God with others in the congregation.

          I am thankful that some of you have been bold enough to share your stories about encounters with God.  It is stories like these that can be helpful to those who are searching for meaning or who are struggling to know what’s real.  It is also no accident that many of these encounters with God have happened during times of great loss and turmoil.  Ultimately, it seems, we are most likely to encounter God at the cross.

          It is at the cross that God meets us when we are in pain or grieving losses.  God meets us there when we are feeling abandoned or humiliated or defeated.  God meets us there when we are feeling isolated or persecuted or unloved.  God meets us there in and through Jesus, who understands our grief and pain and walks with us.

          May we continue to help one another to know what’s right and what’s real.  May we continue to encounter God through Jesus Christ, knowing that we are loved and saved and forgiven.  And may we remain open to those who are still searching – not knowing who to believe or who to trust – as we wrestle with God together.

                    In Christ,

                    Pastor Lynne Hutchison