When I reflect upon my faith and my life’s journey – growing up in a middle-class, white, conservative family, transitioning from a life of middle-class comfort to economic struggles, grappling with my LGBTQIA identity, and navigating the harsh realities of incarceration – I often wonder about the roots of my faith. Is my faith more a reflection of my socio-political and economic circumstances or the teachings and values of Christ? As a pastor working on my doctorate, I delve deep into this question, seeking to reconcile my complex life experiences with my faith.
Between Societal Norms and Christ’s Teachings
It’s a truth universally acknowledged, yet seldom articulated, that faith often serves as a mirror, reflecting the socio-political, cultural, and socio-economic realities of our upbringing. These realities shaped my initial understanding of faith as I grew up in a middle-class, conservative family. But my journey, filled with both joys and trials, has led me to realize that faith is not just an echo of societal values but rather a powerful beacon guiding us towards the teachings of Christ.
So, when family and friends express confusion, even anger, at my fervent advocacy for the marginalized, I understand their perplexity. For them, my beliefs seem to challenge the norms we grew up with. But it’s essential to understand that faith, like life, isn’t static. Our beliefs evolve as we gain new experiences and insights.
The Intersection of Faith and LGBTQIA Identity
How does being LGBTQIA influence my faith? It has shaped it profoundly. Being LGBTQIA+ has given me unique insights into what it feels like to be marginalized, misunderstood, and often judged without compassion. It has made me realize that Christ’s teachings of love, acceptance, and forgiveness aren’t limited to a particular group but are meant for all, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
My LGBTQIA identity has also heightened my sensitivity towards other marginalized groups, strengthening my resolve to advocate for them. Christ, in his life and teachings, championed the cause of the marginalized. So, advocating for those marginalized is not a contradiction of my faith but an affirmation of it.
The Challenges of Socio-Economic Struggles
Moving from a life of middle-class comfort to dealing with socio-economic struggles has further deepened my faith. These struggles have not diminished my faith but reinforced it, teaching me resilience, hope, and empathy – all central tenets of Christ’s teachings.
Incarceration and Faith
Incarceration was one of the most challenging chapters of my life. It was a period that tested my faith, yet ultimately strengthened it. The confines of jail cell couldn’t confine my faith; instead, it made me realize the redemptive power of Christ’s teachings, inspiring hope and transformation even in the bleakest circumstances. It was in the quiet solitude of the cell that I found a new perspective on faith – a faith that was less about conforming to societal norms and more about reflecting the teachings and values of Christ.
Reconciliation: The Journey of Faith
So, is faith more a reflection of our societal norms or Christ’s teachings? In my journey, I have found that it’s not an either-or situation. Our sociopolitical and economic realities, as well as our individual experiences and how we understand and interpret Christ’s teachings, all have an impact on the dynamic, evolving nature of faith.
The trials I have faced – my struggles with my socio-economic status, my LGBTQIA identity, and my time in jail– have all left an indelible mark on my faith. They have shifted my focus from a purely societal interpretation of faith to a deeper understanding that aligns with the teachings of Christ. But this has not been a replacement; instead, it has been a reconciliation of different aspects of my life with my faith.
As a pastor, I believe it’s crucial to recognize the complexities of faith, to understand that every individual’s faith journey is unique and shaped by their life experiences. The question is not whether faith is a reflection of societal norms or Christ’s teachings. The question is how we navigate our unique journey, using our faith as a beacon of hope, acceptance, love, and resilience, in alignment with Christ’s teachings.
This is a fabulous perspective, about perspective! Like you, I came from a middle-class conservative Christian family, and from where I stand right now in my faith, I believe I was solely motivated by societal norms when I was young in my journey. Struggles with mental health, both mine and my spouse’s/children’s, economic struggles, the sexual orientations of my children, and ultimately leaving the very exclusive teachings of my family’s church have forced me to open my eyes to the plights of others and see beyond myself in what’s right in front of me. Ultimately, I believe these experiences have deepened my faith, though my family of birth believes me to be lost to God forever. This is something I really do wish I could sit and discuss openly with those who condemn me, to ask them to look beyond what they have alway known and consider the experiences of others, all just as valid.