The need for connection in a world that appears to have more and more experiences than steer us towards isolation is real. The deep wounds formed by relational traumas call for a connection to a infinite power for full restorative healing. I’m grateful for the fact that no matter how big the “hole” is or how wide the gap has become in separating us from ourselves and each other, the God of my understanding is able to fill it. I am glad that I have faith.
I have always ascribed to the belief that we each have a God-shaped hole in our hearts.......and we try to fill it with everything else, but nothing else quite fits. Sadly, so many don't even realize what they're actually seeking, or have rejected (often for understandable reasons) the only thing that will ever satisfy their deepest need.
I definitely resonated with the sense of lack some secular people feel after the enlightenment and how there are alternative spiritualities appearing to fill that void (a la Taylor's "Nova effect"). I once saw an instagram post with the quotation, " 'Ask and you shall receive' -The Universe", which had me almost literally face-palm (obviously this is a silly example of more robust secular spiritualities).
I did want to mention my thoughts on God as the missing ingredient for "the greatest 'buzz'". While agreeing with the larger point of your article, I do have concerns about overemphasizing the euphoric nature of faith. This is for several reasons: 1) Spiritual highs are fickle, 2) Taken to an extreme, they can become the goal of the spiritual life rather than a daily devotion. I'll just vamp quickly on each point.
1) As I'm sure most people of faith reading this substack have experienced, the occasional rapturous moments we experience with God are just that, occasional. There is no certain way to re-create these highs (though modern worship music makes a heroic effort to do this). Most of the Christian life is mundane and I think we should get used to that.
2) If a Christian makes these ecstatic experiences the goal of their faith it can lead to a shallow discipleship minimizing the day-to-day aspects of life, and leaving people feeling down and bored outside of the mega-church worship service. I've met many people who enjoy the excitement of the praise set but who don't engage much with their faith beyond it.
This isn't to minimize the desires of millions of Christians around the world hoping to experience ecstatic moments (I think of charismatic denominations especially), but I think a grounded discipleship notes that these moments are but a part of a more holistic Christian life. I guess I'd emphasize the language of "fulfillment" over that of "buzz" or "high" when discussing the filling of the God-shaped hole we all have in our hearts.
Thanks, Jonathan! I really appreciate your balancing reflections here. Perhaps it might be good to clarify that I don't necessarily have in mind a sort of "ecstatic," out-of-this-world experience, but more so a subtle sense of peace, contentment - and yes, even joy. I don't wish to imply that feelings will *always* accompany this experience, nor should we chase after it (or think something is wrong if they ever fail to show up), but I do think this gentle, subtle, abiding peace would generally be present when we encounter the divine.
Sometimes we are "too heavenly minded to be any earthly good", but in reality being "heavenly minded" should actually lead us to do "earthly good" that is more likely to attract the "nones". I do wonder, though, whether some of the "nones" might be more interested in a church-less God than a God-less church?
Thanks for your thoughts! I continue to submit that, to whatever degree "nones" are interested in a "church-less" God, they are often rejecting a false understanding of "church." I think "church" has the potential to be the most beautiful and amazing experience on earth. In fact, based on what Paul shares in Ephesians 3, I'd say that's what the church's ultimate purpose and destiny is. How to get there is another story!
The need for connection in a world that appears to have more and more experiences than steer us towards isolation is real. The deep wounds formed by relational traumas call for a connection to a infinite power for full restorative healing. I’m grateful for the fact that no matter how big the “hole” is or how wide the gap has become in separating us from ourselves and each other, the God of my understanding is able to fill it. I am glad that I have faith.
I have always ascribed to the belief that we each have a God-shaped hole in our hearts.......and we try to fill it with everything else, but nothing else quite fits. Sadly, so many don't even realize what they're actually seeking, or have rejected (often for understandable reasons) the only thing that will ever satisfy their deepest need.
I definitely resonated with the sense of lack some secular people feel after the enlightenment and how there are alternative spiritualities appearing to fill that void (a la Taylor's "Nova effect"). I once saw an instagram post with the quotation, " 'Ask and you shall receive' -The Universe", which had me almost literally face-palm (obviously this is a silly example of more robust secular spiritualities).
I did want to mention my thoughts on God as the missing ingredient for "the greatest 'buzz'". While agreeing with the larger point of your article, I do have concerns about overemphasizing the euphoric nature of faith. This is for several reasons: 1) Spiritual highs are fickle, 2) Taken to an extreme, they can become the goal of the spiritual life rather than a daily devotion. I'll just vamp quickly on each point.
1) As I'm sure most people of faith reading this substack have experienced, the occasional rapturous moments we experience with God are just that, occasional. There is no certain way to re-create these highs (though modern worship music makes a heroic effort to do this). Most of the Christian life is mundane and I think we should get used to that.
2) If a Christian makes these ecstatic experiences the goal of their faith it can lead to a shallow discipleship minimizing the day-to-day aspects of life, and leaving people feeling down and bored outside of the mega-church worship service. I've met many people who enjoy the excitement of the praise set but who don't engage much with their faith beyond it.
This isn't to minimize the desires of millions of Christians around the world hoping to experience ecstatic moments (I think of charismatic denominations especially), but I think a grounded discipleship notes that these moments are but a part of a more holistic Christian life. I guess I'd emphasize the language of "fulfillment" over that of "buzz" or "high" when discussing the filling of the God-shaped hole we all have in our hearts.
Thank you for enduring this rambling post.
Thanks, Jonathan! I really appreciate your balancing reflections here. Perhaps it might be good to clarify that I don't necessarily have in mind a sort of "ecstatic," out-of-this-world experience, but more so a subtle sense of peace, contentment - and yes, even joy. I don't wish to imply that feelings will *always* accompany this experience, nor should we chase after it (or think something is wrong if they ever fail to show up), but I do think this gentle, subtle, abiding peace would generally be present when we encounter the divine.
Sometimes we are "too heavenly minded to be any earthly good", but in reality being "heavenly minded" should actually lead us to do "earthly good" that is more likely to attract the "nones". I do wonder, though, whether some of the "nones" might be more interested in a church-less God than a God-less church?
Thanks for your thoughts! I continue to submit that, to whatever degree "nones" are interested in a "church-less" God, they are often rejecting a false understanding of "church." I think "church" has the potential to be the most beautiful and amazing experience on earth. In fact, based on what Paul shares in Ephesians 3, I'd say that's what the church's ultimate purpose and destiny is. How to get there is another story!
Yes, I agree.