|
Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God:
But only he who sees, takes off his shoes,
The rest sit round it, and pluck blackberries,
And daub their natural faces unaware --
Elizabeth Barret Browning
How Do You Imagine God?
God in America and USA WEEKEND Magazine are partnering to explore Americans' images of God.
How do you imagine God?
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
For me, God is Love and Mercy and Justice. God is the author of creativity, having created the universe and all its wonders. We are infinitesimally small creatures in the great whirlwind of God, but God knows each of our names and every hair upon our heads. For each one of us, there is a unique plan. We are greatly loved by the Greatest One who is Love, and we can never be separated from this Great Love, even in our most grievous sin or in the darkest season of our life.
1 person liked this
My Beliefs
I believe ...
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
That if we did the hard work of love, we would change the world, but real love, the kind of love that God loves us with, is very hard work. First of all, we have to give up being right, first, most powerful, etc. It requires humility and that's a quality most of us (including me) don't get, and certainly wouldn't consider in our competitive society.
2 people liked this
My most powerful moment of belief was ...
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
There have been multiple. Certainly, as a elementary-age child who cried herself to sleep, the experience of the presence of God in my bedroom, comforting me with words, made me skeptical when others said God was in the Heavens when I knew, good and well, God had been there with me! God has remarkable healing power, and I have experienced that on many occasions.
My greatest moment of doubt was ...
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
Often. I wrestle with God often. Like Jacob, I am often blessed.
My spiritual life means...
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
Everything. It is the foundation for my life.
The biggest misconception about my faith/belief system is ...
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
That I think I know all, that I think I am superior, that I think I am right. I am not interested in being right, and I am not going to argue with you about your beliefs -- unless we call it a discussion and we agree to disagree -- peacefully! I like being challenged, because it only deepens my faith.
1 person liked this
My spiritual role model is ...
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
Jesus above all. He was a pretty radical guy, more radical than I think we could possibly know. A hard act to follow!
The tenet/practice/teaching I appreciate most about my faith is ...
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
Prayer and acting on prayer. That I am called to love, not to judge. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your strength, with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself. If you act on that, you shouldn't have much time or strength to do other!
1 person liked this
My Faith History
As a child I believed ...
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
Even though my parents were not role models for this. I prayed for anything that Walter Cronkite had addressed on the nightly news which concerned me in addition to all the every day concerns and fears. I wasn't surprised when God showed up in my bedroom, because I talked to God a lot.
My spiritual journey has been ...
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
One of waxing and waning.
I was raised as ...
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
Someone who went to church with her parents and came home to a screaming household.
Are your beliefs or practices different from your parents? If so, how and why?
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
I've wrestled and questioned and actively searched and I continue learning.
1 person liked this
How I Practice My Faith
Where and when do you practice your faith?
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
I attend Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Charlotte, N.C. (video above created/produced by GSUMC). I practice my faith everyday, some days more faithfully than others. I was a volunteer in mission for the Presbyterian Church (USA) in sub-Saharan Africa in 2004/2005, and that was a life-changing experience.
How easy or difficult is it to live your faith? Why?
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
It is difficult, personally, in that it always is a challenge to live it. Corporately, it is theorized that Christianity is weak in the West because we are not persecuted for our faith. I believe Christian Americans need to expand their worlds beyond their comfortable margins to build a strong faith.
In my house, the thing that most represents my faith is ...
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
The photos on my wall I took while living in sub-Saharan Africa. When I built my house, I had the opportunity to inscribe the words of Deuteronomy 6:5 on my door frame.
The song/book/film that most represents my faith is ...
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
"Amazing Grace" "To Kill a Mockingbird" "A Man for All Seasons" "Blood Diamonds" "Shadowlands" "Lord of the Rings" I went through a period where I read lots by Thomas Merton, most notably "The Seven Storey Mountain." Emily Dickinson is my favorite poet and I love that this brilliant and reclusive woman argued with God and left her thoughts behind for us to ponder. I read all the Narnia Chronicles by age 11 and understood the allegory -- I still love those books. Music - Classical to U2 "Magnificent"
Religion & the Public Square
What should be the role of religion in politics?
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
None. It gets ridiculously messy. Like asking President Kennedy if he was going to take orders from the Pope. Everyone is entitled to their faith or the lack thereof.
Should courses about religion be taught in public schools? Why or why not?
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
I don't think it is a "should" or "should not." It's a "could" or "could not."
Should the Bible, Torah, Quran or other religious texts be taught as works of literature in public schools? Why or why not?
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
They are not works of literature.
Is interfaith dialogue important? Why or why not?
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
Absolutely. It sharpens what we believe and decreases fear. Like I said before, we have to practice a little humility and agree to disagree, if need be.
Do you feel comfortable discussing your faith with others? Why/why not?
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
If it is solicited in some way or if I feel compelled, for whatever compelling reason, "Yes." I can deal with people scoffing at me, but it's not respectful for them to belittle me for my faith. That's basic civility which all religions teach.
Do you feel that you have a duty, because of your faith, to put your beliefs into action? What are some of those actions?
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
Duty is not the word. If you love God, you will. You have to be a little reflective, however, or you will be consumed by the busyness of life and forget what's important.
Are religious beliefs compromised by engaging in politics?
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
No. If you mean politics can be corrupt, well, thank you very much, welcome to the world! The world can be a disappointing place.
Has 9/11 had any impact on your thoughts about religion? Are you more/less interested in learning about other religions? Do you feel more/less comfortable expressing your religious beliefs?
your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
No, it didn't. I wasn't one of those who suddenly got fearful and changed their life by stocking up on duck tape or buying a Hummer or avoiding anyone who looked Middle Eastern. I have always been curious about that which was "different" from me because I knew I didn't have the cosmos all neatly wrapped up in my little perspective. Hopefully, we all pick and choose our moments to discuss our respective faiths.
Who's Favorited Charlotte
ggp
Get InvolvedInterested in touring your community's sacred spaces? Want to host a God in America viewing party? Visit our Outreach page for details. | 
