One thing I know about millennials is our consistent claims of individuality and individual expression. Each of us feels unique because we've developed abilities to express ourselves in our uniqueness. We've come to love our diversity and celebrate it. So how do we reconcile with institutions that seem to demand types of conformity?
Each of us aligns differently in our faith. Don't think I'm poo-pooing all churches. I am a church-goer. I love church, but I also love a bunch of people who love different churches or faith traditions than I do, as well as a bunch of friends who don't go to church and may or may not believe in God. One thing all of these people (even the atheists) have in common is their view that a spiritual life can be a healthy, good thing. Many of my friends who don't enjoy church or have problems with it (or maybe just aren't into getting up early on Sundays, let's be honest) have developed spiritual lives on their own. I know even more people, though, who feel lost and uncertain about how to start talking to God, developing personal rituals, or learning to develop a spiritual relationship to the earth.
How do we approach scripture if we feel it is kind of ugly sometimes?
How do we pray to a God if we don't know one exists or what kind of God exists?
How do we honor the earth if we live in a city or don't know much about it?
How can I draw from my own heritage to develop a faith that is authentic?
How can I challenge myself to be a better person without dogma or severe guilt-tripping?
How can a spiritual life help me to find peace and connection in my life and the world?
These are good questions.
I want to help people answer them.
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