thanks for the encouragement. i do not know what i believe about eternity. it is an ongoing issue with me. i was raised in many different churches as my father was “in ministry” and we moved a lot. mostly calvinist. my grandmother was an irish catholic and i loved her view of god better, although i find all religion lacking. i have very little certainty, and very few absolutes, which makes for a very poorly defined “faith” according to most organized religion.

i do believe in god. im not sure, anymore, exactly what that means, except that i cannot help that my understanding of god is informed by christain scripture and the ancient traditions of the christian church. it is also informed by my facination with jewish heritage and native american culture and, recently, a deep concern for muslims and their faith.

as for my children and neighbors and friends, i hope to guide them into their own god story. and perhaps, they will help me in mine. this would be my greatest hope for church, emerging or otherwise. for it is what i myself need. i dont need answers, i need room to find my story in the way i am attempting with my kids.