Have you ever inherited a large amount of money? This is an experience that anyone would welcome. What about your faith? Did you inherit that? If you were born into and raised in a faith tradition, and embraced it and still practice it on your own, then is it fair to say that you inherited it? Is this easier to see in those of other faiths? Would you have ended up in the same place without the childhood influence? You can be grateful to those who have led you on the path of life. Yet the questions concerning inherited faith still remain? What can you do to make your faith your own? 

Are you objective? This is considered an admirable goal in a rational world. The implication is that if you are influenced by emotion or affection then you can’t think clearly. But the term clearly implies that it is desirable to view everything in the situation (including people) as objects. It also implies that it is best to remain detached and uninvolved. Is this the true perspective from which accurate judgments can be made? It is a small step from being disinterested to being uninterested. Don’t you find that you are better able to assess reality when you are involved and caring?

Do you think that your church has a corner on the truth? Something attracted you to go there in the first place, and the leadership and others attending will reinforce your original assumption that this is the right place for you. But have you ever found truth outside of your tradition? It is there if you look, but this can be a threatening experience if your identity is based on already being in possession of the truth. Are you prepared to engage with other groups for the purpose of finding the best of what they have to offer?

Do you think that virtual reality is a recent development? Today you can have completely artificial experiences. But how long have you been living in an artificial environment? Do you spend most of your time surrounded by concrete and steel and plastic and glass? What would you call this in comparison to the world of grass and trees and streams and lakes and mountains? Do you find yourself drawn outdoors to experience these things firsthand? Do you find it to be beneficial for you when you do? How many of my earliest followers encountered me in remote wild places? You can too.