Since moving on from my last job, I haven't settled in a local church. This is partly because myself and zoe haven't found a church we feel at home/welcomed in and partly out of choice- still feeling a bit bitter about the circumstances surrounding my departure from Darlington ("...as we forgive those who sin against us"- yes i know, just give me time!)
As a result of this prolonged absence from church my faith is now very much different to that which i had twelve, maybe even sixth months ago. Previously so much of my faith focused on set activities- Sunday worship, Bible studies, communion, preaching etc- now that those things are no longer prominent, my life is much more about a quest for an integrated faith. In other words, because my faith is no longer manifest in certain proscribed activities and my conscience is no longer eased by attending such activities I am finding it is ever more important that what I believe is displayed in my words and action. The outworking of this is that over recent months this blog has increasingly focused on ethical issues and I've largely left emerging church issues up to the guys and gals listed to the left (all of which i continue to read and enjoy!). I've also started contributing to the wonderful hippyshopper!
This all sounds like I'm about to say something very dramatic (eg."Buddhism isn't as bad as you think") but I'm not. It's just mundane update as to where I'm up to and therefore as to where this blog is up to. Incidentally, on the journey towards a more just world this week a significant milestone was passed as McDonald's announced the closure of 25 stores! (Check out Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstalls musings here if you're interested)
thank you for continuing to share your journey us and your 'progress' towards this 'integrated faith'.
Posted by: barky | March 05, 2006 at 09:08 PM