First
United Methodist Church 
Let it Shine...
By Rob Jennings-Teats
“Let it shine…becoming an ‘unfinished Christian.’”
Someone once asked a rabbi, “Why is it that rabbis always answer a question with a question?” The rabbi answered, “So what’s wrong with a question?”
If religion is to be a legitimate source of spiritual wisdom then it must encourage questions and not simply provide simple answers. Too often Christians make people feel uncomfortable with their certainty and their exclusive claims to Truth. People stay away from churches because they are afraid they will find them populated with judgmental, arrogant, narrow-minded, bigoted and even brainwashed believers.
Jesus was typical of the rabbis of his day. He rarely gave a straight answer to a question. Instead he responded with another question or with a story. He wanted people to think for themselves and introduced them to deeper and deeper levels of seeking. Jesus created around him a community of people practicing love while seeking understanding. Jesus knew that simple answers can provide a false sense of security and self-righteousness. This was the basis of his conflicts with those Pharisees who held an exclusive knowledge and practice of the Truth.
Paul echoed this desire to seek continued spiritual growth and knowledge. He claimed in his letter to the Philippians that he had not already obtained his goal, but that he was an unfinished Christian. A Christian steps into dangerous waters when one becomes too certain about doctrines, dogmas and knowledge about God. To stop asking questions is to discontinue the pilgrimage and journey of discovering a living relationship with God.
On any authentic spiritual journey, asking the hard questions is not only permitted, but necessary! Being on a pilgrimage is not just about arriving, but it is more importantly experiencing the journey along the way. During the season of Lent we will be a community practicing love while seeking understanding. Our Lenten Study is called “Living the Questions.” Asking the questions in the company of fellow seekers, pilgrims on the way, is the definition of an unfinished Christian. Come and deepen our quest together!
Grace and peace,