In a recent conversation with a young Catholic priest, newly ordained and surprisingly insightful, the discussion turned to the complexities of faith. His approach was refreshing; he listened intently without rushing to provide solutions. I shared my struggles with belief, which have been a constant companion throughout my life. Despite my extensive background in the church and a Catholic education, the rituals had become mere routines, and the prayers lost their vibrancy, leading me to question the existence of God.
Instead of resorting to conventional spiritual platitudes, he offered a straightforward yet profound suggestion: “Use your intellect to explore your faith. Apply logic, and consider what resonates with your reality.” This perspective shifted my approach to spirituality, encouraging me to seek out works that harmonize science with the essence of faith, rather than relying solely on age-old stories or comforting fables.
Embracing evidence over tradition
The priest recommended delving into literature that tackles the relationship between faith and empirical evidence. He urged me to explore writings by thinkers who ponder questions such as: What can we validate through observation? What insights does science offer regarding consciousness, morality, or the universe’s origins? This approach suggests that, for many, faith may not stem from ancient texts but could blossom from an understanding of the world around us.
It became clear that if I were to reignite my faith, it must be grounded in concepts my mind could grasp. This realization felt like a potential turning point—an opening through which I could step into a new understanding of spirituality.
Redefining the journey of faith
For the first time, someone from the church acknowledged that doubt does not equate to disqualification from faith. Perhaps, for some, like myself, faith necessitates a more analytical approach, similar to how we tackle problems or recover from life’s setbacks. We all encounter challenges that test our resilience, and faith can evolve just as we do.
As the holiday season approaches, I often reflect on the bittersweet memories associated with it. My mother’s sudden passing 33 years ago, just outside the church she adored, left an indelible mark on my heart. I grappled with anger toward God for a long time. Well-meaning friends offered phrases like, “God has a plan,” which felt hollow in the wake of my grief. Losing my mother days before Christmas, a holiday she infused with magic, rendered those words insignificant.
Intertwining grief and faith
Even after more than three decades, her absence looms over every festive season, a reminder of the loss that reshapes the emotional landscape of my life. Although I have celebrated many joyful Christmases since, the shadow of grief forever alters the experience. Loss does not vanish; instead, it integrates into our identity, becoming part of the fabric of who we are.
In my quest to sustain my faith, I immersed myself in the rituals I had always known—attending Mass and reciting prayers. Yet, the deeper I delved, the more disconnected I felt. Working in hospice care and later in the funeral industry exposed me to profound sorrow: families torn apart, lives cut short, and parents pleading for solace. I wished for divine intervention for them, but the silence I felt in my own life made it increasingly challenging to believe that God was listening.
Faith as a dynamic process
The priest’s reminder that faith is not an all-or-nothing proposition resonated deeply with me. It is not merely a binary state but rather a continuum of belief and skepticism. We experience varying seasons of faith and doubt, and sometimes, all we can do is patiently await clarity.
What if doubt is not the demise of faith but rather a part of its evolution? What if the road to rediscovery does not necessitate suppressing our hurt and anger? Perhaps the most genuine prayer we can offer is simply: “I’m here. I’m struggling, but I’m still seeking.”
Instead of resorting to conventional spiritual platitudes, he offered a straightforward yet profound suggestion: “Use your intellect to explore your faith. Apply logic, and consider what resonates with your reality.” This perspective shifted my approach to spirituality, encouraging me to seek out works that harmonize science with the essence of faith, rather than relying solely on age-old stories or comforting fables.0
Finding peace in the journey
Instead of resorting to conventional spiritual platitudes, he offered a straightforward yet profound suggestion: “Use your intellect to explore your faith. Apply logic, and consider what resonates with your reality.” This perspective shifted my approach to spirituality, encouraging me to seek out works that harmonize science with the essence of faith, rather than relying solely on age-old stories or comforting fables.1
Instead of resorting to conventional spiritual platitudes, he offered a straightforward yet profound suggestion: “Use your intellect to explore your faith. Apply logic, and consider what resonates with your reality.” This perspective shifted my approach to spirituality, encouraging me to seek out works that harmonize science with the essence of faith, rather than relying solely on age-old stories or comforting fables.2
Instead of resorting to conventional spiritual platitudes, he offered a straightforward yet profound suggestion: “Use your intellect to explore your faith. Apply logic, and consider what resonates with your reality.” This perspective shifted my approach to spirituality, encouraging me to seek out works that harmonize science with the essence of faith, rather than relying solely on age-old stories or comforting fables.3