Comments on: A Map of Life’s Journey

By: Mark Conner

Mark Conner — Sat, 24 Aug 2019 00:47:08 +0000

Not every stage. I have done a little deconstruction and reconstruction. These are my observations about how people in the church and the broader community sometimes navigate their faith journey. Articulating this has helped me (and others) understand what other people may be experiencing and where they are coming from. No one’s journey is the same. I also find it unhelpful to project our journey on others as the only way things should unfold.

By: Craig Anderson

Craig Anderson — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 23:27:17 +0000

Is this your journey Mark?

By: Mark Conner

Mark Conner — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 22:48:14 +0000

Good to hear that that has worked well for you Craig. Obviously, it’s not everyone else’s experience. This article is endeavouring to consider some of the broader experiences that people sometimes encounter on their journey of faith. It’s not always easy to understand other peoples journey, especially if it’s different than our own. Listening and learning is obviously really important for all of us.

By: Craig Anderson

Craig Anderson — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 01:20:17 +0000

I find this message deeply disturbing and disappointing. For me reason, science, life experience and tolerance of others has drawn me closer to Jesus and more effective in loving people inside and outside of faith.

By: Mark Conner

Mark Conner — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 21:41:45 +0000

Great comments, Lukas. Thanks for sharing. In some ways, it’s like we often have multiple conversion moments on our journey after which we see things differently … again.

By: Lukas Targosz

Lukas Targosz — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 10:03:44 +0000

I love the article, Mark, and also a note that you do not have to go through all stages but sometimes you skip some (for example de-conversion). I feel like I have been in some way in a constant re-construction over last decade or so. For example, recently I looked into a Foundation book that I wrote 20 years ago and realized that I practically do not believe about half of the things there 🙂 I see now theology more as a journey and doubts as friends on that journey that help us to actually wonder and discover. So, I am re-writing some of my fundamental beliefs – but rather than changing sides, it feels more like finding better definitions and more colors. I feel richer and do not mind the ambiguity in the process. Books like The Sin of Certainty by Pete Enns were helpful on that journey. I hope it make sense.

By: Mark Conner

Mark Conner — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 09:08:28 +0000

Thanks Peter. Appreciate it!

By: Peter Sung

Peter Sung — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 04:04:09 +0000

Yes, I love and agree with the comment, "Great to see a pastor telling the story many of us have had to travel alone. I’m sure that will be comforting to many." Thanks Mark once again for your openness and honesty.

By: Mark Conner

Mark Conner — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 01:40:14 +0000

My response:

“That is such a true observation. Arrogance is rife within so many sectors of the church and the truth is we just don’t have an answer for everything.”

By: Mark Conner

Mark Conner — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 01:39:26 +0000

An anonymous friend sent me this text yesterday:

“Good post on linked in. Great to see a pastor telling the story many of us have had to travel alone. I’m sure that will be comforting to many. One thing I learnt from the process was how deep arrogant pride runs in the Christian tradition- and how blind to it most are. Also that we don’t have to have an answer for everything and can be at peace to some extent with unanswered questions.”

By: Mark Conner

Mark Conner — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 22:02:17 +0000

Thanks for sharing, Peter. Yes, as you go on you realise how little you still know. But that is okay. There is a ‘mystery’ to God and this life. Embracing paradox is a key to maturity, I think. We just don’t know it all. And that’s okay too. Go well!

By: Peter Sung

Peter Sung — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 02:29:09 +0000

Thanks Mark for sharing this. It is much appreciated. I can identify with many of these stages of life. It brings me much comfort that I am not the only going through doubts and questions. Sometimes it frightens me if I will fall away. But I guess I always fall back to the foundation of my first meetings/experiences with/of the Lord.

Life is a long and winding road and I need to always remember that I am weak but he is strong and that I am vulnerable and so need to call upon him and depend on him for everything and every moment no matter how old I am and think that I know so much and have experienced so much of ‘life’ already.

By: Mark Conner

Mark Conner — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 11:57:33 +0000

Good on you, Priscilla. Thanks for sharing.

By: Priscilla H H

Priscilla H H — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 07:41:12 +0000

I have been through this journey back in my early 30’s and it went on for appox 18 months. I was on staff at church and felt I couldn’t say anything to anyone and to be honest, if I did, I don’t think many would have understood. I came out the other side with different views on Pentecostalism.

By: Mark Conner

Mark Conner — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 07:18:12 +0000

Good on you A.J. What area are your questions and doubts in? Happy to recommend some resources that might be helpful to you. For instance “Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism” by Timothy Keller is very insightful.