Here’s a new insight I gained while starting to read Donald Miller’s new book, “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.” He talks about every life being a story and that often we wonder if our story is worth telling, much less living. I guess I found that living my story in corporate America was not worth it. I had/have a longing to be part of a better story. As I began to understand my postmodern sensibilities and then started to come in contact with like-minded people in the emerging church community, I discovered that the story of Jesus was actually this radical call to peace and justice. That’s a story I want to be part of. I know this story isn’t for everyone and I know institutional religion has screwed up this story for so many. I don’t think Christianity is the only religion telling this story and I know it is also being told outside religious circles. I don’t really see myself “aligning” with one group or another. I would rather co-exist and get on with the story of living out peace and justice in the world.

I find it strange that people such as yourself, seeking fairness and equality for women, will not align yourself with the one group that is most in your camp (on that one issue) which is [most] atheists. An atheist will not see a racial, social or gender difference between people. No-one is equal, but everyone should be given an equal chance. Religion, whichever one you choose, is unlikely to have this view.

I appreciate your strength, your indefatigability, your wish for equality but would like to know what made you return to your religion (not church!) If you gave up your religion, what was it, other than the community aspect, that made you return to one specific brand of a christian god?

Marnie – the quotes are both from The Dissident Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd.

Krista – you may also enjoy the book, A Mary Heart in a Martha World