Navigating Faith

Have you ever met someone so intensely passionate about their faith that they end up creating walls instead of bridges? I mean, they’re so "heavenly-minded" that they’re practically no "earthly good." It’s the kind of person who gets so caught up in what’s pure, holy, and righteous that they miss the chance to actually engage with the world around them. It’s like they’re living in a bubble, and everyone else is supposed to stay out. I’m sure you've encountered them—maybe even chuckled at the thought. Well, recently, I had a moment where I felt like I was about to be the subject of one of those “what not to do” lessons. It happened at the gym, of all places. I was chatting with a fellow member about how I’d just seen the movie  Wicked . (For context, it’s a reimagining of The Wizard of Oz that’s all about the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West. Very catchy tunes, deeply layered themes, and some truly spectacular green makeup.) Before I could even finis...

Faith is often depicted as a deeply personal journey—a path filled with challenges, doubts, and moments of clarity. It isn’t always linear, and it certainly isn’t always easy. Faith requires vulnerability, openness, and sometimes a willingness to let go of preconceived notions about the world. In the world of WICKED both the musical and the movie adaptation, faith is explored in multifaceted ways—faith in ourselves, in others, and in the greater good. But perhaps one of the most poignant moments in WICKED that encapsulates the theme of faith is the iconic "Dance at the Ozdust". This scene, set in the glamorous Ozdust Ballroom, marks a transformative moment in the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda. It’s here that the two characters, who have been on seemingly opposite paths, begin to find common ground—not just as allies but as individuals learning to navigate the complexities of friendship, trust, and faith in each other. Through their dance, *WICKED* invites us to refl...

Transitioning from Protestantism to Catholicism is a profound journey filled with spiritual discovery and personal growth. However, it can also come with challenges, particularly when facing anti-Catholic rhetoric from friends, family, or even within broader cultural contexts. If you’re a Protestant in the process of becoming Catholic, it’s essential to navigate this journey with grace and confidence. In this blog post, we’ll explore ways to stand firm in your faith while addressing the challenges of anti-Catholic sentiments. Understanding Your Journey The journey into the Catholic Church can be deeply enriching. Many who make this transition do so out of a desire for a more sacramental faith, a sense of tradition, or the call to be part of a global community. This journey often involves a thorough exploration of beliefs, practices, and the rich history of the Catholic Church. Recognizing Anti-Catholic Rhetoric Anti-Catholic sentiments can manifest in various ways, from subtle misunder...

Faith can be a winding journey, filled with questions, revelations, and often, deep-rooted differences in understanding. For many, exploring the distinctions between Protestant and Catholic perspectives on Jesus Christ can help provide a clearer path in their spiritual journey. While both traditions hold Jesus at the heart of their beliefs, they diverge in several significant ways that influence the day-to-day experiences of faith. This article will break down some of these differences, and show how each tradition provides its followers a unique lens through which to navigate faith. The Common Ground: The Divinity and Humanity of Jesus Both Protestants and Catholics stand united in one powerful, foundational belief: that Jesus Christ is both fully divine and fully human. This belief — known as the Incarnation — teaches that God came into the world as Jesus, sharing in our human experiences while still possessing the fullness of divine nature. This is central to Christian faith, and bot...