This is the second part of a previous post where I introduced kenneth, a commenter on the blog whose spiritual journey has taken him from Catholicism to Paganism. Toward the end of his story, he makes a statement that I found particularly compelling. He writes:

“I still have a certain amount of bad blood with institutional Christianity and political Christianism in general, but I try never to hold it against individual pracitioners. I try to extend the presumption that their faith journey is genuine (a courtesy not always reciprocated). I have also come to know that anyone I encounter in this life might have something to teach me, and some of the most valuable bits come from those outside of my world view. I wish you all well on your journeys.”

It is upon this premise, I believe, that Beliefnet.com is built. And yet, I often wonder how frequently  people from one tradition (meaning within the broad spectrum of Christian traditions as described in a recent post or those who choose another faith) actually cross boundaries and share their stories, rather than debating, with one another. 

Excellent post Kenneth and I’m truly glad you are at peace now with your faith. I had a somewhat similar journey, though my conversion call came after being a solitary pagan for over 20 years when I was told I had to become a Catholic. Of all things! A Catholic! I can’t tell you how hard I fought it. I begged Her, I pleaded with Her but in the end the sign She sent was so clear there was no denying it. I was told I wouldn’t understand the reason why and I would continue to question and fight it for 10-15 years and 3 years later I’m still bucking and kicking but I attend Mass every Sunday and enjoy it, though I don’t buy into the dogma or politics of organized religion. The message that was given to me by a 3rd party, a perfect stranger no less, in direct answer to my silent, soulful and heartfelt prayer was ‘It does not matter what name you call ME by, there is room under my mantle for all.’ followed by, ‘Never belittle the level another person is on because we are all on a path to God and you can never know where another person is on their journey.’ This is paraphrased as there was much more told to me of a personal nature and it was told to me in Italian so it isn’t verbatim. Blessing on your journey.