While reading The Rise and Fall of the Bible, I've noticed that Beal is careful to credit his parents' influence on him, despite the fact that he no longer follows their version of the Christian faith. He writes:
Although I've drifted quite a distance from the familiar biblical waters of the conservative evangelical tradition in which I was raised and which my parents so admirably represent, I hold much respect for that tradition and gladly acknowledge my own enduring debt to it. Its emphasis on introspection in search of personal growth has challenged me always to dig deep within myself in order to examine critically my own presuppositions and vested interests. Its emphasis on working out one's own salvation with fear and trembling has inspired in me a lifelong restlessness of mind and spirit. Above all, its biblical literalism and its supreme valuing of every iota of the Bible have instilled in me an abiding passion for biblical interpretation and a love for the smallest details of the text. All these gifts have served me well not only as a teacher and scholar of religious studies but also as a person of faith. (p. 26)
Beal continues, "There is no way to grow and mature in one's faith without wrestling with the ideas and traditions that one has inherited" (p. 26). He handles a sensitive issue very well: criticizing the faith tradition taught to you by you parents and still held by those you love.
I often mention my "religious upbringing" and reference the Southern Baptist churches in which I grew up. More often than not, I point out areas of disagreement, or instances that were hurtful. Beal's approach reminded me that I probably haven't made clear that my critiques are not personal attacks, and that I appreciate those who took the time to encourage me in my faith growing up, whether it was my parents, Sunday School teachers, or youth ministers.
Like Beal, I too am indebted to and thankful for what my parents and church leaders taught me. I grew up during the "culture wars" of the '90's, so it's safe to say that the issues I have with the religious right aren't personal. Also, as you can see on my dad's blog, he too was moving away from his more conservative upbringing, and the same is still true for my mom.
Who I am today is shaped by those who took the time to teach me as a young Christian, even if I no longer agree with many things I was taught. And for that, I'm thankful...
Comments