When I chose the name “Eat Pray Run DC” I intended to primarily write about food, faith and running. I knew that I’d probably write much more about running and food but every now and again, something happens to leads me to take a break from writing about food and marathons and talk about something a bit deeper. Today is one of those days.
About a month ago, I was in my hotel room in Los Angeles reading the hotel provided copy of LA Magazine. I came across a story called “Heaven Can Wait.” The story was about a young woman’s decision to wait to have sex until marriage. This struck me as interesting for a couple reasons: first because it was LA Magazine. Not a Christian magazine, but one of the most well-read publications in California. The second thing I found interesting was the content. Here was a funny, approachable young woman writing smartly and matter-of-factly about her decision to wait to have sex based on her faith. I really appreciated the article and not just because my fiance and I are waiting until we’re married (I’m sincerely hoping this is a blog post my mom is skipping! :)). I think that anytime someone is honest about an issue that is not very mainstream, it is brave and refreshing.
I forgot about the LA Magazine article until this past weekend, when I opened up my newspaper and saw Rick Warren on the cover of Parade magazine. The cover story focuses mostly on Warren’s recent efforts to get healthier with his congregation and briefly touches on his son’s recent suicide. It was a light piece, typical of the the cover stories usually found in the magazine but again, like the LA Magazine piece, it was notable because it is far too rare that people who are living their life out loud regarding their faith are featured in mainstream media.
Religion and politics are those tricky things that you are not really supposed to talk about because you may offend someone. But I actually think it’s so important for examples of real, regular Christians are out there. Because there are a lot of what I call “crazy Christians” (you know what I’m talking about) out there and they kinda give us a bad name. So I’m glad to see mainstream magazines highlighting normal Christians — I think it’s awesome!
What’s your take? Do you speak about your faith or keep it close to your vest?
I absolutely know what you mean about (crazy Christians)…. some mean very well, and some, like you said, can give a bad name. It makes me feel like I have to be selective about what I share and say…. but, that is awesome that you found some mainstream media sharing things rooted in Christianity!
Elizabeth recently posted…Let’s Talk about Tabata!
I think you do a great job of keeping your blog “balanced”. I don’t mind sharing my Faith if someone asks, but I don’t usually offer it unsolicited. I don’t mind when others do though, it just reminds me that those of us that are believers are bonded in some way. ( I hope that doesn’t sound weird)
Meranda@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Help These Runners make a Christmas Playlist!
not weird at all 🙂
I’m atheist so I don’t really have faith to talk about in the same way that you do. I still believe in things (just not those that are religious in nature) and I have zero issue with anyone else’s faith as long as they do not try to impose it on others, continuously flaunt it, use it to dictate what morals others should have or how they should live their lives, or use it to discount science/medicine (I don’t think religion/faith and science have to be mutually exclusive).
I think, as people, it’s important for us to be able to have civil discourse about things like our beliefs and how they may affect *our own lives.* We can help each other learn and grow by sharing these things, but it’s important to be respectful of the fact that we all have different beliefs.
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Hi Amelia — thanks for speaking up! I think that respect for others is paramount in any context and often in discussions about religion, respect is sorely lacking. My faith certainly forms the vast majority of my concept of right and wrong. But I think that is a positive though — the key to my faith — the key to it all, really is loving others. And that love doesn’t mean condemnation which unfortunately I see often. Thanks again!
I am pretty open about my faith. I like to share with people about it, but I don’t see myself as being too pushy… I love that mainstream media is starting to be more welcoming of those who choose to live this lifestyle rather then just the “normal” for our society.
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I’m very much aware of those crazy Christians. I live in the deep South, and we certainly have our fair share of those very people :p I have a very strong faith, but as an educator, I want to be able to reach my college students of all faiths, so I don’t purposely preach to anyone. If I’m asked, I happily share, but again, I very purposely make sure that my students feel welcome no matter what their beliefs are. I’m right there with Amelia in that we have to be able to have civil discourse about religion, politics, science, or quite frankly anything. How will we grow as a society if we are unable to do just that? 🙂
Patti Smith recently posted…Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini – TLC Book Review
Agreed! I 100% agree that we have to be able to have civil discourse. Thanks for weighing in Patti. 🙂
I went through the same debate when I started my blog. I decided to (mostly) publish my “faith” focused posts on Sundays. I love to find other blogs that share their thoughts on faith without trying to impose them.
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I’m also an atheist, but I was raised Catholic and also went to a (super progressive) Catholic school from pre-K through graduation. The school dedicated the junior and senior year of theology classes to the study of faiths other than Catholicism and it was such a great experience to learn about and appreciate the beliefs of so many others. I tend to be less vocal about my atheism than some (although I know that I’ve mentioned it enough to never be elected to political office!), but I always appreciate conversations with others about their beliefs, so long as they are as respectful of my atheism as I try to be of their faith. I think that whatever helps a person find peace, love, understanding, and morality is a good thing, and I always enjoy hearing what brings that to others. So thanks for sharing this and your thoughts, Court!
Thanks Jenny for commenting! I think this line you wrote encapsulates how I feel: ” I think that whatever helps a person find peace, love, understanding, and morality is a good thing, and I always enjoy hearing what brings that to others.” Spot on 🙂