The Dance of Faith: Embracing Intentional Unalignment™ in Christian Existentialism
Welcome to our exploration of faith, where we intertwine the profound philosophical and theological insights of Christian existentialism with the practical aspects of living out our beliefs. This journey is not just theoretical; it’s deeply rooted in the real world, as exemplified in Thomas E. Reynolds’ thought-provoking article, “Welcoming without Reserve? A Case in Christian Hospitality.”
Reynolds’ work serves as a pivotal reference for our discussion, offering a compelling case study in practicing intentional unalignment and genuine hospitality in a religiously diverse world. His insights provide a concrete example of how the principles of Christian existentialism — as seen through the lenses of Kierkegaard, Augustine, and Tillich — can be lived out in our daily interactions and communal spaces.
For those interested in delving deeper into Reynolds’ perspectives and understanding the practical implications of these philosophical ideas, the article is available for download. It’s a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore the intersection of faith, diversity, and community in today’s world.
A Journey Beyond Traditional Boundaries
Imagine a faith that dances—not a rigid march to dogmatic beats, but a fluid, graceful waltz through the complexities of life. This is the vision of faith I want to explore with you today, a journey that meanders through the philosophical musings of Kierkegaard, Augustine, and Tillich, intersects with the profound insights of Thomas E. Reynolds on Christian hospitality, and arrives at the concept of intentional unalignment™.
Kierkegaard’s Leap and the Individual’s Dance
Søren Kierkegaard, the melancholic Dane, often spoke of faith as a personal leap into the unknown. He envisioned a spiritual journey that was deeply individual, where each step was a conscious movement away from societal norms and toward a more authentic relationship with the divine. Imagine this as a dance where each twirl and leap reflects our unique rhythm with God, distinct from everyone else’s.
Augustine’s Confessions: A Waltz with Grace
Augustine’s “Confessions” reads like a tender waltz of the soul. His journey from earthly indulgences to a deep, spiritual communion with God mirrors what we might call intentional unalignment. It’s like changing the dance steps mid-way, realizing that the old moves no longer resonate with the music of divine love playing in our hearts.
Tillich and the Courage to Dance in Doubt
With his concept of faith as the “courage to be,” Paul Tillich invites us to dance even when the music is faint. He encourages us to embrace our doubts and existential angst and find faith amid uncertainty. This is a dance in the dark, a delicate step between what we know and hope for, between traditional religious norms and a more profound, personal encounter with faith.
The Transformative Power of Christian Hospitality
Enter Thomas E. Reynolds’ “Welcoming without Reserve,” a fascinating exploration of Christian hospitality. Reynolds narrates an instance where a Christian community covers its cross to host a Jewish funeral, a radical act of hospitality that speaks volumes. This, my friends, is intentional unalignment in action. It’s like opening the dance floor to everyone, regardless of their faith or background, and saying, “Your steps, your rhythm, are welcome here.”
Intentional Unalignment™: The Choreography of Faith
Intentional unalignment is not about discarding your faith or beliefs; instead, it’s about being flexible enough to accommodate others, to learn new steps, and adapt to the music that life plays. It’s about reevaluating our beliefs and actions in light of our ongoing relationship with God and others. This flexibility is what keeps our faith dance alive and vibrant.
The Vulnerability of the Dance
Augustine’s journey of vulnerability, where he openly acknowledges his need for God’s grace, teaches us that our dance of faith might involve letting go of some of our most cherished steps. It might mean pausing our routine to learn from others, even those who dance to a different tune.
Embracing the ‘Other’ in Our Dance
Reynolds’ concept of hospitality is a beautiful extension of this dance. It’s about making room on the dance floor and changing our steps to make the ‘other’ feel welcome. This is not mere tolerance but an intentional effort to understand and embrace those different from us.
Reconfiguring Our Dance Steps
Just as the church in Reynolds’ example reconfigured its identity to accommodate a Jewish funeral, we are called to be flexible and adaptable in our faith journey. This reconfiguration is not a loss of identity but an expansion, a richer, more inclusive version of our dance.
Living the Dance: Practical Theology and Existential Engagement
What does this dance look like in everyday life? It’s in the small acts of kindness, the willingness to listen to a different opinion, the courage to question our own beliefs, and the humility to admit that we don’t have all the answers. It’s a dance that respects the complexity and diversity of the world we live in.
A Dynamic Faith: Continually Evolving
Our dance of faith is never static. Like the existential journeys of Kierkegaard, Augustine, and Tillich, it’s continually evolving, growing, and expanding to include new rhythms and steps. It’s a dance that acknowledges that truth and love are not confined to a single melody but can be found in the harmonious confluence of many.
The Ultimate Dance: Loving God and Neighbor
At the heart of this dance is the Christian commandment to love God and neighbor. Intentional unalignment in this context means continually reassessing how we live out this commandment. It’s about ensuring that our dance is not a solo performance but a harmonious ensemble that includes and values every dancer.
The Invitation to Dance
So, I invite you to join this dance of faith, which is as varied and beautiful as the dancers. Let’s embrace intentional unalignment, not as a departure from faith but as an invitation to a richer, more inclusive, and more authentic experience of the divine. Let’s dance with courage, openness, and love, making our faith journey a beautiful, ever-evolving waltz that genuinely reflects the diversity and complexity of our world.
This dance takes work. It requires courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. But the rewards are immense—a faith that is alive, dynamic, and deeply connected to the world around us. So, let’s lace up our dancing shoes and step into this wondrous journey together.
