A model I use is that the range of understanding of what Christians believe is more like a bell shaped curve. Most churches or denominations like to draw a vertical line of small but varying width through this line at one point and say that that where all truth lies and anyone outside this line is a heretic. Being a community that is centered on Jesus but open to the broad and vast range of where God is with each person seems like what we are called to do at this time of the evolution of the Christian faith.
Thanks for this blog post.

Ron, I really like how you put that: “…being more inviting to others on God’s behalf.” And I should add that this is one of the things I appreciate most about our church/fellowship—we are inviting to people with lots of doubts and questions, at all stages of the journey. Thanks for leading in that.

Dave, A) Thanks for your kind words. I love analogies, especially when come to me out of nowhere, almost like they’re God-given, as the potluck and children’s museum analogies did. B) That’s too funny. I’ll only share food pointers if you ask. :) C) Yes, my commenters (you included) are the best on the Internet. I deeply admire and appreciate you all.

Tweet Length Comment B: I didn’t read this one for a few days because of the picture – “ugh, I don’t want any food pointers as I’m making spaghetti again.” Apparently, I was “off”.

Tweet Length Comment C: Although you already know it, your commenters are the perfect frame for your artwork. I can’t think of any other blog where I read all of the comments like I do on yours. Well done KT and Commenters.

Elaine, you mention the close-mindedness of many Christians, which is a really significant part of this problem. And I think that close-mindedness is rooted in fear, as it so often is. Maybe we need to face our fears together. Maybe we need to sit down and ask “What exactly are we so afraid of? What’s the worst that could happen?” As a cancer survivor, you know the importance of that exercise better than most people. And isn’t the result of facing our fears, even in theory if not reality, an enormous sense of freedom?

Rebecca, I always love getting your wise, in-touch Gen-Y input and perspective. It helps me take the things I’m thinking about now, in relation to me, and spin them out a decade or two into the future, for the generations a step behind me. Fascinating to think about, indeed.

Matt, thanks so much for reading, and for letting me know what you think. I love that through blogs and a variety of other interactions, we can all help provide some fresh air and ideas for one another.