I enjoyed reading your words, Tyler—and Lee’s poem. Growing up Baptist myself, I had to come to grips with how little I understood church history and the nuances of varying understandings of the sacraments. I’m still learning everyday.
While I don’t believe in transubstantiation either—like you, I’ve had to reckon with my own biases about churches that do affirm transubstantiation. Our family is reading through the Gospel of John right now and, during one reading, I observed, “I mean, reading some of these verses, I see how people believe in transubstantiation.” There is more I could write on this topic (and perhaps you’ve inspired me to write on this topic later) but, for now, thank you for sharing such important and thoughtful reflections on the Eucharist.
It really is a reckoning. I'm encouraged by the solidarity! We don't wrestle for greater understanding alone. I truly hope to be able to read your own writing on the topic.
I, too, have wrestled with this issue and honestly, poetry itself has shed light on its root. Poems like Lee's remind me that it is the hunger and presence that I long for, not the answer to my theological questions. : ) Thank you, Tyler.
Ah, what a great way to put it. Answers are fine and dandy, but they aren't what we're ultimately hungry for. Love it. Have you read George MacDonald's unspoken sermon "The Higher Faith"? Heather Cadenhead recently reminded me of this, and it seems to relate here as well. I think it might be high time I gave that another read...
Thanks for your honest and interesting post! For sure we are all longing for communion. Happy to be travelling this road together with other artists of faith!
Reading Lee‘s poem nearly makes me wish I did. Thanks for reading and for the kind words! I appreciate your tasteful hyphenation. What a great way to look at it.
I enjoyed reading your words, Tyler—and Lee’s poem. Growing up Baptist myself, I had to come to grips with how little I understood church history and the nuances of varying understandings of the sacraments. I’m still learning everyday.
While I don’t believe in transubstantiation either—like you, I’ve had to reckon with my own biases about churches that do affirm transubstantiation. Our family is reading through the Gospel of John right now and, during one reading, I observed, “I mean, reading some of these verses, I see how people believe in transubstantiation.” There is more I could write on this topic (and perhaps you’ve inspired me to write on this topic later) but, for now, thank you for sharing such important and thoughtful reflections on the Eucharist.
It really is a reckoning. I'm encouraged by the solidarity! We don't wrestle for greater understanding alone. I truly hope to be able to read your own writing on the topic.
I, too, have wrestled with this issue and honestly, poetry itself has shed light on its root. Poems like Lee's remind me that it is the hunger and presence that I long for, not the answer to my theological questions. : ) Thank you, Tyler.
Ah, what a great way to put it. Answers are fine and dandy, but they aren't what we're ultimately hungry for. Love it. Have you read George MacDonald's unspoken sermon "The Higher Faith"? Heather Cadenhead recently reminded me of this, and it seems to relate here as well. I think it might be high time I gave that another read...
Beautiful wrestling with a tough theological topic, Tyler! Wonderful how poetry can help us be open to exploring all the nuanced beauty of faith.
I happened to attend a daily Mass after reading your post the other day, and the final hymn made me think of Lee’s gorgeous poem.
Here’s a link to a video of it being sung:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbPLTC77q4U
Thanks for your honest and interesting post! For sure we are all longing for communion. Happy to be travelling this road together with other artists of faith!
Thanks so much for reading and sharing, Anna! It's been a LONG time since I've heard that hymn. It was good to hear it again.
Happy to be travelling this road with you as well!
An excellent meditation, with humility and depth.
Thanks for the kind words, Ben! Glad you enjoyed the read.
Thank you for this Tyler. I am grateful for your thought-full reflections. This resonated deep deep.
I'm honored by your reading and engaging! Thanks for sharing your resonance. Solidarity is a powerful thing.
Thanks for writing. You are a gift to a fellow re-formed Baptist.
Sure sounds to me like you do believe, tho ;)
Reading Lee‘s poem nearly makes me wish I did. Thanks for reading and for the kind words! I appreciate your tasteful hyphenation. What a great way to look at it.