Keeping Faith: A Skeptic's Journey to Finding Belief

Are you a skeptic who has questioned the existence of a higher power? Have you found yourself grappling with the concept of faith? Join us on a thought-provoking journey as we delve into the depths of how skepticism can turn into unwavering faith.

The Cracks in the Foundation

For most skeptics, faith is seen as a mere illusion—a coping mechanism for those unable to accept the harsh realities of life. Yet, as we dig deeper, we unearth the cracks in our own foundation of disbelief.

As a skeptic myself, I was once convinced that everything could be explained through science and logic. I dismissed faith as a delusion, a fairy tale for the weak-minded. But as life presented me with challenges that science couldn't solve, I couldn't help but wonder if there was something more to the world than what met the eye.

Keeping Faith: A Skeptic's Journey

by Fenton Johnson(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1678 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	439 pages

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Exploring the Unknown

Embarking on this journey requires a willingness to step into the unknown, to challenge our preconceived notions about faith. We must be open to new experiences and perspectives, ready to dive deep into the world of spirituality and belief.

One of the first steps is to engage in conversations with believers and professionals who can provide insights into their own spiritual experiences. Their stories can be immensely powerful in reshaping our understanding of faith.

Discovering the Power of Personal Experience

While hearing about the experiences of others can be enlightening, it is through our own personal experiences that true transformation can occur. Meditation, prayer, or even solitary walks in nature can open doors that we never knew existed.

During my own journey, I started attending meditation retreats, which allowed me to explore the depths of my own consciousness. Through the power of silence and introspection, I began to feel a connection to something greater than myself.

The Role of Reason and Doubt

As skeptics, we often cling to reason and doubt as our guiding forces. However, it is important to recognize that faith does not necessarily exclude these elements. In fact, they can coexist and strengthen one another.

By challenging our doubts and questioning our beliefs, we refine and strengthen our faith. It becomes a journey of constantly seeking knowledge and finding the balance between skepticism and belief.

Embracing the Mystery

In our quest for faith, it is essential to acknowledge that there are certain aspects of life that may forever remain a mystery. It is in this acceptance that true faith can be found.

Through embracing the enigma of existence, we come to understand that faith is not about having all the answers. It is about surrendering to the unknown, trusting in something greater and more profound.

As skeptics, our journey towards faith is not an easy one. It requires us to challenge our deeply ingrained beliefs and venture into uncharted territory. But the rewards are immense.

By keeping faith, we open ourselves up to a world of wonder and possibility. We learn to see beyond the limitations of science and logic, embracing a deeper, more meaningful connection to the universe.

So, if you've been skeptical about faith, why not embark on this journey yourself? Allow yourself to be surprised, to question, and to discover a new way of experiencing the world around you. Remember, the greatest achievements often arise from the most unlikely beginnings.

Keeping Faith: A Skeptic's Journey

by Fenton Johnson(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1678 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	439 pages

FREE

Observing an encounter between Catholic and Buddhist monks in 1996 at the Abbey of Gethsemani, near where he grew up in rural Kentucky, Fenton Johnson found himself unable to make the sign of the cross. His distance from his childhood faith had become so great -- he considered himself a rational, skeptical man -- that he could not participate in this most basic ritual. Impelled by this troubling experience, Johnson began a search for the meaning of the spiritual life, a journey that took him from Gethsemani to the San Francisco Zen Center, through Buddhism and back to Christianity, from paralyzing doubt to a life-enriching faith.
Keeping Faith explores the depths of what it means for a skeptic to have and to keep faith. Johnson grew up with the Trappist monks, but rejected institutionalized religion as an adult. While living as a member of the Gethsemani community and the Zen Center, however, he learned to practice Christian rituals with a new discipline and studied Buddhist meditation, which brought him a new understanding of the deep relationship between sexuality and faith, body and spirit. Changed in profound ways, Johnson ultimately turned back to his childhood faith, now inflected with the accumulated wisdom of his journey.
Johnson interweaves memoir, the personal and often shocking stories of Buddhist and Christian monks, and a revealing history of the contemplative life in the West. He offers lay Christians an understanding of the origins and history of their contemplative traditions and provides the groundwork needed to challenge orthodox understandings of spirituality. No matter their backgrounds, readers will find Keeping Faith a work of great power and immediacy.