February 6, 2011:

Ponderings of a Pilgrim PASTOR

“Soul Secrets”

Americans are increasingly drifting away from the religious beliefs they grew up with. 15% of the U.S. population now claims no religion, up from 8% in 1990, according to the 2008 American Religious Identification Survey. One religious website is tapping into this questioning with a new feature called “Soul Secret,” inspired by Frank Warren’s popular PostSecret project, in which thousands of people across the country have mailed in their anonymous, briefly worded religious secrets on a decorated postcard.

Soul Secret, part of the 18-month-old website Patheos.com, tells readers: “Sometimes our deepest convictions don’t match what we have been taught to believe, and it’s not always easy to share them with others. Here is your opportunity: Say what you really believe, and do so anonymously.” Patheos founder Leo Brunnick says that when it comes to faith, “there are not a lot of places in our day-to-day life where people can express what they really feel and believe.” “If people do, they run the risk of being told “ ‘You’re weird’ or that what they believe is wrong or being lectured to.”

Soul Secret helps the discussion along with thematic promptings such as: “What happens when we die?” “Is there really a devil?” “What does God really look like?” Soul Secret recognizes the innate desire we all have to share secrets. “We thought that was a great way to think and engage on the spirituality side,” Brunnick says. “It allows you to say what you really believe, and to do so anonymously.” Many of the postings are expressions of doubt and questioning.

While I sympathize with those who feel they would be criticized in their churches if they expressed any beliefs other than the accepted norms, I certainly hope that is not true here in Pilgrim Church. Perhaps, in contrast to those who say “I’ve found it!,” we are those who say “We’re looking for it and, by the way, we invite you to join us in the search.” Though others may disagree with us even here in a liberal church like Pilgrim, there is no religious belief or opinion that must be kept secret. In sharing our secrets in a safe and respectful congregation we can all grow.

Love,
Pastor Dave