A year ago, an unexpected furlough left me with a newfound abundance of time and a yearning for deeper meaning. So, I dove headfirst into the study of religion, immersing myself in the wisdom of ancient texts and the insights of modern scholars. I’ve been surrounded by stacks of books, fueled by caffeine, and occasionally falling asleep face-first into a particularly dense theological tome.
Thanks to those countless books, caffeine-induced epiphanies, and the guidance of incredible mentors, I completed my doctorate in just one year. Yesterday, I put the finishing touches on my 250-page dissertation, along with nearly 100 other research papers that I’ve written over the past year. My focus was primarily on the history of Christianity, but I spent time looking into all major religions. It was an intense but incredibly rewarding experience that ignited a passion for understanding the diverse ways people connect with the divine, connect with themselves and connect with each other.
However, I now realize that knowledge alone isn’t enough. To truly grasp the heart of each faith, I needed to go beyond the textbooks and embrace the lived experience. So, starting July 1st, I’m starting the next phase of this adventure as I embark on another year-long journey, immersing myself in a different religious tradition each month.
Now, before you envision me backpacking across the globe, let me clarify: I’m not leaving my family or embarking on a grand pilgrimage. Instead, I’ll be creating a spiritual pilgrimage right here at home, with a little help from books, online resources, local communities, and maybe the occasional small trip. I’ll even be timing my exploration of each religion to coincide with major holidays and festivals, so I can experience them firsthand.
From meditating on my living room floor (with varying degrees of success, I’m sure) to attempting to cook traditional meals (pray for my kitchen), from observing holy days with local communities to engaging in meaningful conversations with people of different faiths, I’ll be embracing the practices and perspectives of each religion to the best of my ability.
I’m not aiming for perfection, but rather for a deeper understanding of how people connect with each other, find meaning and purpose in their lives, and navigate the complexities of faith. I want to know how different religions foster community, inspire compassion, and provide solace in times of need.
This journey isn’t just a personal quest, though. I have a vision for the future: to help create spaces – whether through a nonprofit organization or by collaborating with existing ones – where people of all faiths and backgrounds can come together to learn, discuss, and connect. I envision offering classes on world religions, facilitating interfaith dialogue, and providing resources for those seeking spiritual guidance and support.
I invite you to join me on this journey of discovery as I share my experiences, reflections, and the lessons I learn along the way. I am sure there will be discoveries, there will be “aha” moments, and there will hopefully be few awkward mishaps.
Each month, I’ll announce which religion I’ll be focusing on, so you can follow along and learn with me. I hope this adventure will inspire us all to embrace the diversity of human spirituality and build bridges of understanding, compassion, and love.
So, get ready for a year of spiritual exploration, cultural immersion, and maybe even a few burnt offerings (just my cooking). Let’s ditch the dogma, embrace the diversity, and explore the world of faith together.
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