Religion is a tricky subject. In fact, I try to avoid discussing it whenever possible (funny that I’m now writing a public blog post on the topic). While I’m more than happy to argue politics, I often shy away from arguing theology. Why? Religious beliefs are so much more personal than political beliefs. It’s easier to step on someone’s toes if you question their religion than if you question who they voted for.
David Plotz and Robert Wright, however, were quite calm when they discussed Wright’s book The Evolution of God at a New America Foundation event in Washington, DC. Plotz, editor at Slate and author of Good Book: The Bizarre, Hilarious, Disturbing, Marvelous, and Inspiring Things I Learned When I Read Every Single Word of the Bible, provided humorous insights while questioning Wright. Wright detailed his argument and fielded questions from the audience in a professional manner. If nothing else, I was impressed with the civility of the discussion.
Wright’s argument focused on what he called “God’s changing moods.” He said that the holy books of Judaism, Christianity and Islam all contain verses that range from belligerent to tolerant. Verses that are emphasized by various religions at any given time depend on the circumstances. As long as the followers of one religion do not feel threatened by another, they will choose to emphasize verses that preach tolerance. As Wright said, when it comes to their own interests, people are quite selective about what verses to emphasize. Most people would find that a very unsettling argument. After all, when it comes to a holy book, what’s written is written, right? And who are we to change its meaning?
I, however, found his comments reassuring. As a relatively new convert to Christianity (just shy of three years), I’m still working my way through the Bible, trying to reconcile seemingly archaic concepts with these modern times. It can be discouraging. I’m a nosy person, and I like having all the answers. I frequently encounter verses that I just don’t understand. Of course, this leads to questions: . Do I read it the verse in the literal sense? Do I look for the meaning behind the symbols? Will I ever know the “correct” way to interpret the Bible? Not having the answers and knowing I may never have them is a bit disconcerting for a person like me.
Wright’s concept of “God’s changing moods”, however, gave me hope. Here was a man that devoted years of research to discuss the concepts of God in Christianity, Judaism and Islam, and it seemed like maybe he didn’t have the final answer either. He concluded that our concepts are fluid. They change as our society changes. Occasionally, these concepts clash when one religion feels threatened by the other. But, he emphasized, all religious are capable of tolerance. We just need to recognize that all ideas of God are manifestations of the same underlying unity.
So maybe we aren’t supposed to have all the answers . Maybe, like Wright says, our interpretations will keep changing, and our ideas will keep evolving. We might think we have an answer but, as we grow and change, so will our beliefs.
That evening, as I left the event and started my trek home, I felt comforted by the idea that I’m not the only one without a final answer. That doesn’t mean I’ll give up searching (where’s the fun in that?). It just means I can rest a bit easier knowing that I have company in this search.
Alexandra Abboud has five years experience reporting on the legal and cultural dynamics that shape American society. At America.gov, she manages coverage of cultural diversity, the arts, education and sports. Abboud has also served as a managing editor of the State Department's eJournal USA series, producing internationally circulated publications on innovation and fighting corruption.