Tom Thomas
This study has been deeply beneficial for me. It has helped me reflect more carefully on the different ways in which a person may come to faith and live out that faith.
One way is the path of confessional faith — a faith grounded in creeds, doctrines, dogmas, and established rituals. This is the most visible and common expression of Christianity for many believers. Indeed, not only in Christianity but in most religions, faith is often structured around defined beliefs and formal practices.
What you have done, however, is to invite us into a different kind of journey — an exploration of how Christianity developed historically. You began by examining the social and political conditions prior to the birth of Jesus. Then you introduced Jesus within that context and focused on his own teaching.
Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom of God is not merely a future hope but a present reality. According to him, seekers may enter the Kingdom here and now through repentance, trust in God, and loving action. I found his teachings challenging — even demanding. I reflected on what might be called the “narrow gate of transformation” as opposed to the “broad gate of translation.” It is easier to reinterpret or explain away difficult teachings than to allow ourselves to be inwardly transformed by them.
I was also troubled by what seemed to be the needless and excessive suffering of Jesus. Yet this was presented not as meaningless tragedy, but as transformation. His life reveals how pain, rejection, and suffering can be borne and transfigured from within, leading ultimately to glory. Jesus did speak of giving his life as a ransom and of shedding his blood for many. In this study, such statements were understood within the larger framework of his proclamation of the Kingdom of God, while recognizing that more elaborate theological doctrines about atonement were developed later by others.
For this reason, I feel that our study has been a sincere inquiry into the historical reality of Jesus rather than simply a reinforcement of inherited beliefs. I now see more clearly how doctrines, creeds, and theological systems developed after his death.
Take the example of the Eucharist.
- One church affirms the real presence of Christ in the bread and wine.
- Another speaks of a mysterious or spiritual presence.
- Another understands it symbolically.
- Some say the Eucharist is essential for salvation.
- Others regard it as a memorial.
- Still others question its necessity altogether.
The diversity of interpretation continues almost endlessly.
Beyond confessional and doctrinal faith, there is another dimension of faith that is deeply meaningful to me — the experiential dimension. Through contemplation, meditation, silence, and reflection, one may encounter God in a direct and interior way. This path differs both from formal confessional structures and from purely historical or analytical inquiry. A glimpse of the divine energies, the light of Tabor, or the Love at the heart of all reality can move us to love others beyond the boundaries of creed, denomination, or tradition.
Peace to all, and thank you for allowing me to share these reflections.
I hope this study continues, and that we may explore the teachings of Jesus and Paul with the same spirit of openness and careful inquiry that has guided us thus far.
This information came out of a group whatsapp study in 2025-26
