It is important to recognize that often the church has a reputation of not being open to exploring the deeper issues which give life meaning. Too often we are experienced as wanting to impose a set of answers before we have even fully understood the questions. It is important to approach this very real concern from two different perspectives. First, those who are active in the church need to set their fears aside and learn to trust that when they sincerely approach the questions of life, Christ can address them in fresh ways.
Second, however, we need to recognize that even in the most fearful of churches, there are aspects of their life together which do allow for the probing for deeper meaning. Within the liturgical community there is a language that can enable people to look at their life from a perspective outside of their life. To praise God is to be reminded that God is Lord of the world. To confess sins is to remember that we are more than our sins. To pray for those in Iraq or Darfur is to put our personal struggles in perspective. Scripture reminds us that the great questions of life have been struggled with before. The offering is a visible sign of our commitment to reach beyond ourselves. Hymns and anthems integrate feelings into our faith expression. A benediction opens us to the blessings of our life.
