For a person of faith there is an inclination to share beliefs with others, but that can be awkward. There are three approaches that could be taken. Not every approach is suitable for every situation.
First, one can preach or even argue. Preaching is best left to the clergy. Arguments are usually counterproductive, in that they too often drive a wedge between the parties, and nothing is really shared. Herein lies a path that most of us are well advised to avoid.
Second, one can write scholarly pieces. The writer can be quite effective, but only if that writer has adequate knowledge of the subject matter. When the writer does, as I have witnessed here on Wizzley, the work can benefit the reader. Alas, if the writer has meager knowledge of religion there is a clear danger of heading into heresy. So, for most of us this is an area we should enter with great caution.
Third, and the subject of this piece, is making available simple, inspirational pieces with words and art. The words can easily be found that are safe and devoid of any hint of heresy.
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Comments
Sheila M ...what a beautiful comment.
To me, passing over the simple message of waiting for the light in Advent for Christmas is like reading the end of the book without what reading what comes before. You are right ; we enjoy Christmas more deeply with a beautiful Advent before it.
Yes, if we are open to seeing beyond the obvious. Thanks, Frank.
Visual images of the beauties of nature can produce moments in which, to use the words of Dr Ian Ramsey, late bishop of Durham, "The penny drops." By this he meant that certain statements or images lead us to see a different angle on reality in which a spiritual dimension of the world is disclosed.
It is a simple way of getting a message out. Mine also sell very rarely, but having them viewed is a positive thing. Using Wizzley makes them visible, even if no one buys them. For this line of products it is not so much about earning from them. If you also have such items why not add them on a Wizzley page?
Putting spiritual words on items for sale at Zazzle is a good idea. People often seek out such products. I have a few that sell once in a while. I think those who buy them are getting products that support their faith and that they want to share with others.
Veronica, I value those Advent celebrations as well. Preparations for Christmas often try to squelch out a very beautiful and reverent season that helps us experience the joy of Christmas more deeply.
Frank is a genius in his area of knowledge and I am immensely proud of him. He himself would openly admit to having no knowledge in certain areas though.
I have just come home from leading an afternoon Advent Service of Light , a quiet ,simple reflection during the madness that should not be pre-Christmas. It was well received.
I have journalistic training, having gained a diploma in journalism, but I think that the writing of larger articles comes from having studied and thought seriously about what I have read. But you notice that there are areas that I do not write about. I could not write anything long or deep about clothing or shoes, music, dance, theatre or film. I write occasionally about politics, a subject in which I am interested. I did stand for parliament once, unsuccessfully in 1992.
The key is to write about what you know and love. For me that is religion, walking and gardening.
Veronica, this is a way most of us can actually do something, it does not require a theological degree. We can easily identify short pieces, or make them up as the two longer sings have come from me, and use them.
Frank, I realize you are one of the few who can write entire articles, but most people have less training in this area.
How right that is. For people such as myself who have a simple faith it is difficult to explain and I think your simple phrase suggestion is just lovely.
A charming post for Advent. TY and Happy Advent. I LOVE it, every minute of it, culminating in my hoard of ravenous relatives descending en masse on Christmas Eve.