I’ve never been one to get involved with religious arguments…political for sure, but never religious. Maybe it is my lack of a deeper faith. Perhaps it is simply my lack of actually understanding religion. I have always focused on outward and obvious arguments for bettering life now…not later. I try to change aspects of my life not to improve my afterlife, but to build a stronger existence now. At the same time, living in Texas for almost four years has certainly opened my eyes (and mind) to those who hold a greater faith. I don’t follow my religion too closely and rarely get judged for it, so I feel like I can’t judge others simply because they do follow theirs. I have met many who hold a solid belief for their faith and do not feel compelled to shove it in my face.
I was able to cover a great assignment for The Wall Street Journal. There has been a movement within the national Episcopal church towards liberalization which has led certain conservative churches to split due to differing opinions on where the future direction of their church should lead. While I can hardly claim to understand this issue after only photographing for a few short hours, I can say it seems clear that leading life in a way which serves all people seems more righteous than simply pushing your faith on others.
From the article, written by Stephanie Simon, “Those who have stayed with the national church have taken up their presiding bishop’s calls to focus on serving the poor and hungry, and to embrace a broad view of God as welcoming not just Christians but also Muslims, Jews and others into his kingdom.
“Traditionalists, by contrast, still reach out to the poor but they are putting their emphasis on missionary work, preaching what they see as the defining truth of the gospel: That the only path to salvation is accepting Christ as Lord.”
The article continues to highlight one such split at a church in Hurst, Texas. Both congregations I met in Fort Worth were full of friendly people and they seem to be neighborly towards each other despite the split. I’m told friendships have continued and dinners still occur. It just seems a shame that arguments over how other people think have led to such conclusions. I suppose this is why I don’t argue religion. There is too fine a line to walk when criticizing someone’s faith in what they truly believe to be right.
I was stoked to see the killer gallery with HUGE photos run on the Wall Street Journal Photo Journal.
Here are a few of my favorites from the shoot.
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