Theology 101

I have spent large sections of the last 24 hours in deep, though possibly not incisive, theological discussion with one of the new brothers-in-law. The evangelical one as opposed to the Low Church Anglican. I have enjoyed questioning his knowledge in the same manner as I do talking to experts in most fields. He holds degrees in Theology and Marine Biology (Yes, I have annoyed him with Seinfeld references). His theological thinking seems to be broad and reasonably accepting although Catholicism and Islam are not popular.

I am in no position to question his faith or to extol the virtues of my own atheism/humanism though. For me the consideration of my own faith, or lack there of, is something that is of minor relevance in my normal life. His life revolves around this questioning and has done for many years. I am in no position to mount a worthy argument. The enjoyable thing is that I feel no need to. I enjoy asking the questions and he enjoys answering them. The fact that the discussions can be had over a glass of red wine makes it all the easier.

I have been listening to The Aerial Maps tonight. I wonder if I will ever be able to explain to the brother-in-law how for some, such as myself, our faith comes to life in that perfect beauty sometimes found in 15 seconds of song or in the wind on a wintry beach? Those moments when the world seems to slow and you never want life to end. Moments when you feel no need to rejoice in anything other than the present.

Each to his own I suppose.