For those who've read me throughout the years at various blogs, you'll know that I am a Christian. One of the reasons I find myself in Rhode Island today is my religious zeal. The year was 1994 and I was a 17 year old kid who was looking to challenge himself in his choice for college. I'm talking less of academics and more about religion. At this time, I'd already gone on missions trips, read my Bible daily, and felt that I had a very close relationship with God. But, I wanted to challenge my worldview, my belief system. I've always been someone looking for truth not necessarily looking to fit what I called truth as THE truth. Going to Brown was a very wise choice from that perspective. I learned something valuable during my time there and with Easter (aka Resurrection Sunday) upon us today, figured I'd share this with you all.

I think the worst thing anyone can do is be narrowed-minded and by that I mean be so clingy to your own beliefs you are unable to intellectually think outside of yourself. Even if you're right you won't be able to influence anyone because you won't be able to speak their language. But, the point of my exodus from south Jersey was not to persuade others but to ask, "What if I'm wrong?" Faith is just that, believing in something you can't touch, taste, see, or feel. Brown seemed like the perfect place to challenge my faith by encountering peoples of other religions and many who lacked religion at all. Atheists challenged the concept of God vehemently but were unable to prove a god did not exist. With all of their empirical evidence they could not 'prove' what they held so dear. Some were content not to prove it taking the alternative stance, "Well, you can't prove the existence of God." Um, well that's kinda the point of faith.....

Other religions seemed equally valid from the standpoint that I respected those who adhered to Islam, Buddhism, and others. I attended a Jewish cedar and had my first taste of alcohol even. At the end of my time at Brown, my faith in God had increased and I understood well why it was Jesus decided to volunteer for the cross. We humans may enter into wars we regret, find ourselves in unenviable economic situations, and at times do not value our time here on earth. But, one thing is for sure, there is a love that yearns within us all making each of us unique and special. And on this Easter Sunday, I'm grateful there is a God who thought it worthwhile to make such a sacrifice.