Paths to God

Growing up in St. Louis,  Catholic churches and schools made up the landscape right alongside The Arch and Anheuser Busch.  Although there was a strong Catholic influence, my basic understanding consisted of friends wearing uniforms to school, priests who could not get married and fish fry dinners during Lent.

In recent years, I find myself drawn to Catholic authors and saints.  I value the rich depth to their teachings that has made my own faith come alive in fresh ways.  As I am revisiting the book, The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, I am struck by the relevance of “The Ignatian Paths” James Martin describes. The Jesuits describe Six Paths to God that many seem to travel. The Path of Belief These are people born into religious families or introduced to faith at an early age.  Faith has served as a foundation for them and a frame in which they view the world. The Path of Independence These believe in God, yet have made a decision to separate themselves from organized religion.  Perhaps they find church boring, irrelevant or even a place where they experienced hurt or abuse. The Path of Disbelief These have concluded in their own minds that God does not exist.  These conclusions may be a result of intellect or inability to reconcile suffering of the world with the existence of God. The Path of Return These grew up in faith, drifted away, and now find their interest in God reignited.  Often having a child or experiencing a life crisis will be an invitation back into faith. The Path of Exploration These find their own spiritual practices are enhanced as they interact with other traditions. After serious search, you either discover a tradition suited well to you or a renewed appreciation for your original “spiritual home”. The Path of Confusion These run hot or cold with their faith and have not yet made up their minds.   They may pray occasionally if they have a serious need or attend a holiday worship service. The Ignatian Way teaches that the path to finding God is awareness.  Not just becoming aware of how you can find God, but an awareness that God desires to find you. Author: Christina Roberts