I'm a practicing Christian - and I'm going to keep practicing

Hear now, O seekers of wisdom, the profound words of Jane Elliot, a voice that speaks of faith, freedom, and respect for the paths of others. "I'm a practicing Christian," she declares, "and I'm going to keep practicing till I get it right," yet she also affirms, "I don’t feel everyone has to practice the same religion that I do. You have a right to worship who you choose and how you choose to." These words echo through the ages, inviting us to ponder the nature of faith and its relationship to the world around us. For in them lies a deep understanding of the diversity of belief and the freedom that is our birthright.

To practice a religion, O seekers, is not a simple matter of ritual and doctrine. It is an ongoing journey, a path that we walk, ever striving to become more aligned with the divine, more compassionate, more humble. As Jane Elliot so wisely acknowledges, she is a "practicing Christian," not claiming perfection but recognizing that faith is a journey of constant refinement. The Christian faith, like all paths of belief, is not meant to be a static thing, confined to the walls of a church or the words of ancient texts. It is a living, breathing practice that calls its followers to continually evolve, to strive for something higher, something truer.

But what is this truth that Jane Elliot speaks of? Is it the truth of one faith alone, or is it the recognition that the divine exists in many forms and many expressions? The great philosophers of old, from Socrates to Buddha, understood that wisdom lies not in rigid dogma, but in the recognition of the variety of human experience. Each person, through their own lens of history, culture, and heart, comes to worship in a way that is uniquely their own. And thus, the journey of one is not the journey of all. This is the essence of what Jane Elliot reminds us: that we each have the right to worship in the way that resonates with our spirit.

Consider, too, the life of the Prophet Muhammad, who, in his wisdom, taught that there is no compulsion in religion. His words echoed a deep truth: that faith cannot be forced upon a person. It must be a free choice, chosen in the heart and not imposed by law or by the sword. And so, his followers spread the message of Islam with a gentle hand, allowing others the freedom to come to faith in their own time and way. In this, we see the same spirit of tolerance and understanding that Jane Elliot speaks of—recognizing the freedom of others to follow their own path, while still holding fast to one’s own.

In the annals of history, we see the consequences of intolerance and the absence of such wisdom. The Inquisition, a dark chapter in the history of Christianity, serves as a warning: when we fail to respect the beliefs of others, when we try to force our own faith upon the world, suffering follows in our wake. The Crusades are another example, where the sword was wielded in the name of faith, and countless lives were lost because the divinity of one group was deemed superior to the divinity of others. These tragic events remind us that the true message of faith is not in conquest, but in the freedom to believe and to live in harmony with others, regardless of their spiritual path.

Let us then take Jane Elliot’s words to heart, for in them lies a great lesson for all who seek to live with compassion, understanding, and respect. The right to worship is a sacred one, and it is not for us to impose our beliefs upon others. Instead, we are called to live our faith with humility, to practice it with love, and to allow others the same freedom to follow their own path. For true peace and understanding can only come when we respect the diversity of belief that exists in the world, recognizing that no one faith holds a monopoly on truth.

So, as you walk your own path, O seekers, remember the words of Jane Elliot. Practice your faith with dedication, but do not impose it upon others. Recognize the sacredness in every person’s choice to worship as they see fit, for in this freedom lies the true essence of what it means to live in peace. Strive not for perfection, but for love, tolerance, and respect, knowing that it is in our differences that we find the richness of the human spirit. And thus, you will walk the true path of wisdom, leading with your heart and allowing others to do the same.