Barry's Blog

A number of years ago one of the more thoughtful writers that I have come across, Philip Yancey, devoted a column to Questions, not Answers. I must admit, I was taken back by it. It struck me that many of us receive much more information than we could ever possibly absorb. And sometimes we ourselves are guilty of giving answers to questions people are not asking. The questions that people have, in their heart of hearts, but don't tell us about. I am reminded that the philosopher Aristotle once observed that "those who wish to succeed must ask the right preliminary questions." So while normally this space is devoted to reflections on the intersection of faith, life, and culture, this one is about questions, questions I hear from a lot of men in fact. Sometimes spoken, but more often, never spoken...

Does my life have any overarching purpose that I can possibly understand or know about? Is there anything more to life than work, play, and occasional vacations? Is this life simply all about pursuing my own ends, in my work and leisure, the pursuit of "bread and circuses"? 

How can I really know God? I know we are told by Christian leaders to read our Bibles. But I don't really understand the Bible, nor am I confident that He is really in my life. Is there supposed to be a subjective feeling that accompanies God's presence in my life, or not?

What does a life of faith really look like in the world of commerce? Must it always be observable to the outside world? If not, then how might it be manifested, if at all? 

What is the true and legitimate role of faith in my work and career? Does God really orchestrate the affairs of my business, my wins and losses, or is it all on my shoulders? Is it happenstance, or the roll of the dice?

Is it possible to be successful in work, trying to be the very best, and also to be truly engaged with my family, children, and friends? Am I playing games with God? Do I believe that there are legitimate kinds of success other than in business? Does He value business success over other forms of success?

Is there any way that I can be truly happy in this life?  How could it be that a man like King Solomon could have so much money and pleasure in his life, and still be unhappy, saying that it is all "vanity, and striving after wind"? Could it be that there is a purposeful divine "discontent" with this life?

Just wondering....so what are some of the questions on your mind?