Experiment

Many discoveries have been made because individuals were brave enough to take risks and experiment. Some discoveries were made by accident, but the importance of those accidents is no less wonderful. When we believe we have all the answers and our religious world is perfect, we can grow complacent and ignore the importance of experiments. The religious world is one of the few realms in which it seems experiments and discoveries are discouraged. Why should the religious realm be different form other areas of life? Some compare religious experimentation to dabbling in drugs. “You don’t want to get involved in that. It will lead you down a dark path.” But, what is the real fear? Experimenting with different religious faiths, trying out different religious practices, or testing different religious truths doesn’t seem to be something we need to fear.

If we are so sure our way is the best and only way, then what harm will it do to open our minds to other religious concepts and views? If our way is right and we stand in our strength, then no harm can be done. But, if we are wrong — well, just maybe a whole new world of religious discoveries awaits our awakened minds. It seems like some religions are afraid to let their followers examine other beliefs. They seem to have religion all boxed up with a neat little bow, but if the bow is removed and we look inside the box, we might be surprised to see that what is inside isn’t always right, kind, good, or loving. It might be full of human qualities and limitations. When we open our boxes and our minds, we can discover that most of the things outside the box are not necessarily evil.