The Second Question: My Own Stories

My own story has been a direct result of my family story, I believe. The right--and perhaps the responsibility--to ask questions about dearly held theological points of view is deeply ingrained in my genetic heritage. In my case, my questioning went in the direction of exploration beyond a narrow definition of Christianity. I've rubbed elbows with Jelaluddin Rumi, with Gautama Buddha and the White Buffalo Calf Woman. At the end of the day, I have come to the conclusion that all roads lead back to Jesus, but that the gate is through the middle of the human heart. I imagine my friend, who was a Tibetan Lama, getting to the pearly gates. He sees the Compassionate Buddha, who welcomes him with open arms. As he looks into the eyes of this person who has been his inspiration for so much of his life, he understands that he is looking into the eyes of Jesus. "Oh that's who you are," he says.