I practice a protestant religion. As an intellect, I understand the reasons some people shy away from Christianity. Many people are more comfortable saying they are spiritual as a way to distance themselves from the flaws of formal faith traditions into something more personal and genuine for them. This is lovely and pure and authentic. However, I believe it is not an either/or question. One can be both.

A kind, gentle, and ever so insightful informal mentor, recently had the following words for me: “Christianity is how you express your spirituality.” This was mentioned some time ago, and has stuck with me. These words are a validation that although I believe that I am a sheep who trusts the Lord as my shepherd, I am not blind or robotic in obedience to faith teachers. I recognize the value of subscribing to and practicing a faith as a means to spirituality. As a way of connecting with the divine.

It is hard to recognize the whole of the Christianity without doubt. It is hard to not cherry-pick the parts I agree with and that are easy to follow. I continue to grow deeper in my relationship with a benevolent God. Through prayer, worship, and fellowship, I deepen my spirituality. Committing to a church home has strengthened my spirituality as I rely on the theological education of my pastor. Likewise, fellow churchgoers form a community surrounding me in love.

One aspect of Christianity is to bring other believers into the fold. This has expressed itself badly and is something I have distanced myself from. Some “Christians” have taken to forcing the fear of God into the lives of others, casting judgements, exclusions, and punishments. This is not what Christians are taught to do. Of course, people fall short, misunderstand and cause harm in the name of God.

It is tempting for me to dismiss my beliefs or hide them so as not to appear dim, cruel, or intolerant. Yet, I am not here to fit in. I am not here to conceal my faith. My spirituality is personal, practiced both privately and with my church family and others. Those are things I do to gain strength from the Lord. My expression of spirituality is how I treat myself and others. How I contribute to the greater good. That is the scale I measure. How much did I love today – myself, my family, my neighbor, the environment, and all God’s creatures? It’s not a test to pass; it is a way of life and understanding.

It is the expression of my faith, of my spirituality that is important. I express the teachings of scripture in my actions. This is easiest through the written word. That is my whisper of evangelism. Perhaps, the good in this world will invite others to find faith teachers to explore what Christianity has to offer.