Orthodox ideas, today, discard spiritual mystery - to find the security of religious certainty.

The faith of our fathers realised the mystery of much that we meet in our religious practices; exposed the thin places, where earth and heaven overlap; where material and spiritual are undivided. Yet, in recent years, modern humanity has demanded a more factual, tenable, sensible, complete account. Something with firm boundaries stating who is out and who is in. So faith is said to rely on : The Infallibility of the Bible, even, in places, of the Pope The Divinity of Jesus Christ, even from first creation Virginity of the mother of Jesus, even, lately, of her own mother The return of Jesus as judge, even often the very date We are all said to be sinners, doomed saved only through the spilt blood of Jesus Christ Eternal life lies ahead in wondrous heaven for the few, for those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord. Eternal damnation and torture for the many, those who have failed to make that statement. It matters not how either one has lived their life. Does that make any sense?

In contrast we may see a concept of evolving mankind, heading towards a glorious future as the target of its evolution. This may seem vastly preferable to the traditional stance, which looks back to the source of original sin and focusses on sin-filled mankind. Faith does not lie in assent to a form of words, nor in acceptance of the stories told of ancient heroes, nor in the performance of certain actions, whether ritualistic or in helping others. Faith does not lie in loving our neighbour or following Jesus (though these may be it's unexpected consequences); does not lie in credal statements or confessions. Faith lies only in Trust in God's love, reality and goodness. Even so, putting our trust in God alone can affect all of our behaviour. Is not an easy option!