Same Message

November 8th, 2024

My conversations with my oldest son, Hans, tend to veer in strange directions. He may be explaining to me in great detail the differences between the various types of hollow nose ammunition, and then start talking about the best places to get beef brisket. It is nearly impossible for me to predict what will come out of his mouth. I have to be ready for anything.

A couple days ago, while he was telling me about a check engine light on his F250, he told me,

“I am going to go back to church again. I just don’t know when.”

I thought for a moment, and replied to him, “Do it when you’re ready.”

Years ago, I would have been ecstatic at the notion of Hans getting back to the faith of his youth. Now, after my own struggles with organized religion, I’m not as enthusiastic with the idea. If going to Mass again helps him to heal from his wartime trauma, more power to him. He has to find his own path.

Hans kept talking about religion. He said,

“When I was in basic training, I went to every religious service that was offered. I even went to the Muslim meetings. At first, I just went to get out of doing stuff, but then I started listening to what they were saying. It was all the same message: ‘Take care of your brothers.’ Well, there are extremists that don’t go with that idea, but you know what I mean.”

I replied, “All traditions have extremists.”

Hans looked at me and said, “The Crusades.”

“Yeah, and the Inquisition.”

Hans nodded.

Considering Hans’ history, I found his comments to be quite interesting. Hans fought in Iraq, and he has every reason not to think that Muslims have the same message as Christians. The fact that he sees the similarities between traditions is a bit surprising to me.

I agree with Hans’ perspective. Obviously, there are major differences between the various religious traditions in the world. On the other hand, based on my experience, most of the people I know who follow their faith seriously, whatever it might be, are alike in many ways. They all tend to be humble, generous, and compassionate. The core command to love your neighbor as yourself is paramount to those who really want to know God (however they imagine the divine). That’s across the board. People who are really doing it, are always countercultural and they have much in common with each other.

Now that I think about it, I wonder if Hans’ participation in the violence and chaos of war actually facilitates his understanding of what religion is really about. Maybe, what he has gone through makes him more aware of what is really important than the experiences of other people. Many individuals skim along the surface of life and are never truly tested. Hans has been tested and I think he recognizes the truth better than many of the folks who sit comfortably in the pews.