In a few short weeks Christmas will be upon us. I believe, now more than ever, in our dangerously shattered United States of America, the teaching and life examples of Jesus the Christ need to be studied, understood and lived in a kindly and generous fashion.

Before you shut down, thinking, more Christian propaganda from the conservative right, let me remind you of the basic split among Christians as to how to interpret and apply the concepts of the Bible to modern life.

In contrast to a literal, inerrant and infallible view of the Bible, the approach I find most inspiring and sensible is called Christian Modernism. It takes into consideration today’s knowledge, and the progressive insights uncovered as we explore science and ethics. It emphasizes the importance of reason and experience over doctrine and dogma. Basically, it calls for each of us to make our own life choices, our own world view, influenced by but unfettered by doctrines of an external authority such as the Bible. I believe we call that process “growing up.”

As an Episcopalian, I visualize our Christian faith as sitting upon a three-legged stool of Scripture, tradition and reason. We study the Bible, we examine the historic traditions of the church in the past. Reason calls for re-evaluation when needed. Reason modulates our reading and application of the printed words of Holy Scripture.

Being raised in a conservative home (Missouri Synod Lutheran) and viewing the Bible as authoritative in every instance since childhood, my journey to Christian modernism has been long, mentally challenging, and has called for courage to leave some of the beliefs of my youth behind.

How did this happen?

My heart has always been trusting, but my mind skeptical toward so many things metaphysical. For decades I have been indebted to Pastor Frederick Buechner, a Vermonter who wrote, much to my comfort, “Doubt is the ants in the pants of faith.” Doubt and wonderment will get one to thinking.

I once believed it was Jesus only that opened doors to the bright light of salvation. However, needing more salvation light myself, finding myself in a tough spot, I started attending Alcohol Anonymous meetings in 1993. As Father Richard Rohr has written, “Suffering can be the springboard into spiritual growth.”

AA was the experience that allowed me the comfort of spiritual growth and change. AA gives members permission to seek the God of One’s Understanding. I was somewhat skeptical, but time and observations of members transformed into contributing members of society was impossible to ignore.

As a clergy, with more 30 years a priest, I witnessed hundreds of lives changed in AA. Freedom found, prayers and spiritual concepts being shared by people who talk about and revere their “Higher Power” with a fervency long coveted in church life. AA meetings were open, honest and provided steps for healing. Sometimes one has to bleed to see the need and find a better way.

Our nation needs to find a better way. “America First” has done us no favors, but rather brought about selfishness and derision.

Let’s start with telling the truth about our own life stories. How do you assess the state of our nation, and status of your own soul? How is your spiritual blood pressure? Are you spiritually fulfilled and motivated to serve your neighbor and community? Do you forgive easily? Do you need to be forgiven?

This Christmas choose your place of worship carefully, but choose one. As Bob Dylan reminds us, “Don’t stand in the doorway, don’t block up the hall.”

The spirit of Jesus can restore kindness, civility and the ability to forgive on another. Take a drink of living water. This holiday season find your house of worship, whatever your faith. Now more than ever.

Father Jack Fles lives in Gardiner and serves All Saint’s Episcopal Church in Skowhegan.

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