In need of a richer message

How does one respond to articles like the main one in the November edition of Wired magazine whose cover reads, "Inside the crusade against religion." Or what about a response to the recent book titled, "Misquoting Jesus," a book that a friend from work asked me to read?

There certainly does seem to be a growing movement to attack faith in God--take the opening sentences of the Wired article: "They (these "new atheists") condemn not just belief in God, but respect for belief in God. Religion is not only wrong; it's evil." And later, quoting Sam Harris, "At some point, there is going to be enough pressure (within society) that it is just going to be too embarrassing to believe in God."

What do I do about these kinds of thoughts, attitudes, and words when I hear them? It's an honest question for which I don't have a great answer. I have long studied apologetics and ultimately find it wanting (as a convincing defense of faith). But, is there another way to think about answering questions about faith?

Roland Muller's book, Honor and Shame, is a compelling and enlightening book about how we communicate faith and how different cultures require different messages. And he writes how those of us with a Judeo-Christian cultural heritage think and talk about faith and the Bible in a very specific way--in a way that can often restrict a fuller appreciation of faith.

I think he is on to something, and it's a topic that fascinates me. How does my cultural history blind me to other ways of thinking and talking about faith? And how can an understanding of other cultures deepen my understanding of faith?

Those who attack faith as unreasonable or myth challenge me to live a new message--a message that communicates a richer and deeper faith than the one I too often am satisfied with.