How's Your Faith?

    That’s not a question we ask each other often.

     Maybe we should.

     We accept the need for checkups – eye tests, teeth cleanings. But, we don’t necessarily check on our own, or others’, faith.

    How’s your faith? 

     Is it healthy? Is it left over from your childhood or is it new? Did you create a combination of wht you grew up with and what you’ve learned? Did you take a spiritual journey or stumble into what you believe?

     David Gregory, known for being host of and being fired as host of “Meet the Press,” is a journeyer. Brought up with a Jewish identity but not too much religious education and with a Catholic mother who angrily abandoned her faith, Gregory embarked on a journey to figure our what he believes, how he wants to practice and how he wants to raise his children.

     Being a journalist, he documents that journey in his book, How’s Your Faith?

     He took the title from the question President George W. Bush asked him when he found out Gregory was exploring his beliefs. It may seem strange that the President of the United States would find out a White House correspondent’s private business, but political Washington is like a small town where everyone goes to the Post Office and the bank at specified times and gossips.

    In the book, Gregory traces his own history, including attending a Hollywood synagogue where Red Buttons often read from the Torah. It’s a unique story, but applicable to others, especially his interfaith marriage and their decision to raise their children Jewish, which is a very common scenario. Those not satisfied with where their journeys have taken them so far will find some compelling paths to follow. Gregory didn’t confine his mentors to rabbis but spoke to many people from various faiths.

     In a way, How’s Your Faith? Is a blueprint for the journey, but more than that it is a reminder to check in on ourselves now and then.

    So, how’s your faith?