F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions about the Sacred Parks Project)

1.) Sacred Parks is a great idea, but is it practical?

Great question, and one that requires two completely different answers. For one, the philosophy and theology of Sacred Parks (faithful exploration, simple living and community amid sacred space) is absolutely practical. As believers in a God of creation, redemption and sanctification, we are all called to live a life of practical and intentional stewardship. The earth must be cared for, or its resources and ability to sustain life will be exhausted. By looking at our experiences in sacred space together (and in solitude), we seek to establish real relationships of sustainability and emulate the ideals of living in places set aside for us (i.e. parks) that translate into a new manner of being in ALL of Creation. However, these are not always the ideals the "civilized" world will have us ascribe to: notably, those ideals of domination (over stewardship), greed (over preservation), and hyper-consumption (over careful conservation). In that sense, living according to the mantra of "faithfully exploring and living simply, in community with our nation's parks" is neither practical nor desirable. But, then again, when did the pursuits of the world bring us real fulfillment, and when was ANY ministry completely "practical" by human standards? This is God's earth, and it is ours only for as long as we can share and preserve it. Two biblical verses come to mind: one from the Hebrew (Old) Testament "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof." (Ps. 24:1) and one from the New Covenant (Testament) "Give to Ceasar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God whatis God's" (Mt. 22:21)

2.) How are you funding this project, and will this ministry be sustainable?

Thus far, over 95% of Sacred Parks funding has come from my mother who, when she passed away, left me a modest amount of money to go toward my seminary and post-graduate education. This last year's project travels, in my opinion, have allowed me to see areas of the country I never would have been able to otherwise, and have given me as much learning as any institutional education could provide: in essence, a first-hand glimpse (and immersion) into how Creation teaches us in ways that books and schools simply cannot. Thus, learning how we might see nature, on the rest of Creation's terms, puts us (humans) on the trail to "the Job Question" and the realization that we are not the center of the universe. Indeed, "What are human beings that [God is] mindful of [us], mortals that [God] cares for [us]?" (Ps. 8)

3.) What do you hope to accomplish with Sacred Parks in the long run?

The scope of Sacred Parks is just beginning to unfold. In the future, we at Sacred Parks hope to incorporate this ministry with other ministries, people and communities. This is the F.A.Q. that may involve YOU!