Webster defines “mutt” as: “a stupid or insignificant person” or “a mongrel dog.”
My conclusion?
I should have looked up the definition before creating FaithMutt.
Lesson learned.
The definition I had in mind was the “mongrel dog;” the dog that is a mixture of breeds.
You know what I’m talking about. The dog that, when you look at it, you make out a distinctive feature or two that indicate they might have a “little of this” or “a little of that” in them. However, when taken as a whole, you wonder if it can be classified as a dog at all (Shih Tzus I’m looking at you! You’re not fooling anyone!).
There have been individuals in my faith journey that have significantly influenced my thinking, theology, spirituality and faith expression. When you first get to know me, you will likely see a distinctive aspect or two that are clearly identifiable — a “little of this” or a “little of that.” When taken as a whole however, people just scratch their head and wonder.
I’ve been deeply influenced by the denomination in which I came to faith, the Evangelical Covenant Church. So I have a healthy dose of that in my “spiritual DNA” (arguably the most prevalent). As you get to know me however, you’ll see other “DNA features” that reveal the influence of Jewish thinkers and writers, an Eastern Orthodox Bishop, a teacher of the Talmud, a Roman Catholic nun and too many others to list out here.
Owners of mutts will testify with almost complete unanimity that their mutt; their wonderful messes of mixed canine heritage, are the most loyal and wonderful; wanting only to please them, make them smile and feel comforted!
With that working definition of a mutt, I recognize that that I am a mutt; a “Faith Mutt” if you will!
Living into that definition on some days better than others, I do know this: I am loyal to the master, wanting only to please him, and finding immense joy at the thought that he smiles at the wonderful mess of mixed ecclesiological heritage that came to a stange balance in me!
So, welcome to FaithMutt, where I promise that you’ll find more passion than polish; more questions than answers; and more paradox than dichotomy!
Oh, by the way? I am firmly committed to very sporadic posts on my blog, but make up for it by being less sporadic, and at times fairly regular with posts on social media @FaithMutt (Facebook and Instagram).
My point? If you’re looking for something by which to set a clock, keep moving.
You’ll only be disappointed.
–Todd