Brittle Faith and HW2

In reading Gary Gunderson's book, "Deeply Woven Roots" I was struck by a section the the chapter entitled, "Strength to Bless". This section dealt with the subject of intrinsic versus extrinsic faith. Intrinsic faith is defined as one that is ethics-based with concern for transcendance of one's own needs for another's. Extrinsic faith is faith that is not experiential, tends towards rules and external foci, and values religion as a means to and end. This is interesting but the effect on health, wellness and wholeness (HW2) I found fascinating.

In the text, the author cites work by Joe and Melanie Adair and others, which suggests that "intrinsic faith is likely to mark people who recover more quickly from serious injury or illness, and data suggest that they may live longer." In contradistinction, persons with an extrinsic faith orientation "tend to fear death but, ironically, experience illness more frequently, and heal more slowly, especially from serious illness." Thus the recognized blessing of an intrinsic faith is the ability to be more resilient in the face of life difficulties.

An intrinsic faith which is open, creative, flexible and tolerant creates a person who is the same. Stress is still felt, but there is a relief valve - the ability to "know" that God is active in the world and in the person's life. That there is an ongoing promise of unconditional love that is not tied to things of human creation. That there is a bigger narrative than the one that the world portrays, and that so often limits our views of our HW2.

I teach a Sunday School class comprised of some of the oldest people in our church. Many of the attendants are in their late 80's and up to late 90's (oldest active member 98). They show me each week by their presence and active participation how important and available their faith is to their well-being. Each has suffered the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" and come out the other side. Age-related illness and debilitation is taking its toll, but they are there and ready to continue to explore their faith each week. They are a model for me of what an active and engaged elderhood can be - what I pray for each and every person as they enter this time of life.

So, how is it with your faith - extrinsic or intrinsic? How is that narrative affecting your HW2? Maybe the best thing you could do for your HW2 over the coming year is to explore the conversion to an intrinsic faith? At least it appears to be an important preventative step to enable a long and fruitful life.

Peace,
Dan