Summer Camp is an Alternate Universe

I recently served as chaplain to the 8th and 9th grade camp session at my diocesan camp. I volunteered myself for a question and answer session with the kids about matters of faith. They asked some great questions. I readily admitted that I didn't have all the answers. Faith is about trust, and trust is a matter of relationship. In relationships we don't have all the answers.

One child asked about translation issues surrounding Genesis 1:1. (I know! 8th and 9th graders!) The typical translation "In the beginning" can also be translated "In a beginning." (You could also support leaving out the article, thus "In beginning.) So this kid wonders if "a" could indicate that there were/are numerous beginnings and therefore many parallel creations. Well, that could happen. We just don't know.

For me, being at camp was another universe. The beauty of creation, and the easy going pace were refreshing. Many people assume that I must have been exhausted after spending time with these adolescents. That was not the case at all. Instead, I have come back to this plane of existence renewed. The probing questions of the youth were a major part of that renewal. Being able to admit that I didn't have the all answers reminded me that God doesn't require us to be right. God, through grace, makes us righteous people doing God's work in the world (and possibly in alternate realities.)