Probably would help if Christians, at large, would demonstrate minimal curiosity as to how Christ shows up through and for non-Christians.

There are several moments when Christ has either physically or energetically made himself present to me in unexpected, but unmistakable, ways. These are subtle, and powerful, events and don’t ever fit into a neat narrative frame.

I’m fortunate – having attended a quite idiosyncratic Nazarene Church in the Southern U.S. for 3+ years – that I have been able to pick up how to commune properly with Christ in some fascinating ways. My pastor, who was not afraid of my Buddhist and Hindu background and commitments, recommended good literature to explore, and prayer practicers to try out.

How many pastors have you met that meet that basic level of rigor and openness, so that they actually accomplish their goal of bringing a disciple to Christ by meeting them where they are?

When I was on camping retreat recently, Christ showed up in the middle of a several-mile mountain hike in the corner of my experience, while I was alone and struggling with mapping out some specific issues related to sexuality, and the currents of Eros more generally. I was prepared this time – I knew how to engage and respect his presence.

I’m perfectly interested in following His example to the extent that it coincides with the fulfillment of my dharma – and He is skilled at respecting that, too.

A previous time, Christ came to me in a dream, dressed in golden robes and with an oak staff, and watched silently as I was consumed by garnet flames.

When Christ shows up for me, which is too rare to generalize about, but too often to ignore – he never speaks; almost as if he is trying to draw me into speak an idiosyncratic, non-verbal language of his choosing.

There are plenty of conversations I’m willing and able to have about Christ, and the paths he lays out to enter into the heart center, and carry oneself in the world with an abiding sense of love.

Christians, as a category, are bad at having these conversations, because for the most part, if the experience doesn’t (eventually) fit into a set of tightly held doctrinal positions that they prefer – they see no value in asking good questions about what is being revealed and how to relate to such revelation.