We cannot continue to play at religion. It must matter deeply to us, and we must understand the costs involved in the spiritual life. Christian leaders do no one any service by trying to make the life of discipleship simple, easy, or fun. What makes the path of the Christian disciple fulfilling, joyous, and worthwhile is that it leads us to a depth of meaning and purpose much larger than ourselves and into relationship with God in Jesus Christ. But we will never get back more than we are willing to put in.
Spiritual work is serious work.
The time has come to give it the value it deserves. We can be thankful that Mariana Caplan has the courage to call us to account. Halfway up the mountain is no better than no way up the mountain. God expects more. The Error of Premature Claims to Enlightenment.