Summary:
This Easter sermon explores the tension between rational skepticism and the emotional power of religious metaphor. The speaker reflects on his transition from a literal, intellectual critique of the resurrection to an appreciation for its truth as a human experience. He argues that spiritual figures like Jesus, or even deceased loved ones, survive through the lasting relationships and comfort they provide to the living. By referencing the hymn “In the Garden,” he emphasizes the importance of having a spiritual companion to provide strength during times of personal crisis. Ultimately, the sermon encourages listeners to embrace imaginative faith and the “spiritual garden” of the heart without feeling they have betrayed their reason or intellect.