But as a Unitarian Universalist, how can you have faith? I mean, we don't necessarily believe in God, or Jesus, or any sort of deity. So what is our faith?
Collectively, I have no idea. But let me tell you what I consider as my "faith." It all comes back to the seven principles:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
- Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
I have faith that somehow, someday everyone will treat others with dignity and compassion. I have faith that somehow, someday everyone will have liberty and equality. I have faith that somehow, someday it will get better.
I know the nay sayers will now start coming around, telling me that to just believe this isn't enough. That I'll need to go on protest marches, picket the government and have sit ins. Yes, those things work for people strong enough to do them. I'm not that strong.
I'll continue to do what I need to do in order to get by.
And I'll continue to have faith.
Because without that faith is life even worth living?
I know the nay sayers will now start coming around, telling me that to just believe this isn't enough. That I'll need to go on protest marches, picket the government and have sit ins. Yes, those things work for people strong enough to do them. I'm not that strong.
I'll continue to do what I need to do in order to get by.
And I'll continue to have faith.
Because without that faith is life even worth living?
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