The Best Expression I've Found
May 15, 2011
Belief seemed so simple when I was discussing religion in 8th grade with my friends. I seemed to clearly know what exists and what is good. I seemed to know what I believe.
When I agreed last Wednesday to fill in for THIS I BELIEVE, I figured it would be JUST AS EASY as then. So I jumped at the chance.
However, quick and easy this HAS NOT BEEN.
Of the four write-ups I’ve done so far, one was lost, one rejected, one incomprehensible, and another incomprehensible. And worst of all, they were all over 5 minutes. Yes, studies have found that 3 minutes is sufficient to explain life, the universe, and everything.
But seriously, why is Belief so much harder to state now?
Well, they taught me in RE that the responsible search for truth and meaning would be a challenging, lifelong endeavor. I believe them now.
When I was young, I looked to facts and logic to explain things. What could be righter than facts and logic? And I spent my time trying to get others to see the failings of what they believed. I still get caught in this trap now.
But over time, I discovered that truth and meaning are made up of more than what is factually right.
I have seen that facts and logic are often the least of the factors that form the beliefs of most people. I have learned that the beliefs of people come from many different places. And I observe that most people seem to behave in ways that are generally constructive for a communal good — even with many side roads and blind alleys and, even when their stated beliefs or religion do not put much emphasis on life here on Earth. Belief is complicated, as fashioned over time by humankind and by nature.
So these observations have changed my beliefs and my approach. Now I put emphasis on the process of finding meaning. The process speaks to finding effective ways and language to change others and to discover universal truths. This process, while allowing diversity, also seeks consensus as an intentional goal.
It follows then, that I focus more than ever on the UU principle of Acting on One’s Beliefs: Action is vital. You can discuss, dissect, plan, contemplate, evaluate, judge, and prepare, but you’ve got to act to validate thought and find meaning.
And, from Reverend Davis’s many sermons and actions during his years at our Fellowship, I have become convinced that Love IS the best expression of a search for meaning.
Love IS the one pure force, Love IS universal salvation.
Love leads to shared meaning among people.
Love bridges concepts of God to behavior here on earth.
Love brings new and unexpected knowledge about life and each other.
Love speaks at once to both individual and communal needs.
Love gives form to passion.
Love unites rather than divides.
Love changes everything.
Help me, my friends, to live these beliefs.
