Some people, obviously, see faith as mainly focused on belief in a higher deity. They believe that mainly worshipping this higher power is the crucial act of faith. While there may be some truth in that, I want to suggest that people of real faith reveal that in ways far beyond simply worshipping. If worshipping and believing in a God is what we see as faith, we might well ask what is the purpose of it? I guess that those concerned may point to personal salvation, to achieving life beyond death, however, is that really enough? As we walk into our life as a nation and world today, what does belief in a God do, unless we see faith as something far beyond that personal belief?
True faith, I believe, is something which calls us on beyond where we thought we could go. It invites us to take risks and act with courage in the face of all sorts of challenges. It gives to us a dream of a community and world which could be changed for the better.
Part of the act of faith may be daring to share what we have with others less fortunate than ourselves, rather than reducing that kindness in case we don’t have quite enough. We don’t need to ensure that our every need is met into the decades ahead because we are participating in a way of life which encourages justice and kindness across all sorts of barriers and believes that this is possible.
We might have the faith to stand on the ground and critique the mean and powerful, shouting out into the world that we want a different sort of life together, even if that alienates us from some people. If it is hard to get ourselves heard, maybe we need to use our imagination – to sing and play, to create messages of a different hope and place them in public places.
Of course, faith is often renewed when people come together in groups to take their stands. In the company of others, we may test out the basis of our visions for change and hold and support each other as we make our sometimes brave moves towards achieving our goals. By its very nature, faith requires action which may, or may not, succeed. It also usually involves opposition from others who either do not have any faith that good change may be possible, or who disagree with the goals of those concerned.
Especially after the election of a government, those who stood for the political party which suffered defeat, or who agreed with its policies, can lose faith and hope. Also, when faith-based groups, like religious institutions, betray their own standards with activity such as involvement in child abuse, it is understandable that many people lose faith.
However, to give up faith, whatever its foundations, is to collude with those who have betrayed it and often to give power to those who are committed to denying compassion and justice.
So … if you have faith in a more loving and creative community and world, then look around for others, or dare to take your own stand for what you believe to be right!
