From the Post & Courier, Septemeber 24, 2007, Faith and Values
Rev Peter's words on "In Search of Unity"
There can be no one way to live one's life that is clearly or exclusively superior to any others. So, too, there cannot be a universal religion or particular way of worship that could be all inclusive or so compelling that it would include every expression of the human need to worship.
As snowflakes differ, as fingerprints distinguish us, as eye patterns make us unique, I have to ask how could any church provide a standard for church life that would inform, appeal or inspire all of humanity. In my view, any attempt to state that "we are the true church or the universal church" is a statement of zealous arrogance and profound ignorance.
From Alexis De Tocqueville onward, all the social commentaries about our American culture marvel and often praise our religious diversity, and the patchwork quilt of theologies that cover the U.S. cultural landscape. It is the distinguishing trademark of a civil society (Robert Bellah) and provides governmental protection for its citizens that interrupts any attempt to create a state religion that requires attendance or adherence. Diversity in religious belief and practice is a social strength, not a liability. It gives our society a tensile and adaptable strength. Diversity provides us with a flexible forum that can address the multifaceted concerns of a complex society.
As a liberal clergyman, I believe that religious diversity enhances the social value of any church and confirms the identity of a congregation amid many religious choices. The best and most effective ecclesial strategy is to find the distinctiveness of your congregation or how you can best define the uniqueness of your congregation. Then each church can inform the public how it welcomes and addresses human needs and aspirations. Once so defined and promoted, those people who resonate to your particular message and who identify with your stated mission, those people will find you.
The Rev. Peter E. Lanzillotta
Minister, Unitarian Church in Charleston
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Universal church? We can't even agree on a universal measuring system (metric or English). Many would like a universal church, as long as it happens to be the church they belong to. Since universal membership would require coercion or force, we should forget about a universal church.
I'm not sure if religious diversity per se is a good thing, but the religious freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution surely is. And this freedom, the right to choose any or no religion, has generated religious diversity.
A more reasonable goal than a universal church would be to emphasize the universal principles and values that both the religious and nonreligious appreciate: Loving our neighbor, ending racial discrimination, securing justice, committing to the education of children, being kind and compassionate to our fellow human beings, and protecting the Earth to preserve it for future generations. And, yes, I agree with all Miss America contestants that we should strive to end hunger and promote world peace. Some obstacles to these goals come from those who feel their religion gives them the Truth with a capital "T," and any other point of view is immoral and must be suppressed or stamped out.
Different religions, and even people within the same religion, often disagree about how to make moral decisions. I think that morality should be based on how our actions affect others. In tough decisions, we should be guided by the consequences of our actions to individuals, to our families, and to our community. And I think we would be better served if people were more focused on how best to live this life, rather than on how to prepare for an imagined afterlife.
Herb Silverman
President, Secular Coalition for America
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Reach Adam Parker at 937-5902 or aparker@post andcourier.com.