Choose wisely

So where did this identity—Christian, Atheist, Humanist—come from?  Part of it stems from thoughts I've had about a psychological development theory called object relations.  About a year ago I used it in a sermon on Jeremiah 31: 31-34 entitled "The Next Right Thing".   Rather than quote most of it here, please click on the link and read the sermon before continuing.

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In my view, the purpose of religious belief or adherence is not to believe but to grow and evolve, to internalize that which will help us become more loving, accepting, compassionate, forgiving, peace-filled, justice-minded.  


But I also believe that possessing a religious faith is not the only way to achieve this.  Love, acceptance, compassion, forgiveness, peace, and justice are all choices, as are hate, fear, violence, greed, selfishness.  When we feel threatened, unsafe, insecure, less-than, or stressed, it becomes less of a choice and more of a reflex from our survival instincts.  And this is where I believe our next evolutionary step needs to take place: to no longer be slaves to our lizard brains, to be hijacked by the amygdala—our fight or flight response, but to be able to choose how we will respond, not only for our good but for the good of all.  Our survival as a species depends on the survival of the generous, survival of the compassionate.


Our technology, the high-speed pace of our society, the immediacy of gratification, our desire for more have only heightened this reflexive response of fight or flight.  Technology and science cannot solve all our problems or help us make choices for the common, higher good but as history has proved so far, neither can religion.

Gus Speth, environmental lawyer and advocate

It would seem they need each other: science coupled with unconditional love, radical forgiveness, restorative justice, and fearless compassion, grounded in community, connected to the earth, to humanity.  

Perhaps I have been more influenced by Star Trek than I truly know.