HARD WORK

 So. Cogitation is a difficult thing to do. It requires a deep and honest dive into ideas. and words perhaps best left unsaid. However, I cannot leave this process in the midst of it all. It doesn't work. Not for me anyway. I'm getting to the point where all of the introductory work or words have led us. Obviously, a bit longer than I thought it would be, but it feels good. It feels right. 

To actually think, what do I feel? What do I wish could be changed? What was better about the before and what is perhaps better with the after and the now and could there be some sort of an amalgam of the three prongs of time - past, present, and future? Can I find compatibility with what I think and feel, with what I believe and along with the faith and beliefs of others somehow complementing each other? Or is that a wishful pipe dream, never to come to fruition?

I needed more definition. I do not believe that religion is the absolute equivalent of faith. If that were the case, then assuming that all believing, at least those that believe in the one Western G-d would have no difficulties with each other and there would be peace treaties between and among them. Suffice it to say, and history is proof, that has never happened, nor do I expect a Pax Religion to occur, and certainly not in the near future. We are so wrapped up in defending the religions to which we belong, and we do not see past the arguments. 

Instead, we further exacerbate the situation by highlighting those differences with accompanying boast of certitude, in in our belief of the superiority of one's own religion over respective religions.    Hence, along come the inevitable wars, bloody wars, of internal and/or worldwide battles, all to prove via combat and hanging, drowning, burning at the stake, stoning, (the world practicing its misplaced misused creativity). All to prove that falsehood a truth, and by golly, after the beatdown unbelievers receive, well, they will be ready to believe and swear fealty and belief to the god of their conquerors. War forced upon those of other religions to take on the god of the victors. Not exactly a sacrosanct principle of behavior, but certainly sacred in its occurrence throughout history.

What is religion? And how does it differ from faith?  Religion is defined as 

"...the belief in and worship of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods'"

Faith is defined in relating to religion as

 "...belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion"

 Must they come as a yoked pair, or considered to be one and the same? Faith is a feeling more than a concrete entity. It does not require rites and strictures. It requires one to believe that there is something, perhaps undefinable, mysterious beyond a full human understanding or portrayal in physical sense. As it should be. Faith is meant to be challenged and challenging and requires much, too much at times, from the believer, the one with Faith. Faith in its belief, in its actuality, is Faith. Pure and simple, though not always so. But the Faith remains. It is the Faith of survivors of Nazi Germany, of Oct 7, of 9/11, of personal tragedy. Faith is what one needs to make it through a dark period beyond any comprehension, survive the boiling anger or desperate despair. It is Faith. Period. Challenged at times, even denied for a time, but Faith returns, albeit perhaps even modified in some manner, but there it is and there it remains.  

Religion is otherwise. Very much so. In actuality, religion can be practiced, even committed to, sans Faith. A faith does exist in the comfort it might give as people like routines, especially at times of crisis. Most people prefer to be part of a crowd, a group, a class rather than stand alone and be wrapped in a cloud of loneliness. 

That loneliness can be ameliorated by a religion without Faith. There is a faith, uncapitalized, which does exist. It provides comfort in the specific need of a person. It might give such in the social aspect. In the rites and routines of the practice of religion. It does not require Faith, though it might lead to that Faith over time. That Faith requires belief in a Power, mysterious, severe yet merciful, the source of reward and punishment, a staff to lean on and a taskmaster to serve and please. It is not religion.  

Religion and Faith do not have to be mutually linked together in an unbreakable connection. Nor are they enemies of the other if one leans towards the one rather than the other. Together there might be a strengthening of both; they do not demean or lessen each other if not shared within the same   person. One can be deeply immersed in the practice of religion. So deemed and recognized as such by all who know or see him, though Faith might not be there. Only faith. 

On the other hand, one can be a person who does not practice any religion, forgoes all the rites and rituals of such, yet be a person of deep Faith. There is within a well of belief and Faith which never goes dry, always replenishing, during good times and bad. It is an acknowledgement of a someone, an entity, who is watching or not, indifferent or personally involved, of shared and contrasting traits, always to remain a mystery, yet always there. That is Faith. It can and does exist without religion just as religious practice can be kept without Faith.  

A union of both can be glorious in its partnership. However, if not so, each in single manner, may provide the person, complete the person, fulfill the needs. It is not a matter of condemnation or praise.  It is a reality which must be recognized as Here. Deal with it for whatsoever strengthens a person, enables that being to live a good and productive life, to respect and love others, there is no wrong here. 

It is most unfortunate there are too many not accepting of that reality. Many condemn it. They remonstrate with vociferous voice and warnings of doom befalling the "offenders" or ones they care about and are the source of all wrong and sorrow in the world. Certainly, a deep burden to lay upon the shoulders of the young, of the seekers, of those damaged by life, of those seeking a truth for themselves.  

This approach might inspire, negatively, for some of the lost lambs to return to the flock, but in many cases the results are not as such. It might be a questioning, stronger doubts, for how can one    who professes faith, who openly, vigorously, ostentatiously, practices religion, how can this person be so negative, so evil, so mean? It is a contradiction of all that religion and faith are meant to be and provide. 

Threats and fear might work for a while. However, after a time, they inevitably provide room and desire, a driving need of and for resentment and opposition. That opposition can result in a rejection of exactly what the person needs. It takes away structure. It takes away reassurance. It provides for loneliness. For confusion. It does not provide for the good. 

It drives away many, and they wander through life, bereft of comfort and structure, all that true unselfish Faith and religion could provide when presented in the proper manner. 

How can this be avoided? How can we reach out and within and find that Faith and that religion suitable and compatible, both for the world and for our smaller communities? Might we ever find a path of compassion, understanding and acceptance? If we cannot, or will not, then woe upon us. The losses are already too many. 

What are these losses? Are they beyond aid and reunion? Might we be better off shifting our viewpoints and outlooks? Are we capable of honest thought and examination? Will we agree to certain truths and adjustments? If we do not, we will continue to provide a nourishing atmosphere for that which is rendering our people apart. Shredding the fabric which shelters us. Precisely at a time when it is so desperately important that we be strong and united. 

I am one of those rethinking, reexamining, and it is a painful, yet rewarding experience. Never to be totally completed. Life has changes and we must make change work for us, not for our ruination. As a nation, as a people, are we wanting and capable of viewing life from other angles and with different binoculars and telescopes. Will we choose the virtues of understanding over a divisive condemnation?  

Will we be honest and open with ourselves as to what we feel? No hiding. Only truth. Can we find it within ourselves? Are we capable as individuals to sound out or at least extend hands in understanding and acceptance. Try it for you might find it pleasant indeed.

Please make no assumptions about what I am thinking for most probably you will be incorrect. Patience. Wait. Think.

  On the morrow.