Faith, as defined in the OED, the British dictionary, has approximately 14 definitions. The most frequently used meanings of faith, refer to trust in someone or something, some idea, an ISM of a sort. The others mainly refer to faith in God, a Supreme Being. One worthy of faith, loyalty and a deep and abiding repository for one's trust. Other dictionaries define faith as in a belief, a believing in a politician.
What is the chance of that today? Can we put our faith and loyalty safely and securely attached to one or two people, have faith that their motives are pure, at least for the most part? That they are capable of acting in righteous. and compassionate understanding of and for others? I see an empty circle awaiting a winner to enter and light it up, allowing its light to shine upon the world, to illuminate the deepest darkest corners of the world. However, nothing doing. Nothing at all.
The other main category of faith refers to a God, a Being of power and awesome in its every aspect. A Being with whom we connect with a mutual loyalty, for we need that G-d as much as He needs us, for without worshippers, what is a god? Or does that G-d become a god, as the gods of Mt. Olympus, or the Parthenon, wherever there was once worship of said entity. The other side of the coin is: where would the worshippers be without a Being to aid, to watch, to guard and protect them, to provide structure and commandments for a righteous society? A sort of mutual and beneficial loyalty, one easy to understand and follow, for the most part, or so it is hoped.
Perhaps this is a somewhat arrogant presumption in the eyes of some, but there is a sense of sense about this thought, for if the God becomes a God due to the fact of worship what if there is no one worshiping that God? It is like the tree in the forest - if no one hears it fall, did it fall? If no one worships that God any more is that God now a god. Take a stroll through history and count the numbers and types of gods who were once gods with a capital G but no longer so. Or is it that they were never true gods of capital G and had to fall and fail as humanity searched for the right and proper and true God.
There are adherents to all thoughts about the origins of a Supreme Being and all the contradictions contained within. There are also very similar origin stories within the cultures of the world, of the beginnings of the Earth, so surely it is reasonable that one can begin this journey and remain on it, along with the constant belief in that Supreme Being's existence. I cannot answer these questions. I don't even know some of the questions to ask. That does not preclude me from continuing to seek and search. Perhaps I will find myself back at the point of origin at the end of it all. But the search, my journey, is important to me. Well worth my struggle.
Is it upon a person to criticize the faith of another, particularly in a chosen God? In fact, some cynical souls espouse the practice of bet on them all, for somewhere in there is the right one. Play the odds and be safe. But to me that is a shallow copout. Perhaps that's because I am not a champion spokesman for change and prefer to stay with my God, the same God that belonged to my people as my people belong to Him. As I do.
However, all should be free to worship as long as that God belief and faith in that God does not demand bloodshed. Nor the horror of dictatorship and domination over others. Unfortunately, there are too many in this world who twist and pervert their faith into something other than it should be and claim that their God empowers them to behave so.
Faith in a G-d is challenging when bad things happen. But then again, not necessarily so. People emerge from tragic situations on both ends of the belief spectrum. Some wonder where He was during that time while others always felt His presence. Desertion of faith as compared to a deeper belief. Right? Wrong? No clue and I cannot speak for others. I do know that the loss of my youngest grandchild remains a challenge to me. While I retained my faith there remains a great deal of anger and confusion and wondering. Right? Wrong? Upon me to decide, to understand.
There has been a revival of late of faith too often accompanied by ever longer and stronger lists of do's and don'ts. Precepts are supposed to be internalized and not questioned by the believer. The leaders of the revival religions are venerated almost as a god, their words and decisions DM'ed from Above, not to be questioned and if so, leave and find another version of that religion that fits you better. Challengers are generally not welcomed, and these outliers are often shepherded to the door. It is a policy of color within our lines or find another coloring book.
Dissent is contagious, anathema to these versions of religion, those questioned do not enjoy being challenged, hence the refusal to tolerate any deviance whatsoever from the straight and narrow as interpreted and defined by the leaders of that sect. Too often there is a real enmity between various sects and that is a disgrace. Not for me. Not at all. I have always questioned, seeking answers, reasons, a deeper understanding. Not all were or are comfortable with that. Tough, is my answer. Even as I, and others, see, too often a dislike and contempt of or for other sects which culminate in violence and disparagement of fellow worshippers of the same religion. And G-d weeps. Of that, I am sure.
Religious faith is one thing. It should be personal. Should have room within for personal feelings and approaches to worshipping and serving G-d. Not to be so restrictive in manner so as to deny the inspiration, the reassurance and the structure of a faith simply because it differs from your particular opinion.
However, there is another faith. Let us say secular faith and particular faith in politicians, in the leaders, in those who run governments. Their role is to care for the people; to do a job and in most cases, they actually do that job and do it well. However, for quite some time these days there is something very rotten, obviously so with the present government. The stink of its corruption is overwhelming. Too many are acquiescing, falling prey to the poisonous air it emits and to the fear it exudes. We the people, we the nation are suffering. for it. Its corruption spreads by the second, exponentially, and will soon subsume all within its grasp. Woe upon us if we do not draw a line under it and say - NO MORE.
There is much to write and think on this topic, but there is always -
On the morrow.
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