A Matter of Faith

Last Wednesday I attended the funeral of a woman I'd known for 18 years. I'm not sure how I feel about a reporter attending the funeral, but the journalist did capture it very well. I guess you don't really realize how intrusive the media is until it hits close to home. That's a topic for another day though.

I've blogged, in a joking way, about my experiences with religion. Today I'm going to be serious.

I am not a churchgoer. I wasn't raised in any religion. I did go to vacation bible school with friends and occasional church or temple services. I've tried a couple of different churches as an adult. It's just not for me. When it comes down to it, I have to describe myself as a secular humanist. I strongly believe in the golden rule. I'm very disturbed by all the evil that has been perpetrated in this world in the name of religion. Religion as "the opiate of the masses" makes a lot of sense to me.

And yet . . .

Sometimes I really envy people who are strong and secure in their religious faith. The best blogging example I have is Angie at KEEP BELIEVING. She and I are polar opposites in so many ways; still, I have no doubt that if we ever have the opportunity to sit down together with a drink we will talk all night. I know Angie draws her strength from her faith and I see what a huge, positive difference it makes for her in her life.

Becky (whose funeral I attended) and her family are devout Catholics. Her husband, Jim, is in the midst of what has to be one of the most painful things that could ever happen to a man. Were he rendered speechless, helpless, hopeless, and immobile by what has transpired, no one would question it. He has not been rendered any of these things. Instead he displays a strength, fortitude, and forgiveness that is amazing to behold.

I know he stands tall in the face of tragedy because he has his faith. He believes in God's plan; he accepts not knowing what that plan is. I know faith helps Angie cope with uncertainties in her life with grace and humor. I admire what these people have.

Yet, this thing they have is called "faith." Dictionary.com's second definition is  "belief that is not based on proof." Faith requires a leap.

I am not a leaper. My thought processes are concrete. I don't gamble; if the odds are not in my favor I'm unlikely to give it a shot. I believe what I see. This way of being has worked for me so far. I've been a happy person my whole life operating this way. Secular humanism suits me.

And yet . . . 

I am happy for those that have their faith. I can see what a positive influence it is in their lives. I can see the good that comes out of it on a personal level even while I am skeptical of much of what transpires in the name of faith on a global level.

I am so happy that I live in a time and place that allows me to live with a value system that works for me, while others can live with the one that works for them.