I have pondered the topic of weaponizing faith longer than any other topic to date. I thought it would have been easy to address faith by relying upon denominational dogma, experiential hermeneutic, or theological perspective as a stalwart ambassador of moral rectitude. Holding fast to confession and belief, I believed it was my bounden duty to lead a life that would convince others to confess and believe the same. The great commission- I thought- was to help someone maintain allegiance to their confession while infusing a messianic affirmation into their beliefs. I believed it also my bounden duty to move the landmarks of ecumenical dogma toward a new awakening, a renewal of the mind.
Religion and faith, often linked in principle and practice, are not synonymous- though they can be mutually inclusive. It is truly possible to have faith without religion; it is equally possible to have religion without faith. Faith, in its purest form, is the substance and manifestation of hope. Faith is hope for tomorrow; the inner knowing that divine providence operates on our behalf. Faith is not privileged by race, religion, status, or class; rather, it is the driving force that keeps humanity moving forward.
I was recently reading Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography, which was initially written in 1793 and reprinted (at least the copy in my possession) in 1948. As I turned through the worn, fragile, yellow pages, I came upon Franklin’s assessment of faith and religion- demonstrating an appreciation of the ecumenical and interfaith community. He wrote
I never doubted, for instance, the existence of the Deity; that he made the world and governed it by his Providence; that the most acceptable service of God was the doing good to man; that our souls are immortal; and that all crimes will be punished, and virtue rewarded, either here or hereafter. These I esteemed the essentials of every religion. Being to be found in all religions we had in our country, I respected them all, though with different degrees of respect, as I found them more or less mixed with articles, which, without any tendency to inspire, promote, and confirm morality, served principally to divide us and make us unfriendly to one another.
This respect to all, with an opinion that the worst had some good effects, induced me to avoid all discourse that might tend to lessen the good reputation another might have of his own religion; and as our province increased in people, and new places of worship were continually wanted, and generally erected by voluntary contribution, my mite for such purpose, whatever might be the sect, was never refused.
It is entirely possible to remain true to the confessions and principles of one's faith without disavowing (weaponizing) the confessions and principles of another. Confessions and principles give us all hope for tomorrow. Personal and collective arrogance, attempting to move spiritual landmarks often meets with equal- and perhaps more informed- arrogance. The best any person can do is maintain their hope for tomorrow, be good and moral citizens, treat others with mercy and justice, and walk humbly before God. In doing so, the weapons of faith may transform into messages of peace and hope. This may only be achieved by Un-weaponizing faith.
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