The Primacy of Love

Have you wondered why you believe what you believe? Do you ever think, as you struggle trying to get three children out the door to Church, that it would be much simpler if you just gave up and let them play with their toys?

Do you get tired of hearing that you are “shoving religion down someone’s throat” because you said ‘Merry Christmas’?

Why be part of an organization that is so despised?

Why even bother?

Can’t intelligent, good people get together and write a moral code that is just and equitable without having to drag a god into it?

The answer to the last question is "yes". Ancient philosophers have pretty much proven that such a thing is possible. The challenge is that even if a deity is not invoked as the basis for a moral code, a group of people must adhere to an agreed upon moral code for the betterment of society. People must be willing to bear children and bring them up to be productive citizens. Young men must be willing to die for the society. In short, even in an atheistic society one does not have the right to instant gratification. Living in any society comes at the cost of one’s life, either by living or dying. Yes, there have been times and places where an elite gets all the comforts simply by being citizen. Look at the “Roman mob”. Mob rule became so detrimental that Emporer Constantine moved the capitol city of the Roman Empire to a new city called Constantinople. (There were other factors such as defense. But one cannot run a government when the citizens riot every time one of their luxuries is at stake.)

So now I ask: If we are all good, reasonable people who can make moral decisions without the need of a deity, why bother going to Church or defending a man made religious institution?

Because it is very clear that a large group of people are unwilling or incapable of adhering to a moral code for the good of society. Just ask anybody who feels they have the right to speed through a school zone. It also negates the possibility for the transcendent power of love to work in most situations.

Do you think I will argue that religion makes for better, more loving people? No. Am I arguing that “good, intelligent people” can come up with a sustainable moral standard? I really don’t think that the average person has the will or self -discipline. Plus this allows for a moral code that is always shifting based on popular opinion. Should I throw my hands up in despair? Some days I do.

Except that I believe that Love is the most powerful force in the universe.

I believe that I can find the source of that love if I follow a strict moral code that I cannot change on a whim. I also believe that this strict moral code, based on love, is for the betterment of society.

After much research I believe that Jesus teaches the primacy of love and how to stay connected to the Source of All Goodness.

I believe that by staying connected to the Source of all Goodness that I am able to allow Love to function in every situation I find myself in.

I believe that Love can, does, and will change the course of events.

I believe that if I rely on my reason and my perception alone, even if guided by a moral code, that I will make horrible mistakes.

I believe that I must use my reason to discern what is the most loving course of action while being guided by my chosen moral code.

I believe that by following Jesus, I will become greater and more loving than I ever would on my own.

So I go to Church. I bring my kids to church. I belong to an incredibly unpopular organization. I apologize for saying “Merry Christmas” and ask what form of goodwill they would like to receive. (For the record, she just blinked and mumbled “Merry Christmas” back.)

I do not despair. Perhaps religion is taboo, but who does not wish to be loved?

And I will use my religion to become a more loving person. After all, what else is there?