Is Your Faith Fixed or Fluid?

Gathering: Holy One who is know to us by many names and in many ways, we give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives. Be present now as we enter a time of thought and discussion.

Focus: This month a great deal of focus has been on the replacement of Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court of the United States. As always, part of the focus falls on the nominee’s interpretation of the Constitution; is it to be read as the Framer’s understood the world at that time (originalists) or is it a living document ) loose constructionism)?

Of course, for people of faith, this discussion goes beyond the Constitution and into the writings that guide us on a spiritual path.

Sentences on the Subject: You will sometimes hear [originalism] described as the theory of original intent. You will never hear me refer to original intent, because I am first of all a textualist, and secondly an originalist. If you are a textualist, you don’t care about the intent, and I don’t care if the Framers of the U.S. Constitution had some secret meaning in mind when they adopted its words. I take the words as they were promulgated to the people of the United States, and what is the fairly understood meaning of those words.

I do the same with statutes, by the way, which is why I don’t use legislative history. The words are the law. I think that’s what is meant by a government of laws, not of men. We are bound not by the intent of our legislators, but by the laws which they enacted, laws which are set forth in words, of course. Anthony Scalia, SCOTUS

  “I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions, but laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times.  Thomas Jefferson

Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1 In the context of United States law, originalism is a concept regarding the interpretation of the Constitution, which holds that the constitutional text ought to be given the original public meaning that it would have had at the time that it became law. Given the very different world we live in today from when this text was written, is this a satisfying approach? Should advances in technology and changes in society be taken into account in interpreting these centuries-old writings?

Probe 2. Do you think we should read ancient commands that were encoded in Scriptures at face value and apply them to today? Should we grapple with their original context and then ask how they might apply today? In other words, does context matter for understanding teachings that were handed down thousands of years ago?

Probe 3.“A closed mind… is a great disadvantage for those who aspire to follow any spiritual path. But an open mind, which questions and doesn’t accept things simply because they are said, is no problem at all.” ~Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, “Necessary Doubt.” If you have settled on a certain belief and are without a doubt sure it is true—are you now closed-minded about it? If so, is that OK?

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.