I Believe

Gathering: Holy One who is known 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: “Beginning in 1951, radio pioneer Edward R. Murrow asked Americans from all walks of life to write essays about their most fundamental and closely held beliefs.”  Each day, some 39-million Americans gathered by their radios to hear compelling essays from the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Robinson, Helen Keller and Harry Truman as well as corporate leaders, cab drivers, scientists and secretaries — anyone able to distill into a few minutes the guiding principles by which the lived. Their words brought comfort and inspiration to a country worried about the Cold War, McCarthyism and racial division. (NPR) This series inspired This I Believe, an international organization which gathers and shares essays describing the core values that guide the writers’ daily lives and is the inspiration for tonight’s discussion.

Sentences on the Subject: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen. Apostles’ Creed

Well, I believe in the soul, ……, the small of a woman’s back, the hanging curve ball, high fiber, good scotch, that the novels of Susan Sontag are self-indulgent, overrated crap. I believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter. I believe in the sweet spot, soft-core pornography, opening your presents Christmas morning rather than Christmas Eve and I believe in long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days. Crash Davis Bull Durham
A man’s got to believe in something. I believe I’ll have another drink. W.C. Fields

I believe in the sun even when it’s not shining. I believe in love even when I don’t feel it. I believe in God even when God is silent.Words scratched on the walls of a cellar in Cologne, Germany by a Jew hiding from Nazi persecution. This has inspired a beautiful choral piece by Mark Miller (check YouTube if you are not familiar).

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. Advent is a time of waiting and no where is this more evident in a child’s attempt to “be good” as they await the arrival of Santa. Over time, their belief in Santa changes. Can you think of a belief that you once had but has changed

Probe 2. A Google search of the word “Believe” results in page after page of lyrics of songs with “Believe” in the title or as a major focus. Can you think of one? Why do you think that this word inspires so many artists?

Probe 3. Do you have to believe all of the Creed to be Christian? Do you have to believe any of it?

Probe 4. There’s “I believe that….” and “I believe in…..” What’s the difference? What do you believe in?

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 gentle, 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.