Faith, Values, and the Complexity of Belief
The holidays are, once again, in the books. Yet I feel uneasy. To explain:
Faith is, for many, a deeply personal and evolving journey. For me, it is rooted in the teachings of Christ, particularly the values of compassion, humility, and justice for the marginalized. These principles form the core of what I strive to live by daily. They resonate not because they are easy or comfortable but because they challenge us to be better — to care for the least among us, to love our neighbors, and to act with integrity in all things.
At the same time, I find myself grappling with the ways Christianity has been shaped — and, at times, distorted — by centuries of human influence. Sacred texts have been translated, interpreted and edited often by those seeking to consolidate power or control over others. This reality doesn’t diminish my appreciation for the wisdom of Christ’s teachings, but it does make me skeptical of the institutional structures that claim to represent them.
Faith, for me, is less about adhering to a rigid institution or dogma and more about aligning my life with the values Christ exemplified. That alignment feels more authentic than blindly following interpretations that may serve agendas far removed from the original ethos of love, grace, and forgiveness.
