Faces on Faith: Power of connecting with God, others can transform
Loneliness is killing us. In a recent report from the U.S. surgeon general, a panel of experts has sounded the alarm about an epidemic of loneliness, stating that it is as much a risk to our health as smoking. After hearing this news, I wondered how this could be. Connecting with others has never been easier, and yet we are lonelier than ever.
At the same time we are learning this, we know that researchers at the Pew Research Center have been reporting for a long time on the decline in Americans’ participation in faith community. They call it the rise of the “nones:” people with no religious affiliation. This is a large and fast-growing group, especially among younger people. More and more people are not connected to a church, synagogue, mosque or other organized faith community.
Some of this is understandable. When Pew researchers asked the “nones” to describe church, they used words like “hypocritical,” “judgmental” and “homophobic.” Sadly, this is sometime true. It’s not difficult to imagine why people with these perceptions or experiences would not want to join. But not every faith community is like that.
Some of us strive to follow Jesus in the way of love. We seek to build beloved community, where we proclaim that each and every person is created in the image and likeness of God and loved fully and unconditionally. We vow (in our baptismal covenant) to “seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourself” and to “strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.”
Do we do this perfectly? Of course not. Do we strive to live up to these ideals established by God in Jesus? We do with God’s help.
As a pastor, I witness the power of faith community all the time. I see people reaching out to love and care for their neighbor in need. I see people surround someone who is hurting or grieving to uplift and support them. I see people working for a more just and peaceful world where God’s beloved children can experience respect and safety. I have seen loneliness and isolation overcome by care and belonging.
If you are not already connected to one, I encourage you to check out a faith community. Check out a few of them. Go online and see if something on their website speaks to you. It’s an easy and non-threatening way to check out a church before walking in the doors. The power of connecting with God and others can help transform loneliness into a deep sense of connectedness.
The Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss is the rector at Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church.