Are we living in a post-Christian era? Or a post-Christian dominance? Is the Christian church in decline? Or is it merely not the only game in town any longer? While we may be seeing the deconstructing of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs throughout our government and some enterprises, the data says that the diversity of spirituality is actually on the rise … and that may upset some folks. But should it? Does it matter that one religion “beats” another? Should we be fearful that the religion that tends to be most familiar to Americans appears to be on a gradual downhill slide? And perhaps the most important question of all, does God care whose “side” we are on, or does God care far more that we are trying to tap the Divine in whatever way works best for us?

Today, we have everything available to us, from sound baths to Soul Cycle to meditation circles, right alongside Christianity, Buddhism and Paganism. I guess we can try to eliminate diversity and inclusion all we want, but God seems to desire a menu of spiritual options for us, regardless of how humans would like to reduce those offerings.

Our spiritual selves need nurturing. Sometimes that comes from sitting in a pew on Sunday morning surrounded by traditions and rituals that bring us comfort, listening to a sermon being thoughtfully offered. Other times that nurturing takes the form of a quiet walk with no distractions, or a communal experience in a sweat lodge, or even a gathering of friends over a meal with loads of laughter. We are more than our physical manifestation and we are more than our intellect and our thoughts. Many of us don’t really know that other part of ourselves, the inner part of us that identifies with the Sacred that exists all around us, or that recognizes there is a Great Mystery that we all are somehow connected to but can’t quite explain.

We all tend to think that our way is the only “right” way, but I suspect God chuckles over that perspective. Our world was created with great attention to detail and an intentional diversity of flora and fauna, as well as heterogeneity. We were meant to be diverse in our appearance, our beliefs, and our DNA.

Scripture reminds us over and over again about the beauty and desirability of diversity, and how it all comes together for the welfare of us all. Diversity of thought allows us to learn from one another, diversity of abilities steers us toward a more compassionate way of seeing others, and diversity of appearance and relationships is heart-opening for us all as we begin to identify more with that which is similar and familiar than is different and opposite between us. We global inhabitants belong to and with one another, but sometimes we seem to overlook that inevitable fact.

Even within a single church congregation, where people would assume a similarity of thought and appreciation for the same rituals would exist, one finds incredible diversity in individual practices and beliefs. It is almost as if we can’t help but be diverse, regardless of governmental edict or personal prejudices. Diversity always has and always will exist regardless of whether one believes that it is due to evolution or Cosmic Creation. Oppressors have spent thousands of years repeatedly trying to homogenize populations of people, and though temporarily appearing to achieve that goal at times, it doesn’t take long for the natural laws to right the course and diversity once again rises.

America’s Christianity is also a wonderful amalgamation of little-known incorporations from other faith traditions. The idea of the Trinity isn’t unique to Christianity and is echoed in Hindusim and Greco-Roman philosophies. The concepts of heaven and hell harken to Zoroastrianism’s teachings about good and evil. The cross, as a sacred symbol, was used in ancient Egypt (the ankh) as a sign of immortality. All Saint’s Day is a tradition from the Celtic celebration of Samhain which marks the transition to winter and also honors the dead. These are but a few of the ways in which diversity of belief and practice have influenced what some might view as “pure Christianity.” It’s a lovely example of the ways diversity has enriched the faith lives of so many.

Is there only one “right way” to believe? Is there only one true God, or many expressions of that one God? Can God be found in only once place or one faith? If God is, indeed, all-powerful, then why do we even have the choice of selecting the “wrong” faith? Existential questions require thoughtful consideration, and some things won’t ever change. Diversity is our inheritance, a gift that we also can not “opt out” of, even if it is regulated or outlawed. And aren’t we all better for that?

Athol Congregational Church, UCC, is a local community of faith that is “small enough to know you, large enough to serve.” We celebrate in-person worship as well as offer Facebook livestream services under “Athol Congregational Videos.” Our pastors and members are available for conversation on our Athol Congregational Church Facebook page, and through private messages. We would love to connect. We offer long-distance Reiki through our certified practitioners. We are willing to pray with you, and want to know you, whoever you are. We are located at 1225 Chestnut Street and can be reached at 978-249-6202.