I write these words on a day marked by two significant American political events. One is how today has become our first defacto national primary election. When the dust settles it is likely the Republican Party will have its candidate, and it is possible the same will be true for the Democrats. The second event of significance is that Adlai Stevenson was born on this day one hundred and eight years ago. He was the last declared Unitarian (there has never been a UU who has won the banner of his or her party – so far) to represent a national party in an election for the presidency of the United States, in Stevenson’s case twice, in 1952 & 1956.
While rummaging around the web I stumbled upon something Stevenson wrote that the grand UU blogger Philocrites posted a couple of years ago:
I think that one of our most important tasks as Unitarians is to convince ourselves and others that there is nothing to fear in difference; that difference, in fact, is one of the healthiest and most invigorating of human characteristics, without which life would become lifeless. Here lies the power of the liberal way—not in making the whole world Unitarian; but in helping ourselves and others to see some of the possibilities inherent in viewpoints other than one’s own; in encouraging the free interchange of ideas; in welcoming fresh approaches to the problems of life; in urging the fullest, most vigorous use of critical self-examination. Thus we can learn to grow together, to unite in our common search for the truth beneath a better and a happier world.
For the good and the ill of it our liberal religious way has a few particularly distinguishing marks. One is that while religion in general offers comfort, often at the risk of closing one’s mind, Unitarian Universalism offers instead a call to a fearless continuing quest and an acceptance of differences. I’ve seen this push to a spirituality of radical presence in nearly all religions I’ve looked at. The difference is that we lead with this call. At least we do when we’re following, in my opinion, our best lights.
Right now may be a good time to remember this approach to matters significant.
As I’ve watched the primaries go forward I’ve noticed how quickly we, that is we Americans, want to quickly find our flag bearer and then to denigrate all others. In my own beloved Democratic party I’ve seen supporters of Senator Obama and Senator Clinton, and frankly they themselves, say very harsh, and often terribly exaggerated things about where the other stands. The same has happened among the Republicans. Witnessing this and as I consider the general election, I find my skin crawling.
So, just a quick time out. I think this is an ideal moment to reflect a bit on what Adlai Stevenson said and to remember it as the call of our better angels.
We are all in this mess together. And our way out depends upon intelligence and curiosity, good will and a devotion to truth.
May we recall this principal of our faith and live by it.
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