"Faith of the Free"

[uufreespirit]

,

-- Interesting article from George Lakoff at the "538 dot com" website. What Mr. Lakoff calls "The Code" might also be called a liberal -- and, to an extent, a liberal-religious-- paradigm. I've long sensed that there is a "way of looking at" the world--again that "attitudinal thing"--that is fundamentally civil, deeply values-based (ethical and spiritual more than dogma-driven) and very far-reaching, progressively-minded and open to change. But, although it gathers around some lofty ideals, it's just as concerned with process...with how people are treated, and how we relate to one another. (We talk far less about "ends justifying the means" than the opposite.) In that context, it's little wonder (seems to me) that Unitarian Universalists are drawn to both the works of George Lakoff and the style of President Barack Obama. Here's the link to Mr. Lakoff's article;

http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/02/george-lakoff-on-obama-code.html

---- One of my favorite UU sermons was delivered by the late Reverend (Dr.) Duncan Littlefair, called "What is the Liberal Position?" In it, he concluded that there is no inherently liberal position, because liberalism is a way of living...again, that pesky attitudinal thing. It abides by its own set of rules, its own subtle language. It insists on getting the process right...on treating ourselves and one another right...on the way to lofty ideals. As Dr. Littlefair emphasized, although many liberals will agree on many common "beliefs" and will take common "stands" on many things, it's ultimately not about rightness of opinion or position, but about integrity of mind, body and spirit...about what Dr. Channing once called a "liberal and catholic" (small c) temperament...a manner of being and way of relating in this world. It's about individuals feeling respectful enough of themselves as unique individuals to actually think for themselves, and being humble and respectful enough to listen and learn from one another and from the world around them, and then acting out of their own highest convictions.

-- The above-mentioned piece by Prof. Lakoff points, I think, to that inherent and fundamental difference between authoritarian and humanistic, democracy-based mindsets, and to why some less liberal thinkers in society will always have a difficult time understanding it...for it (arguably) operates on a different frequency, by a different set of rules. But, still, can't we all just "get along"? Can't we live together, play together, and work together for positive change? Sure we can...but it depends, I think, upon all parties having a much greater emphasis on personal humility and honesty -- upon humble admissions of our fundamental human fallibility (and likewise of our systems, both political and religious), and of an honest understanding (on both sides) of why it is that we--along with the new President of the United States, it turns out-- have become so convinced that the time for hardline, partisan, dogmatic divisiveness of thought and action has long passed.

-- We must make a convincing argument that this is not so much about partisan or sectarian divides as it is a spiritual crossroads that now confronts us as a human species-- that a changing, ever-shrinking world demands a corresponding change of attitude...not a uniformity of opinion but a unity of spirit. And, we need a new understanding that the means also matters. It's a "code" (or paradigm-shift) of necessary change that reaches not just into matters of human governance but also goes to the very core of human existence and human relations. Given a long history of manipulation, deception, repression, torture, slavery and even genocide, we need a new level of consciousness that the way we treat one another as human beings does matter. It's an attitudinal and spiritual realignment that (I would respectfully suggest) is long, long overdue.

But...what do you think?
_________________
-- Ron

"Beyond the ideas of right-doing and wrong-doing there is a field. I'll meet you there." -- Rumi
"The Reformation Must Continue!" --- Friedrich Schleiermacher
-->> Have you tried "UUPLINK UU RADIO" lately? You may be surprised! Go to... http://www.live365.com/stations/uuplink?site=uuplink"&"%20play
____________________

[uufreespirit]

,

-- Just one illustration of the language (or frequency) difference between this liberal paradigm and the ultra conservative mindset: When President Obama spoke, at his Inaugural Address, of the need to move beyond the worn-out dogmas of the past, I believe that those words flew right past the minds of many conservatives, but I know that many liberals' ears perked up when they heard them. To believers in dogma-driven politics (as well as religion) such a statement was likely dismissed as inconsequential, but to the liberal thinker it carries immense weight and vital importance. Notice that the President also said that "if you'll unclinch your fist, we'll extend our hands"...a statement that speaks volumes about the need for fundamental changes to the way we think, live and relate in this world. The President certainly appears to understand the need to move beyond the ways of thinking of the past to meet the demands of a world in transition. What do you think?


_________________
-- Ron

"Beyond the ideas of right-doing and wrong-doing there is a field. I'll meet you there." -- Rumi
"The Reformation Must Continue!" --- Friedrich Schleiermacher
-->> Have you tried "UUPLINK UU RADIO" lately? You may be surprised! Go to... http://www.live365.com/stations/uuplink?site=uuplink"&"%20play
____________________