(The following is a submission to The Recorder’s weekly column, “Faith Matters.” Each Saturday, a faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com or call 413-772-0261, ext. 265.)
Standing on the side of love makes the world a happier, relaxed, safe, good place to live. When we can rely on one another and help each other, life is good.
On the other hand, lying and loving are basically incompatible. Admittedly, there are famous exceptions of people who have lied for love or other moral reasons. But on the whole, I’d rather be able to rely on my fellow travelers to the grave than be suspicious of them.
For me, the “strategic lie concept” is particularly vexing. In this marketing strategy, a quote is taken out of context. Then, a fake context is created for the quote. The purpose of this fake context is to spread false information quickly. Once the information is widely spread, retracting the lie has little consequence. This marketing strategy is immoral because it is a lie. Convoluted lying is no less of a lie.
Lying is wrong. And, most religions deplore lies. For example, if you follow a “religion of the book” including Judaism, Christianity or Islam, the prohibition “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” is one of the 10 Commandments. In Buddhism, the Five Precepts forbid “false speech.”
Lying denies the victim a fair chance. The victim does not have accurate information with which to make a decision, causing the victim to make mistakes. Lies cause harm to the victim and the people in their lives. We may attempt to convince ourselves that there is a good reason for a “little white lie.” And, we know from experience that “a little white lie” is often forgiven, if it is intended to help. The intention of helping someone is key. If you are honestly caring about someone else (not yourself), the “white lie” is intended as an act of kindness, not a source of harm. The love, found in the kindness and caring of others, is beneficial.
On the other hand, those using the “strategic lie concept” seem unconcerned about who they hurt. Developing lies to acquire public consensus is a moral issue. For example, people who have been contributing to Social Security all their lives deserve their Social Security check. They paid for it. If the public is given false information about the Social Security agency, this hurts those who contributed to it and their families.
Many of us have been lied to, at one time or another. It can hurt our feelings, hurt our wallet, or devastate our personal lives. And, most people know how lying feels and how lying affects us. It’s awful.
As Unitarian Universalists, we approach our religion through our own direct experience with the ever new joy of the Spirit “that is greater than all, yet present in each,” to quote Rev. Forrest Church. Experience is valued more than scripture, tradition or belief. Now, and in the past, such an emphasis on experience has tended to develop personal convictions that are hard to shake. And, the experience of facing a lie tends to stay with all people. It’s an affront to human dignity if we are deceived. Intentional harm to others is hard to watch because our deepest knowing is disgusted. Loving and lying are not compatible.
Loving and lying do not mix, which provides an easy clue for finding lies. Why? To quote Frances David, “we do not need to think alike, to love alike.” We can bridge our differences, by looking for the love. This is “Big L” love, sisterly and brotherly Love, Love that demonstrates compassion, equality, caring and respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every human being.
Look for the love. Find none? A lack of love provides a clue. Missing love helps locate the potential lies that warp our public discourse. Are public policies transparent and compassionate? Is this budget a moral document or not?
Look for love. It orients us and helps illuminate the lies.
Good luck!
First Church Unitarian of Athol is located in downtown Athol at 478 Main St., behind the big maple trees. Our worship services begin at 10 a.m., from mid-March through the end of December, and is open all summer. Our website is updated weekly throughout the year, at FCUUAthol.org. The phone number is 978-249-8142. Our church is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The congregation was called together in 1750; our present building is 100 years old. Please pardon our appearance; renovations are in progress.
Like us on Facebook.