Image courtesy of The Daily Beast. Remember the victims not the perpetrator.

I believe faith will save us. To lose this faith is to let the darkness win.

This was said by Pastor Kathleen Adams-Sheperd of Trinity Episcopal Church in Newtown in a service this past Sunday. Many services have been held for the townspeople as they grapple with tremendous trauma and grief.

Perhaps due to it’s proximity, the church has become a place of refuge during this time for all those who grieve, regardless of religious affiliation. In tragedy, differences seem less significant.

The act of these communitarian services says much about the human psyche in this century where religious lines create tensions around political correctness. In desperate and difficult times, particularly those fueled by injustice, cruelty, and inhumanity, we want to feel united to avoid otherwise going crazy. We think, “How could this happen? How is this real? Am I alone here?”

Today’s spiritual New Age leaders talk of a time of secular spirituality. Some religious groups find this idea to be sacrilege.

According to a PEW research report, Americans are truly divided and some are unsure of their beliefs

The unaffiliated also are more skeptical than others in the general public of the idea that churches and other houses of worship contribute to solving important social problems, and the notion that religious organizations protect and strengthen morality in society.

Yet, possibly due to a confusing time regarding religious choices, proximity, tradition, uncertainty, community, or desperation, we still often flock to places of worship when tragedy strikes.

Even some of our greatest social justice leaders were religious and, even more surprisingly, followed religious leaders outside their affiliation, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who connected with Ghandi’s teachings. Dr. King spoke similarly to Pastor Adams-Sheperd when he said:

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

So what do you make of these places of worship? Are we heading into a new age of enlightenment or will religion always been an issue?

Without forgetting the people of Newtown and if you are wanting to lend kind words or encouragement, here is the mailing address of Sandy Hook Elementary. They could really use continued comfort over the next several months.

Sandy Hook Elementary School
12 Dickenson Drive
Sandy Hook, CT 06482