Community

This morning I went to church (Compassion Church, Nolton Street, Bridgend in case you’re interested).

Anyone who knows me, knows I’m essentially an atheist. This is still how I would identify myself (sorry Pastor Lem). But I go because I’m interested. I go for the words that resonate. I go for the experience. I go for the community.

I have always felt there’s ‘something’ bigger than me, bigger than us. I call it fate. Mainly because I struggle with the idea that the ‘something’ is humanised. It belittles it somehow.

This morning, the sermon was about God being in control and the more you are struggling, the more you should put your faith in God. He’s pretty good, Pastor Lem; to make a non-believer like me, believe. The words he speaks do resonate with me. These particularly. When the world seems to be against me, I try to put my faith in fate. I’ve had my ups and downs, but fate has not let me down so far.

This morning, some people were being baptised. I’ve seen babies christened before, but never the adults being fully immersed before. I found it strangely heartwarming. The symbolic washing away of all the pain and suffering and coming out clean, ready for a new way of life. Its comforting, that it can be that simple.

I’m a seeker of knowledge. I’ve visited a few different religions and there are differences but at their heart, the similarities are striking. Mainly, I’ve always been welcomed. ALWAYS. I enjoyed visiting the Hindu temple in Cardiff. I would go more often except that its in Cardiff at 7pm which is a difficult time, but mainly because of the language barrier, which is a shame. I’ve considered trying to set up an English speaking group in Bridgend. But the older I get, the more I acknowledge my failures; I’m full of ideas and not so good at the follow through. But I felt the community spirit, even in a different language.

The community spirit of all religions is well documented. We saw it this week, when the Muslims warmly welcomed the newcomer to their mosque, who then turned around and shot the man at the door and other worshippers indiscriminately. “Welcome brother”

You only have to look at our greatest achievements in history to see community in action. What are the Top 10 greatest achievements in history?

Right now, in Britain’s turmoil, people point to the British spirit getting through WWII and pinning their hopes on it getting through the dark days to come.

The Seven Wonders of the World were created by people working together.

Teamwork is arguably the most important skill every employee can claim to have.

The most powerful images are of people working together for a common goal.

Being a part of a community is what human beings want. There has always been strength in numbers. Even when we were in caves, we stayed in familiar units. We were never meant to be singular beings. There are a number of theories that suggest depression and other mental health problems have their route in our lack of community. It is suggested that is the reason why there is less post natal depression in African communities where “it takes a village to raise a child”.

Community is the answer to a myriad of issues. To feel that you belong somewhere, to feel that someone else will support you, even at your lowest point. It’s compelling.

Its the centre of all religions. That there is someone there with you, always. That all you have to do is to put your faith in them and everything will be right with the world.

I’m in.