Your turn: Faith has many faces. Celebrate pluralism next Easter

In his Easter column, doctor and alderman Tim Durkee correctly notes "I'm not a theologian."

I am a theologian, with two academic degrees in theology, and think it's important for readers to know a few things.

I'm glad that Ald. Durkee's particular understanding of Christianity helps him live what he believes to be a good life.

If your faith or life stance makes you generous, kind, and loving then I am glad. But is important to know that his understanding of Christianity is not universal and that that version of Christian faith is not the "only way."

Many people, including Unitarian Universalists, find the importance of Jesus not in a story of his resurrection but in his teachings — especially to love the outcast, welcome refugees and challenge injustice.

Contra C.S. Lewis, we agree with Theodore Parker that the truth of an ethical claim is its truth and consequence, not a miracle story about the teacher.

Your turn: Shalom is found in the true message of Easter

It is not necessary to have a particular belief about the resurrection to follow the teachings of love or to be an ethical and peaceful person.

Indeed, one thing that often produces distress, even trauma, is being told that if you don’t believe certain things you will not be included in God’s love or salvation.

The “Universalist” part of our name comes from those who have said loudly that no one is excluded. We, along with many of my colleagues in many different Christian and non-Christian religions, affirm that you do not have to believe certain things in order to be worthy or have peace.We strongly reject the notion that there is only one way to relieve anxiety and find peace.

Our public officials should embrace the pluralistic nature of American religion and non-religion. We have many faith traditions in our city, and that is good news.

There are dozens of Christian denominations, as well as Jewish, Muslim, Unitarian Universalist, Buddhist, Ba’hai, Sikh, and Hindu communities here. Folks also find meaning and peace through nature, art, and other forms of community.

You can be an ethical person — or not — in any of them, or none of them.

Whatever makes you come alive, feel hope and get connected to others can work. I hope you find what works for you — whatever that is.I also must note that Shalom is a deeply Jewish concept, and to claim that a certain kind of belief in the resurrection is the only way to Shalom is supersessionism theology, a noxious form of anti-Semitism. If public officials speak about their faith, they should do so in celebration of our pluralism and with respect for the wide variety of ways people make meaning.

This column failed that test, and I hope that Ald. Durkee will do better next Easter.

The Rev. Matthew Johnson is senior minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rockford.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Your turn: Faith has many faces. Celebrate pluralism next Easter