Finding balance is the challenge

To the editor:

We all have a “truth” we live by, but few of us are able to articulate what we truly believe deep down inside, so we turn to organized religion in an effort to find a more comprehensive understanding of our self and our place in the scheme of things. Religion has always been an important part of human culture because it provides a general system of beliefs and behaviors that foster our survival and wellbeing. Having common beliefs enables people to live in relative peace with each other, but even so, with or without religion, all human beings need the support of other people, as well as the benefits and advantages that are provided by human culture.

The establishment of human culture began at the very beginning of man’s existence long before there were any religious beliefs to guide us. In those primitive times our main concern was physical survival, and our ancestors soon learned that individual survival depends on people helping each other for the good of the group. In a sense, human culture itself is a universal “religion” that provides us with the ways and means to survive and prosper. Through the process of socialization, each new generation adopts the basic morals and customs of their community, and we all benefit from the security and knowledge we get from the social, economic and educational institutions of our culture. Through participation in our community, we earn our keep — so to speak — as well as contribute to the wellbeing of the larger group’s sustainability.

Most people take advantage of the comfort and companionship found in organized religion, but our personal needs and desires often conflict with those of the larger group. Individual aspirations are what give meaning to our personal life, and our inner beliefs and longings are somewhat like an underlying “personal religion” that compels us to follow our own path. Eventually, we acquire a truer understanding of our self and our place in the scheme of things that enables us to more truly appreciate the value of being alive.

Finding a balance between satisfying our own self and fulfilling our cultural duties is the underlying challenge of human life, but in spite of our success or the lack of it, the survival and progress of mankind will continue to be achieved by ordinary people living ordinary lives in ordinary communities. We are fortunate to witness such a remarkable phenomenon.

Art Carney

Wasilla