In writing my last post about religious shame, I couldn’t help but think of Karen Armstrong, who is perhaps the most preeminent scholar of world religions to date.  Her work became even more relevant and popular after 9/11, as Ms. Armstrong had already taken a particular interest in the way religious fundamentalism in any form, whether Muslim or Jewish or Christian or any other religion, can be dangerous.

She argues that “Credo” in the form of “I believe”, as in a set of rules and dogmas to which one must adhere, is a relatively new invention of our modern world.  From the earliest times, “credo” she says, had more to do with what one held as deeply loved and cherished.  The idea was that such deeply beloved beliefs could not help but transform one into a better version of oneself and change the way one acted in the world.   The focus, says Armstrong, was less on “right belief” and more on “right action” towards ones fellows.

She goes on to point out that when we set up the idea that one must believe as we do in order to be treated with compassion, we miss the whole of the teachings of all the major world religions and we create the, “I am right and you are wrong” division that leads us to believe that physical, social, and verbal violence against “the other” is acceptable and even demanded by our religion.

Armstrong’s solution was to use her prize request during an invited TED talk to request the formation of a worldwide Charter for Compassionsince compassion is the one thing on which all the major religions of the world can agree.  And it worked!

The Charter for Compassion website was launched and persons from cultures, faiths, and languages around the globe contributed, on the multi-lingual website, their words and ideas for what such a charter could say.  Faith leaders and scholars then crafted the final draft, available on the website.

The response has been amazing, and Armstrong has even written a book entitled Twelve Steps to Compassionate Life, which is on my bedside table, now.  I hope you will at least watch the video above, and even sign onto the Charter.

As I seek to help chaplains, and other healthcare workers, find the space from which they can honor their own faith without intentionally or even unintentionally perpetuating harm on patients and families in the name of what they “believe”, I am deeply grateful to Armstrong and many others who help me by providing the words that my heart can’t always form.

Certainly, they are a challenge to follow, but what a gift to try.  Even when I fail, I trust that G_d honors my honest struggle and seeking and will continue to help me find my way.  Peace…