Faith

 A lot of non-believers in religion think that faith is all about doctrine teachings, which they reject.  But faith is about experience.  Experience is what changes a person’s life.  Hypocrisy happens when faith is only about doctrine.  It becomes very individualistic, me and my God.  But when faith is an experience then it connects, touches the heart, takes us beyond our individualistic secular culture.  God is a God for all and especially for the down and out.  Jesus was born in a manger in a cave or stable outdoors.  The Eucharist is a paucity of food, a thin wafer, that contains God.  All this, as an experience, connects us to others, especially those who are in want.  Faith drops a culture of comfort and indifference.  It picks up responsibility.  It is why vibrant worship faith groups are seen as “do-gooders.  It is the same in Recovery Programs.  Service is key to keeping the groups united and focused on a primary purpose.  A truly sober person never lives in isolation or indifference to the sufferings of others addicts.