Sermon preached by Roosevelt Pariat

April 27, 2003, Jowai, India

On the Occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Seng Samla, the Youth Wing of the Unitarian Union of India

Bloodshed and hatred, fear and uncertainty are like the giant pillars that could fall upon and crush us all some day.  But in spite of the threatening forces looming over us, let us be thankful and delighted for this wondrous day celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the Unitarian youth without any hindrances.

Personally I am glad to see that the theme of this conference is being made “Unitarianism – the Ongoing Journey.” The theme is meant not only for the benefit of the youth but also for all of us as well.  It is already like a great message, calling each and every one of us to look closely at our religious movement with seriousness and helping us to realized better its value and beauty.

Briefly speaking, Unitarianism is like the life of individuals – it is an ongoing development.  As a religious movement, it has a long root in history.  It could be traced down since the 4^th century where religious leaders like Socinus have tried their best to convince the world that Jesus was above normal of average people, yet he was subordinate to God.

Michael Servetus, though young in age, took a bold step to propagate the unity of Godhead and pleaded for interpretation of the bible with reason.  He was burnt alive in a flame.  His works paved the way for a full blown out Unitarian movement in later years.  Though Servetus never has found any Unitarian Church, he was known as the father of modern Unitarianism.

Faustus Socinus and Francis David were regarded as the formal founders of Unitarianism. Both established hundreds of Unitarian churches in their respective countries.  Unfortunately, most of the churches they have founded were stamped out after bitter persecutions.

Whoever we are and wherever we go, we always like to remember of our origin and are proud of it. We love to talk of our great ancestors and their achievements.  In a way, we are like a certain lucky man, who inherited a beautiful cottage and the plot of land from his grandfather who died in a war.  The lucky man instead of looking after his fortune well, he spent his time wandering about the whole town everyday.  He loved chatting with people and telling them stories about his grandfather; how he swam across oceans, used mortars to destroy enemies’ camps and his other adventures.

Occasionally, when he was in a good mood, to remind people of his grandpa, he would like to put himself in real military costumes – a hat decorated with a badge on his head, an old musket on his shoulder and paraded himself on the road like a real great general!

Years passed by; the beauty of the cottage grew thinner and thinner.  Its frontcourt and sides were full of bushes.  The backyard too was broken, where cats and dogs could get in and out without notice. At a glance, it seems that there was not a loving soul alive in it. Every now and then, when he got home, he found that all the remaining food had been taken by someone.  Plates and cooking pans were left out in a disorderly manner.  When he no longer could tolerate that, he cursed heavily the “dirty thief” and warned sternly “had I found you, I’d strangle you to death.”

Recollection of the past is our nature.  It links us with our identity.  It is like a springboard to us.  But it wouldn’t be able to help us in any case if we are going to stick to it all through the time.  Living in the past is like abandoning the present and missing out on the golden opportunities in life.  Ralph Waldo Emerson, one of the prophets of the liberal religious faith, advised us once “It is imperative to understand the past.  It is even more imperative to not live in it.” As a religions community we are bound to have a good knowledge of and understanding of our past, but to keep staying in it, would be an unproductive stand.

Mr. Langko Laloo (Jowai) once said, “[No doubt] other religions are beautiful.  But Unitarianism is far more beautiful.” Certainly, it is beautiful. It is like a garden having no boundaries or fencing.  Trees and other vegetations of different shapes and types are growing in it abundantly. Flowers of a variety of colors with sweet fragrances are budding and blooming in it all through the seasons.  Birds with a sweet melody flutter in it merrily.  Bees, butterflies and other insects move and hum around pleasantly, sucking nectar happily and returning home with new strength.

Unitarianism as our great heritage is an evolving religious faith.  Ever progressing, searching for new truth and meaning.  Its goal is not only worshipping of One God as Father and Mother, it is also promoting peace and justice, harmony and equity amongst mankind.  Its beauty and greatness can be found not only in its wonderful name and other spiritual/social gatherings or on its rejection of creeds and dogmas, but it lies formidably on its great enthusiasm to nurture minds and souls of all people to become great and noble, to serve humanity with love and good will, rather than advocating for eternal peace or pain in after life.  Personally, in the stillness of my heart, I always wished that the spirit of God would send us new saints and sages, to motivate our souls to work for a better world and bless the IDEALS of our religious movement into REALITY.

Since Unitarianism is like a grand big garden, let us not allow ourselves to be carried away by the thought of its splendor and vastness.  Ours is to make space for others and allow them growing up on their own gifted ways. Ours is a collective responsibility. Naturally, in it one could find different ideas and expressions, e.g., some would like to call it a gathering place of like-minded and well to do people or a plane for spiritual growth and so on. Rev. David Edward, the founder of the Unitarian church at Mookhap, described Unitarianism in his hymn as “a religion that loves man and loves God.” Therefore, let us not wander aimlessly in it or create unnecessary confusion amongst ourselves.

My beloved Unitarian youth, who are the golden buds of our community, let us remember clearly that the greatness and beauty of our religious movement lies not in the fame and achievement of our forefathers only. Everything depends on how much we have been able to understand its meaning and value.  As a religious community we have a long, long way to go and it is full of excitements. Therefore, tomorrow when you get back home, please see that the frontcourt and sides of your respective churches are well managed and are in a good form. Let us not waste our time and opportunities as have been done by our lucky friend. Let us open the windows and doors of our hearts and allow fresh air and bright sunshine to get in, in order to make us become healthier tomorrow.  May the glowing Chalice warm our soul and may its bright light be the source of our strength and courage.

May God bless our blossoming youth.  May God bless us all.