Our country's soul has been rent by a terrible grief even as we are discovering our previously unrecognized vulnerability. We, of course, want our government to protect us as well as can be reasonably expected. At the same time we need to be careful not to relinquish our nation's soul to the false god of security.

Although we expect our government to stop the terrorists and bring them to justice, we must recognize that ultimately security is elusive. Enticing and beautiful as the world often appears, it can also be dangerous. Nonetheless, the most promising prospect for security lies not in seeking to isolate ourselves from the world but by immersing ourselves in it.

I believe September 11, could prove to be a watershed in our nation's self-understanding and in its spiritual maturation. It's often said that ours is a young country. In comparison to many nations it is young in years, and it is also young in spirit. Another less flattering view is that it's immature. Yet, just as humans grow through different phases toward spiritual maturity, I believe nations can as well.

Being young in spirit allows the United States to confront difficulties with great energy and a 'can-do' attitude. On the other hand being immature sometimes leads us to believe that our country is better than all others and has nothing to learn from other societies. In some respects, of course, the United States is unique, but whatever our uniqueness, it does not relieve us from the cares and concerns shared by all other people.

As wrenching as suffering can be, various religious traditions have shown that it can also lead to deeper self-awareness and connection with others. Perhaps if we, as a nation, allow ourselves to enter into our sorrow and to discern the heart of our fears, then we may discover that our lives have more in common with the long-suffering and vulnerable people of the world than we previously understood.

If we experienced the underlying unity we share with all people, then we might feel a desire to relate differently to them. For example, rather than choosing to act unilaterally on many issues, we might be more inclined to seek partnerships. Or when deciding whether or not to use our military power against another country, an important part of that decision would be our awareness that the lives of the innocents who may be killed are every bit as precious as our own and not collateral damage.

I am not suggesting we deserve what has befallen us since September 11, because of our nation's actions. Nor am I suggesting that by changing our behavior our security will necessarily be assured. Rather I am suggesting we are now presented with an opportunity to reconsider our conception of our role as a partner in the international community.

The crisis and suffering we are experiencing beckon us to open our hearts and to reflect upon the nature of our nation's role in the world. We may never again know the security we imagined we had before, but that does not mean we must live in a fearful state of isolation. Instead, we might recognize our kinship with all people who suffer and are vulnerable, and in partnership work to create a world community in which there is greater peace, prosperity, and justice for all.

- Rev. Arthur Vaeni

©2001 The Olympian