By the Union of Saints

Religion has long shaped the course of human civilization. It has built nations, guided individuals through hardship, and inspired some of the greatest works of art, music, and literature. At its best, religion has been a source of peace, wisdom, and community. At its worst, it has been used to justify war, division, and cruelty. Today, as we reflect on the role of faith in America and beyond, it is worth considering how we can honor the past, learn from the traditions of the world’s most peaceful religions, and move forward with a spirit that unites rather than divides.

Christianity, in its many forms, has served as a historic and cultural foundation of the United States. From the Puritans who first settled New England, to the waves of Christians from diverse denominations who arrived from Europe, faith was often the anchor of early American communities. Churches served not only as spiritual centers but as gathering places for civic life, education, and mutual support.

The virtues of Christ—most especially forgiveness, humility, and love—remain central to the American spirit. Forgiveness, in particular, can be seen as the highest form of love: the ability to rise above injury and extend grace where anger would be easier. This Christ-like virtue continues to inspire generations of Americans to look beyond their differences and to embrace unity.

The American-spirited person is more than a citizen of the United States. He or she carries within their heart a deep heritage— stretching back to the first settlers, who came seeking freedom. This spirit is both ancestral and aspirational: rooted in the sacrifices of forefathers and foremothers, yet always pushing forward into new horizons.

To be American-spirited is to recognize that one’s soul is intertwined with the nation itself. It is a call to responsibility: to stand for justice, to defend freedom, and to ensure that America remains a place where individuals can pursue truth and flourish.

One of the greatest strengths of the United States military is its recognition that Americans are not of one religion, but many. On battlefields and in barracks, soldiers pray in different ways—or not at all—yet serve under the same flag. Chaplains represent faith traditions ranging from Christianity to Wiccan, Buddhism, and more. This diversity is honored because the military understands that spiritual strength, in whatever form it takes, can give service members courage and resilience.

It is deeply important that America’s defenders are seen, respected, and supported in their beliefs. Faith can sustain individuals in the darkest of hours, but the military also understands that respect for many faiths ensures unity among people who must stand shoulder to shoulder, regardless of personal convictions.

While faith traditions provide wisdom, community, and moral grounding, it is also important not to get lost in religion to the point of losing ourselves. Some religious systems carry with them untruths, harmful practices, or outdated views that can limit human growth. Yet even in flawed traditions, there is value: places of learning, moments of beauty, and opportunities for personal growth.

Here at the Union of Saints, our faith is rooted in science, truth, and therapy-aligned practices. We study empirical research alongside spiritual wisdom, ensuring that our beliefs are not only inspiring but grounded in reality. Understanding our world, past and present, is not optional—it is essential.

From the religions of the world, we can draw remarkable lessons:

• Buddhism teaches us the beauty of meditation, stillness, and mindfulness.
   
• Christianity shows us forgiveness as the highest form of love.
   
• Wiccan traditions remind us of the power of words, ceremonies, and intention.
   
• Catholicism demonstrates the benefits of conservatism, structure, and devotion.
   
• Church communities of all kinds reveal the power of fellowship, belonging, and shared faith.
   
• Quakerism stands out as radical and brave: its protests, dances, and fierce sense of equality shaped movements for justice.
   
• Shaker villages—though not a religion in the strictest sense—exemplify the strength of spiritual communal living, simplicity, and shared purpose.
   

Even beyond organized religion, we find wisdom in the lives of our ancestors. To sit in the pews of a church built in the 1700s is to feel connected to generations who prayed, sang, and wrestled with the same questions of meaning that we do today.

A universal religion does not mean one single creed imposed on all people. Rather, it means finding the common threads of truth, love, and peace that weave through many traditions. It means grounding ourselves in the spiritual heritage of our ancestors while embracing new knowledge, new science, and new understandings.

At the Union of Saints, we honor history while building toward the future. We believe that truth must always be tested, that love must always be lived, and that peace must always be pursued. In this way, we unite the wisdom of the past with the possibilities of tomorrow.