Seeing the Sermon

A Call to Action in a Multi-Faith World

In a time when words often drown in their own volume, the sentiment expressed by the late Rev. Leon Lipscomb—“I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one!”—resonates with profound urgency. This statement, made over twenty years ago, serves as a clarion call to move beyond rhetoric and towards action, a principle that aligns seamlessly with the mission of Interfaith Library Inc. In a world increasingly divided by dogma and creed, Lipscomb’s assertion challenges us to embody our beliefs through tangible acts of compassion, understanding, and unity.

The Power of Action Over Words

Lipscomb’s statement urges us to consider the weight of action over mere verbal proclamations. In our diverse society, it is not enough to speak about love, tolerance, and respect; we must demonstrate these values in our interactions. The essence of a sermon lies not just in its delivery, but in its embodiment. When we choose to show our values through our actions, we create a living testament to our beliefs, one that transcends the barriers of language, culture, and tradition.

Interfaith Library Inc. stands at the forefront of this movement, advocating for a multi-faith dialogue that emphasizes action and understanding over mere theological debate. The organization’s agenda champions the idea that faith communities can coexist and collaborate, grounded in shared values rather than differences. By promoting initiatives that encourages interfaith cooperation—such as community service projects, educational programs, and dialogue circles—Interfaith Library Inc. exemplifies the principle that seeing a sermon can indeed be more impactful than hearing one.

A Multi-Faith Movement

The multi-faith movement championed by Interfaith Library Inc. is not merely about coexistence; it is about co-creation. When individuals from various faith traditions come together to see their beliefs in action, they forge bonds that transcend doctrinal divides. This collective effort is vital in a world that often prioritizes division over unity. By embodying the message of love and understanding, faith communities can serve as powerful agents of change, demonstrating that diverse beliefs can unite toward a common good.

Lipscomb’s sentiment encapsulates the very essence of this movement: it is about living our faith in a way that inspires others. When we see acts of kindness, justice, and love in action—regardless of their source—we are moved to reflect on our own beliefs and behaviors. This is the transformative power of seeing a sermon; it inspires us to act, to engage, and to become part of a larger narrative that seeks to uplift all of humanity.

Scriptural Foundations

The potential for a unifying message, as illustrated by Lipscomb’s statement, finds grounding in the sacred texts of various faith traditions.

1. Old Testament: In Micah 6:8, we read, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse emphasizes that the essence of faith is found not in rituals or words, but in our actions—how we treat others and how we live our lives.
2. New Testament: James 2:17 states, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” This passage highlights the critical relationship between belief and action, reinforcing Lipscomb’s assertion that seeing our faith lived out is essential to its vitality.
3. Quran: In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), it is stated, “Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; and [who] establishes prayer and gives zakah.” This verse underscores that true faith manifests through actions that uplift others, echoing the call to see rather than hear.

Conclusion

In a world yearning for connection and understanding, Rev. Leon Lipscomb’s words remind us that the most profound expressions of faith are those that are visible and actionable. Interfaith Library Inc. embodies this principle, promoting a multi-faith dialogue that prioritizes seeing over merely hearing. By eatablishing a community where love, compassion, and understanding are not just spoken but lived, we can create a vibrant collective of faith that transcends boundaries.

As we embrace this message, we can create a multi-faith community that not only coexists but thrives together, each action serving as a sermon that echoes through the hearts of many. In the end, it is not the words we utter but the actions we take that will leave an indelible mark on our world. Let us choose to see the sermons around us and become instruments of change, united in the pursuit of a more compassionate and understanding world.