Paul Lambert, the religion initiative director at the Wheatley Institute, shared in a BYU forum address how faith in Jesus Christ is more than just a personal foundation. It’s also a powerful force for good in the world around us.
“A religious life will not only bring tremendous benefit to you as an individual, but also to the rest of us that live on the same earth as you, whether we share that religion or not,” Lambert said.
Drawing from years of research at the Wheatley Institute, Lambert presented compelling data showing that lived religion directly combats today’s most pressing societal challenges such as social division, loneliness and declining moral values.
Further, Lambert taught that active religious participation increases civic engagement, fosters meaningful relationships and promotes qualities like forgiveness, gratitude and charity.
“A key component for your efforts in developing a protection from loneliness and finding meaning in life, for yourself and others, is your commitment to living your faith and creating an environment of religious pluralism where others are encouraged to live theirs,” he expressed.
Lambert illustrated that when faith is excluded from the workplace, individuals may still perform well, but they don’t thrive. He explained: “When we live and act in harmony with our most important identity, then we are best positioned to fully and meaningfully contribute.” He further emphasized that in life, “your faith is your greatest strength.”
He issued a challenge to build environments of religious pluralism. He emphasized to not turn workplaces into churches or synagogues, but to respect, empower and protect faith as a meaningful aspect of life. He invited the audience to live their faith boldly, support the faith of others and be ready to explain why religion matters to them.
“In our homes, in our communities, in our studies, in our research, in our work — or in other words — at all times, in all things and in all places, it is your lived faith and your religious engagement that is your and our greatest strength,” Lambert concluded.
