“Selves are not only ‘networked’, that is, in social networks, but are themselves networks. By embracing the complexity and fluidity of selves, we come to a better understanding of who we are and how to live well with ourselves and with one another…”

–”You are a network”, Kathleen Wallace, Professor of Philosophy

You are complex.

Your body is not merely a container for consciousness. Your body is a complex system in relationship to the world around you. The world, and the others in it, change you, and you change the world.

It can be difficult sometimes to discern “Who Am I?”. Indeed, it’s a question that has mystified philosophers, theologians, scientists, and social scientists for centuries. But recent thought points to the idea that we are a complex network, with all parts of our identities (formed from nature and nurture, individual experiences, choices, preferences and the influence of relationships, ancestry etc.) working together and to be continuously in process. We are complex, and constantly in flux, even if some things about us stay the same. We have that which anchors us, and that which begs for transformation, and together they form a complex system that is us (I encourage you to read the article by going to the link above so you can gain a more in depth understanding of self as a complex system).

“Nothing prevents a network self from freely choosing a direction or forging new ones. Self-determination expresses the self. It’s rooted in self-understanding.” —Wallace

Ultimately, as Unitarian Universalists, this paradigm of self fits well with our faith system. We each come to this faith as individuals seeking wholeness through knowledge, relationships, and good, impactful actions (deeds not creeds). We are open to change. As we learn new ways of understanding the world, we are willing to change our beliefs. As we learn from each other, deepening our respect and love for one another and the Earth, we are willing to change our hearts. As we impact the world through good deeds, we create hope, thus changing what it means to be human. We don’t come to this faith with all the answers because we recognize that “the answer” is complex and unknowable. But, we understand that it is only through relationship– with self, other, and the divine– that we can transform and liberate ourselves from beliefs that shackle the mind and perpetuate oppression, fear, anger, and hatred.

And that is why at the core of our faith is covenant- a promise for how we want to be together so that our relationships ultimately generate more love, more hope, and more joy.

“The network self view envisions an enriched self and multiple possibilities for self-determination, rather than prescribing a particular way that selves ought to be. That doesn’t mean that a self doesn’t have responsibilities to and for others. Some responsibilities might be inherited, though many are chosen. That’s part of the fabric of living with others.” — Wallace

During this month of October, we will be deepening our faith by continuing to learn how to be in right, loving, and covenental relationships with another so that we can model what a life-sustaining, beloved community can look like.