Deities and Faith
Should worship mean deities must spare me disaster?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Worship does not entitle us to exemption from every disaster. Bring faith into ordinary life through gratitude, willingness to correct faults, and giving to others.
During the pandemic we asked why worshipers should be protected from disaster, and whether nonworshipers should therefore face risk. The question invites reflection on faith's changes in conviction and goodness, not only temples visited and events attended.
When things go well, gratitude to deities and ancestors prevents taking all credit. Faith also asks kindness, avoiding harmful wrongdoing, and forming good connections. These need daily action.
Practitioners recalled my reminder that devotees and religious workers should become better: correct shortcomings, actively do good, and give. Faith confined to centers, festivals, or churches while greed, anger, and ignorance resume outside is regrettable. Daily words and treatment show whether principles genuinely enter life.