Where I Find Hope

How do I discover hope as an agnostic amidst distressing times?

Apr 23, 2024

Growing up, I was immersed in the Hindu faith. I learned about dharma (one’s duty) and the concept of reincarnation. As I got older, my beliefs shifted toward agnosticism. While the big existential questions about life’s purpose and what comes after death still intrigue me, they do not define my identity.

With our current state of the world, my loved ones have turned to their religious traditions for hope. So, where does someone like me, turn for hope amidst the turmoil dominating headlines? How can one avoid turning to a higher power when the world around us appears so bleak?

I believe that humanity’s inherent value lies in our shared aversion to suffering. It may seem ironic, given the numerous conflicts and violence around the world, but I see these as manifestations of our fear of suffering. Nobody desires suffering for themselves or their loved ones, yet in our efforts to avoid it, we inflict suffering upon others.

But, when we transcend the mentality of “us vs them,” we open ourselves to recognizing the shared humanity in others. This realization is particularly significant for someone like me, who holds an agnostic worldview.

While I acknowledge our differences, I choose to focus on our shared humanity. Embracing this shared humanity provides me with a sense of purpose and belonging, even in the absence of religious beliefs. By recognizing our interconnectedness, I find fulfillment in fostering positive relationships, contributing to the well-being of others, and working towards common goals that benefit society as a whole.

I have observed similar values in the men that I have interviewed for The Multicultural Man, despite their differing worldviews. I spoke with Matt Segil, a Jewish-American educator in the Boston area who is leading dialogues to combat prejudice and nurture relationships through his organization called the Bread Breakers. I think of Kenji Kuramitsu, a Japanese-American clinical social worker who is facilitating group therapy sessions for LGBTQ+ folks in Chicago. And JJ Kapur, a Sikh-American storyteller who is bridging divides between rural and urban communities in Iowa through storytelling.

Encountering these individuals and many others like them fills me with hope. They cultivate communities and build spaces where people feel safe, connect, find solace, and heal.

An integral concept from my Hindu upbringing teaches that God or a higher power permeates everything and everyone. Despite my departure from religious practice, I still recognize the truth in this notion. Whether we call this power God or simply goodness, it surrounds us and resides within us all. I see it in the faces of those I meet, the stories I hear, and the connections I forge. And therein lies my source of hope.