Mom’s Credo

by Lillian Barden

In December of 1991, Lillian wrote her “Credo,” her statement of beliefs, in a class on Building Your Own Theology.  Here’s what she wrote:

I believe:

• In the joy and promise of learning and questioning

• That discipline and order are necessary for progress
• That loving and touching are necessary for survival

• In the ability of people to change and understand each other

• That I am responsible for my own acts and their consequences

• That we continue in some way that is unknown to me

• In people’s basic goodness and helpfulness

• That evil is created only by ignorance

• That happiness is possible and attainable

• That the joy of life lies in being of use to others

• In the power of women to change the world

• That only in community are we heard and believed

• That the human soul finds its voice in music
• That in language we can live forever

• That laughter is the song of friendship

• That to be honest is more important than to be believed.