Principle 3: We believe that we alone are responsible for and capable of solving human social problems and believe the roots of those solutions lie in exploring, understanding, and empowering the human condition.
As described in Principle 2, the indomitable power of the human spirit and the omniscient essence of the human psyche inherent in our nature mean that we already have what it takes to resolve any problems we face as a species. For perhaps the first time in history, we have the technology and resources as a global community to wipe out worldwide hunger, homelessness, poverty, illiteracy, and the depletion of earth’s natural resources—not to mention many illnesses and childhood diseases (especially in third-world countries). And the diseases and illnesses we cannot currently cure are only time and research away.
Also as stated in Principle 2, along with great power comes great responsibility, and we as a race must share in community responsibility for the things done right and the things done wrong by our appointed leaders. After all, these leaders are in control because we allow them to be; whether by election or by allowing them to seize control.
It is the epitome of irresponsibility to expect someone else to fix our problems, whether that “someone else” is god or an alien species. Our problems are ours; and we are morally entitled to the right of learning the lessons and becoming more enlightened as a result of solving those problems. In the end, we as a race share—to one extent or another—in responsibility for the current state of human affairs on this planet and we cannot shirk that responsibility by lobbying mythical supernatural powers to save us. We must save us; we must change us. And perhaps the greatest “secret” is that we have the power to change the things that need changing. How?
The solution to virtually every human problem lies in enhancing the human condition; and to enhance the human condition, we need to understand it; and to understand it, we must explore it, hence, metaphysics. Admittedly, we as individuals may not be able to effect massive and positive changes across the globe in one fell swoop, but we can model a positive example to those within our sphere of influence. Indeed, positive changes on a global scale begin with changes on an individual scale.
—Rev. Douglas R. Kelley, PhD, CH, CSL