In our congregations, we emphasize Unitarian Universalism’s Principles, but rarely talk about the six sources that inform and inspire our faith. As your speaker this Sunday and next, I will share some of what inspires me in the first two sources. This week, source 1: “direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in … Continue reading “Mystery and Wonder: 1st Source”
In Buddha’s teachings, he addresses life as a continuum process. He describes this phenomenon as “samsara.” Samsara means there is a cyclical nature to our lives. Birth, existence, and death are just different progressions of the same continuum of life. Mindful observation of this phenomenon provides a deep understanding to stay away from a dualistic … Continue reading “The Cycle of Life in Buddhist Wisdom”
Irwin is a folksy heir to the humor of Mark Twain with some updated personalities that flavor his performances. That includes the adventures he relates about his 85-year-old-widowed-newly-minted physician-aunt, Marguerite Van Camp. She’s a woman who avoids curmudgeonship and keeps her finger on the pulse of the changing world around her in the “new” South. … Continue reading “Squeaky on the Roof”
The West lives in a world separated into two terms: subject and object, self and non-self, yes and no, good and evil, right and wrong, true and false. It is, therefore, more logical or scientific, where “yes” cannot be “no” and “no” cannot be “yes.” Shoson Miyamoto. Words reflect concepts. If words are fuzzy, it … Continue reading “Unitarian Universalist and Fuzzy Logic. When does a cucumber become a pickle?”
In our current society, we often blame “the other people” for our divisions. As a result our vision for the American democratic experiment is threatened. Rev. Nelsen will point to the importance of reaching out to people of diverse colors and faiths, finding the joyful results of living and serving together, and then calling on … Continue reading “Finding Joy in Diversity: How can we move from fear to tolerance, to appreciation, to joyful experiences with our diverse neighbors?”
We are a divided nation with differing ideas about the meaning of freedom and responsibility, individual rights and the meaning of the “beloved community.” Rev. Nelsen will set forth challenges and ideas as to how we can overcome narrow, often divisive thinking and tribal mindsets to learn to work together for the benefit of our … Continue reading “Accepting the Call to Embrace Diversity: What do vocation, freedom, and responsibility mean for each of us today as increasingly diverse Americans?”
Our nation will soon have a population with a majority of “minority racial groups.” Many people fear—rather than embrace—this growing diversity. Rev. Nelsen will discuss the current challenges we face and provide specific ideas as to how we can bridge our racial and cultural divides, including addressing the need to change the structures and policies … Continue reading “Embracing Racial Diversity: Can we love our neighbors of varying colors, without exception?”
Our nation is becoming more religiously diverse. Rev. Nelsen will remind us concerning the nature of faith, religion, and spirituality and how we can embrace—and not fear—this growing diversity. He will share ideas as to how we can enter dialogues with people of other faiths and begin to set a living example for the world, … Continue reading “Embracing Religious Diversity: Can I keep my faith while understanding and appreciating the faith of my neighbors?”
Unitarian Universalism’s greatest theologian of the twentieth century, James Luther Adams, wrote that “there is no such thing as the immaculate conception of an idea.” That is, everything we say or do, as a religion, evolved from something else. Rev. Dennis will explore the history of our Seven Principles, along with other aspects of our … Continue reading “The Birth of our Seven Principles”
Presidents Day. Both political liberals and political conservatives are quick to talk about our nation’s Founders, and how their religious beliefs supported ours—whatever our current belief happens to be! The real history isn’t that simple. Rev. Dennis McCarty will explore how General—then President—George Washington handled religious controversy in his own time. Click to view service: … Continue reading “How Religious Was George Washington?”
