Expanding Horizons

In today's address, Kris provides an introduction to the book of Mark in the Christian Bible. He reviews the historical and theological context in which it was written, as the message of Yeshuah was being debated and disseminated in the century following his death. He points out ways that Mark's theology differs from Unitarian thinking, but also sets the stage for examining what Yeshuah's ethical teachings, as told by Mark, can still teach us all today. Over three weeks, starting 15 June, Kris will elaborate on this. Listen on!

This week, Kris reflects on the messages in the letter written by "James" which forms a chapter in the Christian Bible. He outlines the context of the letter: the debates over the legacy of Yeshua, in the years following his death, between the followers of James and the followers of Paul. Kris shows that James has advice on the topics of love and peace, ambitions and hardship, and cautious communication, that are useful for anyone exploring a spiritual path.

This week, guest speaker Lyndy Abrams of Buddha House in Adelaide explains some of the beliefs of Buddhism. Like Christianity, Buddhism espouses compassion, while it differs by seeing life as "samsara", an unending cycle of cause and effect. 

On Mother's Day, Kris reflects on why we should cultivate gratitude to our mothers and to others who have nurtured us in our lives. He discusses how our relationships with our mothers (or other primary nurturer) influence on our psychic development. But as adults, we can take responsibility to understand our mother's effect on us and choose to let go of the influences that are not helpful to us, while affirming our own innate worth and dignity and capacity to love.

The Enneagram system was developed by Osacar Ichazo in the 1950's as a way to categorise and understand human personalities. Here Kris outlines the background and basics of the Enneagram system, from its ancient beginnings to the modern day. Enneagrams may be useful as a way to develop the strengths and understand the weaknesses within each of our personalities, and perhaps help us journey towards transcending them!  

Abraham Maslow developed a general framework for what motivates human behaviour in 1943. It has remained well-known, despite receiving much criticism and elaboration since then. Here, Kris explores how Maslow's hierarchy of needs can help us in understanding our own motivations as we move along our spiritual journeys.

This year, Easter and Anzac Day fall in the same week. In his address, Kris reflects on the common theme of sacrifice at the core of both holidays. Even without fully accepting the mythology associated with the events that inspired these holidays, we can respect and be inspired by the sacrifices that were made.

In uncertain times, we need good vibes more than ever. This week, Kris continued his reflections on 20 practical ways to uplift our spirits. Which one appeals to you?

Discipline is essential if one is to embark on the spiritual path. With a disciplined mind one can truly choose how one behaves. Kris reflects on 12 ways to help us develop healthy self-discipline, including reading, simplifying your life and making time for solitude. These can help us find more grace and peace in our lives.

Buddhism appeals to many spiritual seekers because its logical philosophy offers a clear pathway to wisdom and peace. Here, Kris outlines the basics of Buddhism and explores how we can use its teachings and practices to assist in our own spiritual journeys and to bring peace to ourselves and our world.

In this week's podcast, Kris takes inspiration from the "Good Vibes" program of the Oasis Centre at Flinders University. The Good Vibes program suggests 20 tactics that can help us feel better in our lives. Today Kris reflects on ten of these. From mindfulness and meditation to expressing kindness, these practices can help us feel better and progress on our spiritual journey. Listen on and perhaps pick one "tactic" to focus on in the coming week.

Todays address explores the meaning and history behind the traditional Unitarian Universalist "water communion" ritual. What began as a part of the women's movement in the 70's has lived on as a symbol of the dignity and worth of every member of our beloved Unitarian communities, where all individuals can mix in harmony and nurture life.

"If you are quiet enough, you will hear the flow of the universe." In this address, Kris explores the value of silence to one's spiritual path. Why do we crave silence? And why is so hard to find, both within ourselves and without? Here are some suggestions for harvesting the wisdom of silence.

This week Kris led a gathering at our Shady Grove property in the Adelaide Hills on the topic of "A Holy Month". Kris explores how the stories and practices of many of the world's religions highlight the spiritual significance of this time of the year.

This week a guest, the Rev Jonathan Barker, gave an address in which he examined the critical issues facing the future of humanity. The talk was organized around 5 key words: Globality, Hybridity, Polarization, Chosen-ness, and Religion. Rev Barker finds hope for the future in envisioning a new "21st Century religious sensibility" that can transcend existing religions and bind humanity together.

This week Kris explores the gnostic themes present in the 1998 film "The Truman Show".  The protagonist, Truman, goes on a quest to find the truth behind the facade of his everyday life. His journey mirrors that of many seekers of wisdom, passing through stages of questioning, seeking, detaching, loving instead of fearing, and liberation.

What would you do if there was no tomorrow? If every day was the same and you were stuck here and you couldn't get out? Today Kris interprets the film "Groundhog Day" as a metaphor for the journey of spiritual growth. How can we live today with enough joy and authenticity that we would be happy to re-live our lives again?

Today's podcast is about a spiritual tradition that falls outside the domain of Church. Kris reflects on the origin and  less esoteric practices of freemasonry.

On Sunday the 26th of January, Kris asks "What does Australia Day mean to us and to our spiritual progress?" We can certainly practice gratitude for the advantages of living in Australia, while at the same time acknowledging the loss and grief of the first Australians. Kris then explores how progressive spirituality can help us to resolve our own grievances and develop an inclusive community.

In this address, Kris introduces elements of Rosicrucianism, an esoteric Christian movement born of the Reformation. Kris weaves together Rosicrucian history, practical wisdom and colourful epic stories to illustrate their philosophy of how an individual can transcend ego and gain wisdom. 

This week, Aaron Poeze, a member of SA Unitarians, explores the concept of "weeds". How do we approach the plants that are unwelcome in our gardens, farm fields and wildlands? And does this hold lessons for us when considering how to approach the unwelcome elements we find in our minds and our society? 

The need a for better understanding of how we feed ourselves has never been more urgent. Most of us rely on a complex global food web of production, distribution, consumption and disposal. Jennie reflects on the dysfunctional nature of our food world, inspired by Julian Baggini's "How the World Eats". Fixing it will require wholistic thinking.

While Kris is away on leave, we'd like to share a recording of the Mozart A Major Piano Concerto (K488), as our holiday gift to you. This was a Unitarian Church hall concert, performed in October 2023 by Brendan Moyse, with accompaniment from the delightful Margaret Lambert.

In this Christmas season, we are bombarded with messages encouraging materialistic giving. Here Kris reflects on an alternative, deeper type of generosity. Like in the story of Good King Wenceslas, can we lead the way by giving more widely and recklessly?

Each night a child is born is a holy night. Kris offers reflections on the young of today and how their worries are different to those of previous generations. Nuclear war doesn't loom as large, the cold war is over, but the struggle for resources continues to threaten world peace. Climate change looms large in the minds of our young today. Kris encourages people of all ages to remember love is an action and to find a way to serve others.

In Yeshua's Prayer, Kris looks at the origins of "The Lord's Prayer" (aka " The Our Father"). Can we determine how much of it was taught by Yeshua himself and how much was added later? And, more importantly, can we distinguish between the essential truth found in this famous prayer and the extra embellishments added as Christianity was codified? This podcast provides much food for thought and perhaps even some "essential bread" for our spirits.

This week we have another Uniting Church Chaplain, Rev Dave Williamson, a member of the Chaplaincy team at Flinders University since 2014. All at Flinders are welcomed by Oasis. The Oasis Team at Flinders is committed to supporting students and staff across multi-faiths, regardless of ethnicity, gender or gender identity. Dave introduces us to the African concept of Ubuntu, communal sharing and mutual support. A Multi-faith diversity in outreach is seen by the Oasis chaplaincy team as one of their strengths. Dave's talk may well point us to ways where we as a community can help with the work of Oasis at Flinders?

At today's Inter-faith Service, Kris interviews the Rev Liellie McLaughlin, South African-born Minister within the Uniting Church, Environmentalist and practising Physiotherapist. Liellie is the Community Connections Coordinator for Pilgrim Uniting Church, a member of the Uniting Church's Synod Refugee Advocacy Group, Environmental Action Group and Covenanting Committee. Liellie describes herself as working "at the edges of the institutional Church", intentionally stepping away from a traditional minister's role - preferring instead to deepen our understanding of the nature of God from the bonds built from wider, Inter-faith and Multi-faith connections. My hunch is that the seeds that germinated from Liellie's first religious experience as a child in South Africa, led her to initiate "Hope's Café" and the Interfaith dinners we enjoy today. This interfaith "feast" - we shared and enjoyed together today, is a spiritual one. Our Interfaith Service finishes with an Inter/Multi-faith story of our times by Grant and a conclusion by Kris. So listen on and be nourished! P.S.I've also managed to repair the distortion on the orginal Podcast file

At today's Inter-faith Service, Kris interviews the Rev Liellie McLaughlin, South African-born Minister within the Uniting Church, Environmentalist and practising Physiotherapist. Liellie is the Community Connections Coordinator for Pilgrim Uniting Church, a member of the Uniting Church's Synod Refugee Advocacy Group, the Environmental Action Group and Covenanting Committee. Liellie describes herself as working "at the edges of the institutional Church", intentionally stepping away from a traditional minister's role - preferring instead to deepen our understanding of the nature of God from the bonds built from wider, Inter-faith and Multi-faith connections. My hunch is that the seeds that germinated from Liellie's first religious experience as a child in South Africa, led her to initiate "Hope's Café" and the Interfaith dinners we enjoy today. However, this interfaith "feast" - we shared and enjoyed together today, is a spiritual one. Our Interfaith Service finishes with an Inter/Multi-faith story of our times by Grant and a conclusion by Kris. So listen on and be nourished!

Many religious, philosophical and psychological traditions emphasize the importance of transcending the ego - that part of ourselves that is primarily self-interested. Kris examines these ideas and offers some suggestions for why and how we may become less controlled by our egos as we move through our spiritual journeys. 

Readings and music set the scene for Kris's exploration of the benefits and challenges of the practice of meditation. He discusses how meditation involves deep relaxation, concentration, and maybe something more...

Today's service, punctuated by bird calls and a low-flying light plane - was a combined service at Shady Grove, led by our Minister, Kris Hanna. We were privy to the remarkable, innermost thoughts of a young man, and his observations and resolutions about how he will conduct his life. Towards the end of Kris's address, this young diarist's identity is revealed. Listen on!

Our guest speaker is Joanne Giannes who offers Group and Individual healing and transformation through leadership training and therapy counselling in many different forms. Joanne speaks to us about "Forgiveness & Well-being". She begins her talk: "Forgiveness, like well-being is a verb. It's not a noun. It's an ongoing commitment, not without its obstacles. Collectively and individually we treat these aspects separately and yet most of us know - deep down, that they are deeply interconnected. Having a forgiving nature plays a crucial role in bringing them into harmony. We have the power to rewrite our stories, re-shaping the narratives of our grievances". Joanne's talk is not to be missed!

Today we celebrate the 'Flower Communion' of Unitarian, Dr Norbert Capek and its messages of Hope, Compassion, Peace and Loving kindness that blossomed in the decade before the ravages of Nazism swept waves of hate, intolerance and genocide across the globe. And in a world where we hear once again, the drum-roll of regional and global conflict, what qualities will we resolve to take from our 'Flower Service' (our Flower Communion) today, into our less-certain tomorrows?

We were privileged to have South Australian Greens Senator, Barbara Pocock deliver the Catherine Helen Spence Oration at the University of South Australia's Pridham Hall on the 17th October, 2024. Barbara began by taking us into the political and legislative milieu of the late 19th Century - Colonial, and early 20th Century - Australian politics, and the Constitutional and Democratic inequities of the era, that Catherine Helen Spence faced daily, and how she brought about effective legislative and social reforms - of which we are the beneficiaries. Barbara then takes us into our contemporary Australian political milieu, and the Constitutional and Democratic inequities she faces every day in the way Power is played out in our Federal Parliament, how it's reported, what's being done about it - and what needs to be done - to return Democracy to Australia. A compelling journey with Sen. Barbara Pocock - not to be missed by those who are concerned about Australia's current political trajectory and especially by those who have - until now, been apathetic!

On this Sunday immediately following Yom Kippur, Eran - a member of our Unitarian Community links the spiritual significance of this Jewish holy Day of Atonement with the events of October 7th, which triggered the escalating war between the State of Israel, Palestinians and some neighboring States. Out of the maelstrom of the ongoing political conflict, Eran laments missed opportunities and failed initiatives for peace in the Middle East. However there is also an unbroken thread of hope within the fabric of despair: unheralded peace initiatives from both Islamic and Jewish peacemakers, working together to weave a new fabric of hope.

Today's topic - "A Higher Power?!", follows last week's talk about Theology. Kris begins with a question: "Do you conceive of a higher power than yourself ...higher than your own ego!?" Kris borrows 12 "virtues" developed by one of the Alcoholics Anonymous groups from the AA founder, Bill Wilson's 12 steps to addiction recovery. These 12 virtues may light the paths you take towards that "Highest Power" that some call God.

Kris quickly leads us into the essence of Theology: by asking such questions as: What is the nature of God? If there is a God - or Gods - does it provide an answer to the question - What is the meaning and purpose of my life? What is our relationship - as human beings - to God? If there is a God, what relationship should we have with each other? ...and what relationship should we have with animals and with Nature? If there is an ideal, ethical way to behave, what happens if we fall short? ....and what has God got to do with that? What is the relevance of God to the end of this individual earthly existence which each one of us faces? And then there is the Epicurian paradox: "If God is All Knowing, All Powerful, and Good - then how can suffering, let alone Evil be allowed to exist? Why are we even talking about God? ...Or Godness? Contrary to many Faith traditions that provide answers to such theological questions, with certainty and conviction, Kris's Unitarian approach is more nuanced. And he leaves us with a challenge for the week. Do listen on!

Today, Kris reflects on the new spiritual impulse spreading through Europe in the last half of the 19th Century, energised by scientific discoveries that questioned the dogma and doctrinal inertia of the established Christian churches. The disenchanted turned to alternative spiritual pathways. Interest in Occultism, Mysticism, Spiritualism, Kabollah, Buddhism, Yoga, grew and gave renewed impetus to movements such as The Theosophical Society, Freemasonry - and Unitarianism. Kris's focus today is on the spiritual journey of the Russian novelist, Leo Tolstoy, as reflected in his writings, and culminating in his ex-communication from the Russian Orthodox Chuch and his last opus, "The Pathway of Life" -  published posthumously. We are left to ponder the pathways we have chosen on our spiritual journeys.

Kris's address today: "In Praise of Relaxation" goes beyond the superficial indulgences and distractions that pass for "relaxation" in the minds of many. Kris builds for us the concept of 'Fundamental Relaxation' which is essential for our spiritual growth and the foundation of spiritual practice  He asks: "How then do we achieve this relaxed state while still being intensely (fully) conscious?" Listen on for some of the practicalities of "Fundamental Relaxation".  Kris concludes:- "Become the witness of all phenomena that you see - and be free!"

Senior Yoga Teacher, Vani Shukla returns to introduce us to the "Principles and Benefits of Yoga Practice" - a journey towards self-awareness, inner peace and balance.  Vani commenced with the very basics: correcting the "strine" pronunciation of Yoga "Yow - (as in "row"-a-boat" - Gar" to "Yo-ga" - with a shortened "o" and "u" as a very basic first step towards showing some credibility in our understanding of Yoga. "Yoga" comes from the Sanskrit root - "Yuj" meaning to unite or join "individual consciousness" with "universal consciousness". Vani then introduced us briefly to the "8 Limbs of Yoga" known as Ashtanga Yoga. As with the limbs of the human body, the 8 Limbs of the Ashtanga - must also grow together: Limb 1 - Yama; Limb 2 - Niyama; Limb 3 - Asana (Physical postures); Limb 4 - Pranayama (Breathing practices); Limb 5 - Pratyahar (Control of senses); (Limbs 6 & 7 - Dhana and Dhyana (Meditation practices); Limb 8 - Samadhi (The "Balanced state of Being"). Under Vani's expert guidance, we then - very briefly - put the Ashtanga into practice in what little time remained.

In this Father's Day address, Kris asks : - "What are fathers meant to be?- What makes a good father?" Despite the merging of traditional "mothering" and "fathering" roles, old parenting stereotypes are still prevalent in much of society "out there!". Kris's suggestions about, insights into - and reflections on - being a Father and on Fatherhood leaves fathers with much to reflect on. It speaks to Fathers about Fathering. But it also speaks to parents and those who are yet to parent - about parenting and to those - like me - who've been there and who are about to celebrate the joys of Family, Children, Grandchildren - in what remains of this Father's Day.

Kris begins today's address "Let's Play" with a brief overview of the nature of games, both traditional - 'primitive' and those more tech-focused, many of which we will remember playing in childhood and as adults. He asks: "In the 'game of living', what should we be learning in our play today - more than we may have needed in more 'primitive' times?" Kris proffers "discernment in deciphering the news we receive from social media, sorting truth from distortion and bias, and needing more games that allow us to practise discernment". And, as scammers prey on the gullible in a world increasingly tech-connected, there are practical benefits in being more discerning. He asks: "What if we tried playing Life - as a game"? Listen on for some practical advice about the mindsets we need to cope successfully in the unavoidable "Game of Life".

Kris's address today - "Kicking goals", is all about finding direction in our lives: - "our need of a compass rather than a gps" to navigate our lives through calm - as well as stormy - weather. "But - are you ready for the journey?" Kris asks.

Kris begins today with the inevitable question asked of Unitarians: "What do you stand for?" Christians or Post-Christians who subscribe to a Faith tradition that adheres to a Credo dictating what the faithful are to believe - are especially curious. Kris suggests an appropriate rejoiner is: "This is a place where we Unitarians are free to explore what we stand for". And while Unitarians belong to a "non-credal" tradition, it's not that we are without beliefs and the consensus needed to define ourselves as Unitarians. Kris explores just what those beliefs are, how we came by them and how even those beliefs are capable of refinement as societal values and the stuctures that defined them, undergo change. Today's service was blessed with choral music from Margaret Lambert and the Terrace Singers. Their choral contribution has been added to today's Expanding Horizons. To hear them, just continue playing the sound track of today's service.

At a "packed" Shady Grove combined service this morning, Kris continues his narrative on Prague Unitarians - Czechian Unitarianism - its founder, Norbert Čapek and the influence of Tomáš Masaryk, who later became the Founding Father of Czechoslovakia. Kris also reads to us our seven (UUA) Unitarian Principles, which we are in the process of revising - followed by a reading of the nine Unitarian Principles of the Prague Unitarians. We also savoured fresh strawberries for reasons that Kris explains. And Brendan played some much-loved Mozart and Beethoven on the piano keyboard he brought with him.

Today, Kris leads us into the life of Baruch (Benedictus) de Spinoza, the 17th Century Portuguese-Jewish philosopher of the 'Dutch Golden Age' who heralded in the Age of Enlightenment. Unitarians may discover that they share a lot in common with Baruch Spinoza. 

Kris has returned from his annual leave which included a visit to the Český lid Unitarians in Prague. Although he arrived home yesterday, no-doubt jet-lagged, he uses this opportunity to report back to Adelaide Unitarians about the many things we share, but also describes some innovations from which we may benefit. Listen on for some glimpses of what he might have in store for us!

Jennie begins her address, today with an assertion of social commentator, Hugh MacKay's - in his book - The Way We Are - "that we are not as well equipped as previous generations to deal with sustained challenge". In probing and testing this assertion, Jennie takes a contemporary snapshot of the way we are, commencing with the bushfires of 2019-2020 and the Covid-19 Lockdowns that followed. Jenny draws on the strength and spirituality of poetry emanating from The Effective Living Centre of the Uniting Church, Wayville to help in her evaluation of how we Australians are faring. Are we wilting at the external and internal challenges Australians - young, old and in-between - are now facing? Listen on!

In this address, Aaron reintroduces us to Monsters - whose personification - or rather "monster-fication" is Fear. Helen's reading leads us into Monsters: "The truth is this: every monster you have ever met...was once a human being with a soul that was once as soft as silk. Someone stole that silk from their soul and turned them into this. So when you see a monster next, always remember this: Do not fear the thing before you, fear the thing that created it instead". After Pauline led us in meditation, Aaron soon reveals that, with a little editing by Pauline, it was composed by a "new-ish" monster - one which we now call "AI" (but one that must draw from the well-spring of human wisdoms) Aaron sees our darker and lighter sides as analogous to two wolves: one of darkness; one of light - each vying for dominance. The one we fear is the one that grows. There is wisdom in identifying the dark wolf in ourselves. Aaron's address is about facing our fears: Embracing, accepting and integrating them!

Through the medium of Boris Pasternak's novel, Dr Zhivago, Peter takes us on a nostalgic journey through the political upheavals that occurred within Russian society a little over a century ago, as Communists wrestled power from Czarist Russia. Peter's address focuses on the despair caused when ideals for a better, fairer, more equitable society fall short of expectations. Peter uses the plots and sub-plots within Dr Zhivago, and the life of its author, Nobel Laureate - Boris Pasternak, to dramatise how Czarist hegemony was replaced with one under the guise of "Communism" - but falling well short of the Marxist ideal. Alas, poor Russia! The nightmare of Zhivago continues, much to Russia's, its neighbours' - and the rest of the World's cost. Perhaps Russia's greatest fear has always been its fear of itself: our greatest enemy is always the "enemy within". The exercise of power must also come with liberties: checks and balances that allow dissent to be heard and injustices resolved peacefully and fairly. Peter's address closes with Janet's reading of Pasternak's hope that "The Power of the darkness, will - in time - be crushed by the Spirit of Light". And today we are bathed in the light of Barry and Brendan's playing of three of Dvorak's short romantic sonatas for violin and piano. And Boris smiled!