Podcasts about James Luther Adams

Rev. Justin M. McCreary Sunday, October 20th, 2024 James Luther Adams once wrote that the, “role of the prophet [is] central and indispensable to liberalism.” This Sunday's service will continue the theme deep listening and will encourage us to listen to prophet voices past and present that help us better understand the world.

Rev Justin M. McCreary September 15th, 2024 Unitarian Universalism is part of a heritage called, “The Free Church.” James Luther Adams once said, of the free church that, “It protests against routine conformity or thoughtless nonconformity that lead to deformity of mind and heart and community.” This Sunday I'd like to take a look at that Quote and consider the ramifications of being free.

Was David optimistic when he slain Goliath? The story says everyone was afraid. What role does optimism play in stories of triumph and in our lives. In uncertain times our theologian James Luther Adams calls for ‘Ultimate Optimism.' Let's look at that more closely. This sermon is part of our Foundations series – inspired by John Luther Adams' essay in which he writes about the five smooth stones of liberal religion. We use these ideas throughout our Faith Forward offerings and religious education. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do.   We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at https://dallasuu.org/   New sermon every week. Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/1stchurchyoutubesubscribe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stuchurch/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/ Œ

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Revs. Beth and T. J. talk about our upcoming sermon series "Foundations," which is inspired by James Luther Adams' essay “Guiding Principles of a Free Faith." In his essay, Adams introduces the 5 smooth stones of liberal religion, ideas that we use throughout our Faith Forward offerings and religious education. Whether you're new to our church or looking to deepen your understanding of Unitarian Universalism, this series is perfect for you. Join us on this enlightening journey to discover and embrace the principles that shape our faith community. 00:00 - New sermon series starts on Sunday! 01:50 - Introducing the theologian James Luther Adams. 04:26 - Stone #1: Revelation is continuous. 05:19 - Stone #2: Mutuality. 06:01 - Stone #3: Justice. 06:49 - Stone #4: Social Incarnation. 08:48 - Stone #5: Hope. Tiny Pulpit Talks is a podcast series from First Unitarian Church of Dallas that takes a behind-the-scenes look at ministry from a Unitarian Universalist perspective. This is a rare opportunity to see what goes into crafting meaningful and inspirational sermons, learn how worship comes together each Sunday, and explore the many facets of spiritual leadership. Subscribe to get updates about new episodes here on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

James Luther Adams advocated “radical laicism,” a term he coined to express the responsibility of all persons—not clerics only—for the religious community. This idea of the priesthood of all believers is central to who we are as Unitarian Universalists. Here at UUCC, we are gathered to enact and serve the mission of this community, created and voted on democratically by the congregation. Professional clergy, staff, and laypeople all have different skills and expertise to contribute. Ultimately, the mission of the congregation belongs to you. What might it look and feel like to share the work of this community in new and different ways?

The full text of this podcast can be found in the transcript of this edition or at the following link:https://andrewjbrown.blogspot.com/2022/06/our-responsibility-in-societytwo.htmlPlease feel to post any comments you have about this episode there.Music, "New Heaven", written by Andrew J. Brown and played by Chris Ingham (piano), Paul Higgs (trumpet), Russ Morgan (drums) and Andrew J. Brown (double bass)

The pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine might cause many to question hope. The UU theologian James Luther Adams, wrote “Liberalism holds that the resources (divine and human) that are available for the achievement of meaningful change justify an attitude of ultimate optimism.” How might we Reimagine Hope in our troubled world?

A short “thought for the day” offered to the Cambridge Unitarian Church as part of the Sunday Service of Mindful Meditation The full text of this podcast can be found in the transcript of this edition or at the following link:https://andrewjbrown.blogspot.com/2022/02/feeling-double-movement-of-roots-and.htmlPlease feel to post any comments you have about this episode there.Music, "New Heaven", written by Andrew J. Brown and played by Chris Ingham (piano), Paul Higgs (trumpet), Russ Morgan (drums) and Andrew J. Brown (double bass)

"Now, anything that exists in history must have form. And the creation of a form requires power ... not only the power of thought, but the power of organization and the organization of power." Thus liberal religion rejects "the immaculate conception of virtue and affirms the necessity of social incarnation." These words of James Luther Adams, the great 20th century Unitarian Universalist ethicist, describe one of his "five smooth stones" - basic principles of liberal religion that stand in place of elaborate theological doctrine. Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to celebrate in story and song the achievements of the U.S. Labor Movement - a powerful example of "social incarnation." The Rev. Dr. Suzanne Redfern-Campbell retired from active ministry in July 2018, having served Unitarian Universalist congregations since 1985. Her most recent full-time ministry was at the UU Church of Las Cruces, where she served five years as Developmental Minister. This past year, she did a two-month sabbatical ministry for the UU Fellowship of Fairbanks, Alaska. Sue came to ministry from the practice of law, and has served congregations in six states and one Canadian province. During her ministries, Sue discovered a passion for helping congregations in transition and is an Accredited Interim Minister. She landed in New Mexico after marrying her late husband, Chuck Campbell, on New Year's Day 2012, and now lives in Albuquerque with a hyperactive rescue cat named Phoenix.

“Racism is so deeply woven in the fabric of our society that we won’t escape it in our lifetime, but we can seek to continually move farther along the continuum of awareness and action.” This episode contains 1) a letter from Reverend Laurel to the congregation; 2) a reading from the book “White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo; and 3) the sermon “People of a Covenant,” which was originally written for the MLK Jr. 2020 service that was cancelled due to snow. It has been revised to reflect recent events. Works referenced in this sermon: “White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo: https://robindiangelo.com/publications/ “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/220290/between-the-world-and-me-by-ta-nehisi-coates/ More information about the proposed 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism: https://www.8thprincipleuu.org/background More information about the Black Lives of UU organization: https://www.blacklivesuu.com/about-bluu The works of UU theologian James Luther Adams: https://www.uua.org/offices/people/james-luther-adams Written by: Rev. Laurel Gray Music by: Kala Farnham Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall Produced and Directed by: Bruce Hall

James Luther Adams asserted that while immediate optimism was unrealistic, "the resources (divine and human) that are available for the achievement of meaningful change justify an attitude of ultimate optimism." We'll take a close look at that claim in this final service on Adams's tenets of religious liberalism. World AIDS Day is, strangely enough, an apt day for such an exploration. Music: Veronika Agranov Dafoe, piano

James Luther Adams, whose “Five Smooth Stones” of liberal religion we’ve been exploring, was a great believer in institutions. This is perhaps the greatest challenge to people in our spiritual communities, especially since the iconoclasm of the 60s and the profound (and warranted) mistrust in civic and religious institutions that has marked our age. If Adams was right that we need institutions in order to enact goodness on a grand scale, then how are we to create institutions that we can trust? Music: Brocelïande

"A faith that is not the sister of justice is bound to bring us to grief," James Luther Adams wrote. Religion isn't primarily about what we believe, but about what we do: specifically, what we do to bring about the world we long for. Special Music: Season of Us Appropriately, we will be giving the Peg Capron Social Justice Award to Jane Glauz this morning.

As the word "liberal" implies, religious liberalism asserts the centrality of freedom in how we relate to one another, our institutions, and the search for a good life. James Luther Adams and Toni Morrison are our guides as we look at how that really plays out in daily life. Music: Orlando Castro, guitar

From the Commission of Appraisal in 1936 to the Black Empowerment impulse of the 1960s, James Luther Adams was a significant shaper of Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist institutions. And as a social ethicist, he helped envision the new national and international institutions that emerged in the post-World War II period. Professor Dan McKanan’s lecture explores the way Adams translated his theological and ethical vision into institutional practice, seeking insights that might help religious liberals respond faithfully to the institutional crises of the twenty-first century. Learn more about Harvard Divinity School and its mission to illuminate, engage, and serve at http://hds.harvard.edu/.

Reflection delivered by Minister of Faith Development Rev. Emily Gage on November 19, 2017. 20th century Unitarian Universalist theologian James Luther Adams used to say that “Church is a place where you get to practice being human.” We all – all of us – have to practice being human, because none of us – not even the grown ups – have it all figured out. The theme for November is what it means to be a people of abundance. To read about our theme-based ministry, please visit http://www.unitytemple.org/faith-development/soul-connections on our website. 

"The Prophethood of All Believers" Eleanor Piez, Intern Minister    James Luther Adams, beloved UU professor of theology and ethics, understood our faith as "the prophethood of all believers." But prophets are often unpopular in their own times and communities. What does it mean for us to be a prophethood today? You will hear an update on UULM-MD's work during the upcoming legislative session.Music by Sara Jones.

UU theologian, James Luther Adams’ fifth and final foundational principle of our liberal faith is that the resources for change we have available to us “justify an ultimate optimism.” Or, as the children’s version of the Five Smooth Stones says, “We always have hope.” That, to me seems to be a reason to give thanks.

Sermon by Galen Guengerich.

Martin Luther King, Jr. stood in the line of the prophets. Unitarian Universalist theologist James Luther Adams was a passionate advocate for the "priest and prophethood of all believers." This year we honor the memory and ministry of Dr. King by asking how we all might be both priests and prophets.