Non-credal liberal religion
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Amanda and Rev. Gray discuss: we have a new minister!; the two-year rule; church is life with training wheels; the most loaded topic in UUism; muscular Christianity; process theology; no Birkenstock erasure; signing off! Referenced in this episode: Omnipotence and Other Theological Mistakes by Charles Hartshorne: https://sunypress.edu/Books/O/Omnipotence-and-other-Theological-Mistakes Radical Equations: Math Literacy and Civil Rights by Robert P. Moses and Charles E. Cobb Jr: https://www.abebooks.com/9780807031261/Radical-Equations-Math-Literacy-Civil-0807031267/plp Sermons written by: Rev. Laurel Gray Theme music: Antidepresseur by Patchworker | https://soundcloud.com/patchworker Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall
This time, David and Christina review the week's special elections in New York and Pennsylvania; coming of age in the age of internet disinformation; Chris Ullery's reporting on the Central Bucks school board member; David's UUism and progressive allies in faith; religious and political Super Bowl ads.Thanks for listening! Now follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Threads. And please consider becoming a Patreon supporter at www.patreon.com/podcastunreasonable. It's a small price to pay to help keep America from becoming a theocracy, dontchya think?
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Our tradition includes the sacred notion that there is power in our choice to associate freely with each other and with other congregations. We express this in a number of settings—the UU Service Committee, the Long Island Area Council, Black Lives of UUism, the UU United Nations Office, and many more. Each year, General Assembly is the most authoritative expression of our faith. In 2023, it will be especially important. We will elect a new UUA President to serve a six year term and we will move forward to amend our basic Principles and Purposes. Led by Rev. Jaye Brooks and Rev. David Carl Olson on Sunday, January 8, 2023
"I was taken off guard, then, when a Wiccan friend of mine looked at me with some degree of impatience one day and said, "For someone who obviously does not know anything about what Jesus really said or did, you sure do have an attitude problem about Christianity!" She was right. She was pointing out the difference between Jesus and Christianity; a wise thing to do. So, we decided to find a book for me that might provide some information, but not from a traditional or conservative perspective. Of course, if I' d but known, my own Unitarian Universalist churches could have provided an absolute treasure trove of exactly the kind of resources I was looking for, but it never occurred to me to ask. I never knew almost until I was considering seminary that the two denominations that merged to form UUism in 1961 were both founded on centuries-old liberal Christian heresies! I discovered those riches later, but the first book I ever read that explained Jesus from a respectful, historical and unorthodox perspective was For Christ' s Sake by Thomas Harpur. It was published by our own Beacon Press." "Harpur' s book changed my life by introducing me to the tenets of liberal Christianity, which I have tried to outline for you here: (1) Though we will never all agree about Jesus' relative divinity, we see in him a human exemplar, and we treasure his humanness. Those who called him "The Christ" were bestowing upon him an honorific, not claiming him to be co-equal with their God. "The Christ" means "the Anointed." It is an honorary title signifying special calling and blessing. Jesus never said he was God. I agree with Ralph Waldo Emerson and other Unitarian forebears that this orthodox understanding of Jesus is based on a misunderstanding of his message and a misreading of Scripture. When asked who he was he, actually, Jesus most often responded with another question, "Who do you say that I am?" He was a Wisdom teacher, a mystic, and a shaman. (2) Jesus was a prophet of love and inclusivity, of justice and healing. His reforms of Judaism were not an attempt to destroy Judaism but to critique it for being overly legalistic. He was a faithful Jew. He never claimed to find a new religion or to be anything but a faithful Jewish man with an ecstatically intimate relationship to the God of Israel. (3) Jesus preached an internal religion based on inner honesty and pure love. He wanted to encourage his people to move away from empty, outward forms of piety and observance, and more inward to a spiritual renewal based on the assurance that all human beings are equal and precious in God' s sight. Even them. They had trouble believing this because they were Jews living under imperial Rome and most were living in poverty, totally expendable people. They were all officially second-class citizens of the Roman Empire – (not even citizens!) – and among them there were the lowest of the low, the untouchables. Jesus made it a special point to accept and extend care and healing to those considered ritually unclean by Jewish and Roman purity laws. (4) We' ll never know what the first disciples saw after Jesus' s death in the events that are now commemorated at Easter. The point is whatever they experienced totally transformed their lives. It is not necessary to believe in a physical, miraculous Resurrection to be moved by this fact. (5) Finally, liberal Christianity is more interested in the religion of Jesus than the religion about Jesus." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/antonio-myers4/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/antonio-myers4/support
UUism is seriously lacking Black folx. And the ones that this faith attracts and retains tend to be the embodiment of Black Excellence. Black UUs can burn brightly as dedicated volunteers, board presidents, church leaders, and the heads of UU organizations but can face equally dramatic burn out. This is both a spiritual and a justice issue. Can a Black American centered holiday be part of the solution? Together we'll explore what Kwanzaa is, beyond what you can find on a simple Google search, what makes it so soul quenching, and what it can do for UUism. Original music composed and performed by Alex Pietsch, copyright 2021. Intro background music by Tim Moor at Pixabay. UUMAN is a welcoming congregation and we thank you for taking the time to get to know us a bit better. You can learn more about us by visiting our website at www.UUMAN.org Unitarian Universalism is a religion based on seven moral principles which promote the inherent worth of all people and each individual's search for truth and meaning. Learn more at uua.org UUMAN is a 501(c)3 organization under the Internal Revenue Code. Your contribution is deductible to the full extent provided by law. https://www.uuman.org/donate/ UUMAN - Unitarian Universalist Metro Atlanta North 11420 Crabapple Rd, Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 992-3949 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcRwJlKGVhksTvxKeCXhxeQFacebook https://www.facebook.com/UUMAN.ATL Twitter https://twitter.com/UUMAN_ATL #UUMAN #Unitarian #Universalist #Universalism #UU
This Sunday, December 19, we enter into the heart of this question: what does Unitarian Universalism have to say when it all hits the fan? How can our faith and the commitments we hold in common help us to hold together when it all feels like it's falling apart? Words of Welcome and Calling Our Ancestors- Rev. Jen Crow (:30) Story for All Ages- Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch- Rev. Arif Mamdani (8:19) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Arif Mamdani (23:11) Message- What Does UUism Say to Our Suffering?- Lauren Wyeth (34:52) voice- Aimee K. Bryant; piano- Franco Holder
What is the relationship between Unitarian Universalism and Buddhism? join us for a look at how Buddhist thought and UUism fit together, and on the way we'll talk about yoga mats, Dollar stores, and a little bit more!Support the show (https://pushpay.com/g/firstunitarianchurchdesmoines?src=hpp)
Happy Birthday, Unitarian Universalism! This is simultaneously a very old and a very young religion. How did we get here?
March 7, 2021 10:00 am Ayanna Kafi Stringer On the journey to choosing UUism, we all have a foundational moment or series of moments when we feel the call of this living tradition. The story of how I chose UUism, for myself, is also the story of how UUism almost lost me. Let’s explore that. 50/50 Sunday. Our recipient is Family Promise of North Fulton/Dekalb.https://familypromise.org/ Intro music: Tim Moor, Pixabay
If we wonder why religion and politics so often collide it is because they both arise from deeply held beliefs about what life should be about. In this most turbulent of political seasons, there is a role religion and UUism can play—and should!—that is sorely missing. Guest Minister Rev. Fred Wooden considered that role throughout today's Service.Rev. Fred, who recently retired from the Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan after many years of service, has just begun serving as Interim Minister at the Valley UU Congregation in Chandler, Arizona. Of local interest: Before Fountain Street, Rev. Fred served just around the corner from us at the UU Congregation in Brooklyn.
Amanda and Rev. Gray reflect on this month's sermons and answer questions from the congregation. This month's theme is "attention." Topics of discussion: UUism and the afterlife; grief and denial; building safety to process painful emotions; resiliency through gratitude; befriending defense mechanisms Six Sources of Wisdom: https://www.uua.org/beliefs/what-we-believe/sources Sermons written by: Rev. Laurel Gray Music by: Kala Farnham Host: Amanda Hall Produced and Directed by: Bruce Hall
Peter Mayer, guest speaker. In this service, singer-songwriter Peter Mayer will deliver a message about how UUism can help us …Continue reading →
This month we will explore the big theological ideas in Unitarian Universalism by returning to some of the most famous sermons, but the ideas that matter are the ones that are most central to our own ordinary and extraordinary lives. Come hear some of our All Souls members share the theological tenets that mean the most to them, and how they are in their lives.
Sunday, September 1, 2019 Led by Lori McGee and Worship Associate Kathy Kerns Based on the spiritual practice taught in "Living by Heart," a course that I will offer this church year, this service explores how poetry can be a doorway into prayer. Unitarian Universalists don't typically have memorized prayers as many other religions do. When I came to UUism, I missed this practice. "Living by Heart" offers a way to use memorized poems as a meditative and soulful substitute for traditional prayers. This Sunday, one service at 10 AM will be offered with nursery care available during the service. On September 8 we return to two Sunday services at 9:45 and 11:30 AM.
– Unitarian Universalism offers precious freedom to countless incarcerated individuals, over 1,000 of whom are part of the Church of the Larger Fellowship. Hear how UUism lives in prisons and jails, and how free world UUs are reaching behind bars to share our faith.
We went to India in January and I was inspired to teach my congregation more about a faith that makes up part of our UU living tradition. I was amazed at the traditions and rituals of Hindu denominations that reflect our modern UU practices and wondered why we never learn about those as part of "our" history. Here's the first part of this diving in to the depths for a UU minister searching for a better way to live. How does a UU and a Progressive Christian authentically encounter Hinduism without engaging in appropriation? What does it mean to be a "living tradition?" Isn't it a little far-fetched to worship more than 3 million gods and goddesses...or is it just worshipping one? Tune in to find out.
Will Unitarian Universalism go the way of Shakers and the International Space Station? Phillip discusses the future of UUism and our congregation, and calls for us to grow and take flight.
Sunday, September 23, 2018 Led by Rev. Steven Protzman and Worship Associate Kathy Kerns Unitarian Universalism is one of America's best kept secrets. Even those who have heard of us don't know much about our religion. After a light hearted look at some of the common images and stereotypes people have of UUism, we'll explore the "elevator speech" to discover ways we can tell people about our faith and invite them to join us. Sunday services are offered at 9:45 and 11:30 AM with nursery care available during both services. Download Rev. Steven's sermon here (includes examples of elevator speeches) Image credited to All Souls UU , Sioux Falls, SD
This service is taken from the book “Lamb: the Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal” which is written by Christopher Moore. Rev. Kären takes a look at the roles of humor, sarcasm and cynicism both in UUism and in our lives. Wait, what? There might be some sarcasm and cynicism in UUism? Well, maybe, and some humor too!
In this message, Rev. Fred Muir shows how Ralph Waldo Emerson had his finger on the pulse of our nation. Ahead of his time, his "Harvard Divinity School Address" - called by one Unitarian colleague "the latest form of infidelity" - was simply carrying forward the spirit as witnessed in the birth of the nation. Listen to how UUism has been a harbinger of America's path.
On May 7, 2017, Rev. Chris Rothbauer and Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship participated in the white supremacy teach-in, one of over six-hundred congregations to participate nationwide. This is their homilies from the service. Part 1: The Meaning of Whiteness Part 2: To Be White in America Part 3: UUism and White Supremacy: Why It Matters
This Easter day, Christians are celebrating the resurrected Christ - the quintessential event of the Christian tradition. Yet most Unitarian Universalists reject this moving and core concept. Still, there is a growing group of UU Christians at UUCA and in UUism. This Easter day, let's look at Christ.
Rev. Fred Muir steps out and declares that UUCA must become a Sanctuary Congregation in this very moving and bold talk. He says, "I'm a Liberal. There - I've said it! Identifying oneself as a Liberal is risky business nowadays. As a faith, UUism is identified as Liberal Religion. It always has been. What's that mean? What are the risks?" Join him in exploring these questions.
Sermon delivered by Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed on January 22, 2017. Rev. Morrison-Reed shares a reflection on riding the Green Line as a youth from Chicago's south side in the 60s, as a seminarian, and now as a retired minister—and his awareness of the function of the church and our larger need for community. Mark Morrison-Reed served for 26 years as co-minister with his wife, Donna, in Rochester N.Y. and Toronto, Ontario. He also served as vice-chair of the UUA Commission on Appraisal and the Ministerial Fellowship Committee. A historian of the African American experience in UUism, he is the author of Black Pioneers in a White Denomination, Darkening the Doorways: Black Trailblazers and Missed Opportunities in Unitarian Universalism and The Selma Awakening: How the Civil Rights Movement Tested and Changed Unitarian Universalism. Mark also wrote the curriculum "How Open the Door? The African-American Experience in Unitarian Universalism" and the book In Between: Memoir of an Integration Baby. A former president of the Canadian Unitarian Council, he's currently an affiliated faculty member at the Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago. Rev. Morrison-Reed can be contacted at markmr4@excite.com. The theme for January is what it means to be a community of prophecy. To read about our theme-based ministry, please visit http://www.unitytemple.org/faith-development/soul-connections on our website.
Sermon delivered by Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed on January 10, 2016. Mark Morrison-Reed served for 26 years as co-minister with his wife, Donna, in Rochester N.Y. and Toronto, Ontario. He also served as vice-chair of the UUA Commission on Appraisal and the Ministerial Fellowship Committee. A historian of the African American experience in UUism, he is the author of Black Pioneers in a White Denomination, Darkening the Doorways: Black Trailblazers and Missed Opportunities in Unitarian Universalism and The Selma Awakening: How the Civil Rights Movement Tested and Changed Unitarian Universalism. Mark also wrote the curriculum "How Open the Door? The African-American Experience in Unitarian Universalism" and the book In Between: Memoir of an Integration Baby. A former president of the Canadian Unitarian Council, he's currently an affiliated faculty member at the Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago. Rev. Morrison-Reed can be contacted at markmr4@excite.com.
The last installment from the attendees of OPUS. Micaela Corcoran and Brian Tideman share finding Unitarian Universalism, impressions sharing UUism with other, searching for community and connectedness in a foriegn country where UUs are at a minimum, and the experience bridging out. Opus wishes do come true! Learn what wishes are! Micaela Corcoran - Her first Opus and what she's experienced! She received support, love, fulfilling wishes and more! She discovered UUism at age 14 and for her to "do church in a way that's comfortable." Brian Tideman - Working overseas teaching English in China, Brian came back to the States to enjoy his last OPUS before bridging out. Learn about his journey living in China were UUs aren't as prevalent and how how he fulfills his need for community. Final Credits: music thanks to: "Carefree", "Open Those Bright Eyes", "Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Members of our High School class will share what they have been studying and exploring this year, including music, stories, and reflections. Their insights on UUism and the religious life are always worth hearing and pondering. Graduating seniors will be recognized, and “bridged” on to young-adulthood, and several 8th-graders will “bridge” into YRUU.
Sermon delivered by Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed on January 6, 2013. Mark Morrison-Reed grew up in Chicago where his family attended the First Unitarian Society and he sang in the Chicago Children's Choir. He co-ministered with his wife Donna for 26 years in Rochester N.Y. and Toronto, Ontario. While serving the latter congregation he was also president of the Canadian Unitarian Council. He's currently an affiliated faculty member at the Meadville Lombard Theological School. A historian of the African American experience in UUism, he is the author of Darkening the Doorways: Black Trailblazers and Missed Opportunities in Unitarian Universalism. Rev. Morrison-Reed can be contacted at markmr4@excite.com.
Sermon delivered by Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed on October 16, 2011. Mark Morrison-Reed grew up in Chicago where his family attended the First Unitarian Society and he sang in the Chicago Children's Choir. He co-ministered with his wife Donna for 26 years in Rochester N.Y. and Toronto, Ontario. While serving the latter congregation he was also president of the Canadian Unitarian Council. He's currently an affiliated faculty member at the Meadville Lombard Theological School. A historian of the African American experience in UUism, his new book, Darkening the Doorways: Black Trailblazers and Missed Opportunities in Unitarian Universalism, was published in April of this year. Rev. Morrison-Reed can be contacted at markmr4@excite.com.
The women's movement in and out of our denomination and its connection to music.
Preacher: Lilia Cuervo
Preacher: Lilia Cuervo
Sermon delivered by Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed on January 23, 2011. Mark Morrison-Reed grew up in Chicago where his family attended the First Unitarian Society and he sang in the Chicago Children's Choir. He co-ministered with his wife Donna for 26 years in Rochester N.Y. and Toronto, Ontario. While serving the latter congregation he was also president of the Canadian Unitarian Council. He's currently an affiliated faculty member at the Meadville Lombard Theological School. A historian of the African American experience in UUism, his new book, Darkening the Doorways: Black Trailblazers and Missed Opportunities in Unitarian Universalism, is due out in April.
Includes David Pollard talking on the history of Earth-centered Spirituality in UUism, and Amanada Udis-Kessler performing her hymn "Mother Earth, Beloved Garden" which is #1067 Singing the Journey. Email her at audiskessler@coloradocollege.edu if you like to buy a copy of her CD by the same name.