The Reverend Johnny Skinner of the Mount Zion Baptist Church often says, “The scripture says “Give thanks in all circumstances.” It does not say, “Give thanks for all circumstances.” This…
Many of the world’s religions place a lot of emphasis on firm beliefs, strong judgements and convictions without compromise. However, in the Unitarian Universalist church we believe in the virtues…
In the 1920’s minstrel shows were common where a white performer would dress up in blackface. Today we recognize such a practice as deeply offensive. Nevertheless, Western religion has done…
Death ends a life but not a relationship. There is a Jewish custom of a couple going to the grave of the deceased and inviting them to the wedding. How…
The Buddha taught that we should have compassion for all sentient beings including those creatures that are hostile to human life. Indigenous people of this continent teach that we should…
You might not expect to hear a sermon about “salvation” on Pride Weekend in a Unitarian Universalist church since the word has so often been used as a weapon against…
Ready or not the High Holy Days of the Jewish calendar are upon us. This is the time of year when we are asked to practice self-examination, seek forgiveness and…
The poet Robert Browning wrote that our dreams should exceed our grasp “or what’s a heaven for.” What are your dreams? What is your mission in life? What goals do…
It has been said that Unitarian Universalists believe in one God, at the most. With a tip of the hat to Karen Armstrong’s book A History of God we will…
When Tom Innes was leading the Personal Beliefs and Commitments Class, he counseled us against the “Big Jug/little mug” theory of religion and education, the idea that the teacher (Big…