Last week’s service on the “Question Box” was a first for me–I wasn’t sure how it was to respond on-the-spot to your deep questions. But I loved it! And I got a lot of feedback that you enjoyed it too (especially the Yodeling Pickle!)
Of course, there were a lot of questions we didn’t get to, so I thought I’d share some of them with you here. Some of these I may answer in future Dance Partner columns and some may deserve their own service.
- Several years ago, I read that the hardest issue for ministers in sermon writing is balancing social issues and spirituality issues. Is that something you think about when you plan your services? Is that hard for you?
- I think it’s hard to be who we say we are. As a minister, how do you balance the needs of meeting such a diverse congregation?
- Some people find that it is hard to fit in at a Unitarian Universalist congregation if you are not educated. Any advice?
- How has Howard Thurman influenced your thinking?
- Why have so many generations developed the need to scapegoat a different segment of society?
- Unitarians are all about inclusion. Yet, how does a UU congregation navigate with faiths who believe in vengeance and justice by those wronged?
- Do you think the biggest hurdle we face is ignorance or apathy? Answer: I don’t know and I don’t care. 🙂
- Are UUs pacifists? Is pacifism in our principles?
- Can we call ourselves a congregation (and NOT a church) while we still support people’s spiritual lives? How?
- What is the difference between a Christian and a good person?
- Is everyone really worthy of our love? How do we reconcile that principle with people who knowingly cause harm?
- Do we have to tolerate the intolerant?
- How does Spirituality differ from Religion/Religiosity?
- What is the most wise writer to read?
- UUs have stopped honoring Thomas Jefferson because we we perceive as hypocrisy in regard to slavery. Why are we not as critical of some 19th Century Unitarian abolitionists such as Theodore Parker who was biased against Irish immigrants because “they practice an inferior religion?”
- What is Breeze?
- Could “turn and greet your neighbor” be put back into the service? I miss that. To me, interaction with other people is what going to church is all about.
- Do you believe in a higher power and if not, how are we all connected?
- I have already communicated with my Dad, who died in 2001 (via a seer, who is also dead now). What does UU believe about our souls after we die? Does UU believe in an afterlife?
- What do YOU find helpful in maintaining a balance in the chaos of change–acceptance, anger, equanimity, action and moving forward?
- Are there techniques to bring out the spirit of love during our lowest moments?
Thank you to everyone who participated! I can’t wait to do it again next year!