The typical discussion among those of Judeo-Christian backgrounds goes something like this: If God is omnipotent and beneficent, why does He allow evil? As UUs, is that the right question when asking about the existence of evil?
Speaker: Allan Bentkofsky
Service
Chosen Family: The Paradox of Faith and Kinship
This sermon explores the inherent tension between organized religion and family cohesion. Drawing from the work of Dan Hotchkiss, the speaker illustrates how religious institutions naturally seek to conserve traditions, sometimes at the cost of personal relationships. He shares the painful history of his father’s excommunication from a Jewish family for marrying a Catholic woman, highlighting how rigid adherence to faith can fracture blood ties. By examining various scriptural prohibitions against interfaith marriage, the text argues that extreme piety often leads to intolerance. Ultimately, the sermon advocates for a Unitarian Universalist perspective that prioritizes unconditional love and a sense of belonging above dogmatic exclusion. Using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the speaker concludes that a supportive community is the essential foundation for individual spiritual and personal growth.
Service
Justice
Summary:
This sermon explores the multifaceted nature of justice, drawing from personal anecdotes, philosophical viewpoints, and religious texts. It begins with a meditation, followed by an a cappella song. The speaker reflects on justice as a concept that evolves over time and varies across cultures. He uses examples from his legal career to illustrate the complexities and challenges in achieving justice. The sermon examines both ancient and modern perspectives, questioning the origins of our sense of justice and urging the congregation to cultivate “right relations” within their community. Finally, he notes the scales of justice signify more than the balance of crime and punishment, but signify relations between people.
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