This sermon examines the enduring friction between scientific inquiry and religious or political dogma, using the historical persecution of Galileo as a foundational example.
Sermon Category: Compassion
Sermons
Polarization
Every day it seems we drift further and further apart as society becomes more polarized and we divide ourselves into intractable camps of like-minded people
Sermons
From Wisdom Emerging
So much wisdom is waiting to be known. Where have we not looked before?
Sermons
Sentient Beings
Why being a vegetarian and a Unitarian Universalist are such good bedfellows, in terms of extending our guiding principles to include animals
Sermons
The Sum of Our Parts
Our past shapes us but does it also define us? Can we escape our past and change our ways? Is redemption possible?
Sermons
Random Acts of Kindess
We honor national Random Acts of Kindness Day by taking a deeper look at kindness.
Sermons
I Thought She Knew
What if we judged people purely by their actions and not by the labels they or we assign?
Sermons
If Love is the Answer: What is the Question?
Valentine’s Day has become an inescapable tradition in modern times, highlighting how certain romantic ideals are pervasive in our culture. Our Minister asks us to consider some of the reasons for this seasonal observance.
Summary:
This sermon explores the question of love, examining its purpose, underlying mechanisms, and relationship to compassion. It references a contemporary interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13 to define love and explores the neurochemical processes associated with relationship formation, from initial attraction to deep attachment. The speaker cautions that oxytocin, often considered the “love hormone,” can also contribute to prejudice and xenophobia. The central argument is that transcending the potential for hate requires cultivating compassion, especially for those outside our immediate affinity groups, through a mindful meditation exercise. Ultimately, the sermon posits that compassion, born from recognizing our shared humanity, is the foundation for building meaningful connections and fostering a more inclusive society.
Sermons
Beyond Indifference: The Courage to Defy Hate
In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the moral necessity of active compassion over passive indifference by sharing stories of personal and historical conviction.
Sermons
The Moral Arc: Compassion, Equity, and the Path to Justice
Summary:
In this reflective sermon, the speaker explores the spiritual foundations of justice, equity, and compassion through the lens of Unitarian Universalist principles. The sermon begins with a childhood memory of unfair punishment, which sparked a lifelong desire for an impartial arbiter to see the true intent of human hearts. By examining the historical and symbolic imagery of Lady Justice, the speaker argues that true fairness requires both objective reason and an empathetic heart. The sermon emphasizes that while compassion functions at an individual level, it serves as the essential catalyst for broader systemic equity and social movements. Ultimately, the sermon suggests that humanity holds a collective responsibility to act against indifference, ensuring that personal kindness evolves into a global pursuit of a more moral universe.