UU minister Galen Guengrich says “Jesus as son of God is a brilliant conceit.” In his new best-selling book, “Zealot,” author Reza Aslan writes that much of what we were taught about Jesus, including that he was the messiah and founded Christianity, is myth. So, who was the real Jesus? And does it matter?
Author Archives: usguu
11.24.13 Service of the Living Tradition, Jenn Leiby, Linda Brunn
Tradition is the spiritual theme of the month. All people gathering to share in the bread communion is a holy Thanksgiving tradition in our congregation. This year we will also give thanks for all of you, the people of USG, who constitute the living tradition of our congregation. PLEASE HELP US to make this a great worship service […]
11.10.13 Old and New Wineskins, Consulting Minister Joan Javier-Duval
We can sometimes think of traditions as things of the past. But, we are constantly changing and re-creating the traditions of our lives in the present and for the future. This is true for family traditions like how we celebrate Thanksgiving, and it is also true for the religious traditions we embrace or let go […]
11.3.13, Roots and Wings, Rev. Kent Matthies
Like most human beings we Unitarian Universalists have a mixed history when it comes to racial oppression and justice. With UU’s from around the mid-Atlantic gathering here for a Racial Justice Conference let us own our history. It involves the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful. Let us also create circles of respect and […]
10.27.23 Day of the Dead, Rev. Kent Matthies
For our annual Day of the Dead service we will celebrate our sense of connections to deceased loved ones. How have those who have gone before taught you how to live? How do their memories or spirits stay connected to you and direct you? Do you feel a sense of dedication or belonging to them? […]
10.20.13 I Doubt It!, Reverend Kent Matthies
In a world with too much hunger, poverty, war, and oppression of various groups we are called to work for better ways of being one human family. Some religious traditions implicitly or explicitly teach that we should accept the way things are as “God’s plan”. Our religious tradition leads us to say “I doubt it!” […]
10.13.13 Standing on the Side of Education, Joan Javier-Duval
The public education crisis in Philadelphia can leave us doubting our public officials and our state and city governments as a whole. Doubtful questioning of the system is an important part of change, but it is not the final step. How can we turn this doubt into action that stands on the side of education? […]
10.06.13*99 ½ Won’t Do, Rev. Kent Matthies and Debbie Ward
In many ways our religious tradition was built on doubts, which created openings for exciting and empowering new religious beliefs and principles. It is also true that the central role of doubt has created significant disadvantages. At times we have overly doubted the importance of community with the outcome of excessive individualism. At times we […]
9.29.13 Book of Mormon, Rev. Kent Matthies
Developing connections across religious lines can be difficult. How has a play called “Book of Mormon” helped or hurt this cause? No matter what this play sure is educational, hilarious and worthwhile. If we look closely it provides a model for helping us to laugh, cry, and learn about many of the world’s faith traditions. […]
9.22.13 They vs. We, Rev. Kent Matthies
The world is wracked by we vs. they thinking. Right now Egypt burns with violence and hostility as a result of searing polarities. Here in the United States we know the pains of red states vs. blue states tensions – with many micro red vs. blue factions within the states. Humans have developed factions along […]