Our current existential dilemma – intimately intertwined over-population, over-consumption, and myriad environmental quagmires – can best be understood in the light of human behavioral characteristics that have arisen over evolutionary time. Our most unique trait as a species, our clever brain, has gotten us into a lot of trouble. I will argue that humans have […]
Since before recorded history, the human animal has gathered in groups to perform rituals, to share spiritual experience, and to sit in awe at that which we find ourselves embedded in. Worship, derived from the old English word to acknowledge worth, takes on many forms today. Especially in the UU movement, worship can be most […]
The old wedding vows. Brides and grooms say them as if it’s going to be easy to keep them. But it is seldom easy. And usually it’s very, very hard. A wedding minister examines the meaning of that big “I Do.” Rev. Joan Shiels has a bunch of degrees in world religions. She has been […]
Every time I go to my doctor for my annual or semi-annual exam, I am given a printout of my prescriptions. Although I am not fluent in the language of pharmaceuticals, I dutifully refresh my knowledge of what and why and when and how much. Recently I prescribed something similar to myself from myself regarding […]
In 1761, a controversial trial in Toulouse, France, provoked an uproar through the country. A Protestant, Jean Calas, was accused of murdering his own son, Marc-Antoine, because the latter was planning to convert to Catholicism. In an overwrought atmosphere of religious zealotry, Calas was quickly tried, found guilty, and executed. Following the lead of a […]
Building on his sermon the week before, Tony will look at the psycho-spiritual consequences of atonement theology, and why it became a 3-step success formula for conversion–as well as why UUs have an alternative way in religion. Rev. Dr. Tony Larsen has been pastor of Olympia Brown UU Church in Racine since 1975 (yes, that’s […]
Many forms of Christianity today rely on an atonement theory that espouses the idea: “Christ died for our sins.” Usually it takes the form of God the Father sacrificing his Son to save humanity. Is there a better way to understand Jesus’ life and death? Tony’s sermon will argue that there is, and that it […]
When we’re not busy thinking about our problems, what should we do with our mental energy? Is it a good idea to just let our minds wander to the next topic, or is there something more beneficial we could be doing? We will briefly overview research on how mental focus affects our moods, and offer […]
This special musical service celebrates the diversity of writers and composers we have to draw from for our UU services. Juliet Hale Hills was raised in Southern England. She has been a member of the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee since 1988 – almost 30 years! Juliet has had a myriad of life experiences splitting […]
The Seven Principles of UU reflect our core values and provide inspiration for the future. We live in a time when these principles are being threatened by those in power. The Dreyfus Affair in France provides a good example of how others have responded to similar threats in the past. We must respond with the truths of science, history, […]