UU culture
Shawna Foster responds to John Katz’s UU World essay, “I’m proud of UU culture.”
That’s the problem I have with the dominant UU culture. I don’t come from it. I was born in a trailer. Those songs that you disdain? They are my songs. The words that you use to describe them? Come from a college education, which most people I know do not have. (“Vessel,” August 9)
“Chutney” has a pithy response.
As long as Stuff White People Like reads like a detailed sociological study of UU culture—at least the younger end of it, where there is a younger end—we’ll continue to have a problem living out the diversity we’d like to embody. (“Making Chutney,” August 12)
Why do you live?
“Earthbound Spirit” essays an answer to the UU Salon August question, “Why do you live?”
Life is precious, never give it up until there is no hope. (“Earthbound Spirit,” August 11)
As does the Rev. Kit Ketcham:
I live to love people. I live to be useful to them. I live to be a safe harbor for them. And in return, I receive love, I receive their care, I receive the safe harbor they offer. (“Ms. Kitty’s Saloon and Road Show,” August 12)
“Lizard Eater” writes, “I know what it is like to hurt so bad you would prefer death. I know that feeling.” And then she goes on to say why she lives. (“The Journey,” August 10)
Current events
The Rev. Thom Belote highlights the conservative credentials of two of the men involved in the Federal District Court case about California’s Proposition 8.
I think Ted Olson and Vaughn Walker are perfect examples of a principle from community organizing that holds that there are “no permanent allies” and “no permanent enemies.” This principle holds that when it comes to public relationships of power it is worthwhile to build relationships with people we don’t usually agree with. Similarly, it is important to demand accountability even from those people we assume will be on “our side.” In other words, take no relationship for granted. (“RevThom,” August 6)
“Nagoonberry” comments on the the recent deaths of ten Christian medical team members in Afghanistan.
Christian missionaries who go into Muslim countries as undercover evangelists probably think long and hard about the personal risks they are taking, and they probably call it “counting the cost.” But I wonder if their accounting considers the risks their choices create for others. I wonder if they realize how their covert evangelism erodes trust, breeds suspicion, and endangers those whose mission is simply mercy, and not conversion. (“Nagoonberry,” August 7)
Around the blogosphere
Nagoonberry transforms “7 Simple Ways to Say ‘No’” into seven ways to say “yes.”
For both groups, the key is to create a moment to breathe, a pause between question and answer. This moment allows a considered answer, rather than a reflexive one. In this pause, we take stock of our resources and desires, and answer on that basis. Do I want to do this? Do I have what it takes to do this? (“Nagoonberry,” August 6)
UU growth and media consultant Peter Bowden has a handy guide on “how to get unstuck and start making church videos fast!” (“The UU Growth Blog,” August 6)
“Lizard Eater” tells about her visit to A Third Place, a church and community center founded by UU minister Ron Robinson in Turley, Okla.
This grand project, all the things they’ve done so far … were done with 12 core people. They began with 5. No staff. And yet, every month, they average about 250 people benefiting and participating in their various programs.
This is the missional life. To not hide in our churches, seeing them as sanctuaries in the midst of an alien culture. But to go out into that culture, those ruins, and be missionaries. Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, providing community, health, relationship. (“The Journey,” August 9)
Kim Hampton continues her series of brief posts on religious education with one asking why adult religious education isn’t given more attention. (“East of Midnight,” August 10)
Kelly Kilmer Hall has just finished her CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) unit, and she reflects on what she is learning about her ministerial presence and voice.
One of my questions for feedback was about my direct style. I have been labeled “aggressive,” and a “bitch” for being direct and clear in my communications. But this was not the perception of the men in my group. I didn’t get much feedback from the woman today, but at mid-unit, there was a desire to see some of my softer side. (“Seeking Divinity,” August 10)
