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The Good Samaritan and Crossing Boundaries

At a time when extreme social and political polarization has become the norm, how do we motivate ourselves to reach out across lines of difference? When and how is it even desirable to do so without causing harm to those who are most vulnerable?

The Good Samaritan and Human Kindness

In an era marked by hate-filled rhetoric and shouting matches, what does the story of the Good Samaritan tell us about the power and importance of simple human kindness, and why do we so often forget the power of kindness to heal both the giver and the receiver.

Strength in Vulnerability

Vulnerability has long been thought of as a weakness–something that we try to hide or deny. But how can embracing our vulnerability become a strength? And why is vulnerability an important part of everyone’s real life story?

Why An 8th Principle: The The(y)ology of the Platinum Rule

Unitarian Universalism has a long and complicated history working on anti-racism.  In recent years, the 8th Principle has called congregations to not only proclaim countering oppression- particularly anti-racism- as a value, but to embody it in every aspect of the work we do.  What does it mean to choose this work and what kind of … Continued

The Book of Esther

The Jewish holiday of Purim is centered around the Book of Esther. How does this story of heroism in the face of vulnerability relate to our own time? What can we learn about Esther that might help us face our own personal and collective challenges?

Love Beyond Belief

As UUs, we honor any and all beliefs that respect the inherent worth of every individual while recognizing that we are in an interdependent relationship with one another and with the earth. But beneath and beyond any and all beliefs there is a more important commitment to a love that transcends belief.

Principles and Values

Unitarian Universalism is a religious tradition that emphasizes “deeds, not creeds.” Despite being non-creedal, we have depended on statements like our seven principles to describe who we are and what values are commonly shared among us. How might these articulations of principles and values be changing soon?

A Puritan Valentine

The Unitarian side of our UU heritage can be traced back to the Puritans–perhaps one of the most illiberal and intolerant religious groups in history. How do we reconcile our current commitments to liberation with this narrow-minded strain of our religious DNA?

Six Words for Love

The ancient Greeks used six different words for love, while contemporary English has only one. What are the differences among these various conceptions of love, and why is it important for us to understand and practice them today?

Groundhog Day

Groundhogs hibernate during winter and emerge in the spring. What occurs during these months of hibernation and why is it important? As human beings, how do the little choices we make–even during times when things are hardly moving–have an impact on our lives and our world?