"Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit."
– UUA Bylaws
Reading: Part V, Chapters 9 and 10 (pp. 155-186)
For group leaders: Have copies of the Handouts 5 and 6 available.
1. Forrest Church refers to The Humanist Manifesto II in Chapter 9. Handout 5 includes excerpts from the 17 points of the 1973 revision of this document. Consider these statements carefully, and ask yourself whether you would be willing to sign The Humanist Manifesto II.
By yourself: Read the excerpts from the Manifesto. In your notebook, comment on your reaction to the document. To what extent does it express your value system? To what extent could it serve as a personal religious statement for you?
With a group: Distribute copies of Handout 5 and allow time for group members to read and consider it. Ask how many would be willing to be signers of the document, based on these excerpts. How many would want to make some changes before they could sign it? How many would not be comfortable signing it? For how many could the Manifesto stand as a statement of personal religious belief? Discuss the various reactions in your group.
2. In Chapter 9, Forrest Church points out that "it is our virtues, the very things of which we are most proud, that are most likely to betray us" into idolatry. He cites the traditional liberal values of reason, freedom, and tolerance. Perhaps you can think of other "virtues" of UUs which can easily be carried to extremes or twisted into negative forms. John Buehrens says that idolatry is worshipping a part for the whole. You may think of such an example of idolatry in your own life. Using either Church's or Buehrens' definition, identify at least one potential "idolatry" of which you see yourself in danger. In your notebook, describe in a few sentences this potential idolatry and the dangers inherent in it.
By yourself: Add to what you have written at least three things you can do to protect yourself from having your "virtue" develop into idolatry.
With a group: Take a few minutes to share the "virtues" you each have identified as potential idolatries. Identify similarities and form small groups with others who chose the same or a similar idolatry. Share the dangers you identified, and think of what you can do to steer clear of them.
3. As you consider recent scientific breakthroughs, does it seem to you that science and religion are growing closer together in an understanding of life and the universe? It has been said that science and religion are two ways of knowing or understanding the same truth. Would you agree? Are there recent discoveries or hypotheses in the world of science which affect your personal religious beliefs?
By yourself: Write a paragraph in your notebook about the scientific grounding of, or a scientific parallel to, one or more of your articles of faith. If you have time, do the same for other religious beliefs you hold.
With a group: Talk for a few minutes with two or three others, each sharing what you understand to be the scientific grounding of one article of your personal faith, or a scientific parallel to one of your religious beliefs.
4. In considering mind, or the rational, and spirit, or the metaphysical, John Buehrens wisely counsels a balance between the two. In recent years, some have noted a swing in UU circles away from the "mind" and toward the "spirit." Is this true of your congregation, or of yourself? What evidences do you see of such a shift? Would you like to see more or less emphasis on the "spirit"?
By yourself: Reflect on your own religious growth over the past few years. Would you say that you are moving more in the direction of mind or of spirit? Write a paragraph in your notebook about the direction in which you feel yourself moving and the experiences or aspects of your life which may be influencing your growth in this direction. Do you feel that you have found a satisfactory personal balance between mind and spirit?
With a group: Ask for a show of hands. How many feel that your congregation is becoming more spiritual and less rational? Compare notes on what evidence seems to support one position or the other. Then ask for a show of hands as to how many welcome such a shift. Does your congregation seem to be moving toward a balance between mind and spirit? What would it take to reach a balance between the two?
Close with a reading that expresses both the rational and the spiritual aspects of Unitarian Universalism.
5. For next session, read Part 6, Chapters 11 and 12 (pp. 185-212). For the last meeting, your group may want to plan a celebration of their experiences together. Consider sharing food and drink or creating a special ritual. In Session 6, plan to discuss the follow-up suggestions from Handout 6 that your group wishes to implement.
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