Given all the violence happening in the world by Muslim extremists, some have come to conflate Islam itself with terrorism. Some have even suggested law enforcement should pay special attention to Muslim neighborhoods. And some seem to think all Muslims are foreigners. In reality, Islam is the religion of many peaceful American citizens who ought to have their rights protected and be treated with the same respect anyone else.

Working on my doctorate was profoundly transformative for me. My dissertation on the Psychology of Religion led to certain insights and conclusions that have altered my perspective on life and made me a more content, positive, hopeful, and, perhaps, healthy individual. I’d like to share some of these insights with you.

Creationists regularly dismiss evolution by pointing out it’s only a theory, suggesting it hasn’t been proven. The “theory,” however, has to do with questions about how evolution happens, not if it happens. We can watch it happen in a Petri dish in just a few hours, or look to physiological adaptations in some species that are occurring right now. Saying evolution doesn’t happen because it’s only a theory is like saying music doesn’t happen because we teach music theory.

As we begin a new church year, I’d like to pause and reflect upon some last year’s sermons that have most transformed my own outlook.

It doesn’t seem to be getting much airplay, but there are signs a revolution is occurring in our nation, if not throughout our world, in which ordinary people are demanding a more level playing field for everyone. I’m personally excited and hopeful about this time of peaceful social transformation, but am also cautious about how we should proceed. In this sermon, I will discuss the difference between a rebellion and a revolution, and what it means to be truly revolutionary in our approach.

Even after the nationwide recognition of same sex marriage and the game changing transition of Caitlyn Jenner, there remains much animosity toward those in the LGBTQ community, and there are … Continue reading Tilting at Windmills: Why We Invent Make Believe Enemies

Prison in the United States is a kind of Hell on Earth, in which people are locked away as punishment for their evil ways, from which they remain marred with … Continue reading The Great Escape: Getting Punishment Out of Prison

Although I’m not an apocalyptic thinker and still have high hopes for the future, I do recognize that Global Warming may be the greatest threat to life on Earth since … Continue reading Earth’s Bucket List: Things to Do Before It’s Too Late

Where did it all begin? In 1961 when the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America formed the Unitarian Universalist Association? During the 18th Century when Universalist preacher … Continue reading Roots: The Unitarian Universalism of Jesus

Since I’m unable to display pictures of our Universe today, I’ve decided to talk about pictures instead, about looking at the big picture, or, more importantly, about painting the big … Continue reading To Walk in Beauty: The Art of Life