Expanding Horizons

Another Look at Islam

Kris begins this address with a question: "How much do you know about Islam?" He believes that it is important for us to have a working knowledge of Islam for two reasons:

• with increased understanding comes respect, and-
• It also frees us from any prejudices we might have.

Listen on to discover more about Islam: the five pillars of wisdom, the four duties of Muslims. And then - common to all religions, there are the divisions that have occurred within Islam.
Perhaps we have more in common with with Islam and with Muslims than we might have thought?
How might the obligations of Muslims in the Koran be relevant to Unitarians - who have such a divergence of belief in matters of prayer and meditation?
As Unitarians we have the freedom to draw from wisdoms such as Islam? Within the turmoil of our lives, where we might we find a holy place - to seek peace... to meditate... to find spiritual renewal... to give...to guide?

Romantic Knights

Today, in "Romantic Knights", Kris visits romantic notions of Chivalry that grew out of medieval European mythology - based on Mort d'Arthur, and Eschenbach's Parzival (Percival in English) - one knight's quest for the Holy Grail. The mythology so often portrays the stereotypical, adventurous, warrior-male "knight in shining armor", riding valiantly to the rescue of a beautiful, but vulnerable female - beset by dark and evil forces. Or a female - as temptress, leading the errant but lusting knight - astray?
In the context of the changing power relationship between male and female, Kris, at the outset, asks us to explore what happened to chivalry? Is it residual in the belief that soldiers should risk life and limb in military service. Are there better words/concepts to explain how the strength and courage - irrespective of gender, may still champion the vulnerable and the needy? Is the concept of chivalry - dead? Is this something to lament? Kris reminds us of our first two UU principles.

A Barometer of Human Consciousness

Today, Kris introduces us to Psychiatrist and Kinesiologist, Professor David Hawkins' "Map of Human Consciousness" which serves as a "Barometer of Human Consciousness". In his address today, Kris uses Hawkins' 'spectrum of spiritual growth' as a "barometer" to inform and to illuminate the pathways we may choose on our spiritual journeys towards a higher state of human consciousness.

A Brief History of Religion

In this very brief history of religion, Kris touches on "religious" behavior observed in other primates, the commonalities of the world's religions and the ways in which they have enabled us to transcend atavistic brutality and embrace attributes (such as foresight, hindsight, insight, planning, intelligence, wisdom - towards empathy and love for others...towards ethics ... towards civil societies - to become fully-human!) Despite a residue of (warrior) violence that plagues us still, what was this essential ingredient, common to all religions - that took us beyond atavistic brutality to the journey towards the understanding that we Unitarians share today? Listen on to find out!

Mary, Mary, quite contrary!

In his address today, "Mary, Mary, quite contrary!" Kris focuses on the enigma of Mary Magdalene and as shown in the earlier part of the Gospel of Mark and in the "Gospel of Mary", part of the New Testament Apocrypha:
- her closeness to Jeshua - "his companion";
- her status and her "fortitude" amongst the disciples;
- her prominence at the crucifixion;
- her participation in the procession from the cross to the tomb;
- her intimate participation as a non-blood relative involved in the rite of purification - anointing the body of Jesus with spices, prior to his entombment.
And yet the status of Mary Magdalene as a spiritual teacher is diminished in the biblical account of the Authorised, King James version that excludes apocryphal, extra-canonical writings such as the Gospels of Phillip and Thomas that gives her a pre-eminent role in the events surrounding the crucifixion and death of Jeshua.
Why? asks Kris.
What spiritual lessons may we Unitarians learn from these Apocryphal stories about the strength of Mary Magdelene and her diminishment in the Authorised versions? Listen on to find out!

Q and A Part 2

As Unitarians, we are predisposed to having others' answers about "religious, spiritual, ethical, or moral issues" questioned. Today, in this - his second Q & A service, and in the absence of a prepared "sermon", Kris - steps courageously out of his comfort zone for a second time and invites us to write down a question on a "religious, spiritual, ethical or moral theme" - for him to answer. So while Kris may have provided answers to those questions we might otherwise never have had an opportunity to ask, his answers will certainly get us thinking and perhaps also - questioning. For isn't it in the questions we ask that our learning begins? Listen on!

What’s the harm in Sin?

Today we welcome Kris back from leave as our Minister. In his address today, titled - What's the harm in Sin? Kris explores the concept of "Sin", historically. He probes our understanding of the Seven Deadly Sins, the Cardinal sins, and such concepts as Passion, and Conscience  -  before mentioning the positives - the Seven Virtues.

The concept of "Sin" has changed. There are more useful concepts and principles to guide our behaviour. Kris concludes with a gentle Buddhist insight.

Darkness

Aaron takes us out of our comfort zone to explore a richer experience of Light & Dark and other binaries such as "Good & Evil", "Happy & Sad", Nihilism & Existentialism. Aaron questions why we fear darkness, a fear - reinforced by religion, as synonymous with evil.

In today's address, Aaron takes us "beyond the binary" to explore the richness to be had in the realisation that the "Light" needs the "Dark" - and as with any of the other binaries, we only fully understand one through experiencing its opposite.

Peace in the Promised Land - Part 2: ”Blessed are the Peacemakers”

Eran begins his address today, with a quote from a Beatitude in the Gospel of St Matthew - "Blessed are the Peacemakers...". Eran talks passionately and evocatively about his birthplace, Israel - and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine which he has experienced firsthand. Eran also outlines the many ongoing peace initiatives that will eventually restore peace to these Holy Lands of Islam, Judaism, Christianity - and Unitarians, and to being truly "Holy" for all. It will happen providing we peacemakers - and our children don't give up - it might take generational change!
Eran also challenges us to support these peace initiatives and shows us how. "Blessed are the Peacemakers  - for they will be called Children of God!"
Eran ends his address with a quote from Peacemaker, Amos Oz: "Conflict begins and ends in the hearts and minds of people - not in the hilltops."

Black and White Part 2

Following on from Jennie's address on the 7th May, 2023 - in today's address - Part 2 of "Black and White", Jennie summarises the historical background to the approaching "Voice" referendum, including an extract from "The Uluru Statement from the Heart".
Jenny informs us about the nature of the forthcoming referendum and recognises the plight of Aboriginal people when we - as a nation - have been deaf to the voices of Aboriginal leaders in the past. Jennie also pays tribute to the spiritual input of poets like Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker) and Judith Wright.
If you are still to decide on "The Voice", this address of Jennie's is not to be missed!