What helps UUs go deeper?, scaring parents, defining 'sin,' and more

Going deeper

In his latest uuworld.org column "That Elusive More," Doug Muder invited readers to describe "what has helped you go deeper into Unitarian Universalism, what hasn’t helped, or what you still feel the need for." He's taking responses at his own blog, "Free and Responsible Search," but a UUA committee that will be approving grants to help congregations and other UU organizations sponsor lay theological education opportunities has also set up a blog, "Lay UU Theology," to solicit input. Several other UU bloggers have chimed in, too.

The Rev. Ricky Hoyt writes: "My glib answer is that what we don't need is 'theological education.' What we need is spiritual experience" ("One More Step," January 14)

Rick Heller suggests thinking about philosophy rather than theology. "[I]t seems to me that first thing to focus on is two mysteries, the mystery of existence and the mystery of consciousness" ("Transparent Eye," January 14)

Kari Kopnick wants to know how to help people who grew up UU deepen their faith ("Chalice Spark," January 15).

David G. Markham comes up with 19 existential questions he thinks any religion should address, and adds: "A good theology, more than anything else, is useful. It helps us lead our lives in the most fulfilling and satisfying ways possible" ("UU A Way of Life," January 15).

Stephanie Anagnoson adapts some of Markham's questions into "theological questions at work" for her "Surviving the Workday" blog (January 16).

Other responses from the Rev. Christine Robinson ("iMinister"), the Rev. Dan Harper ("Yet Anoether Unitarian Universalist"), Jeff Liebman ("uujeff's muse kennel and pizzatorium").

Encouraging words for new parents

Lisa Belkin, the New York Times parenting blogger, writes about the frightening advice many people seem to give expectant parents — and cites the Rev. Meg Barnhouse's uuworld.org column "Letter to a New Parent" as a hopeful alternative ("Motherlode," January 13).

Why people go to church

Plaidshoes is the membership coordinator at her congregation, and has noticed something while greeting visitors recently:

I am not sure if it has to do with the season, but I have had a lot more people with tears. Mostly they are tears of relief. Relief to have found a place that they can be exactly who they are and be not only accepted, but loved. Tears in finding a supportive community. It has made me realize how powerful an open and welcoming religion can be; how important it is that we make sure that Unitarian Universalism remains a vital and engaging religion. ("Plaidshoes," January 13)

The Rev. Kit Ketcham admires the courage of a longtime member of her congregation who is uprooting herself and moving to be near a family member. "I'm reminded of ancestors who bet everything they had on a homestead in Wyoming or Oregon, packed their belongings, and left the old place in Missouri or Ohio to start a new life," Ketcham writes. "One thing she feels she can count on is the UU congregation in her new locale. . . . I hope her new church home welcomes her wholeheartedly" ("Ms. Kitty's Saloon and Road Show," January 13)

Various and sundry

Peter Bowden discovers an article called "How to Convert to Unitarian Universalism" at wikiHow ("uuplanet.tv," January 18).

Lizard Eater suggests two things not to say to someone going through a catastrophe ("The Journey," January 16).

Chalicechick is thinking about different definitions of "sin" ("The Chaliceblog," January 17).

PolityWonk muses on the place of covenants and contracts in our religious tradition. She recalls listening to the Rev. Paul L'Herrou preach on the theme many years ago: "Covenants, he said, are sacred and fundamental -- but it is written, transparent contracts that spell out what we must contribute and what we can expect in return. Here is where relationships stand or fall as they travel through real time" ("PolityWonk," January 13).

The Rev. Phil Lund has some advice for managing your congregation's electronic communications ("Phil's Little Blog on the Prairie," January 13).

The Rev. Fred Hammond discusses the difference between "essential faith" and "discretionary faith" ("A Unitarian Universalist Minister in the South," January 13).

The Rev. Ricky Hoyt has joined a "faith club," a discussion group formed by people from an interfaith organization he's part of ("One More Step," January 13).

The Rev. Scott Wells isn't sure that earning a M.Div. is really necessary preparation for the ministry ("Boy in the Bands," January 13).

Jeff W. is curious about the UU congregations that still have deacons ("Transient and Permanent," January 14).

The UUA has launched a Facebook page promoting its advocacy and witness initiatives (January 14).

The UUA's International Office announces two scholarships: UU seminarians can apply for funding to visit the Tsubaki Grand Shrine, a 2,000-year-old Shinto shrine in Japan with a long relationship with the UUA. Ministers can apply for a sabbatical residency with the Unitarian Universalists in the Philippines. ("Inspired Faith, Effective Action," January 13)