UU growth, Afghanistan, lies, and more

UU growth and change

Peter Bowden, the new growth consultant for the UUA's Ballou Channing District (southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island), created a new blog detailing strategies and successes in growing congregations:

A place to explore the potential of Untiarian Universalism.
A place for sharing relevant ideas, experience, and resources.
A think tank for those working to support healthy, growing congregations.
And, like a Bob Ross painted tree, let this be a happy little blog! ("The UU Growth Blog," October 21)

Daniel Harper proposes two scenarios for "franchising" UU churches:

If you think this post is about you, you're wrong. I'm interested in exploring the fundamental issue of church growth and church planting as it relates to our system of congregation polity. I'm also interested in bringing to the surface some of the problems inherent in congregational polity. ("Yet Another Unitarian Universalist," October 14)

"Boston Unitarian" believes the reason Unitarian Universalism doesn't grow is because of a lack of a unified message. He thinks it should stay that way:

The reasons why Unitarian Universalism does not grow are legion and fairly well known. To me the most significant is one that is also inherent-our lack of a unified message. Since this really cannot (and should not) be "fixed" it seems fairly clear that significant growth will never happen. ("Boston Unitarian," October 21)

"Strange Attractor" wonders why people are trying to change Unitarian Universalism:

Often it seems like the exact things that attracted me to UU fellowship are the things that desperately need to change and that makes me feel like maybe I'm not the kind of person you are trying to attract. ("Strange Attractor," October 21)

Kim Hampton responds to "Strange Attractor":

You're a middle-aged white woman who listens to NPR, votes Democrat, buys organic food and doesn't believe in God. Well....bully for you! But if your congregation, implicitly or explicitly, by word or by deed makes those who are not white, not middle-aged, don't listen to NPR, vote however they feel, doesn't buy organic food and maybe just maybe believes in God feel as if they are unwelcome, then I'm going to continue to bitch. ("east of midnight," 10.22.09)

Thoughts on Afghanistan

Thomas R. Beall recounts all the failures of Western nations in Afghanistan, starting with Great Britain in 1838:

I hope that President Obama has also learned the lessons of history and has listened to the words of Colonel Dennie, Surgeon Brydon, and General Gromov. Afghanistan has never been kind to the nations of the West. When will we learn that clear lesson of history and find another solution in Afghanistan - one that doesn't involve more troops, more bombs, more killing? ("Living the Prophetic Imperative," October 18)

Jacqueline Wolven believes the situation in Afghanistan can change if we stop the violence:

If we changed our strategy of fighting an unseen enemy to build schools, hospitals, clinics, farms, wells, and whatever else the people need to rebuild their society we would be making LONG TERM changes to the country that would benefit generations and plant the seeds of respect and trust. ("MoxieLife," October 17)

Lies and costumes

The Rev. Cynthia Cain uses the Balloon Boy to discuss deception and lying:

A "hoax" sets off lie after lie after lie. The father in this case not only sat in front of TV cameras and lied repeatedly, he coached and encouraged his children to lie! ("Just a Jersey Girl," October 18)

"Ms. Kitty" talks about costumes and wonders why people are attracted to religious rituals that are not native to them:

But Kimc questioned the word "affected" and I've realized that I used this word to describe my sense of disconnect between conventional costumes and costumes selected to play a role. That's probably not fair! Why should my conventional costumes and my choice of red boots be any less "affected" than a dervish's swirling skirts (or a fashionista with fancy boots and tucked-in pants)? I guess it's a continuum of choice and my judgment doesn't matter a hill of beans! ("Ms. Kitty's Saloon and Road Show," October 19)

Around the blogosphere:

Shawna Foster responds to a story about a stained glass window recently renovated at First Unitarian Universalist Church of New Orleans which depicted the Gordon sisters:

I think, particularly from the vantage point of our religion and that church, we should affirm them for exactly who they were. Racist. The Gordon sisters were racist Unitarians. Yes, they fought and did worthy things. The article takes careful note of all their achievements. But what the article does - and what it sounds like the church does not do - is acknowledge them for exactly what they were, detailing their immoral positions in society. ("Vessel," October 19)

The story itself was recently noted in the UUs in the Media blog on October 9.

Devin Murphy discusses the perceived discrimination against believers in God within Unitarian Universalism:

So why would they have a problem with us, the God loving UUs trying out we have discovered and are discovering? Well one reason for this is likely the fact that many UUs came to UUism fleeing Christian denominations, like Roman Catholic and Anglican, and as a result have negative associations linked to the concept of God, to which many who come from a different back ground, take me for example, who was raised UU may not have. ("Ramblingsofmymind," October 17)

The Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell wonders why a large group of people would let themselves be pushed to death by a single authority figure:

That such an tragedy should have happened is reprehensible. Ray is responsible for these deaths, and I feel certain that he will be charged with some variation or other of homicide. But the larger question that remains with me is, why did so many people ever allow this travesty to occur? (Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell, October 22)

Jeff Liebmann discusses trauma:

A valuable lesson for me in this ordeal has been the reminder of the delicate connection between body and mind, between physical and mental health. I'm not sure all the pills in the world will help me reclaim my pulpit, and spiritual practice alone will not cure the electrical failings of my heart. Like many things in life, I must find a balance if I am to achieve an equilibrium that will sustain my prophetic voice and my passion for ministry. ("uujeff's muse kennel and pizzatorium," October 19)

Shannon writes a letter to Alzheimer's:

So, I write this letter. I throw it to the world and just really cry out that all I really want to do is understand this disease, and make peace with why this happens to people. I don't want to hate you, or anybody or anything else, but I do want understanding and I just can't seem to get it. ("Unmitigated Bliss," October 22)

Joel Monka uses an article in the Huffington Post about rape victims being denied insurance to discuss health care reform:

This is why requiring all health insurance companies to accept all applicants regardless of preexisting conditions must pass, if nothing else does. Doing that will restore competitive balance; if nobody has to bear the burden of being first, then all insurance companies will have the same mix of customers on average, and so be able to cover any such "condition X" without fear--or outrageous rates. ("CUUMBAYA," October 22)