Dear Ones:

Our ministry theme for May is Awakening Curiosity. While curiosity isn’t mentioned in the Unitarian Universalist principles, and while it isn’t a core Unitarian Universalist value, I do think Unitarian Universalists are, by nature, spiritually curious people. In a recent session of our Introduction to Unitarian Universalism class, a high number of participants spoke about childhood experiences in other faith traditions in which their (innocent) questions were rebuffed by people in authority (clergy, Sunday School teachers, etc.). The implicit—and sometimes explicit—message was, “don’t ask questions, just accept what we teach.” As a Unitarian Universalist minister, I can’t imagine ever telling anyone not to ask questions, especially questions of a spiritual nature.

Here’s an idea: I encourage every member and friend of UUSE to formulate a spiritual question during the month of May. Then, find some way to ask your question out loud. Kids too! Bring your question to me. Share it with someone you know (or someone you’ve just met) during coffee hour on Sunday morning. Ask it as part of your check-in at a committee, small group, or affinity group meeting. And I can’t believe I am saying this, but if you can ask it in no more than two sentences, share it during joys and concerns on a Sunday morning. Or put it in the online chat on Sunday morning. If everyone does this, it will be a little chaotic, but also a lot of fun. Well, at least fun for me….

What kinds of questions might you ask? The sky is the limit! You might ask about the arguments for the existence or nonexistence of God. You might ask someone who believes in God what they really mean by “God.” You might ask an atheist what they really mean by “atheism.” You might also ask an agnostic what they hope is true, even if they don’t know it to be true. You could ask, “What is pantheism?” Or, if you’re really bold, you could ask, “What is panentheism?”

You might ask how best to learn more regarding another religion you’re curious about. You could ask someone to share about their spiritual identity or practices. You could ask about the role of religion in public life. You could ask someone how their religion or spiritual life guides them in being good, kind, compassionate, etc. You could ask someone to tell you what book has most dramatically shaped their spiritual outlook, and then commit to reading that book. (Note: if they say it’s the Bible, ask them to narrow it down to one biblical book!) You could ask the same about a poem, a movie, or a work of visual art. You could ask about church history. You could ask about Unitarian, Universalist, or Unitarian Universalist history. You could ask a question aimed at deepening your spiritual life in some way.

The bottom line for me is that we UUs, by nature, are spiritually curious people. We have a skeptical streak. We ask questions. Our theme for the month is Awakening Curiosity. So let’s be curious. Let’s very intentionally discern and then ask our spiritual questions. I am looking forward to it! And I hope you are too!

With love, care … and curiosity,

Rev. Josh

#MayNewsletter