tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.comments2023-10-21T07:55:34.085-04:00RevCynCynthia L. Landrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02858232066200226342noreply@blogger.comBlogger707125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-37973673839402662812016-01-09T20:21:45.215-05:002016-01-09T20:21:45.215-05:00I just read your sermon on Garrison Keillor's ...I just read your sermon on Garrison Keillor's column about the UU version of Silent Night, and wanted to say how good I think your response was. Thank you. YOu were absolutely correct, and said it very well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-10554226605395823142015-10-27T14:31:38.090-04:002015-10-27T14:31:38.090-04:00Cynthia, I am so happy to hear how well this meets...Cynthia, I am so happy to hear how well this meets your needs. Yours was one of the voices Carey, Chris, and I listened to closely as we moved forward with this, and other tools, for congregations. Thank you for speaking up!<br /><br />In answer to your question about your own logo: yes, absolutely, you can use your own logo. You'll see as you dig in. :-)<br />Sarah Gibb Millspaughhttp://www.uua.org/communications/websites/wordpress-themenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-79302443891488122452015-09-01T17:09:34.771-04:002015-09-01T17:09:34.771-04:00I'm not a Unitarian Universalist, but I certai...I'm not a Unitarian Universalist, but I certainly follow closely what this progressive and compassionate community does in the world. I am continually filled with respect and admiration for Unitarian Universalists. Often, I have contemplated formally joining, but besides the fact that I live in Europe quite far away from any Unitarian Universalist congregation, there's also the fact that I find the name unbearable. Everytime I hear the name these fantastic people have chosen to call their living faith, I am reminded of things which are quite static, that don't represent my theological/spiritual perspective and which seem misnomers for the denomination in its current state. I know in the UK they go by, Unitarian and Free Christian Churches, which I somehow like better, but still isn't great in my very humble opinion. What I have noticed however is that many congregations are called 'All Souls', so why not be totally inclusive and rename the denomination something like, 'The Communion of All Souls' or 'The Society of All Souls' after our Quaker Friends? It seems if the church is interested in gathering a beloved community comprised of souls from various faith traditions and backgrounds, Unitarians and Universalists are the only ones being represented currently. Why not embrace exclusivity? Also, the word 'soul' is abstract enough that it can appeal to the interpretations of various groups of people with varying perspectives on what it might mean. In short, I have to disagree with Shakespeare on this one, names are indeed important!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07803965571974833454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-89739995916183452432015-08-23T23:48:47.573-04:002015-08-23T23:48:47.573-04:00I'd have to agree with the hymnodic piracy cla...I'd have to agree with the hymnodic piracy claim. You site, for instance, Onward Christian Soldiers as an example of where it's okay to steal the tune since the words you're replacing them with are from, roughly, the same time period of the tune's composer. I don't get the justification. When Arthur Sullivan first wrote the tune, it was specifically as a setting for those original words. So, by replacing the words you are going against Sullivan's intent.<br /><br />I can understand a tune written in, say, 1600, which has had several sets of lyrics applied to it, where you come in and apply yet another one. But I just don't get the wholesale theft of the world's hymns and folk tunes. Why not just write some fresh tunes?Davionicshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18052952141988210681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-39618382895709111992015-06-22T11:27:37.755-04:002015-06-22T11:27:37.755-04:00Every time I read something of yours on FB or your...Every time I read something of yours on FB or your blog, I think how proud your parents must be of you. BUC's RE program is proud, too - at least I am. I agree with your comments on the South Carolina confederate flag. I also think it is time that the people of this country do something about guns. That seems to me to be the 1 common factor is all of the mass killings. I hope there is some action at GA. Ardis Hanishnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-8459131576343961952015-06-22T09:49:33.715-04:002015-06-22T09:49:33.715-04:00THe confederate flag was not a symbol of of slaver...THe confederate flag was not a symbol of of slavery and anti civil rights, it was a symbol of anti-central-government. Because it is associated with the civil war, which is seen as fought against slavery, it is brought back to this era as a negative symbol.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-27354229640233309132015-06-18T18:43:49.746-04:002015-06-18T18:43:49.746-04:00Thank you. Blessings.Thank you. Blessings.Lively Traditionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04834311704481283678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-62278396869916931382015-04-20T00:32:04.181-04:002015-04-20T00:32:04.181-04:00@villemezbrown
No, you are not as tolerant as you ...@villemezbrown<br />No, you are not as tolerant as you think you are. People who identify as agender should be considered in this matter. Using incorrect pronouns can cause disphoria, and the invalidation of their identities is very harmful to their mental state and self-esteem. They are not looking to be offended, but after being so casually disregarded by people like you, I would not blame them a bit, sir.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-73581857995659257102015-04-16T02:40:20.547-04:002015-04-16T02:40:20.547-04:00Im not going to get into what I think about atheis...Im not going to get into what I think about atheism as a system of thought and debate. I will say only that this article illustrated the modes in which I myself am atheistic and agnostic, when it comes to contemplating or addressing definitive models of God. As far as the 'kinds of gods' lists and concept, I am in complete agreement. I cannot accept a selective and side-taking, and especially not a narcissistic God. But to distinguish myself, I would phrase it as what I accept as possible about God. Other than that I love and endorse everything in this article! Especially the part about prayer which is close to my own practice.Matt Learyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06315289531002471818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-66700658247099619242015-01-20T19:24:25.619-05:002015-01-20T19:24:25.619-05:00Thank you for sharing this.Thank you for sharing this.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05412461199918910136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-81196385031860617812015-01-16T16:28:35.599-05:002015-01-16T16:28:35.599-05:00Well said. Well said. Amy Zucker Morgensternhttp://sermonsinstones.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-77941294468327385442015-01-14T08:53:01.026-05:002015-01-14T08:53:01.026-05:00Thank you for this!
And a reminder, though that w...Thank you for this!<br /><br />And a reminder, though that while the MFC can establish equivalency for its purposes, this would still leave the students without diplomas forever disadvantaged when applying for chaplaincy, community, or non profit work requiring a Master's degree.<br />Susan Ritchienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-52251898069806156212015-01-13T21:37:23.368-05:002015-01-13T21:37:23.368-05:00Dear Cindy,
Thank you for a courageous, well art...Dear Cindy, <br />Thank you for a courageous, well articulated, and heart-felt statement. We may preach that we need not think alike to love alike; yet we also know the trouble such preaching may cause. It pains me too to know that disagreement all too often ends in loss of friendships and sometimes not-too-subtle retaluation. I'm proud to know you. So preach it Sister and I'll turn the page!Rev. Esther Hurlburtnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-59188859252885057792015-01-13T18:52:11.247-05:002015-01-13T18:52:11.247-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Cynthia L. Landrumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02858232066200226342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-5361527463982198642015-01-13T18:43:22.128-05:002015-01-13T18:43:22.128-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Gini Courterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15170863988738090814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-46304128002263203492015-01-13T12:45:41.366-05:002015-01-13T12:45:41.366-05:00I agree, and I see how I wasn't being clear. ...I agree, and I see how I wasn't being clear. I meant to be saying, I think that these are questions that ministers ask themselves or thing would be asked of them, that keep them from being open about their own depression. Absolutely, depression is not about a lack of spirituality or self-understanding. It's just that we think that since we're supposed to be people with spiritual depth and depth of self-understanding, that this means it's not okay for us to have depression. And the two aren't connected. I see that I wasn't clear about that. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to clarify. Cynthia L. Landrumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02858232066200226342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-87670470342831420772015-01-13T02:18:50.586-05:002015-01-13T02:18:50.586-05:00I think some of your remarks about suicide being c...I think some of your remarks about suicide being caused by lack of self-understanding, or the need for a fuller spiritual life miss the mark a bit. Most suicides are the result of major mental illnesses: bi-polar, major depression, psychosis, and schizophrenia, Bad brain chemistry is the culprit: it convinces people to believe things that are not real, such as that the world would be better off without them. I tell myself over and over that what I feel is not the truth and should not be acted on. But my main point is not to forget the great role that mental illness/substance abuse play in suicides.Martha Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11679343819323890295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-73492907169684887182015-01-05T17:58:54.262-05:002015-01-05T17:58:54.262-05:00Cynthia -
Thank you for your post. I agree with ...Cynthia - <br /><br />Thank you for your post. I agree with Scott that bivocational ministry is certainly more common among poor communities. The relationship of theological/denominational tendencies in these contexts is an interesting one.<br />Bivocationality will be the reality for increasing numbers of those serving in ministry, whether seminary trained or not, ordained, licensed or not. <br />I think there are four crucial issues: <br />1) how will we help these ministry leaders identify and thrive in alternative income streams?<br />2) How will we educate for a lifetime of ministry given the new economic realities?<br />3) How will we help clergy find collegial community when they're not serving in 'traditional' structures and perhaps have less control over their time (again, a historic challenge for racial/ethinic minority pastors when "ministerial alliance" meetings are held on Tuesday at 10am or the like.<br />4) How will we help congregations and denominations understand and adjust to these new realities?<br />I've been working on these issues for a few years, and am launching a new nfp - www.iVitalMinistry.org to address them.<br />I'd love to have you as a conversation partner. Again, thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-88078511964187442292014-12-25T23:03:37.776-05:002014-12-25T23:03:37.776-05:00I think there are many parallels with open-source ...I think there are many parallels with open-source software, which enables a developer to quickly assemble software applications by re-using code that others have created and shared. A quick Google search finds entries like "open source religion" that seem to explore similar paths. Lots of opportunities for new spiritual community models.Paulnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-62575934993593250892014-12-21T17:38:29.026-05:002014-12-21T17:38:29.026-05:00Interesting. I think I'm descended from the sa...Interesting. I think I'm descended from the same Landrums, although our branch ended up in Tennessee.<br /><br />The only problem I see is that all sorts of places in America, not just the South, were made up of slaveholders if you go back far enough. There were slaves in New England, in historic buildings which are celebrated there today. Do we condemn them out of sadness?<br /><br />If you can't reclaim an oppression you have never experienced, then no one living today can reclaim the oppression of African American slavery. You have not enslaved anyone and the people objecting to the use of this property have not been enslaved.They must imagine what slavery was like for their ancestors. Anyone can do the same.<br />Alliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11642347173603753681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-70767751572309049372014-12-16T23:55:39.054-05:002014-12-16T23:55:39.054-05:00Cyn - I don't know if this is helpful but you ...Cyn - I don't know if this is helpful but you can tell your elected officials that passing this law would put them about 1 year behind Shreveport, Louisiana.<br /><br />In this area, we're ahead of both Baton Rouge LA and Houston TX.Steve Caldwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12333184436301854794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-88428100935684351032014-11-29T02:52:17.641-05:002014-11-29T02:52:17.641-05:00White guy waving around a real gun, and the police...White guy waving around a real gun, and the police officers hold an hour-long standoff, and then manage to not kill him: http://atlantablackstar.com/2014/09/05/white-guy-points-gun-police-happens-next-unbelievable/<br /><br />If you watch the video of Tamir Rice, it's 2 seconds before he's shot and killed.<br /><br />Yeah, I think that's a problem.Cynthia L. Landrumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02858232066200226342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-23559637862612958232014-11-29T02:17:17.425-05:002014-11-29T02:17:17.425-05:00I like that analogy. I like that analogy. Cynthia L. Landrumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02858232066200226342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-65495427246760529242014-11-25T10:24:36.014-05:002014-11-25T10:24:36.014-05:00Rev Cyn, ..."playing with a toy gun."?? ...Rev Cyn, ..."playing with a toy gun."?? Where's the compassion for the police officer who cannot, in a split second, afford to find out of he was to be the next victim of our insane gun culture? How do you think he feels, having shot a child? No one signs up for that.<br />In faith, Larry Stauber Philiphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05793719807474101316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690830057835669205.post-37624415449236213562014-11-22T21:41:55.349-05:002014-11-22T21:41:55.349-05:00The idea of sharing sermons make SO MUCH SENSE!! ...The idea of sharing sermons make SO MUCH SENSE!! I've seen it done (and done it, with permission) and it's great. The tricky part is having a method of sharing that allows for social algorithming and up votes, so that people can find the ones that they'd like most easily. Getting the agreement seems easy (nearly every time I've emailed a Minister to ask to use one off of a website, they've said yes... it's the sorting through all the websites that's a problem...Lizhttp://rebelwithalabelmaker.comnoreply@blogger.com