Why I Love the Unitarians

On Sunday, I took Maisie to see the Pageant of the Nativity at The First Parish Unitarian Universalist church in Portland.

Here is some of what the back of the program states: (I have highlighted the parts that spoke the deepest to me)

UU is a liberal religion with Jewish-Christian roots.  It has no creed.  It affirms the worth of all human beings and advocates freedom of belief and the search for advancing truth.

UU thought eagerly embraces the positive truths expressed by the great religions of the world.  Tonight's Pageant celebrates this inclusiveness not only by honoring the birth of Jesus, but also by underscoring the meeting of East and West in the presence of the symbolic Spirit of Goodwill.  It is our hope you will find in the presentation not only a celebration of the birth of one of history's great prophets, but also an expression of the true spirit of goodwill among all peoples. May you also sense the importance of the birth of yourself.  Just as candles lit the way for the apostles and disciples of old, when you light a candle at home, may you be reminded that the Light of the World exists not only in Jesus and the other prophets of old, but also in each of us.


The mission of the church is to nurture the spirit, serve the community, and help to heal the world.

Gun Control Begins at Home

There has been a great deal written and spoken lately regarding the need and battle for tighter gun control.  It appears (hopefully and blessedly so) that this latest and most inhumane mass murder/shooting has tipped the general populace into action.  People like myself, who had no (apparent) stake in the argument are now awakening to the reality of firepower available to the average Joe citizen. This latest atrocity has even managed to shake some long-time gun proponents who are now  vocal advocates of tightening things up. I was pretty laizez-faire regarding gun ownership. I don't own one (except a Daisy BB gun given to me as a gift) and don't desire to possess one.  I have shot rifles and hand guns but am far from an enthusiast.  I have never killed another living, sentient being with gun power. However, I am sickened by pro-firearm folk who trivialize and minimize and blame the victim with their blanket Neanderthal-like responses to the outrage and yes, reactionary (I would rather be reactionary to something of this magnitude, than numb or indifferent) voices. The pro gun agenda retorts: guns don't kill people, people kill people; if they had had a gun they could have defended themselves; the media sensationalizes the ammunition, the gun, etc.; I have a /an [ insert type of gun] and I don't go around killing people, it's my constitutional right...I challenge anyone who thinks these arguments are still legit and moral to look into the eyes of the parents of the children murdered and the spouses and children of the adults killed and voice this drivel.

It has been asked WHY would anyone need these types of weapons? Yet, a day after this latest killing spree gun retailers are reporting their strongest sales ever for the type of weapons that were used to kill women and children in a public school in a New England town during the Christmas season.

The question begs to be asked again...why?  Why do Americans feel they need the biggest, the best, the most powerful, the fastest, nastiest? Ego and self-worth? Because we are afraid?  Because we can? It is all a house of cards.

These things don't come cheap either.  Imagine all the good that could be done with that money...food for your community, heat for your neighbors, support for the environment, health care. If you want to keep the money in your own pocket take a trip, a class...anything but perpetuate a lifestyle of violence and selfish indignation.

  I used to sell cars a decade ago. A common stipulation from customers often would be "I don't want automatic windows". I would ask why and the response always came back "In case I end up in the water I want to be able to get out."  Really?  How often has that happened to you? Maybe you should take a driving class or a different route...which leads me to my point. Next time you feel yourself wanting to thump your chest and proclaim your right to possess that which is the biggest and the best and can deliver a can of whoop ass to whomever, ask yourself why?.