In a recent poll Americans declared political polarization our number social problem. In my sermon last week — see the video or read the text of “Secret Weapon?” —  I started with a reference to that poll, and then I explored research about the development of human moral reasoning and its theological and social implications. … Continued

Last week, as I began this series of blogs on the work of interim religious leaders and specifically, my work here at Follen in religious education, I wrote about Heritage (coming to terms with history).  This week, I continue the series with an exploration of the second interim task:  Mission, or “Evolving a Unique Religious … Continued

Ralph Waldo Emerson said:  “Every man is hero and an oracle to somebody, and to that person, whatever he says has an enhanced value.” Spiritual Exercise Reflect: Who has been a prophetic oracle to you? Whose voice has influenced, and thus, predicted your future? Is it still doing so?  

I find it pretty easy, in year 2 of the current presidential administration, to fall into moments of not only deep concern but near-despair.  Never did I imagine how much damage could be done to so many parts of our country’s structure in such a short time.  Never did I conceive of how much disrespect … Continued

“Patience” is the title of the Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta that Follen’s youth and children will perform this year.  But it’s also about an attribute that I don’t have enough of sometimes:  the ability to let it be, to step back and take a breath, to wait for something to evolve. Earlier in my life … Continued

Our worship theme for February 2018 is “Secrets.” Spiritual Exercise Contemplate, and discuss with loved ones and your covenenant group this question: What is the difference between privacy, secrecy, and confidentiality? And, if you believe in God (or something like God—Spirit of Life, Love, the Universe, Ground of Being…), do you have any secrets from … Continued

As many of you know, I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus from Follen for the last ten days or so, as I recover from a total knee replacement (left knee – the right one was done about six years ago).  As the fog of surgery and painkillers clears, I’ve been regaining energy and … Continued

It is early in this new year, and the media is filled with ads declaring all that we ‘should’ be doing:  losing weight, going to the gym, finding out about our genetic background, taking a trip, running for political office, and on and on. I have never been a person to make New Year’s resolutions:  … Continued

Christmas and New Year’s have passed, Three Kings Day is upon us and, in New Orleans where my younger child lives, parade season will be starting shortly, leading up to Mardi Gras.  The media is filled with ads about fitness, diets, New Year’s resolutions and the like, and we look forward to the ‘second half’ … Continued

Our theme for the month is “Solitude.” January is often a time for resolutions, so here is a tough spiritual exercise! Spend one day WITHOUT YOUR CELL PHONE. Don’t look at it. Don’t turn it on. Don’t make a call. Don’t receive a call. Don’t text. Don’t check Facebook. Drive places using a paper map. … Continued