Speaker: Paul K. Davis

Mystery of Evolution [audio & pdf]

In my younger days I was perplexed by the mystery of whether the many species of life originated by evolution, as my school books said, or by separate creation, as my church said. This led me to the mystery of how one answers such a question. In tackling those two mysteries, I realize I was choosing between two world views. I was choosing the possibility of advancement instead of idealization of the past; I was choosing progressive change instead of quick fixes; I was choosing the ability of any individual to learn and con-tribute, instead of submitting to authority. And I have found grandeur in this view of life.

Yosemite

Abstract: Sometimes, in life, when we are trying as hard as we can to accomplish an important goal, the best way to proceed is to let loose, and accept help from people and from nature.

Work as a Spiritual Practice [audio]

Work is what we have to do to earn our way in our society. But work can also be a spiritual experience! “Whistle While You Work” exemplifies a positive attitude toward work. As Unitarian Universalists we believe in “encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations”. Though the encouragement is occurring here in our congregation, the spiritual growth can occur in our whole lives, including our work. I will draw from my work life, my mother’s work life, and what I have learned from others, to show ways work can be uplifting.

Democracy in Government [pdf]

I hold democracy sacred.  It is our fifth Unitarian Universalist principle. But what is democracy, and how do we accomplish it?  It is not static, but, as our principle says, it is a process. We use it in our congregation, and also in other voluntary organizations. We use it in our civil government. Thousands of years of experience indicates it is neither perfect nor easy, but we still don’t know of anything better. In this two-part series I will draw from my experience and reading to discuss the process of democracy, both in voluntary organizations (looking inward, on June 10) and in our government (looking outward, on June 17). I will emphasize the need for procedure and compromise, the emptiness of democracy without positive values and goals, and the occasional need for civil disobedience.

Democracy in Voluntary Organizations [audio, pdf]

I hold democracy sacred. It is our fifth Unitarian Universalist principle. But what is democracy, and how do we accomplish it? It is not static, but, as our principle says, it is a process. We use it in our congregation, and also in other voluntary organizations. We use it in our civil government. Thousands of years of experience indicates it is neither perfect nor easy, but we still don’t know of anything better. In this two-part series I will draw from my experience and reading to discuss the process of democracy, both in voluntary organizations (looking inward, on June 10) and in our government (looking outward, on June 17). I will emphasize the need for procedure and compromise, the emptiness of democracy without positive values and goals, and the occasional need for civil disobedience.

Circle of Values [pdf]

Our Unitarian Universalist values are not seven unrelated maxims; they fit together to make a whole; they relate to each other. Paul will show how he arranges them in a circle, to see how they connect, and remember that each is important.

Fake News [txt]

WL: Paul K. Davis
WA: Megan McMillen
Music: Jay Steele

The world’s military super-powers are engaged in a long-lasting war for control of Syria. Each side believes it is on the verge of victory. They have chiefly warred via proxies – supplying funding, military advisors, and weapons to local groups. But they have increasingly needed to send in their own better trained, better organized, and better armed forces.

Click on “Fake News” above to read more.

Honoring and Learning from Medieval Feminism

We often think of the women’s rights movement as beginning in the 19th century with the struggle for voting rights. In fact, the struggle for equal gender rights is millennia old. I would like to acquaint you with some of the notable women and men who contributed to progress in the European Middle Ages, and the various ways they engaged in the struggle. We should honor them and learn from them.