The Bedrock of Deep Faith

Lately, I've been focused inward, reflecting on the Soul, what my own faith feels like and looks like. I came across this reading that I had used in my UU Covenant Group in 2007.  It sums up why I chose Unitarian Universalism, and provides a look at an inner stance that this religion promts.

Excerpt from Challenge of a Liberal Faith, George Marshall, Chapter 4, “The Religious Liberal Faces Life” UU Association, 1988

 "A person’s religion is not measured by the fervor of one’s Sunday devotions, one’s frequency at church meetings, or one’s pious expression of faith.  A genuine test of faith is how a person stands up in the face of some great grief, some unexpected tragedy, some harrowing experience, or some upsetting crisis.  The most devout often stumble, while the presumed backslider measures up.  During World War II some chaplains reported that religious faith was not measured by chapel attendance so much as by inner fortitude.

Too often the person whose faith depends on the dim religious light of a sanctuary or the soft tones of an organ gently soothing the harried emotions finds it is far removed from the actualities of the highways and byways, the dark street corners, the chill mortuary, or aseptic hospital bed.  Often the frenzied and harried parents facing the turbulence of adolescent strivings find this faith inadequate as they struggle with these pressures.  The modern adult at home and in business too often finds that constant demands of “decisions, decisions, decisions” wear down the resistance, so that one loses all sense of perspective, relationship, and serenity, thus acting impulsively without regard to values or primary concerns.

Religious liberalism can help.  Here is a faith that is not external, but internal.  The Unitarian Universalist church makes no other offer than this: to help a person develop a faith that is within.  Do not come to a Unitarian Universalist church to find religion, to learn beliefs, or to be given a faith.  Come only when you reach a point where all external faiths are rejected and you are ready to begin with the bedrock of your own being, experience, and character to construct the faith that is meaningful to you.”

What do you think about these words? Are you constructing a faith from within or without?

For a copy of Marshall's book Challenge of a Liberal Faith, CLICK HERE.

Blessings on your day!

 

Learning to Follow Jesus through Peter Mayer's Music

I find that I feel closer to God and can lean deeper into the teachings of Jesus through music. I grew up during Vatican II in the Catholic Church which opened up worship to the composition of folk songs for the Mass and "Guitar Masses," perfect for smaller churches and student campus missions with no organs. The movement wasn't welcomed by everyone, but I was in my happy place. I sang in several churches over the years, both Catholic and Episcopalian, and learned from the best-- The St. Louis Jesuits (more on them in an upcoming post), as well as my partners in our Music Missions.

Then I moved to the Unitarian Universalist denomination which does play its share of Christian music, but certainly not with the same regularity I was accumstomed to.

Then one Sunday in church, we sang "Blue Boat Home," by singer-songwriter Peter Mayer (not the guy who played for Jimmy Buffet; the musician from Stillwater, Minnesota). Mayer had set new words to a very familiar hymn tune composed by Rowland Hugh Pritchard in the mid-1800's. Mayer's words describe Earth as a ship sailing the ocean of the universe - a blue boat - with we humans as the crew and passengers on a wonderous journey. It has a smooth waltz cadence and uplifting images. 

Not long after, Mayer performed in concert at my church, and I was blown away. The one song that struck me deep in the heart was "God Is a River." I became an instant fan. I found a playlist of his songs on YouTube which I saved to my phone and started collecting every CD he's produced. 

As the Folk Mass movement had given wings to my spiritual path when I was younger, 40 years later, Peter Mayer 's music renewed my soul. His album "Midwinter" is a permanent part of my Solstice/Christmas celebrations.

So, a bit more about this extrodinary musician. He is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church and many of his songs express a fresh approach to spirituality. His music and performances have garnered admiration for their spiritual depth and emotional resonance. His songs, "Holy Now" and "Blue Boat Home," are celebrated for their introspective lyrics and connection to Unitarian Universalist values. Fans have described his concerts as uplifting and soul-stirring [I agree!!], often highlighting his ability to blend storytelling with music. [from RiseUpSinging.org] 

Have you experienced his music or performances firsthand? Let me know in the comments. And if music speaks to your soul, and you haven't experienced Mayer's music yet, I encourage you to have a listen. [https://www.petermayer.net/  On YouTube: @petermayer9776 ]

Blessings on your Day!