From Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael, Senior Co-Minister
In listing the sources for the living tradition of Unitarian Universalism we claim that “wisdom from the world’s religions inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life” – with the understanding that “the world’s religions” here means religions in addition to Judaism and Christianity, which are central to our religious heritage. Here is where our task gets challenging – our work as Unitarian Universalists isn’t to pick and choose the wisdom we like (that would be too easy,) but to cobble together spiritual girders that will support our whole, authentic, growing selves and sometimes the wisdom that is the most challenging for us to embrace is exactly the wisdom we need to hear.
Have you read the Bhagavad Gita, the Sanskrit text that is key to the Hindu tradition, or the Koran, the Islamic scriptures, or the Tao Te Ching from China or the Guru Granth Sahib the principle Sikh scripture? To be literate in all of these traditions would be a challenge, even for someone dedicated to religious studies. Instead, or at least to begin, you may find inspiration in this book, on the Sources of our Faith, compiled by Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, or search the UU Bookstore under theology and traditions to find a text that will suit your interest.
Wisdom is not necessarily gained by adding on more and more knowledge, but wisdom is augmented by knowing where and how to search.