Speaker: Rev. Shelley Dugan

Bible Basics Bootcamp

Some people spend a lifetime trying to escape the Bible.  Others could care less about it.  Many are experiencing extreme religion’s attempt to force their understanding of “The Good Book” on to all areas of society.  Today, we will look at the history of the Bible, how it came to be and how it is … Continue reading Bible Basics Bootcamp

What Don’t You Believe In?

There are over 10,000 religions today.  In addition to the major religions we all know, there are belief systems associated with ancestors, animals, energy, and stars.  People believe in many things.  Equally, there are so many things not to believe in, and there are many ways not to believe.  Just as there are different denominations … Continue reading What Don’t You Believe In?

Pain and Religion

We welcome one of our favorite returning guest speakers, the Rev. Shelley Dugan. Religion and pain have a complicated relationship.  They attract each other, repel each other, create each other and deny each other.  There are many different ways religions understand discomfort, disease, and distress.  Join us for this third and final sermon on pain. … Continue reading Pain and Religion

Beyond The Golden Rule

The Golden rule is the gold standard. It requires that we pay attention to others. It calls us to empathy and imagination.  It is direct about community and consequences.  It is a solid base for a moral and spiritual life. As people belonging to a faith community, we are exhorted to go beyond the Golden … Continue reading Beyond The Golden Rule

The Purpose Of Pain

When we hurt, we often ask “Why?  Why did this happen to me?”  We don’t usually want an answer; there is no answer that would satisfy.  Later, when we’ve had some time and experienced some healing, we discover we have gained something from our troubles.  Pain does far more than tell us to take our … Continue reading The Purpose Of Pain