A funny skit from the comedy show Portlandia lampoons reading, almost as a competitive sport. You can watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7VgNQbZdaw
Reading is a value for many Unitarian Universalists, sometimes to the level of stereotype. We like to keep up with recent articles, and news, and read as a way to relax. But many of us haven’t read some of the books and articles that are foundational for understanding our own tradition as Unitarian Universalists.
When I meet with people who are seriously considering membership, I often suggest some basic texts that would be helpful, and we frequently offer “The New UU” class, but when we’re new, we’ve got a lot to think about, and that isn’t always the time when these materials might be the most helpful. So let me share again with you, things that might be worth reading.
1. The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide: Fifth Edition edited by Peter Morales,
one of the most complete introductions to Unitarian Universalism available, covering ministry, worship, religious education, social justice, and history.
2. A Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Univeralism by Forest Church and John Buehrens, thought-provoking, entertaining sourcebook for searchers, newcomers and lifelong learners.
3. Unitarian Universalism: A Narrative History, by David Bumbaugh, an overview of Unitarianism, Universalism, and Unitarian Universalism from their beginnings in Europe to the end of the twentieth century.
4. The Arc of the Universe is Long: Unitarian Universalists, Anti-Racism, and the Journey from Calgary by Leslie Takahashi-Morris, Chip Roush and Leon Spencer
5. UUWorld The magazine of Unitarian Universalism. If you are a member and don’t receive this in the mail, please let our office know so we can add you to the list. You can also read it online at uuworld.org
6. Interconnections an online newsletter for leaders. Subscribe by visiting http://www.uua.org/interconnections/
Maybe you might offer this question as a conversation starter at coffee hour, “Did you read…?” And even if we respond with a humorous, “uh, huh, yes, did you read???” we could also listen to the learning and wisdom available from our conversation partner.
Here’s hoping the holidays offer some down time for reading!
In the faith,
Katie