Unitarianism in the 21st Century (from an article by Peter Hawkins, published in The Enquirer)
For me what characterises Unitarianism, is a belief that life is more than the pursuit of
material pleasure and wealth, and yet the "more than" is not something than can be dogmatically
defined or decreed. The "more than" is engaged with through one's own process of inquiry and
spiritual practice. This individual inquiry and practice is enriched by joining together in
joint inquiry and spiritual practice in community with others. What we can provide as a movement
is a response to the prevalent hunger, among those who are either between faiths or have no
religion, to lead a fuller, deeper and more meaningful life.
Writings that have recently caught the eye of our members
Verses from a poem by Dennis O'Driscoll
Missing God
His grace is no longer called for
before meals: farmed fish multiply
without His intercession.
Bread production rises through
disease-resistant grains devised
scientifically to mitigate His faults.
Yet, though we rebelled against Him
like adolescents, uplifted to see
an oppressive father banished -
a bearded hermit - to the desert,
we confess to missing Him at times.
Miss Him when the TV scientist
explains the cosmos through equations,
leaving our planet to revolve on its axis
aimlessly, a wheel skidding in snow.
Miss Him when we stumble on the breast lump
for the first time and an involuntary prayer
escapes our lips; when a shadow crosses
our bodies on an X-ray screen; when we receive
a transfusion of foaming blood
sacrificed anonymously to save life.
Miss Him when our journey leads us
under leaves of Gothic tracery, an arch
of overlapping branches that meet
like hands in Michelangelo's creation.
Even feel nostalgic, odd days,
for His Second Coming,
like standing in the brick
dome of a dovecote
after the birds have flown.
Members writing
Jo comments:
The vexed question of involving 'spirituality' in meetings is still being pondered. One
useful contribution was that perhaps all that was needed could be summed up in the word
'fellowship'. As it is, we are welcoming contributions from any member who wishes to lead a
meeting and enjoying the result.
Thoughts on this subject are always gratefully received, although not always immediately
acknowledged.
Meetings in recent months
In March the Fellowship hosted a Meditation Meeting in the Reading
Room at Stratford Sub-Castle and led by David Monk. About 25 attendees (many of whom are not
connected with the Salisbury Fellowship and several not associated with the Unitarian movement)
participated in morning and afternoon sessions which included guided meditations, song and
silent meditations.
Meetings in recent months
The Regular meetings
In the February meeting, Ian encouraged responses to his thoughts about the works of Karen
Armstrong, the author of many books on religious thinking and experience. Ian particularly
considered the topicality of her knowledge of the Islamic religion and her search for
spirituality.
The theme of Brenda's April meeting was the celebration of those things and people that we love
and a counter to the lists of tragedies and disasters presented us by newspapers and TV news.
The chalice was lit as a symbol of this love. Brenda chose to play celebratory music for the
meeting that was not from the usual 17th Century repertoire and which included "What a
wonderful World" sung by Luis Armstrong and "O what a beautiful morning" from 'Oklahoma'.
A good news tale was read of the unexpected protection of a turtle crossing a busy
highway by a motorcyclist in devils disciple garb.
Copies of an interview given by Lucy on Radio Odstock were given to the fellowship by the
interviewer (Eric) who participated in the meeting.
'Varieties of Worship' were explored by Jo at the May meeting taking examples from many belief
systems from different cultures and periods.
Readings included those from sources that might be from the extreme atheist end of the religious
spectrum, e.g. Dawkins and Hardy but also a rousing rendition of a hymn 'Walk in the Light', was sung that wouldn't have been out of place in an evangelical church.
Worship activities were described such as the Hindu passing of a lamp to symbolise sharing of
warmth, the Christian churches' communion services, the silences of the Quakers, the Unitarian
lighting of a chalice (memorably, the passing from hand to hand of a stone in an act of worship
led by Beverley Littlepage) and meditation in a group. Many other activities were recalled
associated with diverse faiths and denominations. So worship can be understood as engendering
a communal state of mind - of togetherness with others or as simply acts of fellowship with
those of similar outlook.
Beverley Littlepage, (known to some of the meeting for many years and who had on occasion
conducted meetings in Salisbury and who recently died) was remembered as the Chalice was lighted.
Ian, at the June meeting put forward for consideration how Bishop Spong's hypothesis about the
latent homosexuality of Paul, was influencing his own views about the behaviour of the
apostle. These concerned Paul's likely disgust, because of his Jewishness, at what he would have
considered his extreme sinfulness, the effect on him of the charismatic image of Jesus and the
involvement of imagination and intellect in the seeing of visions, were all involved in the
conundrum.
Besides the usual attendees at this meeting, there were Unitarian visitors from Canada and
the West Country, who contributed very helpfully to understanding of this subject.
Future Meetings will be held at
locations in Salisbury starting at 6:30 p.m.(to be confirmed),
currently in the Lounge room of the United Reformed Church,
Fisherton Street.
August 20th , led by Brenda
September 17th, led by Christopher
October 15th , TBA
November 19th , led by Kay
December 17th , Seasonal Contributions
