Spirit of Life Unitarian Universalists

Guest speaker Dell deChant joins us Sunday May 22,  at 11:00 am to share a talk on perspectives between religion and spirituality.

He’ll be exploring issues and questions related to denominationalism, secularization, popular culture, and the uniquely American project of world construction in the context of religious pluralism. The presentation will offer an interpretation of the “spiritual-not-religious” affirmation as an expression of a powerful and meaningful myth for significant segments of the population, and how this myth fosters both alienation (from traditional culture) and accommodation (to postmodern culture).

deChant is a Master Instructor of Religious Studies at the University of South Florida and the Associate Chair of the Department.  The department of Religious Studies is an active participant in the cultural life of the Tampa Bay Region and committed to sharing insights into the religious dimensions of human culture with religious and professional organizations, and the general public.

He is the author of three books: The Sacred Santa: Religious Dimensions of Consumer Culture, Religion and Culture in the West: A Primer, and The Religious Dynamic of Consumer Culture. He is the co-author (with Darrell Fasching) of Comparative Religious Ethics: A Narrative Approach .

At 10am, prior to the service,  in our Adult Discussion group, we’ll take a look at  “Concept Creep” – the idea proposed by Nick Haslam, a professor of psychology at the University of Melbourne, Australia that concepts like abuse, bullying, trauma, mental disorder,addiction, and prejudice, “now encompass a much broader range of phenomena than before,” expanded meanings that reflect “an ever-increasing sensitivity to harm.”

In our Youth Religious Education program, starting at 11: 30 after the Story for All Ages in the service, we’ll be continuing our UU Story and learning about Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross , started 135 yrs ago this weekend.

After our service, please stay with us for Annual Meeting, for a year end review of all the great things we’ve done at Spirit of Life Unitarian Universalists this past year, and a look ahead to future plans and goals. We’ll be voting on the slate of officers for the 2016-17 Board of Trustees and voting on the new year budget.

Spirit of Life Unitarian Universalists is covenantal faith community located at 18412 Burrell Road in Odessa, FL that welcomes seekers from all spiritual, theological and philosophical backgrounds who wish to join in a free, rational and responsible search for truth and meaning in their lives.

Please join us – all are welcome!