Back in the day I would complain "if I hear one more book report sermon, I will scream." One of the most common sermonic methods for Unitarian Universalist ministers was to read a book and then tell their congregation all about it on Sunday.
I think we still find inspiration for a sermon in the books that we read, but we have learned to relate the contents of the book to our lives, or some national happening. I know I will read John M. Barry, The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Greatest Plague in History before I attempt a little prophetic preaching about the impending pandemic of "bird flu." One can read books, just don't do a book report.
But apparently there is a new cliche genre of Unitarian Universalist sermons.
Hafidha Sofîa writes: "I personally don't need to hear another Readers Digest sermon about appreciating the flowers in my garden. I want to hear from people who know and from people who believe. Even if I disagree with them, I will know more about myself after an hour with them, than a whole month of essays about 'celebrating spontaneity."
I have been trying to think about the "flowers in my garden" sermons I have heard. I know I have heard quite a few, but save for one, they all have slipped into the depths of subconsciousness where most sermons on normative virtues tend to go (including my own best efforts.) One of those garden spirituality sermons was very good, but it would be rejected by Readers Digest for creativity and depth. Alas, most were nice, set pieces on appreciation. Appreciation is virtue and must be taught, I assume, but to hear a sharing of convictions is memorable.
If Ralph Waldo Emerson were to come as a visitor, would he know I ever lived? Like most preachers, I think the honest answer is, it depends on what Sunday he came to visit.
Is it possible? Is it possible to preach one's convictions, and passions week after week? Not just when the spirit moves and inspiration happens. It would take a different kind of energy than a real good book report, or my current favorite, tell a provocative story, and talk about its meaning for today. That worked for me today. They loved it. It engaged them. But I don't think I revealed any depth of soul, they knew more about my message, but not more about my convictions.
Maybe someday, I'll send out the memo: Cancel the meetings, Cancel the memorial services. Got to do some pondering, wrestle with some big existential questions!
Meanwhile, I plan the November calendar. Hmmm. Stewardship. Pulpit Exchange. Thanksgiving. Global Warming.
Maybe in January.
