Sunday Talks / Random Musings

Euthanasia: Is Life Sacred?

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By Rev. Clay Nelson.

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Clay Nelson © 12 July 2015

Thanks to Lecretia Seales the issue of euthanasia has once again been raised to public consciousness. You will remember that Lecretia suffered from a very aggressive form of brain cancer that depending on how it progressed could deprive her of dignity prior to death. She sought from the high court a ruling that would allow her physician to assist her to die should her suffering become unbearable. On June 5th, the day she died, she got the ruling that in New Zealand it is against the law for a physician to assist someone to die. Continue reading Euthanasia: Is Life Sacred? →

The Power of Listening

Sunday Talks / Random Musings
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Can listening make a difference?

By Lisa Gellert.

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Lisa Gellert © 28 June 2015

I am here to tell you a story. When I asked Clay how I should give this talk he said: tell a story. They like stories. So here you go. I tell you a story. But to make it more interesting it is not just one, but actually I share different stories. And by the end, it is up to you to decide if and how listening makes a difference.

Setting the stage: 2014 in Germany

Continue reading The Power of Listening →

The Past, Present and Future of Progressive Religion in Aotearoa New Zealand

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Address given to the Auckland Sea of Faith
By Clay Nelson
21 June 2015

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I want to thank Marion for inviting me to share this time with you. While I have looked forward to being with you, I wish I had reflected longer before offering the topic: The Past, Present and Future of Progressive Religion in Aotearoa New Zealand. You invited me for one 30 to 40 minute talk, not a six-part series of lectures. So I have struggled with how to slice this topic so it is thin enough to permit light to shine through it.

The aim of the Sea of Faith has offered me a way forward. Continue reading The Past, Present and Future of Progressive Religion in Aotearoa New Zealand →

The Spirituality Gap

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What is Spirituality? And do I want some of that?

By Rev. Clay Nelson.

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Clay Nelson © 14 June 2015

Some of you who only see me on Sunday may think I wear this collar all the time. No, it is not tattooed on me. While on occasion I wear it on a hospital visit or when participating in some public event like the gay pride parade, the only time I regularly wear it during the week is on Sunday mornings. The rest of the time you will find me more informally attired. My reason for wearing it is to remind myself of my role, like an actor putting on make-up and her costume. It is a spiritual discipline. Continue reading The Spirituality Gap →

The Infinite Game: How to Live Well Together

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Guest speaker Niki Harre, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Auckland, taught us the Infinite Game. The object is to understand current social structures that limit progress towards human and ecological flourishing and the vital role that organisations, individuals and communities can play in creating a better world.

As this was a live participatory event, no audio or text available this week.

Do the American Transcendentalists have Anything to say to Kiwi Unitarians?

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By Rev. Clay Nelson.

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https://aucklandunitarian.org.nz/podcast/20150531RevClayNelson_AmericanTranscendantalists.mp3″]

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Clay Nelson © 31 May 2015

Have you ever had a eureka moment, perhaps on a tramp in some remote part of the South Island, watching the gannets feed their newly hatched chicks on the cliffs above Muriwai beach or looking into the face of your child or grandchild for the first time? Continue reading Do the American Transcendentalists have Anything to say to Kiwi Unitarians? →

The Battle for God

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By Rev. Clay Nelson.

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Clay Nelson © 17 May 2015

Last week a former colleague of mine, another progressive Christian, posted an encounter on his Facebook page. He told of a sweet looking elderly lady coming to see him in his office. Continue reading The Battle for God →

Living in the Age of Precarious

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By Rev. Clay Nelson.

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Clay Nelson © 10 May 2015

In January I attended a weekend summer school offered by a trust focused on raising awareness on social justice, environmental, Treaty, and economic issues. One of the workshops taught me a new word: The Precariat. Continue reading Living in the Age of Precarious →

Honouring those who have fought for peace

ANZAC, Sunday Talks / Random Musings
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By Rev. Clay Nelson.

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Clay Nelson © 26 April 2015

It was December 1, 1969. A day I remember well. It was during my third year of university. My roommates and I were gathered around the radio as was every American male born between 1946 and 1950. It was the first draft lottery. Continue reading Honouring those who have fought for peace →