Comments on: GA 2007: Service of the Living Tradition

By: Scott Wells

Scott Wells — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:17:50 +0000

I thought the same thing about the secret hand. I would gladly have dispensed with “the walk” if the people getting fellowship could have been greeted in public en bloc.

Would have made for easier camera-work too, I’m guessing, though I’ve not yet seen the video. Like Larry, I’ve had better luck with Real Player, but on Linux of course.

By: Larry Smith

Larry Smith — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:06:07 +0000

I tried to view the Service of the Living Tradition in RealPlayer on OSX and then on Real Player on Windows. It worked with Media Player on Windows and I saw it all the way through. I wish that the offer of the hand of fellowship had been public. Saying that it was done before the ceremony seems like a secret initiation into a fraternity or other covert ritual. Overall, it was the most unsatisfying and anticlimatic service of the living tradition I have seen. It is also not unhealthy to give time limits to speakers. . .

By: Philocrites

Philocrites — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:44:24 +0000

For an illuminating historical look at the zealotry of LRY/YRUU/the Youth Caucus, see the chapter on UUs in “Knocking at Heaven’s Door: American Religion in the Age of Counterculture” by Mark Oppenheimer. Be sure to read the book’s conclusion, too.

By: Scott Wells

Scott Wells — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:32:40 +0000

I agree about the cheering and screeching, and not just for worship. Hearing it in the Plenary videos — especially from the youth — made me think (without snark or irony)

“What kind of mind-control cult do we have here?”

There’s an intensity and zeal to it that makes me very nervous.

By: mskitty

mskitty — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:27:08 +0000

I really enjoyed the SLT, thought Beth did a fine job of handling the inevitable issue of cheering for favorite candidates, approved of the folks being recognized by group (though I would have liked a bit more ritual for the deceased colleagues), and was appreciative of the difficulties B & B H-H described in writing the sermon.

I’m not sure Bill realized how quickly his dream of a snaky-type critter plus inflamed boil on his rear end would become an image floating around the GA-osphere. It was nearly irresistible as a subject for ridicule.

The cheering for individuals at such a gathering is not just a matter of worship. I am well aware, from personal experience and from listening to counselees, how hurtful it is to hear wild shrieks of cheering and thunderous applause for one popular graduate/candidate/etc., and then not to hear much at all for one’s own achievement. It becomes a popularity event, and that’s not appropriate.

By: Roger Butts

Roger Butts — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 13:57:09 +0000

Worship, yes, I think so. Lawrence Stookey at Wesley Seminary in DC has written on some of those things as worship. Especially baptism and communion, I think. Roger

By: Chrisitne Robinson

Chrisitne Robinson — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 13:31:44 +0000

I think that even a secular graduation service is better without whistling and cat calls, myself, and I was so glad that Beth got the thing tamed. It’s still too long, though.

By: StevenR

StevenR — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:47:50 +0000

Doesnt this take us to the fun UU thing of semantics?
But yes: ordination, baptism, marriage, confirmation or induction of new members are all part of worship.

By: Scott Wells

Scott Wells — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:10:50 +0000

I do. Discussion, gang?

By: Chalicechick

Chalicechick — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 06:43:51 +0000

(((ordination, baptism, marriage, confirmation or induction of new members worship.)))

I don’t strictly consider them worship. Should I?