by Rev. John Morehouse
My mother told me that when I was very young I asked more questions than even the most precocious of toddlers. “Why? What? When?” and my favorite, apparently, was “How?” I wanted to know how things worked in the physical and emotional world.
That curiosity led to studying cultures in college with a degree in Anthropology. And, I would say, it led me into ministry. I am forever curious as to how our universe came into being and how it will come to an end.
Curiosity is the engine of creativity. When we are curious we open ourselves up to the possibilities of new ideas. Asking questions is not only interesting but it could be a spiritual practice. When we ask questions we open ourselves up to new ideas and new ways of thinking.
One of my favorite questions to ask a newcomer to our congregation is “What brought you here?” I am amazed and often humbled by the responses I get. Most people who cross our threshold are coming to us because of a change or need in their lives. We would do well to ask that of one another and listen in holy silence to the answer.
Of course, there are those who are incurious, especially if they are experts in some field. This has led to a great deal of stagnation—from the intolerance of the Middle Ages to those assuming white supremacy is the cultural norm.
This Sunday I will begin exploring curiosity in a two-part sermon series: this week, curiosity, and next week, why curiosity is more powerful than judgment.
And if you have been curious about what it means to be a UU and a member of our congregation, join me in the newly transformed McGinness Room for a presentation entitled Starting Point Express, an hour and a half explanation of what it means to belong here.
See you in church.