Although ancient, Judaism is not considered an indigenous religion; it is based on the revelation of religious wisdom and law to the people, not on an understanding that grows from personal experience or intuition. Revelation is believed to be a direct interaction between God and a human being.

Abram — Exalted Father Abraham — Father of Many / Father of Nations Amos — To Carry Baruch — Blessed Benjamin — Son of the South Chaya — Life Esther — Star Ethan — Solid, Enduring Ezra — Help David — Beloved Deborah — Bee Ephraim — Fruitful Eli — Height, Ascension Hannah...

From The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.Genesis, Chapter 12, Verses 1-9 1 Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred an...

The earliest human beings developed the four aspects of human societies: language, music, a social order, and religion. For more than three million years, human beings have practiced religion. Some of the earliest places we know human beings have lived are the southernmost tip of Africa (South...

Based on a story of indigenous people of Australia/New Zealand.There was a time when everything was still. All the spirits of the Earth were asleep—or almost all. The great Sun Mother was awake, and as she opened her eyes a warm ray of light spread out toward the sleeping Earth. "Ah!" the Sun...

Speak the text while performing the gestures described in italics. We light this chalice to celebrate Unitarian Universalism. When saying "Unitarian," cup your right hand in a U shape. When saying "Universalism," cup your left hand in a U shape. This is the church of the open mind....

In this workshop, we explore a faith so ancient it is considered indigenous, yet it has grown through the millennia to attain a high level of complexity and sophistication. Furthermore, it is followed by more than 900 million people—nearly a billion human beings—around the world. This religion...

Mother Earth, unable to bear the burden of the sins committed by evil kings and rulers, appealed to Brahma, the Creator, for help. Brahma prayed to Supreme Lord Vishnu, who assured Brahma that Vishnu himself would soon be born on earth to annihilate tyrannical forces....

Every religion has factions that disagree about "doctrine"—that is, the official beliefs of that religion. Even ours. Even though Unitarian Universalism is a free religion without a set doctrine or creed, there are plenty of ways to disagree about what it means to be a UU. One such disagreement...

A retelling of a Sufi wisdom tale. Once there was a woman who prayed to understand what path she should take in life. One night, after praying, she dreamed of walking in the woods. The next day, she journeyed to the woods, searching for the answer to her prayers. It was quiet and peaceful....

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of the story "Jenkin Lloyd Jones and the Abraham Lincoln Center" Preparation for Activity Read the story and prepare to present it effectively. Optional: Review the Workshop 1 story "A Chorus of Faith," which also mentions Jenkin Lloyd Jones.

Activity time: 45 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Paper and pens/pencils Preparation for Activity Write a sample haiku to share with the group on newsprint, and post. Create your own haiku or use one of the samples below. Description of Activity Participants reflect on...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Writing paper and envelopes Pens and pencils Postage stamps Preparation for Activity Designate a co-leader to send participants' letters to them at the future date you have chosen. Description of Activity Participants write a letter to themselves,...

Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape A roll of mural paper, 4 feet wide and 12 feet long Magazines with illustrations of people from different faith traditions Photographs, newspaper clippings, and other memorabilia from the interfaith service event...

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of the story "The Fox and the Lion" Preparation for Activity Read the story and prepare to present it effectively. Optional: Copy the story for all participants. Description of Activity Tell or read the story. Or, distribute copies to...

Activity time: 25 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Note cards, pens, and addresses of interfaith service partners Optional: Mementos from the interfaith service event, such as flyers, photos, paintbrushes, or tools Preparation for Activity Post blank newsprint....

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Copies of Singing the Living Tradition, the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Taking It Home Optional: Tambourines, drums, and other percussion instruments Preparation for Activity Familiari...

Description of Activity Participants cultivate younger leaders to join them in interfaith work and carry it on for the future. Nurturing the next generation of leaders is one responsibility of current leaders. Tell the youth they can help ensure that interfaith work continues to happen in your...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Name tags Copies of Singing the Living Tradition, the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Preparation for Activity Set up a worship table with the chalice and any decorative items you choose.

Photos courtesy of Megan Rohrer, Sister Carmen, and members of Faithful Fools. Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing.