Drop-in discussions are held each Sunday at 9:15 a.m. in the adult lounge on the second floor of our church. Sometimes our discussions are based on certain books or articles, but you don’t have to read anything or do any advance preparation to participate. Just drop in. People of all viewpoints are welcome to make presentations or join in the discussions. Here is the schedule.

Sunday, May 5: My Hindu Experience.  For the past six years Janus Mary Jones has been attending the Hindu Temple of Rochester. She is now a member of that congregation as well as 1st Universalist, where she has been a member for 23 years.  Join Janus Mary for her presentation and discussion of what Hindus believe and how they worship, what brought her to Hinduism and her experiences as an “outsider” at the Temple. In her understanding of the faith, some schools of Hindu thought could be compatible with UUism; particularly our Universalist half.

Sunday, May 12: The Righteous Mind.  Jonathan Haidt, a psychologist, writes in his book, The Righteous Mind, that political differences are based on moral intuition, not reason, and that American conservatives have a broader moral intuition than American liberals do.  Phil Ebersole will lead a discussion of Haidt’s ideas and lead a discussion of what liberals can learn from conservatives.

Sunday, May 19.  To be announced.

Sunday, May 26: Violence and Mental Illness. In the light of all the gun-death tragedies this past year, psychological issues have not been covered as well as gun ownership issues.  Janet Perregaux will help us explore the traits and behavioral characteristics that may tell us over time what to watch for in people who are having difficulties in their lives that might in time tempt them to violence against themselves or others. This topic was rescheduled from February.

If you have a topic you would like discussed or, better still, would like to lead a discussion, speak to Phil Ebersole