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In this recording within the We Believe series; Howard Thurman reflects upon the line "How precious are thy thoughts, O God," found within Psalm 139. Thurman uses this verse in order to poetically wax the miracle that is having a mind. In this recording, Thurman suggests that because the mind orders the body, that it is significant to discern what the mind of God consists of. It is in the discerning of God's mind that one finds the content of devotional posturing: wisdom, tenderness, and love.…

In both of these recordings within the We Believe series; Howard Thurman reads from his text, "Meditations of the Heart." In them, we hear Thurman reflecting upon citizenship and right action. Thurman's central question throughout these reflections is: What does it me to be a full, free, and responsible citizen? He claims that by having a moral praxis that rejects hatred in every way it manifests itself, one is able to resist means that contradict the end they are seeking.

In this recording within the We Believe Series; Thurman draws from his work "Meditations of the Heart" to reflect upon the meaning of a new year. He suggests that each passing year is a "year that has fulfilled itself and passed on," and is filled with change, fresh starts, grace, and hard lessons. In the passing of the previous year, Thurman suggests, there is an "opportunity to love life more wisely," noting that both the past and the future are "Golden Ages."

In this recording within the…

This sermon is the fourth of nine in a series of sermons given in Marsh Chapel that are titled "The Inward Journey." Utilizing the intersections between Jane Steger, Jacob Boehme, and Meister Eckhart, Thurman explores what Steger calls "the inner light." He notes that the inner light within humanity is first, the "ground of God that is present in humanity," and second, a phenomenon that is "imposed upon the personality" without consent. He holds this definition in juxtaposition with a religious…

In the first of two sermons entitled “Man,” Thurman considers what it means for the human to be a spirit-possessing being. The spirit is fundamental to understanding all things that a person thinks and feels. It is what enables the human to respond to one's experiences. Thurman imagines spiritual consciousness as an elevated level of awareness, whereby a person resists being imprisoned within moments and events so that possibilities beyond immediate experience become visible. Here, one can speak…

Thurman asserts the essence of freedom lies in an individual's capacity to challenge and redefine the boundaries set by both nature and society. As we navigate these frontiers, our sense of agency and self-respect is crucial; when individuals feel their options are limited, true freedom can wither, but maintaining a spirit of possibility is essential for meaningful action and change.

Thurman explores the complex interplay between individual autonomy and the need for social connection, emphasizing that true self-understanding comes through relationships with others. He highlights the paradox of seeking love and connection while also maintaining one's identity, suggesting that personal freedom is achieved through recognizing one's options, including the ultimate choice of life or death.

Thurman explores the spontaneous element inherent in human experience, suggesting that life cannot be wholly understood or predicted through logic alone. He emphasizes that this spontaneity, vital for creativity and genuine connection, allows individuals to transcend conditioning and experience a deeper sense of freedom.

Thurman reflects on the challenges leaders face in guiding social movements, touching on the complexities of leadership, redemption, and the human ego. He also discusses the role of violence in social change, contrasting it with nonviolent methods and exploring the psychological and societal factors that influence individual decisions about life, death, and freedom.

Thurman reflects on the psychological and spiritual process of self-discovery, highlighting the importance of breaking free from conditioning, as seen through the experiences of individuals like the tax collector who finds redemption through God's love. He further explores how societal systems, like the state, can provide a sense of significance, but also how the role of a savior requires constant growth and staying ahead of the followers to maintain relevance and prevent being overtaken.