Browse Items (17 total)

In this recording within the We Believe Series, Howard Thurman speaks to what it means to live a life that is truly one's own. Drawing from Catherine Coblentz' "Blue Cat of Castle Town," and a story of a dog who has lost its bark, Thurman challenges the listener to discern what their true voice is, how one comes to singing their own song. Thurman agrees that the process of finding one's own song is difficult; however, Thurman maintains that finding your own song is one of the most integrous…

In this recording within the We Believe series; Howard Thurman reads from his text, Meditations of the Heart, which reflects on Matthew 21:29 and asks: "What does it mean to be a person of your word?" He responds to this question by discerning the function of language, and how language creates meaning. This deep reflection on the nature of linguistics makes the listener ask, what is it about our words that dictate whether or not one is integrous?

In this recording within the We Believe…

In this recording within the We Believe series; Howard Thurman reads from his text Meditations of the Heart. He tells a story of a 69-year-old woman who had come to realize that she did not know much about the black community and decided to go to the library to educate herself on black history. After her time in the library, she was committed to telling the "facts" about black people while she was on the bus and around town. Thurman reflects upon the role that responsibility plays in relation to…

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…

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 reflects on the ongoing tension between individual freedom and the state's authority, drawing parallels with early Christian practices and the challenges of asserting one's identity under societal pressures. He explores how personal experiences, particularly related to race, religion, and authority, shape an individual's understanding of their role within a larger system, stressing the importance of knowing where to draw the line when confronting power structures.

Thurman discusses the complex relationship between self-awareness, the observer within, and the notion of God, touching on the tension between Eastern and Western mystical traditions. He also explore the role of the state and its power over individuals, questioning whether true ethical responsibility can exist within a system that seeks to maintain control.

Thurman explores the interconnectedness of all living things, drawing parallels between animals, humans, and nature, emphasizing the mystery of life and the difficulty of separating oneself from the natural world. He reflects on the paradox of human self-consciousness, the need for connection, and the struggle to reconcile the boundaries between self-identity and the broader existence of life around us.

Thurman grapples with the tension between personal freedom and the surrender of identity in the pursuit of love and connection, exploring the paradox of wanting to maintain autonomy while needing others to define who they are. He sees the struggle lying in balancing responsibility for oneself with the desire to yield to a greater presence, such as God, without losing one's individuality, as well as the fear of becoming anonymous or losing oneself in the process of giving fully to others.

Thurman explores the journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth, focusing on the idea that an individual’s true identity is guarded by an inner "angel with a flaming sword" that only allows what aligns with one's true will. He discusses the tension between self-awareness, external influences, and the quest for power, highlighting the importance of inner authority, the risk of idolatry, and the necessity of confronting one’s own vulnerabilities in the search for divine understanding.