Browse Items (13 total)

In this recording within the We Believe series, Howard Thurman reflects upon a passage from 1 Corinthians to elaborate on his understanding of love. He defines love as "the experience of being dealt with at a point in oneself that is beyond all the good and beyond all the evil. He notes that the love of God functions as the exemplary love to which humanity should strive towards. Thurman's conception of love is not possessive nor transactional, rather, it is interdependent and comes from the…

In this recording within the We Believe Series; Howard Thurman reads from his text, "Meditations of the Heart," to speak about wisdom and the ways in which one becomes wise. In his reading, Thurman notes that when contemplating what it means to age, one discovers that in the span of a single year one grows tremendously: relationally, in one's awareness of self, sensitivity, etc. He continues, it is when one makes meaning of an event, rather than merely objectively describing an event, that one…

In this recording within the We Believe Series; Howard Thurman reflects upon Jane Steger's "Leaves From A Secret Journal," to reflect upon the significance of personal experience. He reflects upon a dog, from Jane Steger's writing, who is blind but slowly is able to see light, to which Thurman asks the question, "Did you ever dream that this universe of light was waiting for you?" From this question, Thurman dives into the significance of human experience, revering relationship as the driver for…

Thurman emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and the integrity of choice, arguing that even when faced with overwhelming circumstances, one must assert their existence and maintain the right to decide. He illustrates this idea through personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections, suggesting that the quest for meaning is an intrinsic part of life that persists regardless of external conditions.

Thurman explores the human quest for meaning, emphasizing the interplay between personal choice and the influence of past experiences. The discussion highlights that while individuals are shaped by their histories, they possess the agency to interpret and decide their paths, merging both mind and heart in their pursuits.

Thurman reflects a deep philosophical exploration of the nature of existence, suffering, and the divine order. He examines how humans try to make sense of life, grapple with suffering, and search for meaning, asserting that the universe operates on an inherent, amoral rhythm that cannot be transcended by knowledge or good intentions alone.

Thurman reflects on the meaning of life and the personal responsibility each individual holds in interpreting it. He express the need to live authentically, acknowledging that while one can never be entirely certain of their path, seeking divine guidance and trusting in one's own life experience is crucial for navigating the complexities of existence.

Thurman emphasizes the spiritual journey and the deep human longing for meaning beyond ordinary life, suggesting that connecting with others and opening our hearts to broader truths can lead to profound personal growth. He encourages openness to transformative experiences, drawing on personal anecdotes and meditations on faith, highlighting the importance of finding deeper alignment with God and one’s true beliefs in order to shape a more authentic life.

In this third lecture in the Search for Meaning, Howard Thurman discusses freedom as it relates to personal accountability. Thurman defines freedom as the ability to stand in the present that ultimately determines the future. Freedom is also defined as having a sense of option and alternative. It is the freedom of choice that keeps our soul alive. Additionally, it is our desire and ability to take responsibility for our deeds despite extenuating circumstances that give us true liberation.

In this second installment of The Search for Meaning, Howard Thurman uses the demon-possessed man from the synoptic gospels as the framework for this lecture on defining the experience of self. The awareness of self is essential to determining who we are at our core. This includes our personal, spiritual, and ethical awareness. Understanding who we are, what we want, and how we propose to get is critical to outlining and protecting our inner network of values the govern our lives and our…