2002 Services

A Month of Sundays - 2002 Worship Services

December 2002

December 1, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Kathleen Ellis, "Fat Cat Learns to Share." Some people view the United States as greedy in terms of consumption and foreign policy. Fat Cat ate everything in sight; Mouse took care of herself but also taught Fat Cat a lesson. Perhaps we as adults can learn something from this story. Take heart! All is not lost!

December 8, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "The Foolishness of Preaching" The sermon takes up a substantial time in our service each week. Why? What's the point? How does Chuck view the craft of preaching, and what does he hope to spark in you as a result of his sermons?

December 15, 9:30 & 11:15 am. The Live Oak Choir will perform “Songs for the Season - A Choral Suite for December,” by Betsy Jo Angebranndt, a UU contemporary composer. Liz Jennings will accompany the choir.

December 22, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Lauren Sloan, “Beyond Ritual: Ethical Culture and the Ultimate Religious Question.” Ethical Culture is a humanistic religion, founded in 1876. Lauren Sloan will explore EC history, and share her experiences growing up within the movement. She will compare EC and UU values, and attempt to answer the question: Toward what kind of world does this religion lead?

December 24, 7 pm. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "It Opened My Heart Right Up!" Come hear the first hand account of a crusty Jewish/Texan shepherd whose night of work was interrupted by an angel in the field, leading him to the birthplace of a newborn child named "Christ." THIS WILL BE AN INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE

December 29, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rosearrow, "Taking Charge of Your Path." Many of us have experienced a great deal of upheaval in this last year. Many have rethought their Path, re-evaluated what is important to them, wondered what to do next. Come celebrate the New Year by celebrating your own new beginning.

ABOUT OUR GUEST SPEAKERS

Rev. Kathleen Ellis has served Unitarian Universalist congregations in Waco and College Station. She recently left College Station and moved to Austin to be with her husband Jon Montgomery. Seven years of commuting was enough! She has two sons and two stepdaughters ranging from 32 to 21 years of age. She has been active in the Southwestern Unitarian Universalist Conference since 1978.

Lauren Sloan has lived in Austin since 1989. She was president of the Ethical Society of Austin for two years, and currently serves on the national board of the American Ethical Union. She is single, and would agree, "The unexamined life is not worth living."

Rosearrow has been a Wiccan High Priestess (minister) for 6 years, and is a co-founder of the Spiral Web Tradition. While she has studied under her mother tradition, and at OLSS Seminary in New Mexico, she prefers humanity and nature to be her teachers. She is active in the local anti-war community, and is helping to found a local chapter of Covenant of the Goddess.

November 2002

November 3, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "The Pink Book." Sitting in his new church office in Ft. Stockton, Texas (1980), Chuck read a pink book that became a centerpiece for his theology of ministry. What did this young minister discover, and how relevant are these precepts today?

November 10, 9:15 & 11:15 am. Rev. Donald Hudson, "Spiritual Intimacy." In almost every facet of our lives we are labeled, categorized, scrutinized and sometimes traumatized by the message that we are separate and alone. After all, "Women Are From Venus & Men Are From Mars". With this constant message is it possible to have spiritual intimacy and if so how do you do it?

November 17, 9:15 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Redesigning A Throwaway World." Architect William McDonough works in concert with his proposed "Hanover Principles." Number one states; "Insist on rights of humanity and nature to coexist in a healthy, supportive, diverse and sustainable condition." Pipe dream or possibility?

November 24, 9:15 and 11:15am. Debra France, "From the Heart of Technology." Technology contributes to all our lives, and many of our livelihoods, yet some perceive that technology conflicts with our spiritual and human essence. How is it possible that lessons from technology could provide guidance for increasing our spiritual connection?

ABOUT OUR GUEST SPEAKER

Debra France is responsible for leadership development for a large segment of Dell Computer Corporation. She has worked in information technology and semiconductor research organizations for more than a decade and has focused on enhancing individual and team contributions in those technology environments. Debra is also completing her doctoral work in adult learning at Columbia University.

October 2002

October 6, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Patty Speier, " Practical Mysticism: Learning to Pay Attention." What does it mean to be a mystic in the 21st century? Many folks have the mistaken notion that mystics are either saints or crackpots who are unable to function in the workaday world. On the contrary, poets, writers and artists teach us that a mystic is simply one who has learned how to pay attention.

October 13, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "What Happened to Cat?" Born Steven Georgiou, he is now Yusuf Islam. You know him as Cat Stevens. Come hear of a personal metamorphosis that has implications for understanding the world in a broader fashion.

October 20, 9:15 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Cypress Creek Sprouts a Live Oak." The epic tale will be recounted of how a small seedling Live Oak came to be planted, and after several uprootings, stands to blossom by Cypress Creek. Angela and Paul Robertson, violin and viola, will be our guest musicians.

October 27, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Jayson Post, "Evolution Everywhere.” With his usual intrepidity, Jayson discusses the variety of things that evolve and theorizes that everything evolves, including God. Because God evolves, God creates everything to evolve. Evolution is thus a key to understanding the meaning of life.

ABOUT OUR GUEST SPEAKERS

Patricia Speier, MA, MAR Executive Director, Seton Cove Spirituality Center. Ms. Speier is a spiritual director and teacher who specializes in the use of literature and writing for spiritual growth and ethical development. A graduate of the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, she has studied spirituality at the Pecos Benedictine Monastery in New Mexico. She received her Certificate of Completion in Spiritual Direction from the Benedictine Monastery of the Risen Christ in California.

Jayson Post. In 1992, Jayson graduated from Geneseo State College in Geneseo, NY with a Bachelor of Arts in English. In 1995, he graduated from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology with a Master of Divinity, and was ordained an Eastern Orthodox Christian priest about a year and a half later. Jayson moved to Cedar Park, TX in 1998 with his wife and son, and has been attending Live Oak for about the past two years. He formally left the priesthood and the Eastern Orthodox Church in August of this year because he became irreversibly liberal. Jayson now teaches seventh grade Language Arts at a nearby Middle School.

September 2002

September 1, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Hannah O'Donoghue. "Spirituality: An Experience of Connection." Reflecting on a poem by Rilke, Hannah will talk about connecting with your own experience, others, God or Higher Power. Led out into the night, we experience beauty and terror.

September 8, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "When Goddamn Is A Prayer." Taken from his personal spiritual metamorphosis and pastoral ministry Chuck will reflect on what it means to take "the Lord's name in vain." Uttering the profanity of "Goddamn" can be a healthy faith statement. We will also celebrate our youth and teachers in a Religious Education Covenant.

Wednesday, September 11, 7:30 pm. Rev. Chuck Freeman & Mary K. Isaacs, "In the World And of the World." On the one-year anniversary of the cruel attacks on our nation, we can either respond with offensive paranoia, or allow this event to connect us more profoundly to all creation. With an assist from our Live Oak Choir, we will meet for a meditative, family service, as we focus on responding from our deepest heart space.

September 15, 9:15 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Guard Your Mind." Unprecedented in human history, we are incessantly bombarded with messages from the media and politicos who are serving their interests. Are you aware of the information you are feeding on? Can you secure a centered sacred identity?

September 22, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Barbara Coeyman, "Lessons from the Northwest: Lessons from our Youth."
The UU youth have taught me so much about the need for understanding how to balance freedom and responsibility in liberal religion and also about what is currently identified as 'youth empowerment.' I have learned from the spirit of those who are coming after me.

September 29, 9:30 & 11:30 am. Lisa Nicks, "Worship From the Cellular Level." After a 22 year performing career in modern dance, now visual artist Lisa Nicks will explore how our physical paths can inform our spiritual paths. Join us as we breathe deeply into our three dimensional vessels and ask for the insights that lead to radical aliveness.

About Our Guest Speakers

Hannah O’Donoghue, CCVI, RN, MS, is a spiritual director at The Seton Cove. She received preparation in Spiritual Direction at St. Thomas Theological Seminary in Denver, CO and has studied mind, body and spiritual healing. She has twenty years of experience in spiritual formation. She listens to an individual’s story and helps identify the pattern of relationship to self, others and God.

Barbara Coeyman has recently served as intern minister at First Unitarian Church of Portland, OR. She is a candidate for ministry in the UUA, and a member of First UU Church of Austin, where she served as wedding associate before going to Portland. One benefit of returning to Austin is to be re-united with her two teenage 'youth empowers,' Patrick and Amanda.

Lisa Nicks studied modern dance and musical theater at Sam Houston State University, where she shared the stage with the illustrious Rebecca Maze in several productions, including a stand-out staging of Godspell. After graduating, she has danced with many different professional groups in Houston and then New York City, where she co-founded the Doug Elkins Dance Company. Sixteen years later Lisa has returned to Texas, settling in Austin to nurture another passion - Postage Stamp Collage. She is excited about Rock, Paper, Scissors, her first self produced show in Austin, happening at Cafe Dance on November 16 and 17. Please don your bifocals and come see postage stamps like you never seen ‘um! Lisa was raised in the United Methodist Church, began attending Unity Church in the early ‘80’s, and is continuing her learning quest on soul with literature from Eckankar and daily contemplations.

August 2002

August 4, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman & Thad Crouch, "Love Thine Enemies (unless the military doesn't)." As an Army veteran, Thad realized he was violating Jesus' teaching to love his enemies, by paying taxes to the U.S. government. The past four years he has not paid taxes, instead donating those monies to peaceful charities. He is willing to pay the IRS when the "Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund" bill is enacted. In the meantime, the agency is garnishing his wages. What price are you willing to pay for your values? Musical guests will be our own Live Oak String Group performing with some of our young pianists.

August 11th, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Martin Bryant "Get your Gita." The Bhagavad-Gita, with its influence on Buddhism, Christianity, and the Concord American Transcendentalist Unitarians, may be as influential on our modern day spiritual culture as the Bible. Some are profoundly moved by its deep spirituality, while others remain confused by its apparent contradictions. The Isaacs Bryant kids will help out with the music.

August 18, 9:30 & 11:15 am. John Connor, "WELCOME TO MY MID-LIFE CRISIS! (or, The Befores and Afters of Turning 40) In this humorous sermon, John will cover the joys and concerns of: going bald, getting paunchy, having kids, High school reunions, getting the earring, bleaching the hair, marriage, work, jury duty.... and
inexplicably starting to LIKE the Home & Garden Channel. Oh, and he'll try valiantly to shoe-horn some kind of spiritual message in there, too. Because hey, it's church, right?"

August 25, 9:15 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Hold Your Water." We will inaugurate the church year with the reunion, "Water Ceremony." BRING THE WATER you have collected on your summer travels. Our own Trey Bone will provide the musical fare.

About Our Guest Speaker

Thad Crouch is a 32-year-old Army Veteran who did support work for the US Army School of the Americas (SOA) in Ft. Benning, Georgia. Born in Louisiana to a Catholic father and a Southern Baptist mother, he was a youth minister for two years and has a B.A. degree in religion from Loyola University New Orleans. After much prayer, study, and a dream, Thad decided to work toward becoming non-violent. Thad began protesting his former workplace when he learned that The School of Americas trains Latin American terrorists. When confronted with paying for the institution he was protesting, Crouch joined Austin Conscientious Objectors to Military Taxation. Since 1998 he has redirected his income tax dollars towards peaceful charities. In April of 2002 the IRS put a levy on his salary at the American Cancer Society where he currently works as a Cancer Information Specialist.

Thad attends St. Hildagard's Community at St. George's Episcopal Church and is a member of Veterans for Peace, the Austin Center for Peace and Justice, Pax Christi (a Roman Catholic peace group), and School of the Americas Watch, Austin.

July 2002

July 7, 9:30 & 11:15 am. John C. Turner, "The Fourth of July - A Unitarian Universalist Holiday." Patriotism is not often associated with liberals, but many of the Founding Parents had distinctly Unitarian tendencies. The founding of this country is a resounding expression of our most cherished liberal ideas.

July 14, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Davidson Loehr, "What, then, shall we Believe?" Seen against the background of the ancient and honorable tradition of liberal religion -- which is at least 2500 years old in Western culture -- Davidson believes the brand-new religion called "Unitarian Universalism" is a shallow and ignorant betrayal of a deep and noble calling. Since the UU World will not, as a matter of editorial policy, print articles that attack the orthodoxy of "UUism," it is hard even to inform people of the rich and challenging religious tradition that has been displaced by the group faith of "UUism." Here's your chance. Klondike Steadman, playing classical guitar, will be the guest musician.

July 21, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Amy Wong Mok, "Spirituality from the East" - the center is from within. Joining our speaker will be Madam Shao, who will be playing traditional Chinese Music on the guzheng, an instrument with 21 strings and a 2700 year history.

July 28, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Thoreau's Trinity." When Chuck visited a replica of Henry David's cabin on Walden pond a few years back he saw this note penned by Thoreau - " I have three chairs in my house, one for solitude, one for friendship, one for society." Today we will invoke this not too shabby Trinitarian formulation.

About our Guest Speakers

John Turner is finishing a one year sabbatical from the US Naval Academy where he is a civilian professor of statistics. He has been a UU for over 20 years and has been a Lay Minister at the UU Church of Annapolis, MD for 7 years. While in Texas, he has been living at his mother's farm outside La Grange and teaching statistics at UT.

Davidson Loehr has been a Unitarian (not a UU, please) minister since 1986. Before that, he spent seven years at the University of Chicago, earning M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in methods of religious study, theology, the philosophy of religion and the philosophy of science (short name: religion and science). Prior to that, he was a carpenter, and before that he was a photographer, including a year as an Army combat photographer in Vietnam. Before that, he was a musician. And before that, he was a boy.

Born in Hong Kong, Amy Wong Mok came to the United States in 1975. She is a psychotherapist by formal education and received her B.S. in Human Services and her M.Ed. in Community and Mental Health Counseling. Since arriving in Austin in 1983, Amy has been a leader in community service. She is a past president of the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault and currently serves on the board of the Capital Area United Way, the Austin Children’s Museum and is a trustee of the Arts Center Stage. Amy is committed to bridging the cultural gap between East and West and has conducted training workshops on team building, leadership, effective communication, conflict management, mediation and gender equity. She is on the board of Greater Austin International Coalition and International Partnership of Greater Austin. Amy is the Founder and CEO of the Asian American Cultural Center.

June 2002

June 2, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Let Me Funk UU Up!" Funkmeisters and their music have much to offer organized religion, from the playful to the prophetic. Leave your coat, tie and church hats at home for this one! We will honor our graduating seniors and youth on special summer missions during the service.

June 9, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Jayson A. Post "Why the Heck Would I Name My Son Diogenes?" Find out more about the eccentric philosopher who was a contemporary of Plato and founded that marvelous school of thought known as Cynicism. Jayson will share some entertaining stories about Diogenes, some morals to be learned from them, and (yes) explain why his son is named Zachariah Diogenes Post.

June 16, 9:30 & 11:15 am. "Color Him Father" Three dads from the Live Oak Men's group will share insights about fathering. One will reminisce about his dad, another will discuss parenting grown children, and a third will offer a philosophy of fathering a growing family.

June 23, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Carl Anderson, "Have Faith?" Austin professional storyteller Carl Anderson will present a series of anecdotes, personal and family stories that engage the awareness of the mystery. It may be tricky to perceive a detailed plan, or the Other behind it all.

June 30, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "From A to D" No two issues divide social "conservatives" and "liberals" more than abortion and the death penalty. What are the moral underpinnings of each "position?" Is there a consistency that can be articulated by each ethical approach? Is one expected to hold particular beliefs on these questions to be a Unitarian Universalist?

May 2002

May 5, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. "A Celebration of Music" Come hear the Live Oak Choir perform songs and poetry to honor the gift of music and revel in the springtime. Selections range from classical to modern, and all will lift your spirit. Come to the first service for the best seats!

May 12, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Dear Mama" This rappin' tribute by the late hip-hop artistTupac Shakur grabs you in the gut and moves the tears of com-passion. It is a fitting centerpiece for the enduring, sacr-ificial love of a mother on this national day of appreciation.

May 19, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Nefesh" In virtually all sacred scriptures and traditions the words, breath, soul, spirit, life are interwoven. Nefesh is the Hebrew version of this phenomenon, "the breath of life." We will salute the primal gift of BREATH along with our indispensable Live Oak VOLUNTEERS!

May 26th, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Mary K. Isaacs "The Testimony of the Tow Truck Driver" Mary K.'s tow-truck ride returning from a UU RE retreat leads her to find spiritual insight in unlikely places and face her own UU "snootiness." Mary K., Live Oak’s Director of Religious Education, is joined by her singing family and special musical guests, Live Oak's own Eddie Collins (banjo and guitar) and First UU-Austin's Robert Norris (fiddle, mandolin), for some bluegrass-flavored "tow-truck" music.

April 2002

April 7, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Donna Bryant Goertz, Founder of Austin Montessori School, “Children Who Are Not Yet Peaceful.” Unitarian Universalists and Montessorians share a common belief in the inherent dignity and worth of all people. As a teacher for over 30 years, Donna has mastered the art of nourishing children who bring with them challenges that have daunted others. Her experiences can both challenge and inspire us to deepen our understanding of how to live more peacefully with one another, not just in a Montessori classroom, but in our day to day lives.

April 14, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH SUNDAY. Jonathan Sack, "How To Get Out Of Jail" A Journey through the modern high school education system through the eyes of an escapee, and insight on what lies both inside and out of that system.

April 21, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "The No Hellites." Universalism in America began with a miracle, and found broad favor with the belief that God's love is greater than God's judgment. Chuck will expound upon, and give his take on their message of hope. CHILD DEDICATIONS will be celebrated at both services. Special music will be provided by members Jan and Joe Nesheim.

April 28, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Confess...That You May Be Healed" Even though we have tossed aside formal confession in our movement, we have all experienced the curative salve of confessing. Through the prism of a passage in the New Testament letter of James, we will embrace the gift of confession. The NEW MEMBER COVENANT will be observed at both services.

March 2002

March 3, 9:30 & 11:15 am. David Clark, "Memes." Memetics is the study of idea propagation. How do ideas and concepts take root and spread through society? How do you get YOUR ideas introduced into society? David will discuss these questions and more while stressing the importance of taking an active part in formulating the societal concepts that shape our daily lives. David is Co-host of "The Atheist Experience" TV show and a church/state separation activist.

March 10, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Subhash C. Pal, "A Search for Enlightenment." Along with some of the distinctive principles and customs of Hinduism, Subhash will analyze the secret of Hinduism's survival throughout the ages. Why does Hinduism appear to be unorganized without any fixed dogma? Is it
tolerance to other faiths, flexibility with the winds of time, or both?

March 17, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Playin' Both Ends Against The Middle." The Trickster is a figure as old as humanity, mischievously sabotaging opposites to reveal the constant. Come let the trickster delight and disturb you.

March 24, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Amari Magdalena, "Personal Resurrection: Celebrating the Spring Equinox." Equinox represents perfect balance. In the spring, we acknowledge the return of the cycle of animation sometimes called the Male Cycle. Great Mother has a special message for us as we resurrect our dormant selves and receive the power of fire and creativity. Amari will lead us in a candle lighting ceremony, calling in a new circle, gift us a road map to creating heaven now and guide us through a vision quest to embrace our own and the planet's rebirth.

March 31, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "How Sweet It Is!" Communion is what we hold in common. Today, we celebrate the sweetness of FLOWER COMMUNION symbolizing what is dear to us. Each person will bring a FLOWER to exchange in the service. BOTH SERVICES ARE INTERGENERATIONAL.

9:30 / 11:15 SERVICE LAY LEADERS

March 3: Donna Durbin / Katherine Enyart

March 10: Gary Schumann / Mary Pritchard

March 17: Roger Sessions

March 24: Alice Sessions / Sue Ann Kendall

March 31: John Iacoletti

February 2002

February 3, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Barbara Kohn, " Zen Buddhism, Tradition and Innovation in the West." Barbara tends to lecture on what is immediately of interest on the day of the talk. She, of course, prepares with reading and thought. She will talk about how she teaches and grapples with the apparent dichotomy in Zen's expression in the west.

February 10, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "The Leaven or The Wrapper?" There is a big movement currently in the UUA to grow more UU members and churches. Why are there 15 million Southern Baptists and only 200,000 UU's? Does the transformation of a society equate with churchmembership? Given the choice, would you rather be the leaven or the wrapper?

February 17, 9:30 & 11:15 am. John Connor, "Six Degrees of Jasper." A regular Live Oak visitor, John was appearing as a stand-up comic in Beaumont, when he noticed that Jasper, Texas was just an hour away. This was only weeks after James Byrd, Jr. was dragged to death there by three white supremacists. Sensing a need to go there and bring a spirit of peace with him, John traveled to Jasper. This sermon is an account of his experiences and thoughts on the trip."

February 24, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, “Things Worse Than Death." Having been a chaplain in the hospital and hospice settings since 1986, I am on friendly terms with dying. How 'bout you? What I do fear is deadness. There are thousands of ways to be walking around dead. How can we remain alive until our body gives out?

9:30 / 11:15 SERVICE LAY LEADERS

February 3: John Phelps / John Iacoletti
February 10: Alice Sessions
February 17: Daniel Kaulfus / Mike Enyart
February 24: Roger Sessions

ABOUT OUR GUEST SPEAKER…

Barbara Kohn is the priest/teacher of the Austin Zen Center. Before coming to Austin, she spent 15 years training and teaching at the San Francisco Zen Center where she was ordained as a priest by Reb Anderson and received dharma transmission from Blanche Hartman. During the years before becoming a Zen priest, she spent her time as a dancer, counselor, gallery director, wife and mother. She is married and has 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 6 dogs. The arts, Gestalt therapy, and dance therapy were strong influences leading her to the path of Zen. She is interested in making practice accessible to a wide group of people while maintaining a strong link to the lineage and traditions to which she is profoundly grateful.

January 2002

January 6, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Daniel Llanes, "Art and Spirituality." Daniel will discuss the spiritual character of artistic expression and the creative process. He will also demonstrate the universal language of aesthetics - art as yoga, our sacred makeup, the link to God, and our relationship to nature itself. See article on next page.

January 13, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "Can Magic Soap Save the World?" The self-proclaimed "Dr." Bronner escaped the Holocaust and an insane asylum in America to create a pure castile soap with messages of universal oneness plastered all over the label. Could such a lowly enterprise save the world?

January 20, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Jonalu Johnstone, SWUUC Growth Consultant, "Tied in a Single Garment of Destiny." With these words, The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., reminded us that we are part of a single whole. The connection that he felt to people and to God inspired him to speak the truth to power. What do we learn from his life about how we live and lead together in the church?

January 27, 9:30 & 11:15 am. Rev. Chuck Freeman, "As Above, So Below: Cosmic Roots of Morality." Are moral codes merely creations of human societies? Is there a moral sensibility that pervades the cosmos? How does one determine if they are following a parochial sense of right and wrong or tapping into eternal standards?