Unitarian Fellowship of Houston

August 1	The Linguistic Turn and Where it Has Taken Us: Moments in the History of 20th Century Philosophy	Jim Garson
	The first half of the twentieth century was one of the most tumultuous periods in human history. Explosive advances in technology and science coupled with two disastrous world wars had profound effects on intellectual life and especially philosophy. An important influence among English and German speaking philosophers was a radical reconsideration of the foundations of language, the very medium of philosophical expression. These investigations prompted new questions about what philosophy is and what it could hope to accomplish. While virtually every conclusion of this linguistic school has now been rejected, the effects of the linguistic turn are strongly felt in philosophy today, and color everything from the analysis of science to theories of morality, religion and the meaning of life.
August 8	Forever Forgiving	Rev. John Pepper
	Forgiveness is a primary theme for most religions and the season seems to begin with August and September. In honor of International Forgiveness Day on August 1st, we'll reflect on some of the religious traditions surrounding forgiveness and the inherent power within the act of forgiveness.
August 15	Tradition with a Twist: Wit and Wisdom from a Wondering Jew	Dan Gordon
	Jewish legends teach that the Torah (first five books of the bible) was written with black fire on white fire. The black letters are the text of what we are taught happened. The white part is what you might learn when you “read between the lines” and imagine what might have happened. These are the stories handed down through the ages that the ancient rabbis called midrash. Come join a modern rabbi, Dan Gordon, as he shares sacred stories that help us look at ancient teachings from a new angle. Pot luck lunch and the showing of movie, "Oh My God" will follow the service.
August 22	Education: Religious and Secular	Katy Carpman, DRE
	Join us for a participatory service- we will examine our Unitarian Universalist roots in education, honor teachers, and bless the backpacks (and laptop bags and paintbrush quivers and...) of our lifelong learners. A special offering of school supplies will be taken to benefit Treasure Forest Elementary school - see page two for more details.
August 29	Philosopher Bernard Williams	Dwight Raulston
	Bernard Williams was a philosopher who turned philosophy back into the investigation of what it means to live a good life. His last work was on truth and truthfulness, two ideas of great importance as we seek to live a good life. How can we find truth around us, and why should we value it when so many around us apparently do not?