September 29

Dr. Mark Yount

Atonement without Sin: UU Reflections on Rosh Hashanah

Religious Jews begin each year as if God were about to pass judgment. These are holy days of self-examination, repentance, and acts of atonement that serve to resolve past sins so the faithful can go forth in greater spiritual clarity. UUs who worship God do so as Universalists, rejecting divine judgment that would threaten hell or have us born in sin. But if ‘sin’ is a word laden with bad theology, secular words like ‘error’ seem too weak to force deep moral self-reflection. If we don’t consider our shortcomings sins, might we still be able to find in the Jewish example a call to atonement?

About our speaker:

Since joining BBUUC in 1997, Dr. Mark Yount has given over 100 sermons, chaired several committees, served on the Board as Vice President, and served throughout most of his years here as Youth Adviser, one of his great passions. Mark has a Ph.D. in Philosophy and taught college philosophy courses for many years. He has also worked in the fields of addiction treatment administration and helping homeless/at-risk people apply for disability benefits. He is writing a book entitled “Wisdom on the Way: Life, Truth and Spirit Beyond the Culture Wars.” 

Cellist Linda Minke hails from Rochester, Michigan. Prior to her move to Jacksonville in 1993, Linda was assistant principal cello with Memphis Symphony, created a Suzuki cello program there at Rhodes College, and performed with the Rhodes Piano Trio. She enjoys teaching, currently at the School of the Arts at Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra and in her home studio in Neptune Beach. Linda plays locally with the Bold City Contemporary Ensemble and the Jacksonville Symphony. Her website is www.acaciaartsacademy.com.

Worship Leader: Kris Kines               
Accompanist: Marilyn Smart