Growing up Absorbed: Religious Education Among the Unitarian Universalists

by Richard S. Gilbert

How long does it take to grow a soul, to love and to be loved, and to help repair the world? One lifetime, so it is best to be totally engaged in the process. Growing Up Absorbed follows the journey from cradle to grave through an education focus. There are no shortcuts in this spiritual pilgrimage. It can be hard, but we are companioned along the way. What happens is what Gilbert calls spiritual osmosis, absorbing what the world has to teach us and passing on what we have an absorbing business.

Within these covers lies a history of religious education in the Unitarian Universalist tradition, with reflections on faith development in the 21st century. Beginning with Walt Whitmans poem A Child Went Forth as a metaphor, the author concludes with life questions that empty the room. He finds the journey has its valleys, plateaus and mountain peaks, and is no casual matter. Gilbert shares his excitement on making the journey.

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2014

Reviews

[Betsy D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book on Unitarian Universalist Religious Education. Richard felt the lack of a guiding document of philosophy of religious education in this time. I think he strove to provide the next version of Sophia Fahs's book of the 50s, and I think he succeeded, though this one is not as ground-breaking. I think it is worth reading by parents and all UUs, not just professionals in the field. I am keeping his formulation of the goals in mind as I grandparent. I am happy to learn that he sees his goals as congruent with the goals of the current curriculum the UUA is offering to congregations.

Note: Richard sent me a copy as a person mentioned in the acknowledgements.