Stories in Faith is an invitation to begin a unique spiritual journey, one in which stories help us to develop our faith and make meaning in our lives. This is a distinctly Unitarian Universalist collection of wisdom tales. Nineteen in all, the stories are culled from many cultures and traditions and presented using the seven Principles and six Sources as a framework for reflection and further exploration. Forsyth-Vail offers thoughtful advice for respectfully approaching materials from a culture other than one's own and encourages engagement with wisdom tales as an opportunity for lifelong inspiration and spiritual growth. (Skinner House) 2007 138pp 1-55896-528-9
Stories in Faith is part of the UUA's Lifespan Faith Development Toolkit Series.
Other titles in the Lifespan Faith Development Toolkit Series: When Youth Lead by Jill M. Schwendeman
Nurturing Children and Youth by Tracey L. HurdContents
Preface by Tracey Hurd
Why Stories?
Our Unitarian Universalist Principles
First Principle: The Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Person
The Brementown Musicians
Second Principle: Justice, Equity, and Compassion
Creation
Third Principle: Acceptance of One Another and Encouragement to Spiritual Growth
Jack and the Northwest Wind
Fourth Principle: A Free and Responsible Search for Truth and Meaning
The Lion’s Whisper
Fifth Principle: The Right of Conscience and The Use of The Democratic Process
King of the Birds
Sixth Principle: The Goal of World Community with Peace, Liberty, and Justice for All
Orfeo and Heurodis
Seventh Principle: Respect for the Interdependent Web of All Existence
We Are All One
Our Unitarian Universalist Sources
First Source: Direct Experience of Transcending Mystery and Wonder
The Christmas Truce
For the Love of Stars
Second Source: Words and Deeds of Prophetic Women and Men
Rosa Parks
Arius the Heretic
Third Source: Wisdom From the World’s Religions
The Mustard Seed Medicine
Abu Kassim’s Shoes
Fourth Source: Jewish and Christian Teachings
The Call of Samuel
Easter
Fifth Source: Humanist Teachings and the Guidance of Reason and Science
Charles Darwin
Sand
Sixth Source: Spiritual Teaching of Earth-Centered Traditions
Nanabush and the Bulrushes
The Green Man
Conclusion
Bibliography
"Stories in Faith ushers you into a world of peddlers and fairy queens, bulrushes and donkeys—as real and as mysterious as the stars. As a lover of stories, that would be enough for me. But there's much more —historical context, connections to our Principles and Sources, plus creative activities for congregations and families."
—Jessica York, Director of Congregational Life, Unitarian Universalist Association
"With sensitivity and care, Forsyth-Vail interprets stories from around the world that bring our religious values and aspirations to life. Adults will be engaged and children delighted by this easy-to-use and beautifully written volume."
—Rev. Manish K. Mishra, Minister, Senior Minister at First Parish in Lincoln Massachusetts
"Integrity, multiculturalism and Unitarian Universalism all wrapped up in one. Wow! We all have been waiting for this resource. Stories in Faith is a must-read for religious educators, ministers, teachers and parents."
—Lisa Rubin, Director of Religious Education, First Parish in Bedford, Massachusetts
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