Choosing Curiosity Over Judgement

On Sunday, May 5, we began our month-long reflection on the theme of “Curiosity.” My sermon title was “Making a Case for Curiosity,” and could be summed up in one phrase: Choose Curiosity rather than Judgement.

We all do it. We hold on to our opinions. When in conversation with another who may not hold the same opinion, our minds are forming our well-thought-out, convincing response while they are sharing their well-thought-out convincing response. And no one is listening to the other.

The most inspiring resource I found on curiosity was the YouTube series, Middle Ground.  The creators bring together opposing viewpoints – Christian and Atheist, Pro Choice and Pro Life, Trump Supporters and Immigrants to share their opinions. Through a series of middle ground questions, the participants engage in a conversation rather than a debate. These are not easy conversations, but the idea to have them was brilliant. I doubt anyone changed their mind in the process, but seeds were planted, and often the participants hugged when the session was over. So, it became more about relationships, more about curiosity, rather than winning the debate. Check it out; it’s inspiring.

(A “best of” playlist of Middle Ground episodes can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBVNJo7nhINStbXuOKFpvfVtHXBlKh6At .)

And if you enjoy graphic novels, check out Mira Jacob’s, Good Talk. Mira is Indian; her husband is Jewish; and she shares her story through the questions of her six-year-old-son. Mira ponders what it feels like to be a member of her white husband’s family. She answers her son’s specific question, “How brown is too brown? And, can Indians be racists?” In my sermon, I added, “What about Jews; can they be racists?” (I admit I found the graphic novel format difficult, but the content was provocative.)  

I agree with UU Minister Rev. Victoria Safford when she writes:  

To see, simply to look and to see, is an ethical act, an intentional choice; to see, with open eyes, is a spiritual practice and thus a risk, for it can open you to ways of knowing the world and loving it that will lead to inevitable consequences. The awakened eye is a conscious eye, a willful eye, and brave, because to see things as they are, each in its own truth, will make you very vulnerable.

Choose curiosity over judgement and see how your life might change.

On May 19, I’ll reflect on being curious about next chapters and transitions. Hope to see you in church.