Retired psychologist Dr. Michael Sullivan will be sharing the insights and inspiration of a leading Unitarian minister about our experience of gratitude. Rev. Dr. Galen Guengerich sees gratitude as a central source of meaning in life. In his book The Way of Gratitude, he offers it as a new spirituality for today, especially for the increasing numbers of people who identify as spiritual but not religious. Michael will discuss Galen’s seven hallmarks of gratitude and also the beauty of poetry in the practice of the First Light Meditations that Galen circulates daily.
“Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion: The Wisdom of Jonathan Haidt”
Dr. Michael Sullivan will be presenting a creative understanding of why good people are divided by politics and religion. It is based on the work of social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. Dr. Haidt concludes that “morality binds and blinds”. Using the six foundations of morality derived from his research, we can gain a better understanding of “the righteous mind” that everyone has. This can help bridge political and religious divides and promote greater respect for opposing views.