Martha Gallahue: "Kosmos and Ethics"

The term "kosmos" has several definitions, some of which
appear to be contradictory. Martha Gallahue will use the term to explore how
humanists might best be able to reconcile those differences. Focusing on how in
periods of historical change, theological expressions can become less and less
meaningful, she will discuss the impact such loss of meaning can produce and
how that works in American culture. Finally, she will argue for an alternative
to the argument of a patternless universe without cause or purpose.

Martha Gallahue, Clergy Leader of the Ethical Culture Society of
Essex County, was a former Dominican Sister and graduate student of Thomistic
theology when she left her Order. She has a Master’s Degree in comparative
religion from Columbia University and has continued a life-long inquiry into
the meaning of religion. She pursues this inquiry through private study and
public inter-cooperation with a broad sweep of faith traditions such as United
Religions Initiative and Order of the Mystic Heart.

The
Ethical Culture Society of Essex County is a progressive non-theist religion
dedicated to living ethically in a complex world. Founded in l876 and
established in Maplewood in l945, over the years the ethical culture movement
(known as The American Ethical Union) has been instrumental in launching
Planned Parenthood, the NAACP, Visiting Nurses, New York Settlement House,
Fieldston School, and National Ethical Service at the UN. The Society began a
long-running Ethics for Children program and most recently, Time Essex Exchange
(a time bank facilitating the exchange of services) among other initiatives.
The Maplewood Society was the first peace site in the country. Its motto is: to
act so as to bring out the best in ourselves by bringing out the best in
others.  

Contact
information: 973-763-1905; www.essexethical.org. Join us for weekly programs,
discussions, and fellowship Sundays at 11 am. All are welcome.