He was a naturalist, not a supernaturalist, in philosophy. My suggestion was only that UUs should be expected to continue the upward direction of UUism exemplified by Joseph Priestley in the past. At least all those who requested from me the article that the present editor omitted now know. Meanwhile, the more we can publicize the rational and intellectual side of UUism, the more apt, I hold, we will be able to attract members. Mr. Smith is voicing concerns which undoubtedly are entertained by other Unitarian humanists, pro and con.
Further discussion is welcome.
The editor wonders what John Marquand's son's alleged sex life has to do with publicizing the rational and intellectual side of UUism. We do the same but we pray over it first. I assume that Bob probably wouldn't think it was appropriate for the church to buy live chickens to kill and serve at a church dinner- whether Santeria ceremonies were involved or not. Perhaps in this case it's with people killing their own meat, rather than with a religious practice. But the real issue here is probably not so much attitudes about specific practices as the choice of example.