http://hoad.ethicalmanifold.net/ Ideas and Their Action Consequences - by John Hoad en-us 2003-07-04T12:07:39-05:00 The quest to know what is behind it all, and why we are here - the quest for the meaning of life - is as old as humanity. I am calling it the God-project. The concept needs constant updates, but what it stands for is discernible in the efforts of theist, non-theist, and agnostics, as the human mind probes the universe. http://hoad.ethicalmanifold.net/archives/000117.html Articles on Ethical Issues John Hoad 2003-07-04T12:07:39-05:00 Ben Franklin, one of the Founders of our nation, was a multi-faceted person. Many of his practical insights capture the spirit of America. Among those insights was the need for a principle of benevolence and concern for the good of all people in the conduct of the affairs of the nation. To that end, he conceived of forming societies of ethical reform. http://hoad.ethicalmanifold.net/archives/000116.html Articles on Ethical Issues John Hoad 2003-05-19T14:48:36-05:00 The Holocaust is a major defining moment of human history on its tragic side, akin to the subjugation or extinction of American Indians and the African Slave Trade. Jews have their day of remembrance, Yom Hashoah, but non-Jews too need to remember, reflect, and engage with this tragedy, and commit to a humanity that seeks to overcome such prejudice whenever it may appear. This poem seeks to evoke the horror of it all and challenge us to such commitment. http://hoad.ethicalmanifold.net/archives/000115.html Inspiration John Hoad 2003-04-29T20:59:56-05:00 Thinking plays a powerful role in Ethical Culture. We are a nest of philosophers. At the same time, we are fervid believers in action. We are pragmatists. Naturally, this has led to consideration of the relationship between thinking and action. Here we explore that relationship and look at some of the pathologies that may arise, and some of the guidelines that might help us to wed the two. http://hoad.ethicalmanifold.net/archives/000111.html Articles on Ethical Issues John Hoad 2003-03-27T20:53:14-05:00 Approaches to the question of abortion are presented under the categories of the Genetic School, the Woman's Right School, and the Developmental School. Mention is also made of the notion of "ectopicity" and of the Consequentialist School. The author favors the Developmental School. http://hoad.ethicalmanifold.net/archives/000101.html Articles on Ethical Issues John Hoad 2003-02-11T21:59:56-05:00 Three Ethical Culture scholars - Adler, the founder, Bridges, a Leader, and Muzzey, the historian, are laid under contribution to indicate how Jesus has been presented within the Ethical Movement. It's a critical but positive picture, with lessons still worth pondering and pursuing. http://hoad.ethicalmanifold.net/archives/000091.html Articles on Ethical Issues John Hoad 2003-01-10T12:13:01-05:00 UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP Adopted by choice as a citizen Of these United States of America,... http://hoad.ethicalmanifold.net/archives/000090.html Inspiration John Hoad 2002-12-31T12:10:00-05:00 Poem: Don’t ever doubt that the extra mile you travel for a friend not only elevates the individual but adds to the database by which the world becomes a saner, better place. The doer’s deed helps the one it is done for but also subtly shapes the human condition. No one knows where the ripple may stop. http://hoad.ethicalmanifold.net/archives/000043.html Inspiration John Hoad 2002-11-25T11:00:00-05:00 A poem: It is not only people who die, But institutions, relationships, Careers, positions, jobs. Species die. And mighty suns. Go for the gusto. Or run and hide. Or dawdle. Come nightfall, no one Escapes death in the hide-and-seek Of life. http://hoad.ethicalmanifold.net/archives/000042.html Inspiration John Hoad 2002-11-20T10:00:00-05:00 A sample Ethical Culture marriage ceremony, prepared by John Hoad. "There are moments in our lives that we mark with special ceremonies - ceremonies of celebration and of commitment - ceremonies that express our thoughts and feelings at a special time in our lives...." http://hoad.ethicalmanifold.net/archives/000044.html Ceremonies John Hoad 2002-11-10T09:00:00-05:00 The Angel Oak on John’s Island in Greater Charleston, SC, is reckoned to be several centuries old. There are scars where it has lost limbs, and there are limbs that trail to the ground for support. But it still puts out fresh leaves on branches high in the air. One feels oneself in the presence of an awesome creature of nature. When I think of some of the great Teachers of humankind, they call to mind the Angel Oak. http://hoad.ethicalmanifold.net/archives/000041.html Articles on Ethical Issues John Hoad 2002-11-01T08:30:00-05:00