November 12-15, 2006

THEME: “Universalism: A Message of Hope for the 21st Century”

Our UU belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person is rooted in the early Universalist idea that no one should be excluded from the love of God. Contemporary Unitarian Universalism continues the tradition of excluding no one from the circle of love, but recent political, economic, social and environmental issues call us to take a new look at this part of our heritage and to explore ways to bring the "good News" of Universalism to the public square.

The 37 of us gathered for these sessions seemed to have another excellent experience together, with well-received worship services, strong papers and responses, some stimulating optional activities, PLUS the first ever Harpers Ferry Coffee House, which was much fun.

The schedule for our 2006 gathering is available for download HERE.

READING FOR 2006 STUDY GROUP

1. Hosea Ballou: The Challenge to Orthodoxy, by Ernest Cassara
”A handsome paperback edition” of this biography is indeed available for $15.95 postpaid from:
 
Cambridge Cornerstone Press
P.O. Box 400351
Cambridge, MA  02140
 
(e-mail: CambridgePress@aol.com <mailto:CambridgePress@aol.com>)
They have graciously agreed to not bill the normal $3.50 postage and handling fee if you mention the Harpers Ferry Study Group when you send in your $15.95 check! (They do not offer web-based ordering.)
 
2. A Treatise on Atonement, by Hosea Ballou.
The final chapter -- "Universal Reconciliation" <http://jpduua.org/harpersferry/Ballou_Treatise.pdf>  -- is available through this link, but it is highly recommended that you read the entire book if you can find a copy!
 
(NOTE: Ballou continued to revise A Treatise after its original publication in 1805, to respond to objects and as his own thinking changed. A 1959 version published in paperback by the Universalist Publishing House with a preface by Gordon McKeeman appears to be a later version.)
 
3. OPTIONAL—Excerpts from two publications:
• Clarence R. Skinner: Prophet for a New Universalism, edited by Charles Howe; and
• A Free Pulpit In Action, edited by Clarence R. Skinner.  
 
Hard copies of both may be obtained by through Henry Ticknor (hrticknor.msn.com). Include street address and phone number(s).
 
4. Also suggested: Any of our Universalist histories.