“Neighboring Faiths: Nüwa, Goddess of Humanity,” by Alec Peck

Service Video

Where did we all come from? What does it mean to be human, and what is the human place in the universe? How does our perception of The Divine impact the practical life of people in our society? What’s up with all the snakes? These deeply fundamental questions and more are often found in the creation myths of the world’s religions. Today, we give respect to the story of Nüwa, the snake goddess of humanity, whose legend became part of the founding roots of many East Easian philosophies and religions like Daoism and Confucianism.

The interpretation of religious values has strongly shaped the societal and governing structure in East Asia, just as we’ve seen here in the US, but the role of women in Chinese society through history has looked rather different than what Americans are used to. Even we UUs in the West can find our Way by learning from Nüwa, the ultimate mother-goddess of us all, as we explore the Way through this neighboring faith.

Alec Peck has been a practicing UU for 22 years, and has a deep passion for the intellectual and spiritual challenges which arise from exploring the six sources of our living tradition. He was raised in a UU church, chosen by his father, raised Quaker, and mother, raised Jewish (but both Humanist-athiest in practice). In addition to his heritage, Alec has a personal love for Daoism and is now completing his Ph.D. in natural science at UC Riverside, while serving as chair of the Worship Committee here at UUCR.

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