A Big Sur Podcast
A Big Sur Podcast
An ongoing conversation with people from near and far about Big Sur's past, present, and future. A Big Sur Podcast interprets “community” to mean ALL people from around the world who are curious about, and who care about, the preservation and restoration of the wild and rural character of Big Sur. Stories are told by visitors and residents, plumbers and linesmen, musicians and authors, dancers and jugglers and others. Sometimes we drift (way) off-topic into the arts, sciences, personal stories, gossip, politics, philosophy, ornithology, Henry Miller, and our zeitgeist in general. We like that!
The opinions expressed here belong to the people who express them. They may or may not line up with yours, mine, or your neighbor’s — and that’s exactly the point. Different perspectives, lived experiences, and even wildly clashing views are what make conversations worth listening to: enriching, infuriating, life-affirming, and sometimes all three at once.
If you are planning a visit to Big Sur and you listen to some of the folks on this Podcast talk about their love of the place your visit will probably be a lot more rewarding. Please email magnus@henrymiller.org with any comments, critique & suggestions.
Music intro clip courtesy John Holm: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DZ06evO0Rh2QU
Sound editing software by Hindenburg: https://hindenburg.com/
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A Big Sur Podcast
# 103 God, Jack Kerouac and Steve Edington.
Stephen D. Edington, a Unitarian Universalist minister, discusses his personal journey and the influence of Jack Kerouac on his spiritual beliefs.
Good links:
Register for the event on August 30 at the Henry Miller Library
Lowell Celebrates Kerouac
Unitarian Universalist Faith
Books by Steve Edington
Summary
Stephen D Edington, a Unitarian Universalist minister, discusses his personal journey and the influence of Jack Kerouac on his spiritual beliefs. He shares how he transitioned from a conservative Baptist upbringing to a more liberal interpretation of Christianity and eventually found his place in the Unitarian Universalist faith.
Steve explains his belief in a higher power and the importance of self-discovery in his spiritual journey. He also discusses his involvement in the Lowell Celebrates Kerouac festival and the continued interest in Kerouac's writings among different generations.
Jack Kerouac was a complex figure who embodied multiple identities and roles. He was seen as an intellectual, spiritual, romantic, and cultural icon. While he was not overtly political, he had revolutionary and messianic qualities.
Kerouac was both an intellectual and an athlete, excelling in academics and sports. His driving force was his duty to write, which he considered his purpose on Earth. He sought recognition as a major American writer and inspired others to pursue their own creative journeys. Kerouac's life ended tragically, but his writing continues to inspire and resonate with readers.
Sound Bites!
- "I was raised in a pretty conservative Baptist church in southern West Virginia."
- "I believe there is some reality or some power that is greater than myself."
- "I've always felt like I've been on some kind of a journey of discovery throughout my life."
- "He's an intellectual, he is spiritual, he is romantic."
- "He might have blanched a little bit at political."
- "He was both intellectual and athlete."
Below is the Kerouac presentation/sermon Steve Edington will be presenting at the Palo Alto Unitarian Universalist Church on the 25th of August.
Why Jack Kerouac Matters
In 1988 I came to Nashua, New Hampshire to begin what turned out to be a 24 year ministry with the Unitarian Universalist Church there. One of my colleagues in our district ministers’ chapter was your minister, Amy Morgenstern, who was serving a congregation in Vermont. She eventually made her way westward here to Palo Alto, and I stayed in New England. We’ve kept up our friendship over the years.
One of our points of connection was and is our affinity for some of the Beat Generation writers; and, for me, Jack Kerouac in particular. I don’t think Amy became the “Kero—wacko” that I have become
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