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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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This podcast is a production of the Henry Miller Memorial Library with support from The Arts Council for Monterey County!

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