Our Fall Adult RE offerings will begin with a course related to the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)’s Study/Action Issue for 2014-2018: Escalating Inequality. We will explore social conditions and processes that explain the rapid increase in economic inequality during the past 35 years. Sessions two through five will conclude with discussions of ways that our spiritual values may inspire us to attempt to transcend class barriers in our individual lives, while also considering actions to alter the social structures that are escalating inequality. The recommended reading is 99 to 1, by UU social activist Chuck Collins. Chuck has graciously agreed to join us for the final session.

The course will meet on the first Sunday evening of most months at 7 p.m. in the parish hall, beginning on October 5th, when we will be showing Robert Reich’s documentary, “Inequality for All.” If you are interested in participating, please contact Madeleine Cousineau, 617-309-6568, by September 20.

Session 1, Oct. 5: Video: “Inequality for All” (Watch the trailer.)

Session 2, Nov. 2: Interactive: The Inequality Game
Brief Presentation: Inequality Basics
Recommended Reading: Pages 1–17 (Introduction and Coming Apart at the Middle)

Session 3, Jan. 4: Video: “Koch Brothers Exposed”
Recommended Reading: Pages 19–47 (Who Are the 1%?)

Session 4, Feb. 1: Interactive: Inequality of Power
Brief Presentation: Consequences of Inequality
Recommended Reading: Pages 49–75 (Consequences of Inequality)

Session 5, March 1: Interactive: The Global Economy
Video: “Global Village, Global Pillage”
Poster Display: Causes and consequences of global and local poverty
Recommended Reading: Pages 77–95 (Sources of Change)

Session 6, April 5: A Conversation with Chuck Collins
Recommended Reading: Pages 97–124 (Prospects for Change)