Why Magic?

“My advisees often tell me that they are Unitarian Universalist evangelists. Rob might be my first Unitarian Universalist zealot, radically reinventing ministry for a new age from a place of connection and love.”

Rev. Dr. Meg Richardson, Starr King School for the Ministry 

In a pluralistic, multicultural and multireligious world, I feel called to use my knowledge, talent and skills—and my voice—to lead our faith into the future. I am guided by our movement’s Principles and Sources, and I have frequently called on my fellow Unitarian Universalists to revisit them for strength—especially “direct experience of transcending mystery and wonder,” which I demonstrate through magic -- performing it, preaching it and teaching it.

The future of our faith embraces multiculturalism. In my sermons I call upon listeners to question their own reality but also wonder at the magnificence of the diversity of our existence. I try not to go for the usual. I like to surprise. That's the magician in me.

Beyond the pulpit, I see the future of Unitarian Universalism as highly collaborative and creative. UU MagicLab, a program I've taught since spring 2020, is an example of how I envision the future of our faith: innovative, media-savvy, partnering, purposeful, grounded in mutual love and respect … and inspiring creativity, which I believe is our saving grace. That's my ministry in a nutshell.

I've been an ordained minister a short time and a magician a long time -- more than 50 years. When I went before the Ministerial Fellowship Committee last fall, they asked, "What is the difference between magic and ministry?" Great question. I replied that magic is about connecting with our living tradition’s First Source, a transcendent sense of mystery and wonder. Ministry is about why that matters.