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The Sacred Web: Unitarian Universalism's Seventh Principle and the Ecology of Existence

Among the seven Principles that covenant Unitarian Universalist congregations, the seventh holds a unique and expansive place: "Respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part." This statement is both a spiritual affirmation and a profound ecological and philosophical truth claim, serving as a foundational ethic for modern religious naturalism. To understand its depth is to explore its scientific underpinnings, its theological implications, and its urgent call to ethical living. At its core, this principle moves beyond a mere acknowledgment of nature's beauty to assert a fundamental ontology of relationship. It posits that existence is not a collection of discrete, independent objects, but a dynamic, interconnected process. Is this true that all existence is interdependent? From a scientific perspective, evidence abounds. In ecology, the concept of the food web illustrates how energy and matter flow through systems, where the loss of a single s...
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Explain: “Left to my own devices.”

The phrase "left to my own devices" typically means being left alone or given the freedom to act or make decisions without interference or guidance from others. It implies being independent and self-reliant, relying on one's own resources, skills, and instincts to navigate a situation or solve a problem. 

The word "devices" in this context refers to one's own thoughts, strategies, methods, or tools that one uses to accomplish a task or achieve a goal when no external help or input is available. 

Overall, saying "left to my own devices" suggests that one is comfortable and capable of handling a situation independently, without needing assistance or direction from others. It can also imply a sense of self-sufficiency and autonomy in decision-making and problem-solving.
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