Cultivating Character seminar with James Baughman in Germany

An audience of almost 70 young and not-so-young adults participated in a seminar on ‘Cultivating Character ’, held on 1 June in the Giessen UPF centre. Our guest presenter was Dr. James Baughman, a native of Kansas, USA, now living in the UK. James has advanced degrees in physics, political science and religious education (the last earned in the Unification Theological Seminary), and is currently Principle teacher of physics at Buckie High School, Scotland. He joined the Unification Church in 1974, and has held positions of responsibility in the fields of education, administration and pastoral care. He was director of International Conference on the Unity of the Sciences (1983-1988), and President of the Unification Church USA (1989-1995). The Divine Principle is not only a theology , but is a principle to live by, and one of the exciting challenges facing those of us who have been inspired by this teaching is to convey its content to others, especially those who may not come from a religious background. Dr Baughman has responded to this challenge by utilizing a personal teaching philosophy which he developed and refined through experiences with audiences in places as far-flung as the Philippines, the former USSR and the Baltic states. His seminars are usually given over the course of at least 2 days, but James managed to condense and deliver his material to us in four 75 minute sessions. Audience participation was actively encouraged; and what teacher would let his class be released without ‘homework’ at the end? Our task was to set concrete goals.

The response to the seminar was overwhelmingly positive, and it was surely (more than?) serendipitous that 30 ‘HARPIES’ were holding a workshop in Giessen that very weekend, and could participate in this seminar. It certainly turned out to be a very appropriate and appreciated event to round off their workshop

on purity and preparation for the ‘ring ceremony’. And it is very encouraging that almost all commented that they would feel comfortable inviting non-UC friends to such an event. But also the older adults in attendance, of which there were about 20, could benefit from James’ insights and skills in drawing on examples from science, philosophy and ethics to support and validate the teachings which we know as Divine Principle. Some comments from seminar participants: ‘’I’ve never heard such a good seminar about developing my character and heart before’’. ‘I loved it! You explained everything with so much heart, even if it was simple’. ‘Please come again and hopefully for more than a 1 day seminar’. ‘I wish I had a teacher like you in my school’. On the following day, James gave the sermon to the Giessen community on the theme:-‘Who Will Take Care of my God for me?’ The atmosphere in the room was profoundly moving; reflective, repentant, but above all hopeful and there is no doubt that James brought us to a deeper level of heart and commitment.

Catriona Valenta If anyone is interested in inviting Dr. Baughman to speak to their community, or for any further information about the content of his seminars, please contact me