Altruism and Cynicism

An address by the Minister, Rev. Rob MacPherson - recorded on Sunday, 7th October, 2018 in the Unitarian Meeting House in Adelaide. This address was prompted by the rescue efforts underway in Palu, Sulawesi - in Indonesia after a devastating earthquake and tsunami tore through the region a week ago. Rob observes that when charities make headlines by failing to live up to our expectations, an element of cynicism creeps in. Altruism and cynicism wrestle for our souls. Thus we are conflicted: to be generous souls - especially when our neighbour's needs are so acute, but also not to be duped! Rob uses his participation in a St Vinnies sleepout for CEOs to identify and clarify this conflict. Today's service ended with Brendan Moyse singing and playing Tom Waits' 'On the Nickel' - sometimes known as 'The hobo's lullaby'.