Workshop Encourages Students to Have Big Vision for the Age of Settlement

I believe that God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel his pleasure.

Gerry Servito concluded one of his Unification Thought lectures with a clip of a famous scene from the movie Chariots of Fire. The movie fit in neatly with Mr. Servito’s latest Unification Thought lecture series, which began on May 27 and took place over four days at the Unification Theological Seminary in Barrytown, New York. The participants included members of the Generation Peace Academy (GPA).

In contrast to the Divine Principle, Unification Thought appeals to the intellectual. The book and lecture series answer questions such as “What is the original image of God?” and “What is my purpose in life?” In his presentation, Mr. Servito explained the Unificationist approach to education, ethics, and art, and focused on topics like the meaning of logic. Mr. Servito, usually a quiet man, enthusiastically encouraged the young audience to strive for the things that serve the whole purpose, for God and others, as well as their individual purpose, making them truly come alive. Prioritizing only passions, cautioned Mr. Servito, neglects True Parents’ exhortation to live for the sake of others.

“Not every day do young Unificationists get to delve into the subject matter of Unification Thought, so it was a cherished workshop indeed,” said Elijah Maddox, a participant of GPA who attended the workshop. “I am someone who appreciates both thought and feeling,” he explained, “so I found myself enthralled.”

It was clear how deeply Mr. Servito wanted the young participants to not just understand the content, but apply it to their lives. “Sections like Ethics or Art were so real and relevant. It was like a step by step approach to how True Father thought about things,” said Mr. Maddox.

Mr. Maddox, bursting with energy after the workshop, was not the only participant who had a transformative experience. Throughout the week, the participants came up to thank Mr. Servito.

“It was a truly wonderful workshop,” Mr. Maddox concluded. “I feel it’s important to realize just how much of True Father’s words and teachings are out there, undiscovered and un-experienced.”

To learn more about the principles of Unification Thought, you can visit their website here.