The mission of this blog is to stimulate interest in the deeply perceptive and still-relevant teachings of Levi A. Olan (1903-1984) by sharing from the Levi A. Olan Sermons and Images at Bridwell Library Digital Collection. The title "Conscience of the City" was applied to Rabbi Olan by a Fortune magazine reporter in 1964. Although Olan's city was Dallas, his thought transcends locality. Our goal is to...
-
-
The Miracle of Miracles
“The miracle of all miracles is the will and spirit of [humanity].” Rabbi Olan sets the stage for his sermon on miracles (delivered on February 15, 1970) by recounting the greatest miracle in the history …
-
Redeeming Our Sons
“In very early times, men sacrificed the first born of animals and of man to the Gods in order that they may keep all the others. The God Moloch became the deity to whom men …
-
The Sensitive People and the Insensitive
“The most frightful development today is the increasing insensitivity to the true, the good, and the beautiful.” Perhaps social criticism has never been very popular. However, in my brief 60 years, I don’t recall a …
-
How to Handle a Dictator
“If we ever learn to obey the demands of justice and love… then we can have peace and good will.” This sermon, delivered on January 25, 1970, is one of Rabbi Olan’s most challenging reflections …
-
Turning Evil into Good
“Trouble is often the base for the creative life.” In this sermon, delivered on January 11, 1970, Rabbi Olan further develops two of his most important ideas: first, that faith leads to greater agency in …
-
Religion in the Year 2000
In the year 2000, “religion will be more vital and dynamic than it has ever been in all of its history.” In 1970, as futurists predicted what life would be like in the year 2000, …
-
The Test of Love
“Where love is, God is..” This sermon, delivered on January 4, 1970, is Rabbi Olan’s answer to the Beatles’ assertion that “All You Need Is Love” (released July 1967). That would be true, Rabbi Olan …
-
The Sign on the Door
“There are passages in the Bible that today appear primitive.” April 6, 1969 During the Passover season of 1969, Rabbi Olan raised a topic many of us have wondered about: the lamb shank on the …
-
The First Protest
“The true shame of our time is that so many have comfortably adjusted to the in-justices of our time.” As 1969 drew to a close, Rabbi Olan reflected on the many protests and demonstrations that …
-
Digging for Old Treasures
“Wisdom in this hour would dictate the recognition that there are virtues and weaknesses in both positions [conservative and liberal]… The truth is that we need both views for a healthy moral experience.” In order …
Rabbi Levi A. Olan: The Conscience of the City 