“Is there a test by which we may judge between good and evil? One of the most acceptable standards is very old and yet very enduring. Every action which treats a person as a sacred creature is good. The deed which demeans or abuse[s] a life is evil.”
– Rabbi Levi A. Olan. From “The Beast In Each of Us,” broadcast January 15, 1967.
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A test of good and evil
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The Sin That Punishes
“Before we dismiss the idea of sin as meaningless to our age, we should try to discover its essential character.” In his December 25, 1966 radio sermon, Rabbi Olan spoke about sin and punishment. Both …
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Why Men Fight
“The world is a dangerous place. The historic causes which have brought war in the past are present today.” Rabbi Olan preached two sermons that he titled “Why Men Fight.” The first was in 1963 …
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On Being a Mature Person
“The most dangerous thing one can do is to stop growing as a person.” November 27, 1966 In optimal situations, life moves from childhood (total dependence) to adolescence (self-care and maintenance) to adulthood (investing our …
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Love is to give
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Religion and the Goals for Dallas
“Religion is worship and social action. It is both existential and worldly.” In this sermon of October 30, 1966, Rabbi Olan starts from the difference between priests and prophets. He sees priests as experts in …
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Life Is Like a Dream
“Whether we choose it or no, we will live on after we die. The question really is one of quality and character. How shall we affect tomorrow by our lives, for affect it we must.” …
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We Need Not Fail
October 16, 1966 “Our vows are no vows, our oaths are no oaths, our resolutions are no resolutions.” –The Kol Nidrei Are you plagued by a pattern of unkept promises that you have made to …
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Tested by Trouble
“Religion must have something better to say in times of great suffering than, ‘It is God’s will, have faith.'” Are you troubled by the circumstances of your life and the times in which we live? …
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Thou Shalt Teach Thy Son
“Each person is a unique creation and is important because he is especially the work of the Creator. This gives him dignity and worth; it speaks of his significance and calls for respect. It is …
Rabbi Levi A. Olan: The Conscience of the City 