“Faith is something that can bring us to the highest of abilities but also destroy us.” – Ronan Harris, VNV Nation
Purpose
The Neon Chalice seeks to explore the intersection of Unitarian Universalism, nature-based spirituality, and alternative music, particularly within the realm of Electronic Dance Music (EDM). Through poetry and contemplative writing, this blog delves into the spiritual dimensions of artists such as VNV Nation, using their music as a lens through which to examine themes of faith, nature, and personal experience. The Neon Chalice invites readers to engage in a unique spiritual exploration, where the pulsing rhythms of EDM intertwine with the reverence of nature and the principles of Unitarian Universalism.
About the Author
The Neon Chalice is a project of Brad McGarr, an artist and writer with a passion for exploring the intersection of faith, nature, and music. As a longtime Unitarian Universalist, Brad has been deeply involved in his spiritual community, serving in various roles such as religious education instructor, congregational board member, and currently a facilitator for the Our Whole Lives comprehensive sexual education program at Unity Church – Unitarian in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Beyond his spiritual pursuits, Brad is an active community member with an extensive history of volunteerism, including disaster relief, emergency communications, and weather observing. He has also been involved in political activism and electoral politics, serving as an election judge and running for local office. Brad has also been involved in labor union leadership including serving as union steward and as a board director.
Driven by a desire to explore faith and spirituality from a less traditional perspective, Brad created The Neon Chalice as a platform for personal reflection and creative expression. Through poetry and contemplative writing, he invites readers to join him on a journey of spiritual exploration, where the rhythms of alternative music, particularly EDM, intertwine with the reverence of nature and the principles of Unitarian Universalism.