Unitarian Universalism

You must think for yourself

Unitarian Universalists believe in spiritual growth and development through study and experience. The primary purpose of Unitarian Universalist churches is to support individuals’ search for spiritual maturity. In addition to attending services, the sources suggested for this search are:

  • Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
  • Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
  • Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
  • Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
  • Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
  • Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Unitarian Universalism asserts a strong commitment to social justice and community exploration of spiritual development.

Historically, New England Unitarians evolved from the Pilgrim fathers’ Congregational Christianity, which was originally Calvinist. Liberalizing reformers of the 1800’s rejected belief in a trinity of Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Instead they asserted the unitary nature of God and thus their name, Unitarians. New England Universalists rejected the Puritan forefathers’ belief that only a select few would achieve salvation. Instead, Universalists asserted that ‘all were universally saved.’ Long aware that their beliefs were compatible, Unitarians and Universalists joined together formally in a single association 1961.

Unitarian Universalists believe that the divine can be found in all people and in many faiths. Unitarian Universalists draw inspiration from their own history of evolving trust in reason and direct experience and from a variety of faith traditions. Many Unitarian Universalist churches celebrate observances associated with other religious traditions, including Buddhist-style meditation groups, Jewish Seder dinners, and Christmas Eve/Winter Solstice services. Children’s religious education classes teach about the divinity of the world and the sanctity of world religions. One of its more popular curricula, Neighboring Faiths, takes middle and high school participants to visit the places of worship of many faith traditions including a Hindu temple, a Reform or Orthodox synagogue, and a Catholic church.

Most Unitarian Universalists choose to attach no particular theological label to their beliefs. Their diversity of views is considered a strength in the Unitarian Universalist movement. The emphasis remains on the common search for meaning among its members and on acting on their shared principles to make this world a better place for all. In a survey, Unitarian Universalists in the United States were asked which provided term or set of terms best describe their belief. Many respondents chose more than one term to describe their beliefs. The top choices were:
Humanist – 54%
Agnostic – 33%
Earth-centered – 31%
Atheist – 18%
Buddhist – 16.5%
Christian – 13.1%
Pagan – 13.1%

To learn more
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unitarian_Universalism - cite_note-301 Beliefs, Creeds and Doctrines