Concepts about
deity are diverse among UUs. Some have no belief in any gods (
atheism); others believe in many gods (
polytheism). Some believe that the question of the existence of any god is most likely unascertainable or unknowable (
agnosticism). Some believe that
God is a metaphor for a transcendent reality. Some believe in a female god (
goddess), a passive god (
Deism), an
Abrahamic god, or a god manifested in nature or the universe (
pantheism). Many UUs reject the idea of deities and instead speak of the "spirit of life" that binds all
life on earth. UUs support each person's search for truth and meaning in concepts of spirituality.
Deliberately without an official creed or dogma (per the principle of freedom of thought), Unitarian Universalists instead typically agree with the
Principles and Purposes suggested by the
Unitarian Universalist Association. As with most actions in Unitarian Universalism, these were created in committee, and affirmed democratically by a vote of member congregations, proportional to their membership, taken at an annual General Assembly (a meeting of delegates from member congregations). Adopted in 1960, the full
Principles, Purposes and Sources can be found in the article on the
Unitarian Universalist Association. The Principles are as follows:
Unitarian Universalism is often referred to by its members as a
living tradition, and the principles and purposes have been modified over time to reflect changes in spiritual beliefs among the membership. Most recently, the last principle, adopted in 1985 and generally known as the
Seventh Principle, "Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part", and a sixth source (adopted in 1995), "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" were added to explicitly include members with
Neopagan,
Native American, and
pantheist spiritualities.
[21] Unitarian Universalists tend to promote beliefs of a person that are based on their individual thoughts, and can range from a strict monotheistic belief to more of a philosophical view of things.
Unitarian Universalists place emphasis on spiritual growth and development. Unitarian Universalism is a creedless religion. The Unitarian Universalist Association affirms seven principles:
[22] The official statement of Unitarian Universalist principles describes the "sources" upon which current practice is based:
[22]
- 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.
The
religious pluralism of Unitarian Universalism respects diverse traditions within the movement and often within the same congregation. Many see it as a typical
syncretic religion, in which personal beliefs and religious services draw from many faith traditions.
Unitarian Universalism asserts a strong commitment to social justice and community exploration of spiritual development.
Unitarian Universalists assert no theology. Unitarian Universalists believe that the divine can be found in all people and in many faiths. Unitarian Universalists draw inspiration from a variety of other faith traditions. Many Unitarian Universalist churches celebrate observances associated with other religious traditions, including Buddhist-style meditation groups, Jewish
Seder, Yom Kipur and Passover dinners,
iftaar meals (marking the breaking of Ramadan fast for Muslims), and Christmas Eve/
Winter Solstice services. Children's and youth'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 (formerly Church Across the Street), 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.
Many Unitarian Universalists consider themselves
humanists, while others hold to
Christian,
Buddhist,
Jewish,
natural theist,
atheist,
agnostic,
pantheist,
pagan, and other beliefs. Most choose to attach no particular theological label to their beliefs. This diversity of views is considered a strength in the Unitarian Universalist movement. The emphasis remains on the common search for meaning among its members rather than adherence to any particular doctrine. Many UU congregations have study groups that examine the traditions and spiritual practices of
Neopaganism,
Christianity,
Buddhism,
Judaism,
Islam,
Pantheism, and other faiths. Some UU ministers, such as the Reverend
James Ishmael Ford, are also ordained
Zen teachers. Other UU ministers, such as the Reverend David Miller, are
atheists. There are
Buddhist meditation teachers,
Sufi teachers, as well as
gnostic and
episcopi vagantes clerics. Some view their Jewish heritage as primary, and others see the concept of God as unhelpful in their personal spiritual journeys. While Sunday services in most congregations tend to be spiritual in nature (as different from theological), it is not unusual for a part of a church's membership to attend pagan, Buddhist, or other spiritual study or worship groups as an alternative means of worship. Some Unitarian Universalists are also atheist or agnostic.
