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What is Unitarian Universalism?

JonathanCid

JonathanCid

Member
If you had to explain to someone, in as few words as possible, what Unitarian Universalist religion is all about, what would you tell them?

I would tell them that Unitarian Universalists look for those universal values that unite the greatest number of people possible. If they asked for further elaboration I would explain that we place values and principles above doctrine, emphasize actions over beliefs, and focus on the things that unite us most.

What would you say?
 
SLAMH

SLAMH

Active Member
I would tell them that Unitarian Universalists look for those universal values that unite the greatest number of people possible. If they asked for further elaboration I would explain that we place values and principles above doctrine, emphasize actions over beliefs, and focus on the things that unite us most.
Click to expand...

Can you give some examples ?
 
JonathanCid

JonathanCid

Member
SLAMH, the Golden Rule is the best example I can think of off the top of my head. There are also certain qualities we tend to admire in people: Fairness, courage, wisdom, knowledge, etc. Then there are abilities inherent in intelligent beings such as reason. These universals are valued religiously in the Unitarian faith, so I would use them to help define the core, the heart and soul, of the UU religion.
 
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SLAMH

SLAMH

Active Member
JonathanCid said:
SLAMH, the Golden Rule is the best example I can think of off the top of my head. There are also certain qualities we tend to admire in people: Fairness, courage, wisdom, knowledge, etc. Then there are abilities inherent in intelligent beings such as reason. These universals are valued religiously in the Unitarian faith, so I would use them to help define the core, the heart and soul, of the UU religion.
Click to expand...

Thank you for responding. I'm just waiting.

Another question ?

Do you believe in God ? if do you ? Can you talk a bit about him ?
 
JonathanCid

JonathanCid

Member
If you mean me, personally, that depends: If by "God" you mean a supernatural entity that intervenes in the world's affairs, I don't know if such a being exists; if, however, you can accept God as being Goodness, as being the very essence of the things we love, revere, and honor, then that is a God which I fully believe in. As far as I'm concerned, even the atheist who sees Goodness, righteousness, and beauty in the world is deeply spiritual and "saved" or spiritually liberated.

Unitarian Universalist beliefs on God differ, because as you've read here, Unitarians tend to focus on deeds and not creeds. We believe that people can be entirely good people despite their beliefs.
 
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Father Heathen

Father Heathen

Veteran Member
SLAMH said:
Thank you for responding. I'm just waiting.

Another question ?

Do you believe in God ? if do you ? Can you talk a bit about him ?
Click to expand...

From my understanding, UU is open to all faiths (as long as they don't conflict with UU values), so the ideas and perceptions regarding god likely vary from individual to individual. The UU church doesn't try to act as an intermediate, interpreter or middleman between man and god. Instead they try to help each person find their own path. If I'm incorrect, hopefully a UU member will point it out. :)
 
SLAMH

SLAMH

Active Member
If you mean me, personally, that depends: If by "God" you mean a supernatural entity that intervenes in the world's affairs, I don't know if such a being exists; if, however, you can accept God as being Goodness, as being the very essence of the things we love, revere, and honor, then that is a God which I fully believe in. As far as I'm concerned, even the atheist who sees Goodness, righteousness, and beauty in the world is deeply spiritual and "saved" or spiritually liberated.

Unitarian Universalist beliefs on God differ, because as you've read here, Unitarians tend to focus on deeds and not creeds. We believe that people can be entirely good people despite their beliefs.
Click to expand...

From my understanding, UU is open to all faiths (as long as they don't conflict with UU values), so the ideas and perceptions regarding god likely vary from individual to individual. The UU church doesn't try to act as an intermediate, interpreter or middleman between man and god. Instead they try to help each person find their own path. If I'm incorrect, hopefully a UU member will point it out.
Click to expand...

Thanks for clarifying. :)
 
G

Gaura Priya

IRL
Gosh, are there any links for any way to practice Unitarian Universalism at home? I feel so frustrated intellectually because although I love my boyfriend, I feel trapped spiritually sometimes, since he is a conservative LDS Christian... And in my heart, sometimes I feel that I am a UU Baha'i and would love to attend the local congregation (although being a Christian is not too bad!).

Too bad there is no 'internet chalice' for me to light, LOL. Perhaps are there any congregational websites that would have Sunday lectures all posted for free, and whatnot? :D
 
Storm

Storm

ThrUU the Looking Glass
madanbhakta said:
Gosh, are there any links for any way to practice Unitarian Universalism at home? I feel so frustrated intellectually because although I love my boyfriend, I feel trapped spiritually sometimes, since he is a conservative LDS Christian... And in my heart, sometimes I feel that I am a UU Baha'i and would love to attend the local congregation (although being a Christian is not too bad!).

Too bad there is no 'internet chalice' for me to light, LOL. Perhaps are there any congregational websites that would have Sunday lectures all posted for free, and whatnot? :D
Click to expand...
Well, I haven't checked it out myself, but I hear there's a very active UU community on Second Life. You might investigate that.

Also, my church posts every sermon in pdf form here. (Yes, they're free. :)) They're allegedly posted in podcast version, too, but that seems to be updated much more slowly.
 
C

Crown College ofthe Bible

Member
JonathanCid said:
If you had to explain to someone, in as few words as possible, what Unitarian Universalist religion is all about, what would you tell them?

I would tell them that Unitarian Universalists look for those universal values that unite the greatest number of people possible. If they asked for further elaboration I would explain that we place values and principles above doctrine, emphasize actions over beliefs, and focus on the things that unite us most.

What would you say?
Click to expand...

The Unitarian Universalist faith believe in an unending search for the truth.
 
JonathanCid

JonathanCid

Member
madanbhakta said:
Gosh, are there any links for any way to practice Unitarian Universalism at home? I feel so frustrated intellectually because although I love my boyfriend, I feel trapped spiritually sometimes, since he is a conservative LDS Christian... And in my heart, sometimes I feel that I am a UU Baha'i and would love to attend the local congregation (although being a Christian is not too bad!).

Too bad there is no 'internet chalice' for me to light, LOL. Perhaps are there any congregational websites that would have Sunday lectures all posted for free, and whatnot?
Click to expand...

In addition to what Storm posted, you could check out the Church of the Larger Fellowship (Church of the Larger Fellowship) or UUTV (UU TV: Explore the world of Unitarian Universalism!) if you're interested in UU worship.

Crown College ofthe Bible said:
The Unitarian Universalist faith believe in an unending search for the truth.
Click to expand...


Well, you could say Unitarians aren't the sort of people who believe they're absolutely right and have found the once and final truth. Unitarians believe that it's okay to question things and explore what truth is, to consider things in the light of reason and evidence; to think, essentially.
 
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