Unitarian Universalism
Overview:
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is a liberal religious organization, serving the "UU" churches of North America. The Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches estimated a total membership of 502,000 in 1990. The UUA was formed in 1961-MAY-11 from the merger of the Unitarian and Universalist Churches. Unlike other religiously liberal faith groups, UU's are currently expanding in numbers.
Beliefs of Unitarian Universalists are quite diverse: About one in four identifies themselves to be Christian. Many do not believe in (or question) the existence of a deity or deities. They often describe themselves as agnostics, atheists, humanists, free thinkers, etc. Others follow religious traditions from around the world: Buddhism, Hinduism, Neopaganism, Judaism etc.
Definitions:
The term Unitarian has traditionally had two religious meanings. The definition used here is a religious movement which features a lack of dogma, a belief in the inherent goodness of people, and the obligation for each member to seek out and develop his or her own system of beliefs and ethics.
The term Universalism has also had two religious meanings. The one used here is a religious movement which promoted the concept that every person will go to heaven after death.
Unitarian Universalist beliefs:
The two religious movements that became the "UU" Association were originally viewed by the public as Christian churches who were defined largely by their heretical beliefs about the nature of God and the afterlife. However a gradual change started during the 19th century and continues today. Emerson was a powerful force in this change. His Divinity School Address emphasized the importance of intellectual freedom and reason. Most modern day Unitarian Universalists share the following beliefs -- that: each person, because of her/his humanity inherently has dignity and worth; each person seek his/her unique spiritual path, based upon their personal life experience, the use of reason and meditation, the findings of science and her/his fundamental beliefs concerning deity, humanity, and the rest of the universe; the prime function of a clergyperson and congregation is to help the individual members to grow spiritually; all the great religions of the world, and their sacred texts, have worth; there should be no barrier to membership, such as compulsory adherence to a creed; and their lives, their congregations and association are governed by the concepts of democracy, religious freedom and religious tolerance.
Much of their effort should be directed towards civil rights, achieving equality of treatment for everyone regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. They have played a major role in these battles for equal rights, in spite of their relatively small numbers.
Some UU members and their churches regard themselves as liberal Christians. Others would describe themselves as non-Christians.
UU’s make few attempts to convert others to their religion. They believe that other religions have value; they cherish religious diversity and freedom.
Links:
UUA.org
UU brief
Overview:
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is a liberal religious organization, serving the "UU" churches of North America. The Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches estimated a total membership of 502,000 in 1990. The UUA was formed in 1961-MAY-11 from the merger of the Unitarian and Universalist Churches. Unlike other religiously liberal faith groups, UU's are currently expanding in numbers.
Beliefs of Unitarian Universalists are quite diverse: About one in four identifies themselves to be Christian. Many do not believe in (or question) the existence of a deity or deities. They often describe themselves as agnostics, atheists, humanists, free thinkers, etc. Others follow religious traditions from around the world: Buddhism, Hinduism, Neopaganism, Judaism etc.
Definitions:
The term Unitarian has traditionally had two religious meanings. The definition used here is a religious movement which features a lack of dogma, a belief in the inherent goodness of people, and the obligation for each member to seek out and develop his or her own system of beliefs and ethics.
The term Universalism has also had two religious meanings. The one used here is a religious movement which promoted the concept that every person will go to heaven after death.
Unitarian Universalist beliefs:
The two religious movements that became the "UU" Association were originally viewed by the public as Christian churches who were defined largely by their heretical beliefs about the nature of God and the afterlife. However a gradual change started during the 19th century and continues today. Emerson was a powerful force in this change. His Divinity School Address emphasized the importance of intellectual freedom and reason. Most modern day Unitarian Universalists share the following beliefs -- that: each person, because of her/his humanity inherently has dignity and worth; each person seek his/her unique spiritual path, based upon their personal life experience, the use of reason and meditation, the findings of science and her/his fundamental beliefs concerning deity, humanity, and the rest of the universe; the prime function of a clergyperson and congregation is to help the individual members to grow spiritually; all the great religions of the world, and their sacred texts, have worth; there should be no barrier to membership, such as compulsory adherence to a creed; and their lives, their congregations and association are governed by the concepts of democracy, religious freedom and religious tolerance.
Much of their effort should be directed towards civil rights, achieving equality of treatment for everyone regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. They have played a major role in these battles for equal rights, in spite of their relatively small numbers.
Some UU members and their churches regard themselves as liberal Christians. Others would describe themselves as non-Christians.
UU’s make few attempts to convert others to their religion. They believe that other religions have value; they cherish religious diversity and freedom.
Links:
UUA.org
UU brief