Is there anyone else out there who is?

If you have any questions about it, feel free to ask.

Going to a UU church most of my life, i've found that arguments don't really come up. When people ask me about my religion, i explain it as the belief that everyone has their right to find their own path, and i think mutual acceptence of this is what holds us together.

as far as morality, Is it really necessarily the church's job to teach this to children at all? I don't mean that offensively, just out of curiousity.

If you're willing to fight someone over your faith, I don't think you can be considered a Unitarian Universalist. UH is about a shared journey and I think all members, regardless if what other faith they hold, can agree on that.

I wonder how they keep fights from breaking out, what with people of different--more specific--faiths meeting together. Dissagreements are bound to come up.

Perhaps. But even the little things can count for a lot. For instance, you believe the only way to salvation is through Jesus and one must follow the dictates of the Christian church. I don't believe either, which seems to be quite a difference of opinion.

As long as we agree that some basic framework (no killing, stealing, etc.) is necessary, then I'm good.

quote:

your idea of morality is bound to be vastly different than my idea of it

Maybe on the margins, but I am sure that you and I would be able to agree on many moral standards of which we feel should be taught to our individual children. I think there would be much more agreement than might meet the eye.

Like I said, it's not a Christian group. They don't acknowledge the infallibility of the Bible or any other holy text. They do recognize that some people do believe those texts to the letter but they don't condemn that at all. That also explains why they don't believe Jesus was any more than an important person.

Interestingly enough, they do actually have religious services, which I find odd. The services are very similar to Protestant Christian services minus the religious references. Sermons are about personal experiences regarding spiritual growth, and hymns tend to be more secular or specially written for a Unitarian Universalist congregation.

As for discipline and respect, Unitarian Universalism does have a set of Principles and Purposes. They're more like guidelines than anything, but most Unitarian Universalists follow them.

"We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote

* The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
* Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
* Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
* A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
* The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
* The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;
* Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part."

So, I think discipline and respect is covered, and I'd agree that they don't teach morality, simply because morality is an extremely subjective concept, and your idea of morality is bound to be vastly different than my idea of it, or that of a typical Unitarian Universalist.

I want to avoid sounding rude and tyrranical here, so I will first point out that this is America. People are free to follow any beleif system they want. I have no right to tell them not to. I do however have a right to question their choice. Having the right to do something doesn't insulate you from consequences and social pressure.

Having said that, I think (from what I have heard) that this seems a little silly. What happens at church? Is there scripture used? If so, how is it justified to not beleive in Christ as the Mesiah? I am sill unclear on it all and have yet to find any answers to these specific questions.

Based on what clpo13 has said, I am against such a "religion" personally. Say what you want about religion's past and the wrongs commited by all of them, the 3 major ones teach discipline, respect, and morality. I am not saying you should have to follow it, I am simply saying that it is fact that they teach those things. They also teach that all actions have consequences. From what I understand about UU, I am weary to say that it teaches these things (all of which are very valuable to the cohesion of a community/society). These are my thoughts.

I actually think it's a great idea. Eliminating dogma makes for a much better experience for those who are more focused on their spiritual growth. I'm more of a secular humanist myself, but to each their own.

Clpo, BS, what are your opinions on it? I'm kind of curious about the whole thing.

quote:

Originally posted by clpo13:
In short, no. Unitarian Universalism is not a Christian group, although members may be Christian or hold Christian beliefs. UU has no set creed or dogma. It's a movement based on spiritual growth, which can be achieved through a number of different means.

Hmmm... very strange.

In short, no. Unitarian Universalism is not a Christian group, although members may be Christian or hold Christian beliefs. UU has no set creed or dogma. It's a movement based on spiritual growth, which can be achieved through a number of different means.

What exactly do they beleive. Do they believe that Christ is the true and only Savior and that the only way to heaven is through Him?

I am!


I grew up going to a UU church, when i was around ten/eleven I decided to stop going, but around twelve/thirteen, after taking a good look at some other religions, I decided that it fit my beliefs better than any other label you could stamp on me.

None at all. Unitarian Universalism is barely a religion in any case. It doesn't have any set beliefs that all members are supposed to hold. No dogma = no (or pseudo) religion. It's more of a way of life, like secular humanism.

That's how it seems to me, at least.

If everyone goes to heaven what is the point of practicing a religion at all?