What is Unitarian Universalism?

What is Unitarian Universalism?

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion that encourages individuals to find their own spiritual path.   We are united by shared values, not by creed or dogma.   We are historically a Judeo-Christian based church; however, today many individual members identify with Atheism, Agnosticism, Buddhism, Humanism, Paganism, or with other philosophical or religious traditions.   As such, Unitarian Universalists are encouraged to search for truth on many paths.  Our congregations gather to nurture our spirits and put our faith into action by helping to make our world a better place.

Seven Principles

Since we are a theologically diverse church, our congregations affirm and promote our seven principles:

  • The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
  • Justice, equality, 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.

Sources of Faith

Unitarian Universalism draws from many sources:

  • 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 UUA

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is an organization of over 1,000 liberal religious congregations in the United States. Each congregation is self-governing. Together, the member congregations support each other and bring to the world a vision of religious freedom, tolerance, and social justice.

Historical Background

Unitarian Universalism arose from two liberal religions, both of which were originally part of the Christian tradition.

  • Unitarians believed in the oneness of God and questioned the Trinity.
  • Universalism was founded on the premise that a loving God would not condemn a person to eternal punishment for earthly errors.

 

The two denominations merged in 1961. Over the years, Unitarian Universalism has evolved into an even more open and accepting faith.
Many UU congregations begin their worship services by lighting a flame in a chalice. This symbol of Unitarian Universalism has multiple origins and meanings.

The Flaming Chalice

In 1415, Bohemian church reformer John (Jan) Huss was burned at the stake for his heresies. One of them was offering the communion chalice to the common people. After his death, the combination of the chalice and the flame became a symbol of religious freedom.

During World War II, the Unitarian Service Committee adopted the flaming chalice as its symbol during its efforts to help refugees escape Nazi persecution.

Over the years, the flaming chalice became the symbol of Unitarian Universalism. To many, the chalice represents religious community. The flame is often thought of as a symbol of truth, spirit, freedom, sacrifice, or other ideas.

Sometimes the flaming chalice logo appears within two interlocking circles. These circles represent the merging of the Unitarian and Universalist denominations.

(Above information has been adapted from the UUA website.)
For More Information visit The Unitarian Universalist Association website

Voices of a Liberal Faith

For a visual and auditory experience of Unitarian Universalism, view the 10 minute video
(embedded below, and also linked here): Voices of a Liberal Faith


 

Additional Resources
Our Unitarian Universalist Faith: Frequently Asked Questions
100 Questions That Non-Members Ask About Unitarian Universalism