Unitarian Universalists come from a range of beliefs: Humanist, Atheist, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, Baha'i, Transcendalist, Agnostic, New Ager, Pagan, etc. Unitarian Universalism is a creedless religion. It believes in deeds not creeds. UUism doesn't tell people what to believe, but instead encourages each person to discover for themselves what it is they believe. Because beliefs can change over time, UUism's lifespan spiritual development (Religious Education) is a way for members of a UU congregation to learn about different religious and spiritual traditions, as well as through discussion to learn from and share with one another. The Seven Principles listed above are the values that all UUs share and it is these seven principles that unite all UUs together.
What's with the long name?
Unitarians and Universalists merged together in 1963 and formed the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. Prior to that the Unitarians and Universalists were independent of each other. It was in 1963 that they realized that they had a lot more in common with each other and thus decided to join together. Once joined that is how the long name came into existence.
What did Unitarians believe?
Unitarians began in the mid 1500s. They broke with traditional Christianity by stating firmly that they did not believe in the Trinity, but instead in the Unity of God. That led them to also believe in the unity of humanity. That belief led them to believe that everyone is saved not through belief, but instead salvation came through one's character and how one lived their life. This meant that Unitarians were big believers in going out into the world and standing up for justice.
What did Universalists believe?
Universalists began in America in the late 1700s. They were merchants and farmers who believed firmly that a loving God would not condemn someone to Hell. Instead they believed that salvation had been achieved for everyone. Univeralists also believed that what was more important wasn't what someone believed, but instead was what they did for others that was important.
Are Unitarian Universalists a Christian denomination?
No. Unitarian Universalism has emerged as a unique religious tradition, though its roots definitely begin in the Christian tradition. Both early Unitarians and Universalists were Christians, technically (most traditional Christians would disagree), but over time their theological beliefs and approaches to spirituality and religion would move both traditions to what they are today and thus the reason for their merger in 1963. There are still Christians in Unitarian Univeralism, just as there are Hindus, Buddhists, Wiccans, Pagans, Muslims, Jews, etc. But the religion as a whole is not considered a denomination.
Sometimes you say "church" sometimes you say "congregation" and sometimes you say "fellowship"...why?
The terms are used interchangeably. Those congregations that pre-existed the merger many times were definitely called a church. Some places chose to change their name to fellowship or congregation so as not to seem to exclude those who aren't Christian. Today each congregation is unique and able to choose their name. Some choose church others choose another name.
So in a really short way how would you describe Unitarian Universalism?
Unitarian Universalism is a unique, liberal religious tradition that embraces and welcomes everyone. It is a creedless religion that focus more on deeds and instead of telling each member what to believe encourages them to discover for themselves what it is that they believe. While each of the members all hold differing beliefs, they are united by the seven principles that all congregations work to affirm and promote both within their congregation and in their community. UUs are active in their community, standing up for social justice and welcoming others.
What is some History of UUs?
Both Unitarians and Universalists fought to end slavery in the US. They fought to give women the right to vote. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, Unitarians and Universalists sent more members than any other religious body in the US to help fight for those rights and in 1973 the Unitarian Universalist Association was the first religious group in the US to full welcome and include GLBT people into their congregations and in clergy and declare that GLBT Rights are Civil Rights and Civil Rights are Human Rights. Some famous Unitarian Universalists are: John Adams (2nd US President), John Quincy Adams (5th US President), Thomas Jefferson (3rd US President), Clara Barton (founder of the American Red Cross), Ralph Waldo Emerson (poet), Henry David Thoreau (Transcendalist/Philosopher/Writer), Christopher Reeves (Actor/Activist). Just to name a few.
Want to learn more: Join us at the Enid UU Fellowship. We'd be glad to have you come!