Labels are notoriously misleading and unforgiving things, but Ill take the consequences of being labeled in proclaiming that UU Christianity should still be part of who we are as a religious movement. The Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) became an independent body in 2002. A Spanish physician, Michael Servetus, studied the Bible and concluded that the concept of the Trinity, as traditionally conceived, was not biblical. In December 2009, Washington, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty signed the bill to legalize same-sex marriage for the District of Columbia in All Souls Church, Unitarian (Washington, D.C.). While the Bible is an important text for some Unitarian Universalists, many seek guidance from other sacred books and religious traditions. In many UU congregations the sacred writings of all religions are respected . Instrumental music is also a common feature of the typical worship service, including preludes, offertory music, postludes, or music for contemplation. Unity Temple). Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/unitarian-universalism-christian-or-not-3977065. [1][12], The roots of Unitarian Universalism can be traced back to Protestantism[2][13] and liberal Christianity,[1][2] more specifically to Unitarianism and Christian universalism. [21] Unitarian Universalist congregations and fellowships tend to retain some Christian traditions, such as Sunday worship with a sermon and the singing of hymns. Others use names that reflect their historic roots by keeping the historical designation "Unitarian" or "Universalist" (e.g. The growth of humanism among Unitarian Universalists stemmed in part from the congregational commitment to reach a universal audience while educating U.U. It is therefore common to see Unitarian Universalists and Quakers working together. These are still good questions, and how we answer tells us more about our relationship to Jesus today than any coffee-hour discussion or theological quarrel. Historically, Unitarian Universalists have often been active in political causes, notably the civil rights movement,[101] the LGBT rights movement,[102] the social justice movement, and the feminist movement. Conversely, we expect that others should respect our right to our own beliefs. Some of the latter eventually became part of the Unitarian Universalist Association (formed in 1961) during a consolidation of the Unitarian and Universalist churches. Individuals may or may not self-identify as Christians or subscribe to Christian beliefs. [49], In 1961 the American Unitarian Association (AUA) was consolidated with the Universalist Church of America (UCA), thus forming the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). A few congregations use neither (e.g. Our liberal Christian roots are visible in the windows of some of our older congregations. Yet I believe that people who are attracted to a place of free faith, spiritual seeking, and non-dogmatic religion have much to gain by grappling with the legacy of this teacher whose power and charisma seem undimmed from two thousand years ago. In preparation for Justice GA in Phoenix, Ariz., (June 20-24, 2012) the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and the Unitarian Universalist Service Unitarian Universalist beliefs, customs, history, statistics and more in a handy format for newcomers, or anyone interested in the UU faith. Unitarian Universalist Christians reflect on their faith, their unique position within Unitarian Universalism, and the great diversity of spiritual practices and worship cultures across their community. (2021, September 10). Sinkford denied such motives, citing the words of Unitarian Universalist humanists as examples of what he meant by "language of reverence".[116]. [137] The highest concentrations are in New England and around Seattle, Washington. The Christian Universalist Association (CUA) expressed on their website the belief that God, "is Love, Light, Truth, and Spirit, the Creator of the universe, whom we are called to seek, know, and love; and whose nature was revealed to the world in the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.". Influenced by the Socinian doctrine of the Polish Brethren, the Unitarian minister Samuel Clarke (16751729) revised the Book of Common Prayer, removing the Trinitarian Nicene Creed and references to Jesus as God. Unitarian churches were formally established in Transylvania and Poland (by the Socinians) in the second half of the 16th century. Instead, it adheres to seven principles: 4 1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person. [111] Without the knowledge or approval of the UUA, the program was approved by the BSA Religious Relationships committee in 2005. Congregation starts, reading the words in italics. "Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo"). Personal stories reveal what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist Christian today. He advocated that Unitarian Universalists should regain their proper seat at the interfaith table by making this language their own. A Universalist is someone who believes that all people will go to heaven; everyone receives salvation. The efforts of Clarke and Lindsey met with substantial criticism from the more conservative clergy and laity of the Church of England. Most Unitarian Universalist Christians believe in God, but not the traditional God-as-Trinity that most Christian churches promote. The service also includes hymn-singing, accompanied by organ, piano, or other available instruments, and possibly led by a song leader or choir. Here are examples of the speeches submitted: In Unitarian Universalist congregations, we gather in community to support our individual spiritual journeys. Although the list, first adopted in 1984 and revised in 1995 and 2018, is not meant to be exhaustive, it lists some major influences on modern Unitarian Universalist practice, including: Although the predecessors of Unitarian Universalism, Unitarianism and Universalism, find their origin in unorthodox beliefs about the nature of the Christian God, modern Unitarian Universalists hold a variety of views about the nature and existence of deity. [141] In 2015, the CUC reported 3,804 members.[142]. A group of thirty Philippine congregations is represented as a sole member within the UUA. Beliefs of Universalism: God, Sin, and Salvation. On the forefront of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer inclusion for more than 40 years, we are people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Because Unitarian Universalism is a faith with Christian roots, many Unitarian Universalists consider the Bible to be a sacred, albeit not inerrant, text. Although Humanism is seen as an evolving philosophy where the limits of science and reason are recognized, its tenets continue to play a large role in the thought of Unitarian Universalist congregations. Many congregations also allow for a time at the end of the service, called "talk back", where members of the congregation can respond to the sermon with their own insights and questions, or even disagree with the viewpoint expressed by the minister or invited speaker. "Is Unitarian Universalism a Christian Church?" The "borrowing" of religious rituals from other faith traditions by Unitarian Universalists was discussed at the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly in 2001 during a seminar titled "Cultural Appropriation: Reckless Borrowing or Appropriate Cultural Sharing" by the Religious Education Dept, UUA. The holy oil burning in it is a symbol of helpfulness and sacrifice.[90]. The term may refer to any belief about the nature of Jesus Christ that affirms God as a singular entity and rejects the doctrine of the Trinity, as affirmed by the mainstream Christianity: a consensus of Christian bishops at the First Council of Nicaea in 325. See also History of Unitarianism. Unitarianism is not Christian. Clearly, Jesus has a place in this faith. Most adherents are also comfortable merging the findings of science into their belief system. Unitarian Universalists "deny the Trinity, deny Jesus is the incarnation of God and deny there is any eternal punishment," agreed . If anything, we are only beginning to understand the radical nature of his message. Our congregationscelebrate Christmas and Easterwith a liberal and inclusive twist. They draw from a variety of religious traditions. More from inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop. I understand and appreciate the value members of our congregations place on reason and rationality. [63] Fifteen of the thirty-four signers of Humanist Manifesto I were Unitarians and one was a Universalist. I find him more compelling and inspiring as a human being who suffered and loved and claimed that no one is perfect but God than as the magical entity some of his most devoted followers worship. Universalist churches in contrast followed a different path, having begun as independent congregations beyond the bounds of the established Puritan churches entirely. Reasoned interpretation of the Scriptures was one of the defining characteristics of the early European Unitarians. By coincidence and unknown to both parties, the AUA was formed on the same dayMay 26, 1825as the British and Foreign Unitarian Association. ", "The Boy Scouts, a Battle and the Meaning of Faith", "Traditional Values, or a New Tradition of Prejudice? 142 likes, 18 comments. Daniel McKanan, "Unitarianism, Universalism, and Unitarian Universalism", Harris, MW. This faith tradition has its roots in the Judeo-Christian heritage but has evolved over time to incorporate diverse religious and . Stephen Kendrick. Unitarianism and Universalism, liberal religious movements that have merged in the United States. It was created by Austrian artist Hans Deutsch. "First Unitarian Church"). Several congregations have undertaken a series of organizational, procedural and practical steps to become acknowledged as a "Welcoming Congregation": a congregation which has taken specific steps to welcome and integrate gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender (LGBT) members. Our faith tradition grew from Christianity, and one of thesixsourceswe draw upon in our worship and religious education is "Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves.". Congregations that continue these practices under their more traditional names are often federated churches or members of the Council of Christian Churches within the Unitarian Universalist Association (CCCUUA), or may have active chapters associated with the Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship or similar covenant groups. Rather than creating things people have to do, covenants in Unitarian Universalist communities create freedom by helping members know what to expect from each other. In May 2004, Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn ruled that Unitarian Universalism was not a "religion" because it "does not have one system of belief", and stripped the Red River Unitarian Universalist Church in Denison, Texas, of its tax-exempt status. [54] As such, Unitarian Universalists practice a non-creedal religion that does not require one to believe in any particular belief or doctrine. Many Unitarian Universalists (UUs) have a relationship with Christianity. Most Unitarian Universalist Christians believe in God, but not the traditional God-as-Trinity that most Christian churches promote. [2] Unitarian Universalists state that from these traditions comes a deep regard for intellectual freedom and inclusive love. [96] "Child dedications" often replace more traditional infant baptisms (such "dedications" are sometimes practiced even in "orthodox" Christian communities that do not baptize infants for theological reasons). Another important work by Buehrens, with Forrest Church, is A Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism,[119] in which the authors present the many sources of the Unitarian Universalist faith. [86] These are short speeches that could be made in the course of an elevator ride to those who knew nothing of the religion. In 2004, UU World magazine asked for contributions of "elevator speeches" explaining Unitarian Universalism. Description Table of Contents Excerpt Praise and Reviews "[71][72], In the Philippines, where Unitarian Universalism is much more theistically oriented, member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines affirm the seven principles of their North American counterparts in addition to their own first principle, "There is God. A map using 2010 U.S. Census data showing the relative number of congregations per 1million people is posted here. Children's and youth's religious education classes teach about the divinity of the world and the sanctity of world religions. 3: "Thus was brought to birth, triumphantly, in 1825, The British And Foreign Unitarian Association. 1 relative to its total population. The Universalist Church of America ( UCA) was originally a Christian Universalist religious denomination in the United States (plus affiliated churches in other parts of the world). The official stance of the UUA is for the legalization of same-sex marriage"Siding with Love". In attendance were Lee, Joseph Priestley and the agent of the Massachusetts Colony, Benjamin Franklin. [1] Unlike most religions, however, it has no dogma or particular theology, but instead promotes tolerance, humanism, and reasonable discussion of religious matters. [57] Although members are cautioned to be aware of possible cultural appropriation of traditions that do not belong to them, Unitarian Universalists are encouraged to find wisdom in a diverse spectrum of religions, customs, and cultures from around the world.[58]. [29] Christian universalism denies the doctrine of everlasting damnation, and proclaims belief in an entirely loving God who will ultimately redeem all human beings. A Homily for World Wide Communion Sunday", "The Religious Affiliations of U.S. Presidents", Unitarian Universalist Church Has Rich Civil Rights History, "Unitarian Universalist Policy and LGBTQ Issues", "Unitarians Endorse Homosexual Marriages", "Unitarian Universalist Association: Rule II, Section C-2.3. [44] In the late 18th century, conflict grew within some of these churches between Unitarian and Trinitarian factions. The reality is that no matter what religious source or tradition is most precious to us, it should not overwhelm the great freedom and invitation that Unitarian Universalism offers us. Although Unitarian Universalists believe that anyone can be a Humanist, regardless of their position on the use of language of divinity, the rise of religious humanism within Unitarian Universalism enable members to be able to further question the existence and nature of the divine through its encouragement towards reason. Nontrinitarianism was especially prevalent during the theological turmoils of the Protestant Reformation. Why? The Bible Is Not the Final Authority in Unitarian Universalism. [20] At the time of the North American consolidation, Unitarians and Universalists expanded beyond their roots in liberal Christian theology. second women's rights convention was held at the First Unitarian Church of Rochester, New York. As a result, issues of justice, including social justice are held in common among most. There were several different forms of Christology in the beginnings of the Unitarian movement; ultimately, the dominant Christology became psilanthropism: that Jesus was a man, but one with a unique relationship to God. Many Unitarian Universalists see this work as inseparable from their Unitarian Universalist faith, and see their participation in justice movements as a deeply important part of their religious faith. More from inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop. If words like Kingdom trouble us today, the better translation of what he said is, The realm of Abba dwells among us now. When asked what the realm of God was, he did not spin metaphors about golden gates and heavenly vistas, but simply replied, The Kingdom of God is within you. I believe it still is. Those who had joined the meal, knew the significance<br />. But if I work at it, someday I might be. Helps to stimulate dialogue about Jesus Christ, whether or not we find him central to our faith life. Unlike Christianity, the UUA does not hold to any particular doctrine. Though Unitarianism and Universalism were both liberal Christian traditions, this responsible search has led us to embrace diverse teachings from Eastern and Western religions and philosophies. [97] Confirmation may be replaced by a "Coming of Age" program, in which teenagers explore their individual religious identity, often developing their own credo. Also of note is that there are many more people who identify as Unitarian Universalist on surveys than those who attend Unitarian Universalist congregations (by a factor of four in a recent survey),[85] reflecting those who have never joined (and lapsed members) but nonetheless consider themselves part of the Unitarian Universalist movement. But Unitarian Universalists (UUs) can and should have an expansive view of the nature of Jesus and his teachings. Mary Fairchild is a full-time Christian minister, writer, and editor of two Christian anthologies, including "Stories of Calvary.". Of the communion in His love, stronger than death.<br />. It's a blessing each of us was born; It matters what we do with our lives; What each of us knows about God is a piece of the truth; We don't have to do it alone. [42], In the United States, the Unitarian movement began primarily in the Congregational parish churches of New England, which were part of the state church of Massachusetts. 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 people which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love; Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves; 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. Gay men, bisexuals, and lesbians are also regularly ordained as ministers, and a number of gay, bisexual, and lesbian ministers have, themselves, now become legally married to their partners. In response, in 1774, Lindsey applied for registration of the Essex House as a "Dissenting place of worship" with the assistance of barrister John Lee. Unitarian Universalists, therefore, are not necessarily Christians, though some remain Christ-centered in their spirituality. [46], In the 19th century, under the influence of Ralph Waldo Emerson (who had been a Unitarian minister)[47] and other transcendentalists, Unitarianism began its long journey from liberal Protestantism to its more pluralist form. The most recent worship songbook published by the denomination, Singing the Journey[94] contains 75 songs and is a supplement to the older Singing the Living Tradition which contains readings as well. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The chalice itself has long been a symbol of liberal religion, and indeed liberal Christianity (the Disciples of Christ also use a chalice as their denomination symbol[89]). [98], In the 19th century, Unitarians and Universalists were active in abolitionism, the women's movement, the temperance movement, and other social reform movements. Whether we're moving away from a rigid Christian upbringingor moving toward an all-loving God, whether we call ourselves "Christian" or simply admire Jesus, we have a place in Unitarian Universalism. Members might tell you that they are religious humanists, liberal Christians, world religionists, or feminists. [112][113], Later events made these issues moot: In 2013, BSA opened its membership to gay youth, followed by opening membership to gay adults in 2015, which policy changes resolved the main UUA objection to supporting BSA. There is a wide variety in how congregations conceive of themselves, calling themselves "churches", "societies", "fellowships", "congregations", or eschew the use of any particular descriptor (e.g. Upon being notified of the UUSO program the UUA issued a statement (March 16, 2005) clarifying that UUSO was not an affiliate organization of the UUA and asserting that, contrary to reports otherwise, UU congregations were still awarding the UUA Religion in Life emblem to their youth members in BSA Scoutswhich emblems then were worn on the Scouts' uniforms without complaint from the BSA. This is true whether the agreement is between just two, as in a union of marriage, or whether the agreement is among millions, as in a free nation, or whether the agreement is among members who gather to be a free congregation. This is a list of writers who advocated Christian Universalismspecifically, Trinitarian Universalism prior to the 1961 creation of the Unitarian Universalist Association. In the context of universalism, the Unitarianism discussed here is that belief that denies the Trinity, the deity of Christ, the personhood of the Holy Spirit, eternal punishment, and the vicarious atonement of Jesus. [35] On the Sunday following the registrationApril 17, 1774the first true Unitarian congregation discreetly convened in the provisional Essex Street Chapel. For more information contact info@uua.org. [3][12] Congregations and members seek inspiration and derive insight from all major world religions. If you did, you served him in the highest sense. A collaborative UUSC-UUA JustWorks a special trip for seminarians to MPP's eco-village will kick off the inaugural rebuilding project of UUSC's UUSC/UUA JustWorks Trip to Haiti for Seminarians. [40] Unitarian congregations in Britain meet under the auspices of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches. Unitarian Universalism is seen as compatible with other spiritual paths, and individual Unitarian Universalists are encouraged to engage in their own spiritual journey, whatever the path. Some people today are not aware that Universalism can refer to a Christian theological belief, and was once in fact embodied in a Christian denomination. I have learned so much from each layer of my experience as a Unitarian Universalist, and I hope that we can preserve and protect all these influences and traditions among us. UUs may view Jesus as a moral exemplar, practicing the compassion, generosity, and mercy that . [45] [30][31], Historically, several forms of Nontrinitarianism have appeared within Christianity. We are Unitarian Universalist and Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan, atheist and agnostic, believers in God, and more. Pack of 25 pamphlets. They hold that belief divorced from action does not change the world, and that good intentions often leads to a worse situation in the long term. The 10 Best Books for Skeptics of Christianity, Get to Know the Basic Beliefs of Christianity, Willow Creek Association, Now Global Leadership Network, Introduction to the Catholic Religion: Beliefs, Practices and History, Eastern Orthodox Church Beliefs and Practices, United Church of Christ Beliefs: An Evolving Theology, Biography of Charles Spurgeon, Prince of Preachers, Biography of George Fox, Founder of the Religious Society of Friends, Unitarian Universalist Beliefs & Practices, General Biblical Studies, Interdenominational Christian Training Center. The main focus of its teaching is that there is one God, but that he is not a Trinitarian being. These are often termed "seventh principle" activities because of the seventh principle quoted above. However, some Unitarian Universalist congregations have grown to appreciate alternative terms such as fellowship and retained them even though they have grown much larger or lost features sometimes associated with their use (such as, in the case of fellowships, a traditionally lay-led worship model).[84]. [10][11] Unitarian Universalists assert no creed,[2] but instead are unified by their shared search for spiritual growth,[1][3][12] describing themselves as a liberal religion. The UU Christian God is all-loving, as our Universalist forbears taught, and a unity, as our Unitarian forebears taught. [61][62], The diversity of beliefs about divinity in Unitarian Universalism can be accounted for because of the influence of religious humanism on the movement in the late nineteenth century. I find Jesus of Nazareth a compelling teacher, master poet, troublemaker, and insistent companion on the narrow path, which is to say reality. I now serve in a church where Ralph Waldo Emerson was once minister. Copyright 1996-2023 Unitarian Universalist Association.All Rights Reserved. [110], In 2004, the Unitarian Universalist Scouters Organization (UUSO), a group not affiliated with the UUA, established their "Living Your Religion" emblems program for UU-BSA scouts. Visit the widows? Privacy Policy. This page was last edited on 13 July 2023, at 17:35. Privacy Policy. This God is too big to be contained in one person, one book, one tradition, or one time in history. Part of the covenant among Unitarian Universalist congregations in North America is a list of six sources that contemporary Unitarian Universalism draws from. We live out these Principles within a "living tradition" of wisdom and spirituality, drawn from sources as diverse as science, poetry, scripture, and personal experience. The debate saw the publication of a book by the UUA Beacon Press, written by former UUA President John Buehrens[117] and titled Understanding the Bible: An Introduction for skeptics, seekers, and religious liberals. There is no doubt that Jesus is troubling, provocative, even annoying at times, but we Unitarian Universalists are known as troublemakers as well. Of course not. Unitarian Universalists believe more than one thing. [24], Universalists claim a long history, beginning with several Church Fathers, though some modern scholars question whether these church fathers taught the defining doctrine of Universalism (universal salvation). Because the religion does not require a belief in God, Christ's divinity, or the trinity doctrine, most traditional Christian faith groups would classify them as a non-Christian cult. [133] In 1965 Conkin wrote, "In 1961, at the time of the merger, membership [in the United States] was 104,821 in 651congregations, and the joint membership soared to its historically highest level in the mid-1960s (an estimated 250,000) before falling sharply back in the 1970s". Nevertheless, other interpretations have been suggested, such as the chalice used by the followers of Czech Jan Hus, which was supposedly reverential of Eastern Orthodox traditions; although Hus's early National Church was intrinsically an evangelical Protestant. Our spirituality is unbounded, drawing from scripture and science, nature and philosophy, personal experience and ancient tradition as described in our six Sources. Some of ourUU congregations areChristian in orientation, worshipping regularly with the New Testament, offering Communion, and celebrating Christian holidays throughout the year. After they have completed exploring their spiritual beliefs, they write a speech about it which they then personally deliver to the congregation. The Boy Scouts of America vs. the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations", "Unitarian Universalist Scouters Organization", "UUA and the Scouts: Statement from the Unitarian Universalist Association", "Religious Emblems Programs Available to Members of the Boy Scouts of America", "Human reverence: The language of reverence is the language of humanity", "Religion Journal; A Heated Debate Flares in Unitarian Universalism", "Past Unitarian Universalist Association President John A. Buehrens on why even humanists should read the Bible", "Cultural Appropriation: Reckless Borrowing or Appropriate Cultural Sharing", "When Worship Becomes Cultural Misappropriation", "Unitarian Universalist president resigns amid diversity controversy", "Critics see white supremacy in UUA hiring practices", "Unitarian Universalists Denounce White Supremacy, Make Leadership Changes", "What happens when a church dedicated to fighting white supremacy is accused of it", "Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist (U/U) Global Headquarters and Churches", "Unitarian Universalist congregations by state", "Unitarians as a percentage of all residents", "Membership The More it Changes, the More it Stays the Same", Creative Commons-licensed Unitarian Universalist sites and resources, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Unitarian_Universalism&oldid=1165204246.