Without parroting Wikipedia, how would you define the Unitarian religion?

Question

Good/bad/whatever.

Answer 1

Oh! "Atheists with a Social Club!!!" I love it! I'm joining up!


I was always under the perception that Unitarian religion was a single god religion that allowed for agnosticism and welcomed everyone.

Answer 2

Unitarianism is basically the antithesis of trinitarianism. The Christian church, in all of its manifestations and denominations, recognizes that God is one in certain ways and three in others. This belief is called "trinitarianism." Unitarianism, on the other hand, rejects the "three-ness" of God. Different Unitarians describe Jesus and the Holy Spirit differently, but ultimately (for Unitarians) Jesus and the Holy Spirit cannot be equal Persons of a divine Trinity.

Some people confuse unitarianism with universalism. Universalism has two variations. One is an emphasis that all people will go to a literal Heaven no matter what they believe here on the earth. The other is an emphasis on the rightness of all religious beliefs. This is more properly called "pluralism."

Some groups use both titles in their denomination title: Unitarian Universalist.

Answer 3

Unitarians are atheists with a social club.



Clarification:

Generally speaking, Unitarians do not believe in a God that intervenes on the earth. Nor, do Unitarians believe in "miracles." In other words, the "God" Unitarians profess to believe in is useless to the point of non-existence, ergo, Unitarians are atheists.

But, Unitarians are like any other group, so it depends on which person you ask.

Answer 4

The Unitarian Society was established in 1791. The term Unitarian began being used in Europe at the beginning of the 17th century. John Biddle (1615-62) is considered to be the first minister to establish a Unitarian congregation in Britain. Another early supporter was Theophilus Lindsey (1723-1808), who built the Essex Street Chapel in London in 1778. However, it was the Nonconformist minister and scientist, Joseph Priestley, who became the most important proponent of unitarianism in 18th century England. After his home was destroyed by a mob in 1791, Priestley emigrated to America.

The Unitarians drew their membership to a large extent from the scientific professions and their outlook tended to be rational and individualistic. The original intentions of the movement was to unite all Non-conformist groups but this ended in failure. There is no set doctrinal beliefs that all Unitarians agree on. In fact, the most important aspect of Unitarianism is the right of individuals to develop their own religious opinions. Therefore the bond between them consists more in their anti-dogmatism than in any uniformity of belief. However, Unitarians tend to believe that Jesus Christ was a human religious leader to be followed but not worshipped. Unitarians argued that Jesus is the "great exemplar which we ought to copy in order to perfect our union with God".

Unitarians believed that social evils were humanly created, not God inflicted, and therefore could be remedied by human efforts. Unitarians were strong advocates of democracy and argued that each congregation should manage itself without outside control. This included the power to select and discharge ministers.

Answer 5

The essence of Unitarianism is the idea that the Supreme Being is unitary, not Triune. It's really more Deistic than either Theistic OR A-theistic. It is low on doctrine, which many evolved and sensitive people find a refreshing change from orthodox Christianity.

Answer 6

Unitarianism is Christ less Christianity. It denies the deity of Jesus Christ, teach that he was just a teacher and a good man. Unitarianism is more of a lifestyle than it is a religion. It emphasis es thatt good in man rather tha man's sin nature. It is unrealistic in its approach to the world in that it denies the devil. It teaches that all people are saved, that there is no hell, and that everyone in the world is basically good. Most of its teachings are based on the writer and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, who is recognized as their greatest preacher. Jesus loves them, but they are not saved.

Answer 7

It's Unitarian Universalist and not just Unitarian. Friend I am not going to quote wikipedia...I am going to refer you to our web site so you can LEARN something on your own. So far as the guy with the Atheists Social Club...we've agnostics, reformed Cahtilocs, Jews, etc. in our midst and accept all of them for the heritage and belief systems they bring to the table. LEARN MORE AT WWW.UUA.ORG...PEACE!

Answer 8

You mean the Unitarian Universalists? I've actually done some research on that topic because this church fasinates me (although I've never actually attended). It would seem that they agree to believe that there is a higher power and allow their congregation to define for themselves precisly what that means to them. Very cool I think :)

Answer 9

Unitarians listen to others such as pagans rather than denounce.
It seems to be a neutral belief system but I think a lot can be learned by being inclusive.

Answer 10

I always tell people we are to churches what Mycroft Holmes' club was to clubs. If you remember the Adventure of the Greek Interpreter, Sherlock Holmes' brother Mycroft belonged to a club for people who didn't fit in with other clubs. Unitarian Universalism is a religion for people who don't fit in to other churches.