What are the basic beliefs of a Universal Unitarian?

Question

What are the basic beliefs, fundamentals, morals, etc?

Answer 1

Oph_chad certainly provides you the definitive statement about the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Throughout US history, however, Unitarians individually have -- like other religious groups -- experienced changes in focus and have represented a spectrum of "basic beliefs" and practices. Originally, the hallmark of the Unitarian was a belief in the unity of Spirit. Christ was seen not as a coequal part of the three-person godhead but as a human "son" of God. His teachings were admired, respected, interpreted, followed but he himself was not worshipped.

In a second phase, generally identified with American Transcendentalism, a belief in the transcendence of Spirit was held firmly and Christ was still identified as a trustworthy teacher and prophet, but the emphasis began to be on congregational autonomy, individual freedom, and certain variations on the mystic experience of transcendental Reality. Ralph Waldo Emerson's teachings and writings were greatly admired. In 1894 in Saratoga, a "constitution" was passed, which included the following statement:

"These churches accept the religion of Jesus, holding, in accordance with his teaching, that practical religion is summed up in love to God and love to man. The conference recognizes the fact that its constituency is Congregational in tradition and polity. Therefore it declares that nothing in this constitution is to be construed as an authoritative test; and we cordially invite to our working fellowship any who, while differing from us in belief, are in general sympathy with our spirit and our practical aims."

As you will see, the predominant features of this statement include (1) identity with Jesus Christ and his practical teachings, (2) congregational autonomy, and (3) tolerance of each individual's personal beliefs and practice, providing these are in harmony "with our spirit and our practical aims."

The current UUA, as you will notice in their statement, have downplayed the identity with Christ. In the meantime, a number of other Christian groups and denominations have accepted the Unitarian principles and would glady join the UUA in its 1997 statement of "principles and purposes"; however, their members personally want to retain a more open, perhaps even evangelical, identification with the Christ. Influenced by 20th century thinking, as represented for example by Richard and Reinhold Neibuhr and Paul Tillich, they still uphold the teachings of the Christian scriptures, find personal fulfillment in some of the rituals of Christian worship, especially its hymnody, and use traditional terminology (such as God the Father, Jesus Immanuel, Holy Spirit as well as Divine Spirit, the Infinite, the Transcendent and Immanent, Wisdom or Sophia, a holy mother), and the like.

So, to answer your question, there is the UUA, a formal organization, and there are independent Christian unitarians, who may be members of denominations or private believers and worshippers.

For you see, yes indeed, one can be a Christian and still respect Taoists, Buddhists, nativists, Zoroastrians, Muslims, and other religious activitists. What such Christians probably CANNOT tolerate are arrogant, militant, prejudiced fundamentalists and jihadists--the kind of person from any religious background who, for example, would condemn Unitarians as Satanists or as lost sinners destined for an eternal hell by a "Christian" god.

Answer 2

Unitarian Universalism believes that every religion has the truth inside it, and that each person should follow the path that they most like. They fight for freedom of religion, beliefs, homosexuality, gender, etc. And they say that you have to respect everyone because that brings you peace.

They don't have established beliefs or rules to follow, rather they want to learn what every religion has to say about the world, and make group discussions. I think that's the most important stuff about UU.

Answer 3

They are so much undoubtedly welcoming to agnostics. The church carrier is extra approximately fellowship. If a aspect of the carrier does not follow to you, do not do it. I was once as soon as at a unitarian church and a young person stated to an older member of the congregation, "I've been studying plenty approximately Satanism." The guy simply responded, "Oh?" Now what different church could you uncover that reaction in? :) (Satanism's fundamental tenets are the reverse of UU fundamental tenets, however I'm certain a satanist could nonetheless be welcomed.)

Answer 4

"Unitarian Universalism required tolerance and understanding of all respectful religious paths, including Christianity." [according to the UUA Public Information Assistant]
They do not have a creed or statement of beliefs. They believe in ethical living.

Answer 5

I think you mean Unitarian Universalist, not the other way around. Anyway, their beliefs can be summed up thusly: "Do whatever you feel is right." Coincidentally, that is very similar to this quote: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law". That was written by Aleister Crowly in his "book of law" the foundation of modern Satanism. Hmmm.

Answer 6

That there is some truth in all religions.

That every person should make up his/her mind about God and His / Her prophets.

That the search for truth is easier if you join with like-minded people.

It is an odd church. Universalists started out as Christians who believed in Universal Salvation. Unitarians started out as Christians who didn't believe in the Trinity. They both got more liberal. They merged into the Unitarian Universalists in 1961. They believe in a lot of things, just not unanimously.

If you heard Carson Kressley tell people he was ordained by the Universalist Unitarian church of Modesto, California, he was mistaken. Read all about it:
http://www.stanuu.org/carson.html

Beliefs:
http://www.stanuu.org/beliefs.html

Here's one statement of belief written by William Channing Gannett. Adopted 59 to 13 by the Western Unitarian Conference in 1887 to accommodate non-Christians among the Unitarians. "Western" was anywhere west of Massachusetts back then. Even in 1887 we didn't all believe in God, and we were not unaminous about what we did believe.

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We believe that to love the Good and to live the Good is the supreme thing in religion.

We hold reason and conscience to be final authorities in matters of religious belief.

We honor the Bible and all inspiring scripture, old and new.

We revere Jesus, and all holy souls that have taught men truth and righteousness and love, as prophets of religion.

We believe in the growing nobility of Man.

We trust the unfolding Universe as beautiful, beneficent, unchanging Order; to know this order is truth; to obey it is right and liberty and stronger life.

We believe that good and evil invariably carry their own recompense, no good thing being failure and no evil thing success; that heaven and hell are states of being; that no evil can befall the good man in either life or death; that all things work together for the victory of the Good.

We believe that we ought to join hands and work to make the good things better and the worst good, counting nothing good for self that is not good for all.

We believe that this self-forgetting, loyal life awakes in man the sense of union here and now with things eternal - the sense of deathlessness; and this sense is to us an earnest of the life to come.

We worship One-in All -- that life whence suns and stars derive their orbits and the soul of man its Ought, -- that Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, giving us power to become the sons of God, -- that Love with which ours souls commune.

Answer 7

The believe Satan and the demons will be forgiven by God. All the persons that have gone to a fiery hell will be released according to them, and be forgiven by God. This is not a biblical teaching.

Answer 8

I think basically that you can get something good out of all religions so you should learn a little bit of them all.

Answer 9

The Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (commonly called the Unitarian Universalist Association or UUA) is a liberal religious organization, serving the Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations of North America.
Unitarianism Universalism is an unusual religious organization, because it does not require its adherents to adhere to specific beliefs. It sees its main function as facilitating the spiritual quest of its members.
Unitarian Universalist Statement of Principles and Purposes:
The UUA adopted the following Principles and Purposes in 1997:
The Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association
"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
The living tradition we share 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 keep 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.
Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support."
The Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association:
"The Unitarian Universalist Association shall devote its resources to and exercise its corporate powers for religious, educational and humanitarian purposes. The primary purpose of the Association is to serve the needs of its member congregations, organize new congregations, extend and strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions and implement its principles.

The Association declares and affirms its special responsibility, and that of its member societies and organizations, to promote the full participation of persons in all of its and their activities and in the full range of human endeavor without regard to race, color, sex, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, age, or national origin and without requiring adherence to any particular interpretation of religion or to any particular religious belief or creed.

Nothing herein shall be deemed to infringe upon the individual freedom of belief which is inherent in the Universalist and Unitarian heritages or to conflict with any statement of purpose, covenant, or bond of union used by any society unless such is used as a creedal test."

Answer 10

That each person's Christian experience is different, and should be respected.