Is Unitarian Universalism really a religion?

Question

Is Unitarian Universalism really a religion? It seems like anyone that is a UU can believe in anything that they want to. Some Unitarian Universalists are atheists, and others believe in Jesus. It's not organized, and it's really just a group of people getting together to decide what they believe in, isn't it? Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm really just curious.

Just to add, I've considered attending a UU church, just because I am quite unsure of what I believe in. I haven't submitted myself to any organized religion as of yet. I was really just wondering what others thought on the subject.

Answer 1

Anthropologically, you are correct. Anthropologically, a religion is a myth (a story relating man, nature, and deity) combined with an ethical code. Since UU has neither a uniform myth nor a uniform ethical code, it cannot be a religion. It would, however, be a valid philosophy.

Answer 2

It's more of an "open" Church. Many people attend these churches, including some Agnostics and I'm told some Atheists attend for the historical classes they give. They don't decide what they believe in... they all attend services that are designed to cater to ANY belief. The local UU here has services that are Pagan on certain days and Christian on others. Though I'm not sure about what days they have for Jews or those who follow Islam. It's only organized in a gov't sense... not a religious one. But it has served many people who are looking for inter-faith relationships in order to learn more about the people and their beliefs. Personally, I think this is a good thing in a general way.

Answer 3

Unitarianism was originally based on a rejection of the Trinity. They believed on in God, the Father (it was based on Socinianism). No Son, no Holy Spirit. Anymore, you can believe almost anything and belong. It is still spiritual, passages are often read from religious scriptures from several religions, not just the Bible. In the late 18th Century, many Deists began attending Unitarian churches and Thomas Jefferson predicted that Unitarianism would be the dominant religion in the United States.

Answer 4

If dogma defines religion for you, then UUs probably fall outside your view of religion.

However, UUs are highly organized. They founded Harvard! You can't accomplish that without an exquisite organization.

UUs try to achieve a respectful coexistence with a variety of beliefs. Most would probably consider themselves agnostic, not certain of their beliefs regarding God, but acting in the most ethically responsible way possible. To do this they gather in a community of people who believe in a common way.

I think you have trouble seeing UUs as religious only because of the rigidity of the religion you know best.

Answer 5

the hassle-free premise of Unitarian Universalism is that the guy searches for reality and which capacity of their existence extremely of being advised what to pursue. the only ideals set in stone are the seven concepts, that are as follows: a million. The inherent worth and dignity of each and every man or woman 2. Justice, fairness and compassion in human family members 3. attractiveness of the different and encouragement to religious growth in our congregations 4. A loose and in charge seek for reality and which capacity 5. the main appropriate of ethical experience and using the democratic technique interior of our congregations and in society at super 6. The purpose of worldwide community with peace, liberty and justice for all 7. recognize for the interdependent cyber web of all existence of which we are an element.

Answer 6

I dont think its people getting together to decide what they believe in... I feel its people gathering together :

1. to share what they believe in
2. to share the similarities of what others believe in
3. to focus on the similarities rather than the differences
4. to understand and respect one another's faiths for better harmony

I mean heaven forbid, look at what " My God is better than your God" attitude has gotten us today? Or "My faith is purer or truer than your faith" All these attitudes invoke aggression, violence, pride, disrespect and seperation of humanity. I guess UU devotees are people who have had ENOUGH of all the dogmatism, political agendas and closed mindedness that has caused uncountable pain and despair for millions are only hoping to take a baby step to create pocket areas of a more peaceful world.

Answer 7

Dear Curious,

I don't think your wrong, it's a good questions. I looked it up and this is what I found.

Unitarianism is a theological error that holds to the unity of God by denying the Trinity, the deity of Jesus, and the deity of the Holy Spirit. Unitarians teach the unity of God and hold to a common system of believing as you will about God, salvation, sin, etc. They often profess to have no dogma. Unitarians also hold to the universal redemption of all mankind.

Universalism the teaching that all people will eventually be saved through the universal redemption of Jesus. Some universalists teach that even the devil, after a time of punishment, will be redeemed.

Answer 8

I'm at the Library, while my good wife is making Thanksgiving Dinner, how dare you question the Amish. Hey my child, God Answers Prayers but only to those that are true to him. If you submit to the Power Companies and Join the Service to Kill People you will go to Hell. God will only Save the Christians that don't give into Society, The Evil Rock Music, the Computer, Electricity. Use only natural things of God, No Dishwashers, no Irons. etc. Only Amish will meet God. I pray for you