Considering converting to Unitarian Universilism?

Question

Can anyone give personal insite on the religion, especially as it pertains to children?

Answer 1

Not sure what you are converting from, but if you are a Christian and a believer, stay clear of UU.

The Unitarian Universalist movement is the result of the joining of the Unitarian religion with the Universalists. The Unitarians got their start in the sixteenth century. At that time, in central Europe, a group of humanists reviewed the Bible. Finding no mention of the word “trinity”, the humanists affirmed the singular nature of God, and therefore called themselves Unitarians (Christians admit there is no mention of the word “trinity” in the Bible. It is a word used to describe the triune nature of God – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – which is fully Biblical.)

During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, liberal religious groups studied the Bible and found only a few references to hell. Not wanting to believe that such a place of eternal suffering existed, they chose to disregard its mention altogether, and instead formed a belief that all people will go to heaven regardless of belief, faith, or deed. In other words, they believed that salvation was universal - hence the name, “Universalists”.

These two religious movements continued on, growing in popularity due to their belief that no one person is accountable to anyone but themselves. As each grew more liberal, and more similar to the other, the two movements finally joined in 1961 to form the Unitarian Universalist movement.

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion that claims to be “born of the Jewish and Christian traditions.” They believe that personal experience, conscience, and reason should be the final authorities in religion. The UUA (Unitarian Universalism Association) website states, “In the end, religious authority lies not in a book, person, or institution, but in ourselves. We put religious insights to the test of our hearts and minds.” In other words, the UU’s espouse a humanist belief of each individual in a position superior to God or scripture. The UU believes that each individual’s spiritual path for truth should not be hampered by a creed or set of rules. It describes itself as a “free faith.” Past this, it is hard to be very specific. If the UU cult believes in anything, it is everything, and it stands for nothing. Whew!

One of the most disturbing aspects of UU belief though, is their view of salvation. They do not believe in sin. Since there is no sin, there is no penalty for sin, thus there is nothing from which to be saved. In their view, all people will share in some version of what we call heaven, regardless of their personal beliefs. The UU who wrote us said, “UUs are not accountable to God, they are accountable to society, and most importantly, to themselves. Second, UUs do not profess that all will be saved. We believe that there is nothing to be saved from. We do not believe that we were born into sin as Christians do. UUs work to fulfill themselves and other people. They do not work towards fulfilling God, who may or may not exist.” UU’s seek to escape accountability to God. In my experience, most of the UU’s I’ve talked to take great pride – almost to the point of arrogance – in being “tolerant” of all faiths and lifestyles. They feel they are somehow more enlightened, and are not encumbered by any claims to exclusivity.

The website of the UUA states that “The living tradition which we share draws from many sources,” and one of these sources is, “Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.” What the UU fails to realize, is that there are spiritual laws in our universe, just as there are physical laws. Gravity will keep my feet planted on earth, whether I believe in gravity or not. I can’t see gravity. I can only rely on evidences of its existence. Many will claim that they do not believe in anything they cannot see. Yet these same people will have no problem believing in gravity or inertia, even though these are forces that cannot be seen. In the same respect, there are immutable spiritual truths. These truths do not cease being true in the face of disbelief. These truths include:

1. There is one God, eternally existent in three persons;
2. God created everything in this universe, including all the physical laws;
3. God gave humans free will, to choose Him over sin;
4. Humans rebelled, and sin was introduced;
5. All mankind is inherently sinful;
6. The penalty for sin is eternal separation from God;
7. God is not willing that any of us should have to pay that penalty, so he came to earth, assumed the form of man (in the person of Jesus Christ), and paid the penalty for us; The gift of salvation is free to all, but the choice to accept it is up to each person.

I can choose to believe in these truths, or I can choose not to believe them, but they remain true regardless of what I believe.

One of the sources of spiritual tradition that is listed on the UUA website now, is the “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.” This particular source was not listed a year ago. It is interesting that this focus on “earth-centered” spiritual teaching has arisen during the arrival of the United Religions Initiative and Earth Charter on the world scene. Supporters of both, including former vice president Al Gore, are very much into the worship of “Gaia,” or “Mother Earth.” While the Ark of Hope was flitting about the northeastern United States, toting a copy of the Earth Charter and Temenos artifacts, many of the celebrations along the way were held at individual UU churches.

Perhaps one of the most dangerous aspects of the UU movement is its ability to pass itself off as simply a liberal Christian denomination. According to the UUA, each congregation is individually governed. Therefore, if the majority of a particular congregation were raised in Christian churches, they’ll use primarily Christian terminology in the conduct of their services. This free use of Christian terminology has lured many new Christians or seekers into the UU fold. Once inside though, each person will be pressed to relieve themselves of any exclusive notions (such as Jesus Christ being the way and the truth and the life.) They will learn that to be a good UU, he or she must acknowledge that the Buddhists and Hindus, pagans and Muslims have as much claim to spiritual truth as any Christian ever thought of.

The following text is taken from the UUA website, in their section, “About Unitarian Universalism.”

Unitarian Universalists say:

* "I want a religion that respects the differences between people and affirms every person as an individual."
* I want a church that values children, that welcomes them on their own terms—a church they are eager to attend on Sunday morning."
* "I want a congregation that cherishes freedom and encourages open dialogue on questions of faith, one in which it is okay to change your mind."
* "I want a religious community that affirms spiritual exploration and reason as ways of finding truth."
* "I want a church that acts locally and thinks globally on the great issues of our time—world peace; women's rights; racial justice; homelessness; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender rights; and protection of the environment."

There is an overriding theme here: “I want, I want, I want, I want, I want!” Contrast that to the words of Jesus, when he said in John 8:58, “before Abraham was born, I AM!” (emphasis added) It just doesn’t measure up. No amount of noble intentions or lofty ideals can save one’s soul from the fiery pit. Only Jesus can redeem. UU’s “want”, a subjective desire. Jesus IS – an immutable truth and state of being!

The writer of the email said, “UUs do not persuade people into following their ways. It's a choice. A choice that is becoming more and more popular.” At the end of 2001, the UUA claimed adult membership of 156,968. The number of adult members along with enrollees in the UU Religious Education (RE) program totaled 218,404. RE is the UU equivalent of Sunday School. While adult membership has steadily increased over the last several years at a rate between one and two percent per year, RE enrollment has increased at a slower and slower rate. In fact, 2001 saw a decline in RE enrollment from the previous year.

The RE program curriculum further illustrates that the UU’s are not a Christian Church. While some classes do use portions of the Bible for instruction (especially those portions that address “social justice”), other classes fly in the face of biblical Christianity. Classes for adults include “Paganism 101” and “Thoreau as Spiritual Guide.” It should be noted that Thoreau was a transcendentalist and a humanist – not a Christian. A class available for primary age children (ages 5 to 8) is “Celebrating Our Origins in the Universe.” This class teaches the “Big Bang” origin of the universe, as well as human evolution. Children from ages 5 to 13 can partake in classes called, “Connecting with the Earth – Ecology and Spirituality”, “Honoring our Mother Earth”, and a class that describes the biblical view on homosexuality as “homophobia.” Your high school child can take the class “Sacred Threads” which teaches various Asian religions over a course of twenty sessions. These classes cited are listed on the official UUA website on RE curriculum. Note the early indoctrination into the new age worship of “Gaia,” or Mother Earth.

Answer 2

Well, from the Roman Catholic perspective, it is a very liberal/inclusive religion. The views on the Trinity are certainly different than mainline Christianity. I can't see it as being hurtful to children if that is your question. I'm certain there are no sacraments in the Unitarian Faith, so you probably wouldn't have to have children go to a confirmation/baptism track. I guess my advice is to ask God for guidance. Several years ago I converted to the Catholic faith and it takes a lot of thought. Use your conscience. Good luck!

Answer 3

We believe that telling children they are sinful and the only way to escape Eternal Damnation is to accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior ranks right up there with "Eat your peas or the boogie man will get you."

There are a lot of religions. Most of them will tell you theirs is the One True Way, and everyone else is wrong. You can get an earful if you listen to a couple of fundamentalist hard-shell Baptists argue over whether you have to be baptized in running water (like a river) or still water (a swimming pool, stock tank or full-immersion font built for the purpose) will do.

We don't claim ours is the One True Religion. We claim it works for us.

I maintain
http://www.stanuu.org
It has some insights. Read the page on Children, then, if you like what you see, the FAQ and Beliefs pages. The guest sermon on my adventures of a UU webmaster has some bad jokes.

If you search the open questions for "Unitarian" you'll see others are as curious about us as you are.

Answer 4

Actually, jinenglish, some of them are atheists. :)

I think this is possibly the awesomest religion on the planet. I'm actually considering joining along myself (I'm an atheist). UU's are basically open to all religions (some would describe it as a "hippie religion"), and occasionally read from the Bible (regarding it as important text, not necessarily accurate). They also view Jesus, for the most part, as an important figure rather than the son of God.

Answer 5

interior the early historic context, there turned right into a consistent state of argument between the trinitarians (father, son and holy spirit all forms of God) and the unitarians (one God). The Roman Catholic Church Canon regulation pronounces idea interior the trinity. This became common below the rule of thumb of Emperor Constantine. the internet web content below grant you with further information with regard to the unitarian/trinitarian conflict and Trinitarian Universalism.

Answer 6

Im a muslim and as far as am concerned I fit perfectly into the label of Unitarian Universalism.

Which is why I think labels are such a funny thing to have.

Answer 7

oh they are just lovely!!
They celebrate all faiths and they have wonderful programs for children. You should check into it. I'm sure there's a local UU congregation around you. I think you'll find them to be warm, welcoming and wonderful.

Answer 8

Everything is everything. Kids happen. Have 'em. Love 'em. Raise 'em right.

I belong to Unity DC. Here's a link. Hope this helps. http://www.unitywdc.org/

Answer 9

I'm a sixth generation Universalist, now Unitarian Universalist. Unitarian Universalism is a non creedal, liberal religion which allows a broad range of religious expression.

Children are very important to Unitarian Universalists. We take great care in educating our children to the wide variety of spiritual practice and faith traditions in our modern world.

I am currently one of the facilitators for our "Neighboring Faiths" curriculum. This religious education program involves our middle school students visiting and learning about different denominations and faith traditions. So far we have made visits to Jewish, Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, Evangelical Christian, Islamic, and Baptist houses of worship. We are currently studying the many aspects of Paganism and will be studying Native American spirtuality shortly before taking a look at Scientology. We believe that this kind of experience is necessary for our youth. Even if they don't share the beliefs of the congregations we visit, they need to understand how people in these groups see the world and to determine what common ground we might share and how we can relate to and get along with people of different faith traditions.

One of the best ways to learn about UU is by visiting the Unitarian Universalist Association web site. Here are the principles and purposes:

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 which 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 heed 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 congregations 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, ethnicity, gender, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, age, language, citizenship status, economic status, 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 congregation unless such is used as a creedal test.

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Another and perhaps more personal way is to visit a local congregation. Each congregation has its own unique "flavor", so you may want to try more than one, if there happen to be two or more in your area. You can find the link to the congregation finder below.

Unitarian Universalism isn't for the faint of hear, you have to be ready to take responsibility for your own spiritual growth. I hope you will find what you need amoungst us.

Answer 10

I know nothing about it, but I think I found their website...
http://www.uua.org/

Answer 11

unlike Atheists, they don't eat their babies.

sometimes they'll nibble on them, though.