Have you ever attended a Unitarian Universalism Church?

Question

I have attended before and I really enjoyed it..I love it's celebration on diversity..

If you have attended one what was your likes or dislikes about it?

Answer 1

I have been a UU for about 5-6 years. I wanted to clear up some misconceptions in the answers above.

In response to Shae's answer: I just wanted to point out that the Unity Church and the Unitarian Universalist Association are not the same church. So the answer from the person who is a pianist and musician for a Unity church is off-topic, although I'm glad she enjoys her church.

Also, to J.: universalism is *not* the belief that all paths lead to God. Rather, it is the belief that God is too good to send any of His creations to Hell, and therefore salvation will be universal.

To 182..: The only people who regard UUism as a cult are people who think that "cult" means "anything that's not Christian." UUism is intentionally as *opposite* to the definition of "cult" as possible. There is no central leader, all power rests in the hands of the members and the democratically-elected leaders of each congregation, no pyramid structure, questioning is not only accepted but seen as an obligation, there are no requirements as to how to live or act, people can and do come and go from the church as they wish, and UUism teaches it is impossible for one group to have the ultimate truth to the exclusion of other groups. In other words, the exact opposite of the "Checklist of Cult Characteristics" I reference.

To Tex S.: UUism is not a Christian denomination and doesn't claim to be.

Answer 2

I'm a pianist/music director for a Unity Church, though I'm not a member. I'm impressed that no one there rides my neck to join. One of the reasons I keep coming back !

Out of all Western 'organized religions' I've experienced first hand, Unity (and it's cousin Science of Mind/Religious Science ) feels the most friendly, open-minded, and truly joyful. I have never felt that anyone was attempting to push information down my gullet or condemning me if I don't agree. The general atmosphere really does seem to be that of Live and Let Live. The presence of tolerance, peace, and the Higher Power feels tangibly prevelent to me.

At least, it is at the church I work for. And there's room for humor too. I shared the "What if Jesus had Tourette's" post here at church today, and the choir director almost lost it - :)

I, too, love the diversity of spiritual backrounds and lifestyles.

As far as dislikes, at present, mine are only the usual petty yack that comes from getting a bunch of people together in one room.

Unity's pretty cool. I feel free to stretch my spiritual limbs and explore.

*Bless* Shae

Answer 3

Likes: The Unitarian movement within Protestantism that states Christianity is a religion of Jesus instead of about Jesus. This explores a different protest not supported by mainstream Protestantism.

Dislikes: Universalism that make all religion no religion. There is one revelation that leads us to God.

Answer 4

Yes, I've attended Unitarian Universalist services (although I'm not a Unitarian myself). I admire the Unitarians and their commitment to both social and theological diversity. I've learned a great deal from them, and will definitely go back.

Answer 5

Yes, I go pretty regularly - I particularly enjoy the diversity of people at the service and the different approaches to seeking meaning in our lives.

Answer 6

I am a Unitarian Universalist, and bluebutterfliesgirl seems to be one of the only people on here who knows anything about UU's.

UU services generally have singing and call and response and a sermon, much like other church groups. But sometimes there are more creative services. We are known for our work in human rights and social justice, throughout US history speaking out on issues such as peace, education reform, prison reform, orphanages, capital punishment, moderation in temperance, ministry to the poor, etc. UU's helped abolish slavery and get women and black men the vote, and in recent years has supported marriage equality.

I recommend you go to the UUA.org website, but here are the highlights I copied from there:

Originally, all Unitarians were Christians who didn't believe in the Holy Trinity of God (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost). Instead, they believe in the unity, or single aspect, of God. Unitarianism eventually began to stress the importance of rational thinking, each person's direct relationship with God, and the humanity of Jesus.

There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations 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.

Unitarian Universalism (UU) 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.

Answer 7

I'm an ole UU from CT now living in O'boro KY. Heck, we attend almost every week as I've found a tremendously caring , wonderful bunch of UU's (we're mostly a great lot....)
check our site uucowensboro.org

Answer 8

It's a great experience. IMHO, UU'ers seem to be very independent thinkers, as well as GREAT humanitarians.

UU-er's LOOOVE life, it seems.

They have always been alot of fun to be around also. And for the most part, they also seem very determined to do and be the very best they can be.

Answer 9

Hey, I'm thinking about going. There is one just down the street from my house. Maybe I will take this as a sign that I should go. Cool. Later...

Answer 10

No


atheist