Does Unitarian Universalism qualify as a religion?

Question

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.

THERE IS NO MENTION OF GOD, IN ANY FORM.

Answer 1

The big three you are probably familiar with - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - all depend on a God and a moral code given to us by His prophets. Three you may have heard of - Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism - are all moral codes handed down by wise men, not prophets, and expanded by others over the ages. We UU's are proud to be a "non-prophet" organization.

We expect members to make up their own mind about the nature of God, so we don't specify how tall He is or which of His prophets were false, like some religions do. We don't say "Neener, neener, neener, we're right and you're wrong", like some Popes do.

We're not a religion for everybody, but we're a religion.

Answer 2

The Principles of Unitarians Universalist beliefs promote the growth of the spiritual life, just not in a closely defined way. Of course it is a religion - just a very open one

Answer 3

I don't know any more about UU than what you've said but I don't think religion necessarily implies a belief in God. Buddhists don't believe in God, so far as I know, but they still describe themselves as a religion. I think what makes a particular word view a religion is having a fixed set of beliefs which adherents will cling to regardless of whether there is evidence for them, having churches/temples and having specific rituals which are largely nonsensical but which all adherents are expected to participate in. Humanism isn't a religion and if all there is to UU is what you say, it isn't a religion either.

Answer 4

There is no mention of god in buddhism but people still call it a religion. Religion by definition doesn't require the belief in a "god".

Answer 5

Well we are tax exempt as a church so guess so.
The thing is UU's don't believe in ONE path to ONE god. We are encouraged to seek OUR path or lack of.
I love going to a UU church. It is by no means where I practice the real heart of my faith, but it's a fabulous community of open minded people who are willing to learn all aspects of all faiths. That's why my children go there.

Answer 6

It oughta, cuz they may doubt a little but they have reasons and I heard their churches let darn near anyone in...

Answer 7

That is what makes it a good religion.