Unitarian Universalists vary in their approach to prayer—regarding both what it means and how it might happen. UUs generally agree that prayer is aligning our full attention with something greater or something deeply internal. But individuals approach prayer differently. Some focus on meditation, the slowing of thoughts and the deliberate placing of attention on the present moment. … Continue reading How We Pray [#22]
What do Unitarian Universalists worship? They know they are not at the center of the universe. Something larger, much grander and wiser than themselves, exists. But what is that “something larger”? Their answers vary, depending on their individual theology. Some believe what’s larger is the integrated wisdom drawn from seekers’ spiritual explorations. Some believe it’s whatever … Continue reading How We View Worship [#21]
Unitarian Universalists are called to respond to the world by feeling its sorrows, as well as its joys. At times, they are heartbroken about some conditions in our country and the world, but they never despair. They feel grateful for their extraordinary legacy of independence. They know that they are blessed with the gift of freedom to believe or to doubt, and with the gift … Continue reading What Gives Us Deep Concern and Joy [#20]
Unitarian Universalists believe there is some wisdom in all the world’s religions. Each has valuable views to offer about humanity and our life in the world. Therefore, UU’s keep their minds open regarding the religious questions people have struggled with in all times and places. For themselves, UUs regard personal experience, conscience, and reason to … Continue reading Where Do We Find Wisdom? [#19]
What set of ideas characterize this faith tradition? Here is what most UUs believe: Freedom of religious expression. They encourage individuals to develop and share their own personal theologies, without fear of censure or reprisal. Tolerating religious ideas. They believe all religions possess intrinsic merit and have potential value for those who learn about them. Primacy … Continue reading What We Believe [#18]
Unitarian Universalists believe there is some wisdom in all the world’s religions. Each has valuable views to offer about humanity and our life in the world. Therefore, UU’s keep their minds open regarding the religious questions people have struggled with in all times and places. For themselves, UUs regard personal experience, conscience, and reason to … Continue reading How We Answer Religious Questions [#17]
posted September 17, 2022
None. A central characteristic of Unitarian Universalism is affirming individuals’ free and responsible search for truth and meaning. This lack of a predetermined doctrine reflects UU’s nature as an “orthopraxy.” An orthopraxy believes the most important religious bonds are formed out of sharing acts of justice and love. This contrasts with “orthodoxy,” a religion bound … Continue reading Are There Beliefs We Defend? [#15]
Very few. At the Unitarian Universalism Fellowship, you can hold any opinion you want about the existence of a god and what to call that god. And you can change, your opinion over time. You can follow your conscience, your readings, your thoughts, and your desires on issues like the existence of an afterlife, the … Continue reading What Opinions are Taboo for Us? [#14]
Unitarian Universalism is at a crucial moment in its history. UUs haven’t always been fully aware of or willing to grapple with the systems of privilege and oppression in which they are embedded and participate. But that is changing. UUs are examining their history, their theology, their commitments, and their practices, looking for ways they … Continue reading How Woke Are We? [#13]
