Because UUs respect a wide range of beliefs, some think they hold none themselves. Untrue.
Here are some UU beliefs:
- The freedom of religious expression. Individuals are encouraged to develop their own personal theologies, and to share them without fear of censure or reprisal.
- Tolerating religious ideas. All religions, in every age and culture, possess intrinsic merit and have potential value for those who learn about them.
- The importance of reason and conscience. In religion, the ultimate arbiter is not a church, a document, or an official, but an individual’s personal choice.
- The never-ending search for truth. Keep an open mind and heart, and numerous fruitful revelations will come to you.
- The unity of experience. Faith and knowledge, religion and the world, the sacred and the secular can align, since all spring from the same reality.
- The worth and dignity of each human being. Everyone has an equal claim to life, liberty, and justice—no idea, ideal, or philosophy is superior to human life.
- The ethical application of religion. Good works emerge from a good faith–inner grace is expressed in social and community involvement.
- The motive force of love. Human relationships flourish with love that seeks others’ welfare and never to hurt or destroy.
- The necessity of democracy–records open to scrutiny, elections open to members, and ideas open to criticism—enable people to govern themselves.
- The importance of religious community. Peers confirm our experience and provide a network of mutual support, along with a critical platform.
[February 25, 2022]