Meet the Unitarian Universalists
There's an old anecdote about some of us of liberal persuasion coming to a fork in the road. On one sign are the words, "To Heaven." On the other, "To a Discussion about Heaven." Without hesitation, the Unitarian Universalists choose their course. They wouldn't think of missing a discussion!
Like most stories, this one has its element of truth. We are full of ideas and characteristically anxious to express them. Whether the subject is spirituality or science, there may be as many perspectives as there are people present; yet there will be one unifying principle: namely, the right to make up one's own mind about what one believes, and the responsibility to express those beliefs in ethical action. Our hope, like Plato's, is that our interest is not in discussing trivial things; our interest is in deepening the meaning and quality of living.
Seeing this process in action, people frequently say, "I have been a Unitarian Universalist for years without knowing it!" It may be true for you, but how can you tell?
As a beginning, you can see if any of these questions have a familiar, personal ring:
- I cannot accept religious beliefs on faith alone. Is there a religion for me?
- I believe in many things: human dignity, ethical effort, the constant search for truth, and the need for more human community and harmony with the natural order, but I cannot bind my beliefs to a creedal test. What church would want me?
- Some churches seem to insist that religious truth is revealed and complete. Does any religious tradition welcome the idea that truth is a growing, not a finished, thing?
- A child should be allowed to discover religion in his or her own unfolding life, not through a process of indoctrination. What church practices this?
- Can a religious community be effective and still encourage each member to be a free, individual self?
- There is beauty and truth in many of the world's religious faiths. Is there a faith that does not claim to have all the answers?
- Where is there a religion that honestly encourages the fullest possible use of reason?
- Can persons from any religious background—or no religious background—find a religious community where all are welcome without "conversion" or "renunciation"?
- I want to be free to affirm—or doubt—and still be religious. Where can I find a religious community that calls no honest doubt "heresy" and no honest affirmation "unworthy"?
If you find something of your own thought, experience, and searching in these questions, there is probably an exciting place for you in Unitarian Universalism.
From the historical affirmation of the unity of God (Unitarian) to the universal salvation of all souls (Universalist), UU beliefs have expanded to a broader concept of a unity in diversity that affirms the supreme worth of all persons bound together through love. We cherish wide differences of religious belief and spiritual expression within our ranks, yet there is a sustaining bond of union expressed in the covenant affirmed by the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association:
- 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 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.
About the Author
Jack Mendelsohn served for many years as minister of historic Arlington Street Church in Boston. Later he became minister of the First Unitarian Church of Chicago where he also served on the faculty of Meadville/Lombard Theological School. He is minister emeritus of the First Parish in Bedford, MA, and former president of the Civil Rights Project, Inc., in Boston. Dr. Mendelsohn is also the author of God, Allah and Ju-Ju: Religion in Africa Today; The Forest Calls Back (Dr. Binder in Peru); The Martyrs: 16 Who Gave Their Lives for Racial Justice; Channing: The Reluctant Radical; and Being Liberal in an Illiberal Age: Why I Am a Unitarian Universalist.
