Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition that was formed in 1961 through the consolidation of two separate religious groups: the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America. Unitarian Universalism is not rooted in any one theology or creed, rather it draws from various religious and philosophical sources and promotes individual freedom of belief and an open search for truth and meaning. Some of the principles and sources that inform Unitarian Universalism include:
Basic Principles
– The inherent worth and dignity of every person. Unitarian Universalists believe that all human beings have value and should be treated with compassion and respect.
– Justice, equity and compassion in human relations. Unitarian Universalists strive for justice, equality and compassion, affirming the goal of “a world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.”
– Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth. Unitarian Universalists accept others as they are, encourage curiosity and spiritual seeking, and honor diverse beliefs and traditions.
– A free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Unitarian Universalists believe that personal experience, conscience, and reason should be used to seek truth and meaning. Revelation and scripture are valued but not considered final authorities.
– The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process. Unitarian Universalists uphold the importance of moral conscience and the democratic process in both church and society.
– The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all. Unitarian Universalists promote the building of a diverse global society based on peace, liberty, justice and compassion.
– Respect for the interdependent web of all existence. Unitarian Universalists recognize the interdependence of humans, nature, and spirit, and seek to care for the planet and all life.
Sources
In addition to these principles, Unitarian Universalism draws from various sources, including:
– Direct experience of mystery and wonder. Unitarian Universalists find spiritual inspiration in the awe and wonder of the natural world and everyday life.
– Words and deeds of prophetic people. Unitarian Universalists look to prophetic individuals from various faiths and philosophic traditions who promote love, justice and compassion.
– Wisdom from the world’s religions. Unitarian Universalists value the spiritual wisdom and practices found in all faiths and cultures. The Jewish and Christian traditions have particular significance for historical and cultural reasons.
– Jewish and Christian teachings. Unitarian Universalists appreciate elements of Jewish and Christian traditions, while not necessarily believing in traditional concepts like original sin or the Trinity.
– Humanist teachings. Humanism affirms the ability of humans to lead ethical lives of service and fulfillment without supernaturalism. Unitarian Universalists find meaning in humanist principles.
– Earth-centered traditions. Unitarian Universalists find deep meaning in nature-based spirituality and ancient earth-centered traditions.
History
Unitarian Universalism has roots in liberal strains of Christianity. Originally, both Unitarianism and Universalism developed out of Protestant Christian traditions in Europe and America.
Unitarianism
Unitarianism emerged in the 1500s in Eastern Europe and in North America in the 1700s. Early Unitarians rejected the orthodox Christian doctrines of the Trinity and original sin. Instead, they emphasized the use of reason in understanding the Bible and concepts like the unity of God and humanity’s inherent goodness. Originally, American Unitarian congregations were called “Unitarian Christian” fellowships, but over time they moved away from orthodoxy towards a broader, more humanistic spirituality.
Universalism
Universalism developed in America in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The defining belief of Universalism was universal salvation – the idea that all people will eventually be reconciled with God. This contrasted with the Calvinist belief in eternal punishment for the damned. Like Unitarians, Universalists relied on reason and logic to re-interpret doctrine and Scripture.
Consolidation
In 1961, the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America consolidated to form the Unitarian Universalist Association. This brought together the open, rational theology of Unitarianism with the inclusive vision of Universalism.
Distinctive Beliefs
Unitarian Universalism is creedless, meaning there is no official statement of religious beliefs that members must endorse. But Unitarian Universalists generally share some distinctive (though not universal) views:
– No official creed or set of beliefs. Members have complete freedom of belief and do not have to adhere to any particular creed or dogma.
– Non-authoritarian approach to Scripture. The Bible is not considered the authoritative Word of God. Scriptures from other faiths are also valued.
– Human-centered vs. God-centered. Unitarian Universalists see religion as a way for people to enrich their own lives, rather than to honor or please God.
– Salvation through deeds. Unitarian Universalists generally think salvation comes through good works and compassion rather than grace or faith alone.
– Rational thinking. Logic and reason are emphasized over mystical or supernatural experiences. But mystery and transcendence are still valued.
– This-worldly focus. Unitarian Universalists focus on ethics and making a better society in the here and now, rather than preparation for an afterlife.
God
Unitarian Universalists have diverse, individual views of God and are not required to believe one concept. Some are monotheists, polytheists, pantheists, atheists, agnostics, humanists, or believe in no personal God.
Jesus
Unitarian Universalists have varying views of Jesus. Some consider him an insightful sage and reformer whose teachings have value. Others see him as a prophet or mystic who embodied the divine spirit. Some do not find Jesus particularly significant.
Afterlife
Concepts of the afterlife are diverse among Unitarian Universalists. While Universalists believe all souls will ultimately be reconciled with the divine, Unitarian Universalists do not hold any common belief about the afterlife. Views range from reincarnation, to natural eternal rest, to agnosticism about any afterlife.
Sin and evil
While sin and evil are recognized, Unitarian Universalists generally reject the ideas of original sin and innate depravity. They focus more on the capability of humans to choose good and help one another.
Worship and Practices
Rather than doctrinal preaching, Unitarian Universalist worship services commonly feature presentations by members of the congregation, with topics ranging from social justice to poetry to philosophical questions. Services involve singing, prayer, and quiet reflection. The aesthetic is simple, with few religious symbols. Other features include:
– Services involve ethical, spiritual, and moral themes from various religions and philosophies. The Bible is not seen as the sole source of inspiration.
– Members are active participants in shaping the service. Services are not dominated by a pastor/priest.
– Life cycle rituals. Unitarian Universalists recognize ceremonies like marriages, memorial services, and rites of passage for young people.
– Holiday observances. Unitarian Universalists observe major Christian holidays, like Christmas and Easter, while also celebrating cultural and humanistic observances like Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Solstice rituals.
– Communion. In some congregations communion is practiced occasionally as a symbolic ritual, not as sacramental rite.
– No baptism. Infant baptism is not practiced, since members are not expected to adhere to creeds. Individuals can choose baptism later in life if they wish.
Social Justice
Unitarian Universalism is strongly focused on promoting social justice and progressive activism. Congregations and members are active in causes like civil rights, environmentalism, LGBT equality, immigration reform and reproductive rights. This social action comes from Unitarian Universalist principles affiming human dignity, justice and world community.
History of Social Justice
From their earliest days, both Unitarians and Universalists were at the forefront of progressive social change. They offered a powerful religious voice for reform in areas like abolition, women’s rights and immigrant rights. Prominent social reformers identified with these faiths, like Susan B. Anthony and Clara Barton. After consolidation in 1961, Unitarian Universalists became even more active in the Civil Rights Movement and other justice issues.
Current Social Justice Work
Unitarian Universalist congregations and organizations pursue a wide array of justice initiatives, including:
– Racial justice. Unitarian Universalists continue working to dismantle racist systems and create racial equity.
– Gender and LGBTQ equality. Unitarian Universalists have long advocated equal rights for women and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
– Immigration reform. Many Unitarian Universalists demand humane immigration policies and sanctuary for asylum seekers.
– Economic justice. Causes include living wages, affordable housing and healthcare.
– Climate justice. Unitarian Universalists take action to address climate change and environmental degradation as moral issues.
– Reproductive justice. Unitarian Universalists support abortion access, contraception access, and reproductive healthcare.
Polity and Organization
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) connects over 1000 Unitarian Universalist congregations in the United States. However, each congregation is self-governing, with no top-down hierarchy beyond the UUA’s role as an association of congregations.
Congregational Polity
There is no centralized authority or creed. Each congregation is autonomous, governing itself democratically, owning property, calling ministers, and managing finances independently. Membership is voluntary.
Leadership
Congregational leadership includes an elected, volunteer Board of Trustees and a called minister selected by the congregation. Ministers have graduate degrees from a Unitarian Universalist seminary. Lay people have important leadership roles.
Affiliation
To be called Unitarian Universalist, a congregation must associate with the UUA. The UUA helps congregations share resources, connects them to seminaries, and provides growth consulting. It also sets professional standards for ministers.
Broader Connections
The UUA is a member of the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists, connecting Unitarian and Universalist denominations globally. The UUA is also cross-credited with the United Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ and other liberal Christian denominations.
Membership Demographics
Roughly 80% of adult Unitarian Universalists self-identify as white. However, Unitarian Universalism continues working to dismantle white supremacy culture and build multicultural, anti-racist identity and structures. Most Unitarian Universalists have high levels of education and income relative to the general population.
Conclusion
In summary, Unitarian Universalism is an open-minded, socially progressive religious movement that lifts up human dignity, reason, and conscience as guides. It draws from many faiths and philosophies, allowing members to integrate diverse sources of wisdom on their spiritual journeys. With no binding creed or single path, Unitarian Universalists are united by shared values of compassion, justice, and spirituality. They create inclusive communities that support humans in building lives of meaning, empowerment, and service.