I was raised Catholic, but after 27 years in the military and living all over the world, it was hard to see Christianity as the sole path to eternity. I have known people of all faiths and consider myself spiritual. After checking out the UUA website, I realized that this was an organization I could be part of that shares the same beliefs as me. Primarily, that not one religion is right. That a higher power wouldn't doom people who don't believe the right thing to hell. UUA s for everyone!
As an atheist with strong Buddhist leanings, it's nice to have found a community that speaks to my values and, at the same time, respects my theological opinions. This video was very informative for a neophyte like myself.
Something I realized today: After joining the UU church, I discovered that UUism is the church of God's "Yes!" in response to the "NO! NO! NO!" I've heard for most of my life (including over 40 years spent in other churches). They help us to cope with limitations and burdens, rather than adding more. I've learned more there in one year than in over 40 years in other churches. They also don't fear the tough or uncomfortable questions.
I was raised as a Catholic my whole life. This year, I made a decision to check out All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in NYC next Sunday. Wish me luck! :)
Wow! This video is so super! My husband and I have been active UUs for nearly 10 years. This is our beloved community where we can share our lives, our joys, our sorrows, our hopes, our dreams -- even our cranky times, with full acceptance and support. I'm an atheist, he's an agnostic, and many of our dear UU friends are deep believers...we all manage our differences without rancor.
I am an athiest but id encourage every religious person to join this church as it seems to promote acceptance of individual beliefs ; which can not be a bad thing.
I'm not trying to stir anything up, but I do believe in the interest of fairness that it should be noted that the presidents mentioned in the video were not Unitarian Universalists, but were in fact Unitarians prior to the rebirth of the American Unitarian Church in 2000.
Unitarian Universalists have not been known to "broadcast" what they offer. The confused sad condition of our world today requires that the availability of the UU reality be widely known. Thank you.
The UU Fellowship is unlike any other church. It offers acceptance of the individual, just the way one is and asks that one not be satisfied with the status quo. People grow, learn, contribute and believe because they want to.
Unitarian Universalism is a fierce belief in the way of freedom and reverence for the sacred dignity of each individual. With Jefferson we have sworn eternal hostility against every tyranny over the mind. Unitarian Universalism is cooperation with a universe that created us. It is a celebration of life. It is being in love with goodness and justice. It is a sense of humor about absolutes..."
I attended my first UU service last week and was moved by the experience. Acceptance, social justice, and activism are the only ways, in my opinion, to truly show and live your faith. I realized that I was always a part of this church and I didn't even know it. I would encourage anyone to attend who is looking for a sense of spiritual community without judgement.
if there is no UU congregation near you, you can join the online UU church called Church of the Larger Fellowship which is for UUs not living near a congregation
It's so great to find a church where I can study about religion, belief (or lack of it), and be as intellectual or spiritual about it as I prefer at a given moment. UU churches do vary--the minister, music director, religious educator, etc. all bring their personal touch.
@jacobjochem Liberal has to do with being free and open to new ideas...free to evolve spiritually just as all life evolves. Liberal, in this case, is not a reference to the political arena. Liberal can also mean generous...as in the phrase "apply liberally". I've no statistics to share, but I'd venture to guess that most Unitarian Universalists lean toward liberal candidates in the voting booth. That said, I have met a few UUs who identify themselves as politically conservative.
I am so glad to have found the UU religion in my area. After a switch from Presbyterian religion, I went without for many many years thinking no faith could encompass my beliefs and my atheist husband's. I was wrong & truly appreciate Unitarian Universalism. Thank you!!!
@GODALLINALL Thank you for asking about Unitarian Universalism. Diverse beliefs about the existence of a higher power are welcome in Unitarian Universalist congregations. Unitarian Universalists may be Atheists, Humanists, Christians, Pagans, or identify with other theological and philosophical traditions. Unitarian Universalist congregations extend a warm welcome to bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender (BGLT) people and their families. To learn more, please visit UUA.org
I have always felt blessed that my parents brought me to the Unitarian Universalist faith as a child. I didn't realize until I returned to the faith as an adult how it fundamentally shaped the best part of me--teaching me compassion, hope, justice, and nonviolence. I hope others feel comfortable to explore this religion that honors the inherent worth of all, including the oceans, mountains, and deserts that host our existance. Wonderful video. Thank you.
I'm a Universalist and a Christian but I find that perhaps I may find a home with the UU's......that is if my Christian faith will not bother others. :-) I love and respect all faiths...hell I'm a Universalist!
Each congregation has a unique personality. It is not a "Big Mac" experience. Rural UU churches in particular I believe tend to be the outposts of reason in religious thought. If you think you might be interested, please join us. The world needs you to help regain its balance.
I remember walking into a UU church for the first time. I enjoyed my time there. They handed me this DVD and I made the decision to join. I am the service leader this Sunday. We are discussing "What is Atheism?" and a fine atheist speaker will be joining us.
@emactan I understand your sense of distrust -- it's common among atheists who don't have prior experience with UUism. It may seem counterintuitive, but this is a "religion" that's not about worshipping supernatural things. It's about *people*. And coming together to celebrate and enrich mortal life, to work for human rights, to love, protect and revel in the natural universe, and to build a better world. But there's no dogma and no creed, so no one is excluded based on belief of disbelief.
The Unitarian church I went to today was the first church I have ever visited where they asked for comments from the congregation. They really have open ears and open hearts, much as I imagine the way Jesus lived.
I think you're right. There's no indefference them. Metaphorical Jew and Samaritan are accepted and embraced as they are. No religious fanaticism, politics and extremism. But Love with every other positive virtue. Really a foretaste of Heaven.
Bravo! I am so proud to be associated with the UU Church. I hope everyone who enjoys this video will do as I have and share it with several friends and family members.
@z2ato Thank you for asking. Unitarian Universalism is a theologically diverse religion. Christians are welcome in Unitarian Universalist congregations and many Unitarian Universalists identify as Christians.
We all ultimately must pick our own belief system. You are only confused because so many other religions tell you what to believe. I have recently self-identified as atheist. This declaration paradoxically awoke a great interest in the Bible within me. I have also so studies other eastern systems such as Taoism and Zen. Without giving up my core atheism, UU seems to offer me a loving and intelligent community to participate in and to enrich.
What a tolerant faith. I think in the future, the government needs to give tax breaks as an incentive to convert and Muslims can be given incentives to convert to Baha'i. Can you imagine if there were no more religious right-wing hatered? All of America's "races" coming together in peace and mixing, mixing and mixing?
Yes, we do. I think one of the woonderful things about UUism is that we take wisdom from all sources, including the bible. Our basic theology is acceptance of other people and their beliefs.
UU's are among some of the nicest people I've ever met. They should be the new majority and I hope they replace the Evangelicals in America. Thumbs up to this church. I participate with their charity events and I'm an Atheist.
I was very suspicious before my experience with a UU congregation. Having been turned off by a number of other "church" experiences. All I can say is that the two UU congregations that I have belonged to, in AZ and MN, have been a very positive experience. Try it, you may like it...
The 3rd UU principle is infact: WE BELIEVE in a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. UU's do not "pluck out some things and replace them with others". We simply develope our faith our entire lives, by choosing to believe what resonates with our personal experiences. Religion should benefit all the people in the community, not give religious sanction to the brutal male elite. Which sadly is the most common outcome of mainstream organized religion.
@Animeabe Some UU church choirs use robes, and others do not. Some reside in traditional looking church buildings, and others do not. In a UU church, you might listen to a Bach Mass one weekend and rock n roll the next. The UU faith does not shun tradition, it simply keeps heart and mind open to new possibilities.
its so nice to watch this video for the first time tonight. i just learned about the shootings in knoxville. i've been a UU for over 15 years (joined as a teenager). I am so proud to be UU and grateful for the community it gives me.
My husband and I have been looking for a spiritual community. We recently had cause to look at the UU church, and what we've observed appears to be what we've sought. Hopefully our first visit will be this Sunday. We're looking forward to it!
"As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality." -- George Washington
Continuation of my last comment... Not all of us have the same exact beliefs, but I believe that you can talk to any unitarian universalist and get the same answer on this question- we can learn from others, and maybe we can even teach them, but the most important thing is acceptance.
"...Unitarian Universalism is faith in people, hope for tomorrows child, confidence in a continuity that spans all time. It looks not to a perfect heaven, but toward a good earth. It is respectful of the past, but not limited to it. It is trust in growing and conspiracy with change. It is spiritual responsibility for a moral tomorrow. Edward Schempp.
hmm, im really starting to like this. since i left the christian church last year, because i didn't feel comfortable in it, i've been meaning to develop my spirituality in my own way at home but i'd also like to be part of a community that has the same beliefs as i do. because thats the only reason why i stayed in that church for so long. i like being part of a group and having their support. i guess i'll need to find out more about this then.
I am Anglican and my husband is what I would say agnostic. I think this would be a great way to share our spiritual experiences. I also believe in the paranormal and spiritual gifts such as prophesy IE psychics and those who can "channel" angels of god. I am considering going to this church near where I live. I hope it is all what I expect it to be.
In my UU church, it's much like traditional Protestant church services... singing, a sermon, readings from various faith traditions (OK, that's different from traditional churches! lol), time to sit in silence. I guess churches in different areas might do it differently, though. I've only visited 2 other UU churches, and they were much like mine.
stygiansyntax - Love what you said! I'm just getting involved in UU myself. I'm something of a spiritual, humanist agnostic and I am definitely someone who could be filed under "was always a Unitarian and didn't know it." I passionately love everything this movement stands for and I think it has done and can do a tremendous amount of good in our world!
@GrowTheTruth WoW ... You seem to place the beauty of the entire universe in the palm of your hands ... God BLESS You! I wish there be manymore like you! ... Come be my friend!
DontxBringxPajamas I think we're in just about the same boat. I can affirm much of what unitarians affirm as true, in that sense I'd be a unitarian. Every congregation will have a different sort of theological alignment, so it's about finding something that fits, and still fulfills you. I feel fulfilled in a methodist community with my family and friends that I love. So look around, even if it's not Unitarian, I'm certain you'll find God, and also an extended family :)
awesome. the community and solidarity that a envy the other churches, without the coercive mind control and emotional manipulation. it's fine to be a neopagan or atheist here. i have always wanted to sing in choir, again. i've always wanted to sing again.
blacklite -- Some UU ministers like to say UU is post-Christianity. It comes from that tradition, of course, but has moved past the exclusivity of modern Christianity, such as that salvation can only come through faith in the divinity of Jesus. Thankfully! So don't worry about people trying to "save" you. I'm agnostic, too, and so are very very many UUs. Rev. Greg Stewart says, "to truly believe, you must be agnostic." What really matters is how we live, treat others, and care for our world.
i am a catholic, i am not searching for answers, i know what i believe, i accept and respect others beliefs, and i dont aggree with everything in my religion but i am tolerant of it despite my personal opinion, for example i promote gay marriage despite my church not promoting it. there are no UU congregations where i live, however i would like to consider myself part of it because i believe in everything it teaches and i think the world would be a better place with more people like us.
This really is, what religion should be.I`m so unhappy, `cause I cannot enjoy a sunday sermon or congregational life.I think, first I fly to Boston to expierience and later building a congregation in Germany...
I love this video - I just posted a blog entry about how much I love my church, the UU Church of Charlotte, NC. What a great intro for people curious about the faith! Great work!
I think you are perfect for my family and myself! I ache for community! I was raised Episcapalian......I have been Wiccan ...I married a Jewish man! I don't like to label myself..........but I feel the great need for community for myself and my children that is full of spirit! I think this sounds perfect! This video brought me to tears! Thank yoU!
aw that was a great video. i love the last part and the preacher's sermon. i shall pray that your values and your movement may grow even more as the years go by and i will also pray for the church shooting that occurred this past sunday. God bless you all.
Saved? I think of existence as a journey to be embraced and shared.I remember the "commandment" about love God (as differently defined) self and neighbor (everyone.)
I do not think of myself as "religious." I avoid the term. I can read each of the seven UU principles and say "Yeah." I find open minded, caring people in UU. Community is a pull, associating with others of related thinking in a world that is generally closed, fearful, biased and thoughtless.
@mickeymouse12678 @mickeymouse12678 Have you looked at the website? It doesn't pick and choose random beliefs. It explores and learns from lots of different beliefs and perspectives that all people have. Its a shared way of living not one box of dogmatic beliefs!
I think that many UUs would agree that you don't need to call their place of worship a "church". I think it's a word many people relate to, and that's why they use it. But I think a community center or meditation hall fits, too. I bet a lot of UUs would like to coin their own name for our centers, too. I don't think they mean it as a Biblical reference- more like a connection to a familiar idea in our society. Thanks for the insight!
@synchrohobbit I hear what you're saying. Sunday services are not always my favorite part of being a UU, either. There's often a division between worship/congregational activities, which serve the members' personal spiritual needs and questions, and the work of living out our values through activism in our communities and the world. In other words, there tends to be more emphasis on "nurture your spirit" and a bit less on "help heal our world," when the two should really be one and the same.
As a long-time UU, I am so happy to see this message getting out into the world. I applaud the people and the work that went into creating this video. I truly believe Unitarian Universalism can save the world. May it be so.
By the way, if you are worried that we don't speak up for the homeless or poor, I hope you can find peace in the knowladge that we do. In fact, we were some of the people who first defended African American rights, women's rights, and same-sex rights. I know that at my particular church, and all or us are different, so I can't speak for all of us, every month a portion of our earnings goes to a different charity.
I'm with you on this one Eric. If someone believes that healing the planet means trying to convert homosexuals or maybe just be open about how they think homosexuality is wrong, would they be accepted in the same way if they were open about it VERSES someone else who was open about their beliefs on how the government should approve of gay marriage?
I'm an atheist and, I suppose a secular humanist. I think a lot of the things UUs promote are good things, worthy of pursuing. So why is it that I find this video terribly unsettling?
Hi guys! Sorry to ask but do any of you know a UU community here on the Philippines? I would be delighted to know. Please inform me either by response or PM. Thanks and warm regards!
Inherent worth of the individual is valued. They believe in a woman's right to choose, and respecting the inherent worth of their homosexual members through sanctifying their love in marriage ceremonies. Rather than just saying let us give to the poor, they believe in making foundational changes to eliminate the causes of poverty and homelessness. And when it comes to theology, they choose from among the rich variety of religious texts rather than limiting themselves to a single text.
From what I get, it's UU is not based in Christianity so they won't even preach such concepts. SO basically, it'll preach universal truths like self improvement and love of others and the earth. And if you happen to be christian and believe in such doctrine then that is up to you to believe so but it won't be preached in sermons. And if you make the personal conclusion that believes in such exclusion, then you wouldn't join the church in the first place.
@Guitcad1 In what ways is it unsettling for you? Im curious about this church and have generally been anti church. I do wish for the feeling of community.
I think most Unitarians would agree that it isn't the church's place to dictate rules or make judgements on the minutiae of every member's life. If marijuana use helps you develop as a person, then do it. If you find that it is hindering your development or causing you to miss opportunities in your life, then stop.
In my experience, UU's don't really focus on the concept of sin. Instead, they tend to focus on self-improvement and being the best person you can be. So in that sense, they might encourage people to avoid destructive or irresponsible behaviors. In my opinion it's not always productive to constantly make people feel bad about their mistakes and shortcomings. Generally, Unitarian Universalism leaves specific beliefs and morals up to the individual conscience.
The only thing that I want to know is would there be Chrisitans there trying to "save" me?? I'm agnostic and I've already ruled out Christianity and its annoying and uncomfortable when they try to do that because I'd just want to get over a logical argument with them.
It hasn't been trashed. Many UU's still draw inspiration from the Bible - it's just any more important than any other religious text. Well, maybe it is for some people. There are UU Christians.
higgles - I agree that this video primarily appeals to emotion, but emotion is central to religion. UU is predominantly humanistic -- religious humanism as opposed to secular humanism. It *is* a big tent with regard to spiritual backgrounds and beliefs. But I do not agree that emotional appeals necessarily invoke the "false idolatries" you cite. Know that one of the 7 principles is the "free and *responsible* search for truth and meaning." I have found most UUs to be very reasonable people. :)
It's funny even to suggest that UUs could all agree on a single view of anything, apart from the Seven Principles. It's really hard to get even a small group of UUs to agree on anything.
It originated with the Unity of god but the religion or movement (if you prefer) has moved on. The church, chapel, worship space, meeting hall - they go by many names, are places where people can come and get inspiration from readings biblical or other faith scriptures, and peoples words and thoughts to help them discover their own faith. It is fair to be a church because most people go to worship "god" what/whoever they believe that to mean.
I was brought up fundamentalist christian weary and suspicious of all other christian and non christian denominations. But with UU I don't get that feeling, not at all.
Anyone who feels that this is not a bonafide religion (whatever that means) should note that Thomas Jefferson identified himself with the Unitarians. Suggest to your most conservative colleague that this means that he was therefore without religion . . . see where it gets you. Anyone who assumes that because we welcome Atheists into our fold we are not a religion, but are instead just a community group, needs to understand where religion is going, rather than where it has been.
