Unitarian

[seeker57]

Thank you for the information. The UU is one that I have not studied but now that you have piqued my interest I will delve fully into learning about it.

I presume that the UU do accept the Bible and believe it. If not, what is used in its place?

PAX DOMINI

Shalom Aleichem

Many UUs believe the Bible is not divinely inspired, but does contain some wisdom. We also believe wisdom can be found in other places as well.

There are examples of many faiths in our book of hymns and readings, which is called, “Singing the Living Tradition.” There is even a section on humanist teachings.

Because we don’t have a set doctrine, we are expected to find a spiritual path through the study of the many spiritual paths that exist.

We also place great stock in scientific discovery and study.

That is why in any given UU congregation, you would find those who follow a number of religious traditions, including Theists, Deists, Christians, Buddhists, Pagans, Sikhs or even Atheists.

We also fully expect that someone’s beliefs or ideas will evolve and change as they learn, even if that means they no longer are UU.

That doesn’t mean someone can believe anything they wish and still be UU. We have seven principles as our foundation or a guide, the first of which being the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

That means someone who is a racist would find it difficult to be a UU, because he or she would be faced with having to accept those of other races as equals in worth and dignity.

Some Christians consider UUs to be heretics, although, since some UUs were once Christians and even Trinitarians, they might more properly be called apostates.

I could go on for hours, but I better not.

I hope this gives you a general idea of where we who are UU are coming from.

Seeker.

 

[Oldtimer_7]

Seeker, could you list the seven principles that you spoke about? Thanks in advance.

BTW, what do you think of Garrison Keillor’s Unitarian humor? He seems to like to pick on you guys almost as much as Lutherans and Catholics.

 

[Esdra]

Many UUs believe the Bible is not divinely inspired, but does contain some wisdom. We also believe wisdom can be found in other places as well.

There are examples of many faiths in our book of hymns and readings, which is called, “Singing the Living Tradition.” There is even a section on humanist teachings.

Because we don’t have a set doctrine, we are expected to find a spiritual path through the study of the many spiritual paths that exist.

We also place great stock in scientific discovery and study.

That is why in any given UU congregation, you would find those who follow a number of religious traditions, including Theists, Deists, Christians, Buddhists, Pagans, Sikhs or even Atheists.

We also fully expect that someone’s beliefs or ideas will evolve and change as they learn, even if that means they no longer are UU.

That doesn’t mean someone can believe anything they wish and still be UU. We have seven principles as our foundation or a guide, the first of which being the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

That means someone who is a racist would find it difficult to be a UU, because he or she would be faced with having to accept those of other races as equals in worth and dignity.

Some Christians consider UUs to be heretics, although, since some UUs were once Christians and even Trinitarians, they might more properly be called apostates.

I could go on for hours, but I better not.

I hope this gives you a general idea of where we who are UU are coming from.

Seeker.

Very intersting. For me this nearly sounds like free-masonry.

 

[seeker57]

Seeker, could you list the seven principles that you spoke about? Thanks in advance.

BTW, what do you think of Garrison Keillor’s Unitarian humor? He seems to like to pick on you guys almost as much as Lutherans and Catholics.

Here are the seven principles;

1 We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

1. We believe in justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.
2. We believe in acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.
3. We believe in a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

5, We believe in the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.

1. We believe in the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.
2. We respect the interdependent web of all existence of which we are all a part.

Regarding Garrison Keillor, I have heard a few of his comments.

He does like to pick on us, and Jews, Catholics, etc.

Usually he is good natured about it. We are all big enough to take a little ribbing.

Seeker.

 

[Javl]

Seeker57;

Thank you ever so much for the information you have provided concerning UU’s. It is very interesting and I will certainly look into it. Meanwhile I hope that you and other UU’s will engage in dialogue and discussion not only about UU but all other subjects. Many thanks again.

PAX DOMINI

Shalom Aleichem