Something I’ve always wondered (and since Cheddarsox was a member, maybe he/she can answer this) is why an atheist would belong to a UU church, when they could just join the Ethical Humanist society? They meet on Sunday mornings as well, and have talks on different topics, and usually some type of music, sometimes even a separate program for kids (I’ve never been to a meeting, this is just from what I’ve read in their advertisements, which is in the same section of Saturday’s paper as all the churches), but nothing about deities or spiritualities or anything at all. Just curious.
In Christ,
Ellen
Well, No, I was never a member. I didn’t join, and that was not an accident. I don’t believe in and support lots of what they do and believe as a denomination. However, the polity (structure) of the denomination is congregational, which means that each congregation is autonomous. They don’t have to do things according to the official UUA position, etc, but can decide how to run themselves.
This means that there are a wide variety of “styles” of UU fellowships. Some are rather Christian, and do Bible readings and sing more traditional Christian hymns. Others are humanist,some pagan, and some a wide mix from world religions. It also means that when the congregation chooses a new minister, things can go in a wildly different direction.
So, when I first moved to this area, that fellowship had a wonderful minister, and was involved in things I supported. It was a good fit, but he was offered a better job in another state, and then things began to go very loopy. My family was very involved at that point, so we tried to stay on, but eventually I just couldn’t, in good conscience or sanity, continue to be a part of it. I stopped, and one by one the others have come to the same conclusion.
I am not an atheist,but I know quite a number who did attend that fellowship. And yes, there are aspects of UU that are like a salon, where people talk about different concepts of divine and spirituality, so that is one appeal. Also, many atheists are involved in social justice and community service, and UU churches are often very active in those areas.
Some UU fellowships are basically intellectual salons without much focus on spirituality. Others are more blended, while others focus a great deal on the divine. There is friction between the humanists and more spiritual types. Sometimes they simply choose to have different congregations that focus on different things, other places they have sub groups in the congregation. So, one service on Sunday with a mix of things to appeal to both, and on Wed night…a humanist group, a Bible study group and a pagan group might all be meeting in different rooms.
UU people gather together for the same reasons other people do. For fellowship, because they feel lifted up when they get together with others and hear an uplifting message, to join forces in acts of service and justice, to be challenged to be their best selves by other people, and to likewise challenge others to be their best selves.
People put forth energy, and effort and make sacrifices of personal comfort all the time for things they believe are good and worthwhile. They do not have to be threatened with eternal punishment in order to feel it worthwhile to get out of bed on a Sunday and participate in something positive and larger than themselves.
Not all areas have Humanist groups or salons. In some areas the UU functions as such.
Atheists belong to UU fellowships because they find they are places they can get their personal, spiritual and social needs met. Nothing mysterious about it.
