in Philosophy —

Unitarian Universalism

These are my private opinions and do not necessarily
reflect that of the Unitarian
Universalist Association (the UUA).

I have been active in my local UU congregation, Shawnee Mission Unitarian
Universalist Church.

Unitarian Universalism is more a religious outlook than
a set of beliefs. There’s lots of history about the
formation of the UUA on the UUA home page (see above). I
won’t recapitulate it here. After long discussions about
what we believe, the UUA agreed to adopt the following
principles and purposes, along with several sources we draw
from. The sixth source listed was adopted in 1995 in
recognition that many UU congregations were, in fact,
drawing from that source.

Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association

  • We, the member congregations of the Unitarian
    Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote

    • The inherent dignity and worth 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 in 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;
  • The living tradition which we share draws from many sources:
    • Direct experience of that transcending mystery
      and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which
      moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an
      openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
    • Words and deeds of prophetic women and men
      which challenge us to confront powers and
      structures of evil with justice, compassion,
      and the transforming power of love;
    • Wisdom from the world’s religions which call
      us to respond to God’s love by loving our
      neighbors as ourselves;
    • Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed
      the guidance of reason and the results of
      science, and warn us against idolatries of the
      mind and spirit;
    • Spiritual teachings of earth-centered
      traditions which celebrate the sacred circle
      of life and instruct us to live in harmony
      with the rhythms of nature.

Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and
ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our
understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations
we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our
mutual trust and support.

(This is reposted from my static website and backdated.)