UUA: Newcomer Bulletin Board

For Newcomers

Newcomers' Bulletin Board Archive
September - December 2004

Latest Entries

Sept-Dec 2004

is there a UU equivalent to the Mormon mission?
atheism? interfaith dialogue?
book recommendations
reincarnation, Buddhism, the terms "Unitarian," "Universalist," and "Unitarian Universalism"
young adult, spiritual search, join congregation not on sundays?
prejudice an outdated reaction; Bible's message one of love, not hate
financial contribution required?
typical UU church service?
how to develop "spiritual side"
hugging; can children stay throughout service?
collective individuality?
not supportive of same-sex marriage; Jewish husband welcome?
can I afford to attend a UU church?
Channing's Unitarianism vs. modern Unitarian Universalism
benefits of formally becoming a member
Christianity
what is a Unitarian Universalist?
course in miracles, life after death
how much difference does the preacher make to a church community?
UU republicans?
do UU churches worship Jesus?
religious education and christianity, leaving dad at home, paganism/feminine divine, worship, Iraq
am I a Unitarian Universalist?
how do we define "religion"?
pagan family curious about religious education
who's in charge, in a grassroots organization?
how to join?
at what age should kids start attending services?
youth involvement in a UU church, parental permission
advice for establishing a church at home
wedding ceremony for interfaith couple
UUism, Sunday collection
God
Christianity in worship at UU churches
would UUism help answer atheist's questions?
afterlife, eternal punishment in hell
just war, pacifism
structured values for kids
macro and micro philosophical ponderings
different kinds of Unitarians and Universalists
family angry that she is attending 'non-Christian' church

December 2004

(is there a UU equivalent to the Mormon mission?)

QUESTION: Hi, I'm a member of the LDS Church (Mormon) and I'm really interested in becoming a Uniterian Universalist. Because of my background I was curious if you guys offer something simliar to an LDS mission? Two years of strict public service, because of how I grew up I believe that is very imortant for personal and spiritual development, so I was wondering if you guys do something similar or if you have other humanitarian or charity programs that are avalable for members to participate in. Any help you can offer will be greatfully accepted. Thanks.

Manuel
Salt Lake City, Utah

ANSWER: Welcome!

The Unitarian Universalist church believes that public service is very important. We don't have a structured program or expectations similar to the Church of the Latter-Day Saints, but we welcome volunteers on our many charity efforts. I recommend that you contact the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (www.uusc.org ) to learn how you could best be of service.

I encourage you to also talk with your local Unitarian Universalist minister. You can find the contact information for your local church at www.uua.org/cong.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(atheism? interfaith dialogue?)

QUESTION: Hi. I am what is typically called a strong atheist in that I believe that no deity could logically exist. However, I do place great value on religious teachings and wish to learn more about them. Does the UUA teach a wide variety of religious views, encompassing most active religions in the world today or does it more strictly focus on Judeo-Christian teachings? I would love to find a congregation of persons devoted to understanding how religious beliefs, apart from supernatural aspects, can benefit humankind. This seems to be what the UUA does best, but I have not been able to determine this with certainty. I also realize that what I am asking is essentially to take part in a classroom, but, unlike a typical classroom, I am interested in learning by interaction and, more importantly, by socialization. Thanks for your time.

Felix
San Francisco, CA

ANSWER: Unitarian Universalism welcomes people of all faiths, and encourages interfaith dialogue. While our Judeo-Christian heritage is part of this dialogue, it does not dominate, leaving plenty of room for other spiritual viewpoints. There are Buddhists, Hindus, Moslems, atheists, humanists, Pagans, and people with many different spiritual paths who are part of the Unitarian Universalist community.

I encourage you to visit your local Unitarian Universalist church. You can find their contact information at www.uua.org/cong.

I also encourage you to see my response to a similar question back in October.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(book recommendations)

QUESTION: I have been attending Unitarian Services for two years, and have recently been married at a Unitarian Church. I am interested in becoming a member, but would like to read some more foundational books before making this important step. What would you consider "key" books un understanding the history and philosophy of the Unitarian Church?

Thanks for your guidance.

Kerri
Providence, RI

ANSWER: For an excellent overview of the Unitarian Universalist faith, history, and organization, I recommend:

Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide and A Chosen Faith.

You may also enjoy:

100 Questions That Non-Members Ask About Unitarian Universalism

To purchase books and other printed materials about Unitarian Universalism, please visit the UUA's bookstore, www.uua.org/bookstore, or call the bookstore at 800-215-9076. One of your local churches (www.uua.org/cong) may also have copies of these and other books that you can borrow.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(reincarnation, Buddhism, the terms "Unitarian," "Universalist," and "Unitarian Universalism")

QUESTION: what does the unitarian universalist church believe when it comes to the belief of reincarnation.. my beliefs are very planted in buddhism, although i have always been atracted to the unitarian universalist church.. also is there a difference between a unitarian and a universalist? because i have always proclaimed myself "unitarian universailist"..?

Jesse
Titusville

ANSWER: Because there are no official beliefs in the Unitarian Universalist church, Unitarian Universalists are free to form their own conclusions about reincarnation. Some people believe in a Buddhist or Hindu cycle of existence, others believe in a Celtic or Pagan concept of reincarnation, others believe in more Abrahamic (Jewish, Christian, Islamic) concepts of the Afterlife, such as Heaven and Hell, and others have completely different ideas about the afterlife and reincarnation. If you are interested in Unitarian Universalist Buddhism, I encourage you to contact the Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Fellowship at http://www.uua.org/uubf/ .

There is indeed a difference between "Unitarians" and "Universalists." Historically, Unitarians believed in the one-ness of God: they started out denying the Christian trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost), and then moved on to a broader view of the divine. Universalists traditionally believed in Universal Salvation; that is, that everyone will go to heaven. Both the Universalist Church of America and the American Unitarian Association moved beyond their Christian roots, and merged in 1961 to form the Unitarian Universalist Association. Some Unitarian and Universalist churches remain outside of Unitarian Universalism, especially overseas. In the U.S., most Unitarian and Universalist churches are now Unitarian Universalist.

To read the Principles and Purposes of the UUA, the foundation of today's Unitarian Universalist church, please see www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistan

(young adult, spiritual search, join congregation not on sundays?)

QUESTION: I was raised catholic, and spent about a year in the episcopal church sorting out my theological beliefs. I've come to terms that I am just a mono theist. I don't believe Jesus fufilled judiasm. I also have lots of respect for many other religous thought. So here are my questions, I am in my early 20's. Would there be any persons of my age group? Also is it normal for people to go on a spiritual search like this? Oh yeah and I cannot attend usually on sunday mornings since I work. Would I be allowed to join a congregation and participate during the week for calendar events, such as discussions,and outreach? Thanks.

Dolores
New York

ANSWER: The demographics of every congregation differs one to the other, so I can't guarantee that there are other young adults there, but chances are that there would be quite a few other 20-somethings in the congregation. There is a very active Unitarian Universalist young adult community. You can see what they're up to and connect with UU young adults on www.uua.org/ya-cm/newcomers/welcome_newcomers.html, www.uua.org/connect/, and www.fuuse.com. If you live in New York City, you might especially enjoy the Unitarian Church of All Souls (www.allsoulsnyc.org), one of our largest and most vibrant congregations, which has a very active young adult community.

It is very normal to explore your spirituality. Most people do so at some point in their lives. Some explore within their faith tradition, others search for meaning in many different traditions. Unitarian Universalism has been called "a chosen faith" because so many people come to our religion at the end of a spiritual quest. You will find many other people in our congregations with stories just like yours.

I'm sure it would be fine for you to attend church functions other than Sunday morning services. Some congregations, especially the larger ones, even have alternative worship services for people who cannot attend services on Sunday mornings. Ask your local minister or church administrator what they recommend.

To find what Unitarian Universalist congregation is closest to you, please visit www.uua.org/cong. Feel free to contact the minister at your local church with any questions you may have. She or he will be more than happy to talk with you.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(prejudice an outdated reaction; Bible's message one of love, not hate)

QUESTION: I have been stuggling with my defining my faith and very confused, I have researched a lot of religious doctrines and beliefs, as I was sitting in workshop on cultural diversity, I started thinking about the reasons why we are prejudiced. Could it be that the prejudiced emotion is an old imbedded habit just as the "fight or flight" syndrome or our old eating habits, consuming large amounts of fat and sugar when they are available and storing up fat for famine times in winter-archaic traits that were useful in caveman times, but are now not only unnecessary, but harmful?

In the "olden days", if the whole tribe was uniform, the better the chance that a high percentage would survive and therefore reproduce. Survival of the fittest, natural selection, whatever you call it. As nomadic hunter-gatherers with many predacious enemies, if the majority are on the same page, the majority will thrive and evolve into better, stronger beings. However, just as, in order to stay thin and healthy we must scrap the old eating habits that were designed to keep us going in hard times that no longer exist, and just as in order to prevent obsolete stress hormones from tearing our bodies apart, we must suppress the desire to cull-out those who don't conform to the majority norm. This applies equally to race, gender and physical/mental abilities.

Now, in today's easy lifestyle it is not necessary to be conformed. Allowances and support are readily available to individuals so that needs are met and some are protected, and all are able to survive and prosper regardless of weaknesses or differences in culture or physical attributes, mental capacity or in any other way...

The glory in being human is to realize that we are creations of God and that we simply need to update our innards, become the humans God intended us to be.

The same applies to gender bias. Men no longer need to be 'tribal leader' (in the old days survival unconditionally depended on a strong leader, the strongest, smartest, most fit and i.e. most dominant), we have now learned to co-lead in cooperation. Gender prejudice is no longer appropriate or acceptable.

I find it so absurd that the Scriptures, originally recorded in an effort to explain the awesome, Godly truth of the greatest commandment (love thy neighbor as thyself) have been twisted and in some cases re-written entirely to create merely an object of control, deceit, manipulation and oppression which we possess today in the form we call the Holy Bible.

The great truth and sum of all the scriptures is this: extinguish all prejudice. If you read Jesus, Paul, Peter, you will see it plainly. Jesus didn't mean he would return bodilly and literally, he meant his teaching would return for a second look, a second go-round.

The great book of anti-prejudice has itself become the greatest instrument and weapon of division ever employed.

I feel this should be the basis for all of docrtrine, the rest will follow.

Is this Unitarian Universalist doctrine? Is this the place I've been looking for?

Thank you!

Iris
Ash Flat, Arkansas

ANSWER: It sounds as if Unitarian Universalism could be a very good fit for your ideas.

Sociologists have done a great deal of analysis on the concept of "group identity" and "identity exclusion," which seems to be what you are discussing. As humans, our urge to form groups based around shared identity, and our parallel urge to exclude people whose identities do not fit with those of our group, is strong and irrational.

Unitarian Universalism encourages people who are different from one another to come together and participate in meaningful community. We encourage individuality. We believe that prejudice is, as you say, an outdated reaction that must be overcome. The Unitarian Universalist Association has been very actively and successfully working on feminism, anti-racism, and disabilities accessibility for decades.

While not all Unitarian Universalists are Christians, those Unitarian Universalists who do find meaning in Christianity and in the Bible stress the importance of Jesus's message of love and tolerance. It is a message that all could benefit from hearing. We value this message so highly that we have included it in the Unitarian Universalist Association's "mission statement:" our Principles and Purposes. (See the "sources" section on www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html)

For more information on Unitarian Universalist views of Christianity and the Bible, please see the related pamphlets on www.uua.org/pamphlet/pamphlets.html.

You might enjoy visiting your local Unitarian Universalist congregation. You can search www.uua.org/cong to find what congregation is closest to you.

If there are no congregations nearby, you could consider joining the Church of the Larger Fellowship, a Unitarian Universalist congregation that communicates with its members via email, mail, and phone. For more information on the Church of the Larger Fellowship, please visit their website at www.clfuu.org.

If you have any other questions, please let me know.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(financial contribution required?)

QUESTION: My husband and I have looking for a church were we can worship together as a family. I was brought up Catholic and he wasn't brought up in an specific religion. However, we both feel the need for spirituality and for he opportunity to belong to a community of religious people. We find that we agree with many of the Unitarian Universalist's beliefs and would like to explore our joining one of your churches in our area. We are curious about how much financial contribution will be asked of us and how is the amount determined. Is there a commitment that one must make?

Thank you very much!

Silvana
San Mateo, CA

ANSWER: Every Unitarian Universalist congregation is welcome to all people, regardless of their financial situation. Each congregation has its own policies about membership dues, Sunday collection, etc., so you will have to contact your local church to find out what their policies are. Don't worry, though: they will always be happy to accommodate your needs, and will never ask for more than you can comfortably give.

There is a Unitarian Universalist church right in San Mateo, and many in the surrounding communities. To find the contact information for your local churches, please visit www.uua.org/cong.

For more information, please read my responses to similar questions, such as the November, 2004 Newcomer's Bulletin Board post entitled "can I afford to attend a UU church?" and the related post "UUism, Sunday Collection"

If you have any other questions, just ask!

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
Public Information Assistant

(typical UU church service?)

QUESTION: I've struggled with my religious beliefs for sometime now, but have found hope in learning more about the UUA. I'd like to attend a local UU service, but I have my reservations. I'd feel more comfortable if my fiancè would attend with me, but he is also hesitant. Can you tell me what a typical service involves? What should I expect? What do the sermons usually address? I just want to ensure that I won't be perceived as a "stranger," or be overwhelmed by members who want me to join the congregation. I'm also leary that the group might be too "new age" for me. Would that be the case?

Thanks for your insight.

Elise
Southeastern PA

ANSWER: If you were to visit a UU congregation, you would probably be very familiar with the way we spend our time as a religious community. Most congregations have regular worship services facilitated by ordained ministers, religious education classes for our children, religious music, potluck dinners, study groups, and much more.

Worship style and format does differ from congregation to congregation. "It stands to reason then that no one style of worship has universal appeal among us. Some worship services are formal, with a sense of decorum and a devotional atmosphere. Other services are marked by applause, a pulpit-pew dialogue, and familiar banter." A few congregations may seem "new age," though in my experience most UU worship services are very grounded and reasonable.

UU sermons address everything under the sun: moral values, life decisions and events, meaningful stories and history, and inspiration from nature, different world religions, and religious texts are all common components. I have also heard everything from discussions of children's books to physics.

For more discussion of worship in Unitarian Universalist congregations, please visit www.uua.org/pamphlet/3064.html, quoted above. For some examples of material that UUs use in worship, please see our Worship Web at www.uua.org/worshipweb/main.html.

I encourage you to contact your local UU congregation if you have any other questions about their worship services. The minister there will be able to tell you what the sermon topic will be that week, and answer any questions you have. You can find the contact information for your local UU church at www.uua.org/cong.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(how to develop "spiritual side")

QUESTION: I've been attending my local UU congregation for a few months now, and ever since my first experience there I've found Sunday services to be calming, thought-provoking, and restorative. I love the music and singing, and I was happy to find that many of the sermons and readings seemed to echo my own thoughts. My question is this: I'm from a non-spiritual and non-religious background and haven't done much thinking about faith on my own, and so unlike many people with questions on this page, I don't have any (or at least many) pre-established faith or spiritual beliefs. I want to make my involvement with UUism into something more deeply founded than just an enjoyment of the lessons and rituals, but it seems that one can believe in UU principles without having found a spiritual basis for that belief. Can you recommend ways that I can explore and develop my "spiritual side" in conjunction with attending UU services - books, pamphlets, other experiences things to think about? Thanks for such a helpful Q&A page.

Student
Cambridge, MA

ANSWER: I'm glad you have enjoyed attending your local UU church!

I recommend that you contact the minister of the church for advice regarding how to determine your own spiritual beliefs. Many UU churches host adult religious education classes on developing personal spirituality. (You are not the only one with this wish!) Even if they don't have a formal class, the minister will be able to talk with you about your thoughts and interests, and recommend appropriate resources for exploring your spirituality further.

You can find the contact information for your church at www.uua.org/cong.

In Peace,

Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(hugging; can children stay throughout service?)

QUESTION: My partner and I are considering attending a UU church by our home. We have a 4 year old daughter. I have two questions that I hope aren't strange to ask:

1. What is the expectation of visitor/members of the church as far as embracing and things like that? We tried another church, not UU and all they did was hug and it seemed very much like a clique and we felt very much like we were outsiders. Neither one of us are huggers and won't feel comfortable doing that.

2. As I stated, our daughter is 4. What is the policy of making children leave after part of the service is over? I read somewhere that they are taken to another area for further teachings? I am concerned because my daughter very rarely will leave my side in new situations and I want to be able to stay for the entire service. Can she stay with us through the entire service?

Thanks. A very interested person in NJ

Tina
Washington Twp, NJ

ANSWER: Your questions aren't strange at all!

I really can't say what your local congregation's expectations for hugging are. Social interactions like that vary from congregation to congregation. We try to make everyone feel comfortable, and most Unitarian Universalist church members are aware that people have different boundaries regarding physical contact. When I visit a Unitarian Universalist church for the first time, I wouldn't be surprised to have people shake my hand, and perhaps have the minister put his or her hand on my shoulder. A hug would surprise me.

While the children leave after the first part of the service in many churches, the children are always welcome to stay with their parents. Many children choose to stay with their parents for a few services, then have the parents go with them to the religious education classes, and then are comfortable attending the religious education classes on their own. If your daughter continues to be uncomfortable leaving your side, you could consider assisting with the religious education classes. She would also be welcome to stay in the adult worship services.

I encourage you to contact your local Unitarian Universalist church with these questions. The minister and the director of religious education would be more than happy to introduce you to the church and your daughter to the religious education classrooms and teachers. They would also be happy to answer any other questions you may have. You can find the contact information for your local church at www.uua.org/cong.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(collective individuality?)

QUESTION: I discovered UU today, through one of many internet rabbit trails (I don't even remember my original topic of research). Specifically, the site www.2think.org led me to you.

I am a skeptic, interested in philosophy, and a great believer in individual responsibility. Consequently, your organization sounds very interesting.

Am I correct in believing that UU is a sort of "collective individuality" where the only common "truth" is the desire of all members to grow spiritually and to make the world a better place? In other words, it sounds like you have no common faith per se, more of a common tolerance and respect for each member and thier spritual journey. Many members might even believe that there is more than one "truth" (we disagree and yet we are both right)- is this correct?

If this is indeed the case, I certainly will investigate a local congregation as it seems like a great way to learn, meet like-minded folks in my community, and be free to inquire without being labled a heretic ;-)

Mark
Toano, VA

ANSWER: I hadn't ever thought of Unitarian Universalism in terms of collective individuality before, but your description is apt.

The UUA is a non-creedal religion: we don't have any shared set of beliefs about such things as Truth, the divine, holy texts, etc.: instead, we share moral values, as can be seen in the principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association (www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html). Our members believe in many different things, and follow many different spiritual paths. There are Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Pagans, atheists, agnostics, and people with many other spiritual identities in our congregations. We encourage discussion, and learn much from one another.

You can find your local congregation at www.uua.org/cong.

In Peace,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(not supportive of same-sex marriage; Jewish husband welcome?)

QUESTION: I have 2 questions.

1. My husband is Jewish and I am looking for a church that is liberal and accepting of a variety of perspectives. How would the Unitarian church meet our/his needs?

2. I am not supportive of same sex marriage (although I consider myself to be a liberal in other respects). Does that mean this church is not appropriate for me?

Susan
Farmington, CT

ANSWER: Unitarian Universalism includes and welcomes people of many faiths. Because of this, we have many interfaith couples in our congregations. To read of the experiences of interfaith couples, please see www.uua.org/pamphlet/3605.html.

Many people come to Unitarian Universalism from Judaism, and it is not unusual to hold or convert to a Jewish identity within the UU church. Your husband would be quite welcome here. To read of the experiences of some Jewish Unitarian Universalists, please see the pamphlet at www.uua.org/pamphlet/8150.html. You or he may also be interested in visiting the website of Unitarian Universalists for Jewish Awareness at www.uuja.org/ .

As to not being supportive of same-sex marriage: The UUA has been officially in support of full legal same-sex marriage since 1996. Many of our members, ministers, and congregations have been significantly involved in working for marriage equality. If you are still interested in attending one of our congregations, you may want to talk with your local Unitarian Universalist minister to learn about your local congregation's involvement with this issue, to see if you would be comfortable there. You can find the contact information for your local congregation at www.uua.org/cong.

In Peace,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

November 2004

(can I afford to attend a UU church?)

QUESTION: I am very interested in attending a UU service. I have been struggling with finding a religious community that would accept my constantly reforming ideas on spirituality. I always thought religion just wasnt for me because I never found one that let me think for myself and flex my spiritual muscles. UU sounds very intruiging, and I would like to check it out. However, in reading over some of the pamphlets here, I have become a little concerned with the fact that membership requires a monetary commitment. I am a college student, and I am unable to work during the school year because of my heavy course load. Also, I have taken a loan out to enable me to study abroad this coming spring, so money is very tight. Can you explain the money requirements and commitments? I guess I just want to know if this is something I can afford.

Danielle
Landing, NJ

ANSWER: Don't worry--we know that not everyone is able to give money to the church. Even if you don't have two pennies to rub together, you are still more than welcome to attend any Unitarian Universalist congregations. You don't have to add any money to the Sunday worship service offering plate if you don't want to, and if you eventually wish to become a member of the church, you can make some arrangement with the minister to have a waived or reduced annual contribution. Some churches even have set student membership rates. You can ask your local church (www.uua.org/cong) what their policies are.

For a more lengthy response to a similar question, please see the October 2004 Newcomer's Bulletin Board post entitled "UUism, Sunday collection".

In Peace,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(Channing's Unitarianism vs. modern Unitarian Universalism)

QUESTION: I read a quote attributed to William Ellery Channing in a book, which sent me on a web search to learn more about him. I just read "Unitarian Christianity", which he authored in 1819 (text at http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/DETOC/religion/unitarian.html ). The brilliance of that treatise in turn sent me on a search of the Unitarian Church, which I learn has through the years given way to the UUA. I note that many historical figures, such as Channing, are listed as famous Unitarian Universalists elsewhere in this website.

Channing worshipped one God and believed in the teachings of the Bible, as his reason allowed interpretation of them. He also believed Jesus to be God's son and man's teacher and redeemer, though not God. I don't understand how Channing can be cited as a Unitarian Universalist. It doesn't seem that he would've subscribed to the broad tent the UUA has cast in modern times. I'm not criticizing the mission of the UUA, just citing what appears inaccurate in claiming historical members into a faith that didn't exist while they were living.

Margaret
LA

ANSWER: I'm glad you discovered and enjoyed Channing's works! Unitarian Universalists still find them immensely inspirational today.

Your question about "claiming" Channing and other historical figures is a hot topic. There are many people with passionate opinions on both sides of this issue, regarding not only Channing but many early church figures. They are our religious forefathers; Unitarian Universalism formed in 1961 when the Universalist Church of America and the American Unitarian Association merged. Channing helped to form the American Unitarian Association, and his ideas still provide guidance to church members today. Therefore, our claim to his connection with our church is not unfounded. Of course, we have no way of knowing whether our theological anscestors would agree with the beliefs of the church today.

The fact that Channing was Christian would not need to deter him from embracing modern Unitarian Universalism. There are many Christians who are part of our church today. To learn more about Christian Unitarian Universalism, please see Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship's webpage at www.uua.org/uucf/ , and the related pamphlets at www.uua.org/pamphlet/pamphlets.html.

Channing's progressive moral and social ideas would also fit in today's church. The UUA is dedicated to protecting the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and to promoting justice and equity in human relations. (www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html) In his lifetime, Channing spoke out on many liberal causes, such as the abolition of slavery. If Channing were alive today, he would find the UUA still working for this issue, along with many others.

We would like to think that Channing would be a Unitarian Universalist today. He could just as easily be a member of any number of other churches, though. It is hard to speculate.

If you are interested in pursuing this question further, I recommend that you read Conrad Wright's excellent introduction to Channing's "Unitarian Christianity" essay, found in the book Three Prophets of Religious Liberalism (www.uua.org/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=471). To understand how Unitarian theology and philosophy has advanced from Channing's time to the 20th century, I recommend the essays by James Luther Adams, collected in The Essential James Luther Adams (www.uua.org/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=474).

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(benefits of formally becoming a member)

QUESTION: I have recently been attending a UU church and am enjoying it more and more each time I go. I am wanting to become more involved with all the activities that they offer. I have not yet made the formal committment to become a member though. Formally joining is not something I am wanting to take lightly. My question is what are the benefits to formally becoming a member? Am I able to participate in all that the congregation offers until I sign the membership book? Thank you for your time!

Shannon
CA

ANSWER: Each of our congregations have different benefits relating to membership.

For example, some only allow official church members to vote in congregational matters (such as choosing a new minister); others have reduced rates or waived fees for religious ceremonies (such as weddings); others have different policies regarding religious education classes.

You should ask your local UU church about their membership benefits. You can find the contact information for your local church at www.uua.org/cong.

For more information on becoming a member of a UU church, please see the pamphlet at www.uua.org/pamphlet/3003.html.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(Christianity)

QUESTION: I never thought that an organization like yours could exist... I thought you could only be possible in dreams, but oh... I cannot express with words just how much I have longed to find you. As I write this letter... my heart is filled with an excitement that I thought I could no longer feel... only the beginnings of an unfulfilled love are match to this excitement. Now that I have found you... I know that you are for me; just what I need.

My life has always been ruled by sadness, loneliness, and a despair that I cannot escape. So many times I have wondered what the cause of my pain is... throughout the years, I have come with many answers: I remember that my first explanation was that God hated me for my nature. I thought of myself as an individual rejected by God, somebody who did not belong even in this earth. I have gone through great spiritual pain... For so many years I have been searching for a cure to this pain, and that search took me to "witchcraft", but I don't believe that found what I was looking for in it. I then moved on, I became a Christian thinking that I would find that what was missing... I wanted love. But... that I could not find... for they unknowingly hate me for what I am.

I do believe in the all loving and Almighty Christ, and I have cast off all my hopes and worries onto Him... and I believe that he loves me and accepts me for whatever I am... unlike the Christians that I've met. But you are different. That is why I want to leave the Christian Church that I am currently member of, and want to join your organization.

Something tells me that you will outshine that ages to come, and I want to be part of your light, that is why I want to be with you.

Devon R.
CA

ANSWER: I'm glad that you have found us!

Unitarianism and Universalism were historically Christian denominations. By the early 1900's, both the Universalist Church of America and the American Unitarian Association had opened their arms to people of all faiths. Today, Unitarian Universalism encompasses people with many spiritual identities, including many UU Christians. We welcome people as they are, beliefs and all.

If you are interested in learning more about Christianity within Unitarian Universalism, you might want to read the Newcomer's Bulletin Board posts entitled "do UU churches worship Jesus?" and "Christianity in worship at UU churches," as well as the following websites:

Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship: www.uua.org/uucf/

Pamphlets online relating to Unitarian Universalist views of Christianity:

UU Views of Jesus: www.uua.org/pamphlet/3040.html
UU Views of the Bible: www.uua.org/pamphlet/3042.html
Discovering Unitarian Universalism from Catholic and Jewish Perspectives: www.uua.org/pamphlet/3150.html

Also of interest to many people coming to Unitarian Universalism from Christian backgrounds are:

Unitarian Universalist Views of Church: www.uua.org/pamphlet/3057.html
UU Views of God: www.uua.org/pamphlet/3039.html
UU Views of Prayer: www.uua.org/pamphlet/3035.html
Faith of a Theist: www.uua.org/pamphlet/3015.html

To learn more about Unitarian Universalism, please see the many other pamphlets at www.uua.org/pamphlet/pamphlets.html, and explore our website. For further information, you may be interested in some of the books at the UUA Bookstore (such as the following):

The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide
www.uua.org/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=442

A Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism
www.uua.org/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=449

100 Questions That Non-Members Ask About Unitarian Universalism
www.uua.org/bookstore/product_info.phpproducts_id=446

ABC's for UU Newcomers: A Brief Introduction to Unitarian Universalism
www.uua.org/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=1194

I encourage you to contact your local Unitarian Universalist congregation (www.uua.org/cong). The minister there will be able to answer any further questions you may have, and will be able to better welcome you into our community.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(what is a Unitarian Universalist?)

QUESTION: My English teacher recommended me to this group of Unitarian Universalists. But, what exactly is a Unitarian Universalist? He never explained it in full to me :)

Heaven
Louisville, KY

ANSWER: A Unitarian Universalist is a person who believes in the values and principles of the Unitarian Universalist religion, and who identifies with the Unitarian Universalist community.

Unitarian Universalism is a religion that encompasses many beliefs. In our congregations, there are Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Pagans, humanists, atheists, and people of many other faiths and spiritual identities.

While our members don't share many theological ideas, they do share essential values. There are seven principles which the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations advocates:

The inherent worth and dignity 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.

These principles provide a framework in which to live our lives. (For more information on our principles and purposes, please visit www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html.)

To meet Unitarian Universalists in your area, you could visit one of your local Unitarian Universalist churches. You can find the contact information for your local churches at www.uua.org/cong.

To learn more about Unitarian Universalism, please feel free to explore our website (www.uua.org), especially the pamphlets website (www.uua.org/pamphlet/pamphlets.html).

In Peace,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(course in miracles, life after death)

QUESTION: 1. Do any UU's study 'A COURSE IN MIRACLES'?
2. Is there a UU belief of an ongoing life after death? Thank you,

Alanna
Lady Lake, FL

ANSWER: Because Unitarian Universalism is open to people of all faiths, Unitarian Universalists have many different views of what happens after someone dies. Some believe in heaven; some believe in reincarnation; some believe that there is nothing after death.

For more information on Unitarian Universalist views of life after death, please see the Newcomer's Bulletin Board post entitled "afterlife, eternal punishment in hell", from Oct. 2004.

In Peace,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

P.S. The UUA has no position on "A Course in Miracles." Some of our members may study this course, but we are not involved with that study.

(how much difference does the preacher make to a church community?)

QUESTION: I attended a UU Church with a couple of my friends. I enjoyed the service and the preacher. How much of a difference does the preacher make regarding the church community?

Elizabeth
Wentzville, MO

ANSWER: I'm glad you enjoyed the UU church!

Some ministers are very influential in setting the tone and direction of their congregation. Other ministers take more of a back seat, and let the congregational members make more of the decisions. Other ministers are very involved in some aspects of the church, and delegate other aspects (such as the worship format, social justice work, etc.) to committees of lay people (people who aren't ministers). Some congregations have no ministers at all! It really varies from congregation to congregation.

I hope this has answered your question. If you have any other questions, please let me know!

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(UU republicans?)

QUESTION: Can an Unitarian be a Republican? What is the percentage breakdown between Republicans and Democrats in UU congregations? I ask this not to be trite or controversial, but am actually curious. I share the theoligical beliefs of Humanist UU's, ...but politically, I was completely out of my element.... Any thoughts or statistics? Cordially,

Wes
Winston-Salem, NC

ANSWER: You can certainly be a Republican and be a Unitarian Universalist!

I have no idea how many Democratic and Republican Unitarian Universalists there are. The UUA has long advocated the separation of church and state, so we do not ask our members anything about their policical beliefs or affiliations. We only ask that UUs vote according to their values.

(For an excellent new book on the separation of church and state, please see www.uua.org/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=1432.)

You might want to check out the Conservative Forum of Unitarian Universalists (www.cfuu.org/ ). While not all Republicans are conservative, you might find some of the resources on this website useful. For instance, there is a sermon entitled "Can You Be A UU Republican" at www.cfuu.org/uurepublicansermon.html .

I hope this answers your question. If you have any other questions, please let me know!

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(do UU churches worship Jesus?)

QUESTION: I believe in Jesus the man. While I think his teachings were of use to all, I don't believe he should be worshipped as God.

I've been trying to find a church that reflects my views. I'm sorry, but I don't have the time to read everything on your site. My question is: Is the UU a church that worships Jesus?

Blues Bob
Placentia, CA

ANSWER: While there are many Christian Unitarian Universalists, few of those worship Jesus as God. Most Christian (and many non-Christian) Unitarian Universalists see Jesus as an important and possibly holy man whose message of love and forgiveness serves as inspiration and guidance in our lives. To read some Unitarian Universalists' thoughts on Jesus, please see www.uua.org/pamphlet/3040.html. For information on the Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship, please see their website at www.uua.org/uucf/.

Since Unitarian Universalism is not a Christian church, Unitarian Universalists look to many other religious and historical figures for inspiration and guidance as well. At most churches, you are just as likely to hear a reading from the teachings of the Buddha or Carl Sagan's scientific writings or a popular novel or children's book as you are to hear a reading from the Bible. For more information on our non-creedal faith, please see www.uua.org/pamphlet/3081.html.

For more information on Unitarian Universalism, please see our pamphlets at www.uua.org/pamphlet/pamphlets.html, and read the other Newcomer's Bulletin Board posts below.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(religious education and christianity, leaving dad at home, paganism/feminine divine, worship, Iraq)

QUESTION: I've been looking at you web site off and on for some months. I must say I'm intrigued by UU. I do not currently attend church, nor feel a lack. For about 12 years I've called myself pagan, but I don't really even practice that regularly. But one concern is that I don't want to give up my personal interpretation of spirit as being feminine. In fact I would like to hear the Goddess publically invoked at times.

I'm considering visiting the local UU church because the social and liberal values appeal to me, the acceptance of all people and religions appeal to me. I was raised in a somewhat liberal Lutheran church. So when I do go to church I have a tendency to expect familiar ceromony, even if I don't agree with the substance. So one question is with all the variations in services are there elements of repetative comforting ceremony?

I'm also curious about the children's religious eductaion. I feel that my children should be familair with Christianity because it is embedded in our culture. There are daily references to it in literature, tv, even advertisements, and I want them to "get" it. But I also want them to understand the multiple ways that people see God or spirit. Also how the name of God is used to justify things that are unkind, like war. My son has no beleif in God, and I've tried to explain faith to him so he has an itellectual understanding. My daughter who is currently in a religious day care is easily swayed by what she hears and is an ardent believer in Jesus at the tender age or 4. I don't think either child understands the nature of spirit. In spite of a church going up bringing I never had a "spitual feeling" until adulthood. So would the childrens education be just education? Would they learn tolerance and diversity? I also don't want all the lessons to be Christian based, is there balance? I like the idea of them learning alternative ideas that I was not exposed to as a child.

Also my husband has no interest in UU. While church's are designed with families in mind, I wouldn't want to feel pressure to drag my husband along. We are comfortable accepting each others ideas. Would my presence be accepted alone, or with my children? Also, I'm shy about going. I don't want everyone to pounce on me and be overly welcoming. I want to quietly observe, and see if it feels "right". I imagine it is hard for you to say what the local church would do.

I've spent some time reading various articles on the web site related to social issues. What is the UU church doing related to the Iraq war? I belive this war is wrong, I'm wanting to do seveal things to make a stand for this beleif and I wonder if UU can be a part of that. I beleive in sepration of church and state, but politics and religion are often intertwined. I want to find myself among others with similar beleifs doing what we can to bring the killing in Iraq to an end.

Thank you for your help.

Amy
Corvallis, OR

ANSWER: You have quite a few questions here, so I'll tackle them one at a time:

There are quite a few Unitarian Universalists who think of the divine as feminine. Many of those consider themselves to be Pagan, but certainly not all. The feminist reform of the Unitarian Universalist Association in the 1970's made sure that all of the language (from our bylaws down to our hymns) have gender-neutral or gender-inclusive language, not only for our church members, but also for our representations of the divine. Usually, this results in refering to God without any gendered pronouns (for example: not "God and his love" or "God and her love," but "God and God's love"). For more information on the Goddess and Unitarian Universalism, please contact the Coveneant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans at www.cuups.org, or search our website (www.uua.org) for "goddess."

Almost everyone enjoys consistency in their worship. While our congregations vary greatly one to another in how they run their worship services, they generally stay within an expected format within each congregation. Many congregations start their worship by lighting a chalice (www.uua.org/pamphlet/3076.html), and also include such standards as a sermon, children's story, hymns, etc. If a service is going to be very different from the usual format, those running the service make sure to tell everyone in advance, so that the congregational members know what to expect. For more information on worship in UU congregations, please see www.uua.org/pamphlet/3064.html. To learn how your local congregation worships, please contact your local congregation, whose contact information you can find at www.uua.org/cong.

Our religious education is designed to teach our children about tolerance and diversity, as well as about the different religious of the world. Christianity is one of many religions taught. For a list with descriptions of some of our curricula, please see www.uua.org/re/childprog.html. To learn what curricula your local congregation uses, please contact your church directly (www.uua.org/cong). Please also see my responses to the questions entitled "pagan family curious about religious education" and "structured values for kids" below, which, while answering different questions than yours, will provide more information about our curricula and religious education.

As for visiting your local church with or without your husband, that is entirely your call. Our congregations have families of all imaginable descriptions; no one will judge you because your husband chooses not to accompany you to church.

Regarding the war: The UUA prays for the soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, both U.S. and foreign. We hope for a speedy peaceful resolution. We hope for reasonable humanitarian aid for Iraq and Afghanistan after the fighting ends. For more information about what the UUA has been doing in response to the war in Iraq, please see www.uua.org/news/2003/iraq/. There are many excellent resources on this web page, especially through the links in the left-hand column.

I think that about covers it. :) If you have any further questions, please let me know!

In Peace,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(am I a Unitarian Universalist?)

QUESTION: I am considering visiting the local UU church in Charleston, SC. I call myself a Christian, but have come a long, long way from the dogmatism of my youth. (I'm 41) I believe in Christ, but recognize that he may be only one manifestation of redemption Myth (capital M). I believe in sin, not in the sense of violating any particular rule, but in the sense of humility - we are all flawed, we are all fallible, we are all wrong at one time or another. I deeply believe in good works, but do not believe that they are totted up on a toteboard to earn us God's favor. While I believe that ultimate Truth may well exist, I am much less sure of man's ability to recognize or define it - due to the aforementioned fallibility. I am an avid reader of literature from all cultures, a cynic, a logical rationalist, and cannot accept a belief system that requires me to divorce faith from my own intellect and reason. I am also somewhat God-haunted, a poetic idealist, and have never escaped a sense that there exists an "Otherness" in the universe. Do I sound like a Universal Unitarian to you?

Marti
Isle Of Palms, SC

ANSWER: You do indeed sound like a Unitarian Universalist to me! :) Your ideas, both theological and philosophical, are shared by many Unitarian Universalists.

Many of the ideas you mention, such as the unending search for truth, having sources of inspiration from many different cultures and religions, and recognizing the importance of rational thought in a spiritual quest and of good works in life, are outlined in the principles and purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association (www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html).

More telling than the compatibility of your theological views is the fact that you are drawn to Unitarian Universalism. I find that those who find Unitarian Universalism to be compelling are usually UUs at heart already.

I encourage you to visit your local congregation. It seems like a great community for you by description, but you'll never know until you visit whether it is a spiritual community in which you would feel comfortable. You could also consider contacting the minister there with any further questions you may have. You can find the contact information for your local church by searching www.uua.org/cong.

In Peace,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(how do we define "religion"?)

QUESTION: How do you define "Religion?" I have begun to think of myself as somewhere between secular humanism and deism, comfortable with neither, wanting to talk about it with like minded folks (seeking truth?) Does this sound like a fit with UU?

Rob
Irmo, SC

ANSWER: Unitarian Universalism sounds like it might be a great match for your beliefs!

We have no one definition of "religion." Most Unitarian Universalists think of our own religion as a spiritual community with shared moral values and principles, working together in a quest for truth and meaning. This same description can apply to other religions, though in many other religions there is also an added aspect of shared creed (beliefs).

Unitarian Universalism has no stated creed. We are open to people of all faiths, as well as people of no faith. There are Unitarian Universalist humanists, Christians, Pagans, atheists, agnostics, Buddhists, you name it! We are guided by shared principles such as respecting the inherent worth and dignity of every person. To read more about the principles and purposes of the UUA, please see www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html.

If you are interested in visiting a Unitarian Universalist congregation, please use our online directory at www.uua.org/cong to find the churches closest to you.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
Public Information Assistan

(pagan family curious about religious education)

QUESTION: I was raised Catholic, but have been Pagan for the past ten years or so. My husband calls himself a Christian, but does not belong to any church or faith. He and I have two elementary aged children. He has left their spirituality up to me, and they are happy being Pagan. However, I am wondering if they would benefit from some sort of structure, that I can not provide. I have looked into the UU church, and while alot of it sounds great, I have to be honest and say I am not entirely comfortable with my children reading Bible passages. I'm wondering if it would confuse them. I have heard about CUUPS, but I do not think the UU church here in town participates in that. (of course, being a military family, we move all the time anyway) I would love any advice you could give.

Kelly
Rapid City, SD

ANSWER: If you are not comfortable with your children learning about other religions, then Unitarian Universalist religious education probably isn't right for your family. If you want resources for teaching your children about Paganism, you may want to visit such websites as www.blessedbee.com/ , http://pages.ivillage.com/paganparent/ , www.paganparenting.net/ . Please note that the UUA isn't affiliated with any of these websites or organizations--they are just examples of the network for Pagan families that are out there.

However, you may find that your children quite easily understand the difference between learning about other religions, such as Christianity, and practicing them. Unitarian Universalist churches don't teach any religion dogmatically; they present each religion as a source of inquiry and inspiration. We would no more expect your children to convert to Christianity from studying the Bible than we would expect a Christian family to convert to Paganism when studying it in a religious education class. We have found that education is not a threat to personal convictions.

Many people, children included, find it easier to define their own beliefs and connect with their own spiritual heritage when they have learned more about other religions. Also, especially growing up in the military culture, your children may appreciate understanding what Christianity and other religions are all about. They will then have a better foundation from which to state and defend their own beliefs and practices.

Participating in a Unitarian Univesalist congregation would give you access to a community that values your spirituality, that welcomes your faith, and that encourages an interfaith dialogue.

Even if your local congregation doesn't have an active chapter of CUUPS, they may have an Earth-based spirituality curricula, and will certainly have an understanding of Paganism. If you express an interest in becoming involved with the congregation, you can teach them more about Paganism. CUUPS has many different resources availible for teaching liberal Paganism to individuals and congregations. You can learn more about these resources at www.cuups.org/content/resources/religioused.html.

I also encourage you to read the October Newcomer's BB post entitled "structured values for kids". It includes many additional resources relating to Unitarian Universalist religious education.

I hope that this answers your questions. If you think that your children would benefit from a Unitarian Universalist religious education, please contact your local congregation (www.uua.org/cong). If you would rather teach them on your own, or with the support of other communities, then I wish you the best.

In Peace and Blessed Be,

Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(who's in charge, in a grassroots organization?)

QUESTION: New enquirer here! Thanks for a most informative Q&A section..... With so many different 'views' flying about, and knowing certain aspects of human nature (self-promotion/domination/bias), how do you regulate those who are in charge of your Association from grass roots upwards?
Lots of love

Mark
Loughborough, Leicestershire (UK)

ANSWER: I'm going to fill in with a bit of information for those who may read this Bulletin Board post who don't understand what we mean when we say that the UUA is a grassroots organization:

By running our association according to democratic principles, we avoid having statements from authorities that determine the beliefs and actions of our church members. We instead have a grassroots organization: decisions are made from the bottom up, so that the will of the UUA is the will of its members.

The actions and statements of the UUA are determined almost entirely by delegates from each congregation, who gather yearly at our General Assembly. They vote on what issues the UUA will focus its efforts on, what public statements the UUA will make about current moral and political issues, which leaders will head the denomination, and other such matters.

Because of this, the UUA does not have nearly as many "official" statements, stances, beliefs, etc. as more hierarchical churches. For example, the Unitarian Universalist Association doesn't have a statement of beliefs, since, as you can imagine, no group of people could ever vote on a unified belief system. This allows people of all faiths to join in our religious community and contribute to our spiritual dialogue.

Similarly, our congregations are free to run their churches as they please. Some have ministers, other don't; some are Christian, others are humanist, others have any number of faiths in their ranks; some have worship services on Sundays, others have other formats of worship. Each congregation is able to adapt to the needs and wishes of its members.

We view this as a significant benefit to the denomination. By not having official limits on our actions, we are able to have a free and vibrant faith.

Rather than authority and power, the guiding force within our decisions are our shared values and principles. To read the principles and purposes of the UUA, please see www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html.

The leadership of the UUA is determined in the same way that other important matters are: by voting. Congregations vote to determine who their delegates will be, and those delegates then vote on who the leaders (president, moderator, etc.) of the UUA will be.

The congregational delegates vote not as much for people whose personal beliefs will appropriately represent the beliefs of most UUs, since that is nearly impossible, but rather for leaders who will respect the broad range religious convictions represented in Unitarian Universalism without letting their personal convictions bias them. We have always been very fortunate to have excellent leaders who have been very fair in working with different UU faith groups equally. We never expect that our leaders will set aside their personal beliefs, but rather know that they will look beyond those beliefs to include the beliefs of others. Our members choose well.

As for self-promotion and domination, that has never been a problem with our leadership, and I doubt that it ever will be. These are traits that are not accepted or tolerated within Unitarian Universalism. No one could rise very high in our denomination and still hold on to a concept of domination.

I hope this answers your question. If you have any further questions, please let me know!

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(how to join?)

QUESTION: How do you join the Unitarian Church?

Ryan
Iowa

ANSWER: I recommend that you first visit your local congregation. You can find your local Unitarian Universalist congregation using our website www.uua.org/cong. If you enjoy the religious community at your local UU church, you could then consider seeking membership there.

If there are no UU congregations in your area, you could consider becoming a member of the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF). CLF is a Unitarian Universalist congregation whose members live all over the world, and who communicate through email, phone, and mail. For more information about the CLF, please see their website, www.clfuu.org.

I also encourage you to read our pamphlet "Becoming a Member" at www.uua.org/pamphlet/3003.html.

In Peace,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(at what age should kids start attending services?)

QUESTION: I was brought up attending several different religious services and as such am not affiliated to any particular religious organization, but follow the basic teachings of most. I would like to expose my children to different religions by joining a UU church and then let them decide on their religious beliefs. What age would be appropriate to start attending services with them?

Shana
Columbia, MD

ANSWER: It is entirely up to you when you think you should begin attending services with your children. Many parents choose to bring their children to Sunday School when they start elementary school. Some bring their children when they are infants, others when they are much older.

You may want to contact your local congregation (www.uua.org/cong) and find out what religious education programs they offer for which age groups, and make your decision according to what programs you think would be valuable for your children.

You may also find the following pamphlet useful in making this decision: Should My Child Go To Sunday School?

I also encourage you to read the October Newcomer's BB post entitled "structured values for kids". It includes many additional resources relating to Unitarian Universalist religious education.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(youth involvement in a UU church, parental permission)

QUESTION: I'm so glad to have found unitarian universalism I've been looking for a group that fits my beliefs but I want to make sure of a few things does it matter what age I am to get involved in your church if I'm under 18 would I need parent consent to my joining and is your church considerly christian or is your church a diverse mix of religions and beliefs

Matt
Bellevue, KY

ANSWER: Welcome!

There are tons of teenagers involved in Unitarian Universalism! They have a really awesome youth organization called YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists). You can check them out at www.uua.org/yruu.

Of course, it's a lot easier to get involved in the church with your parent's permission. After you learn more about Unitarian Universalism and the churches in your area (which you can find at www.uua.org/cong), try talking with your parents about your religious beleifs, and your hope to try out Unitarian Universalism. If they have serious objections to you getting involved, you can have them talk to the minister and Director of Religious Education (DRE) of one of the churches in your area. They might be able to work something out.

How much you can be involved in the church without your parent's permission really depends on where you are living, what your local congregation thinks about this, what it is your parents object to, and many other things. Your local church will help you all they can, but usually there's only so much they can do if your parents really don't want you to get involved.

On to your second question: Unitarianism and Universalism both used to be Christian denominations, but by the time they merged in 1961, they had both moved to a much more liberal stance that includes, as you put it, "a mix of religions and beliefs." These days, there are Unitarian Universalist Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, athiests, Pagans, you name it. There is no Unitarian Universalist belief statement that you have to agree to to be part of the church; so long as you agree with some pretty basic values, like respecting one another, anyone is welcome to be part of the church. You can read an example of UU principles at www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html.

If you have any other questions about Unitarian Universalism, just ask! You may find a lot of your questions are answered by the pamphlets at www.uua.org/pamphlets/pamphlets.html. I also really encourage you to check out your local churches, and to talk to the ministers there. They'll be able to help you much more than I can. Again, you can find your local congregations at www.uua.org/cong.

Best of luck!

In Peace,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(advice for establishing a church at home)

QUESTION: Hi -We are a vegan homeschool family with 4 little children. We practice aspects of attatchment parenting also. I don't feel an organized church is right for us now. I want to establish our own type of "church at home". What do you recommend? And what type of books should we use for our religious education? I would like to establish weekly/monthly/yearly traditions focusing mainly on our family as our church, the teachings of Jesus and Buddha. I would love any advice/input.

Thanks,

Becky
Enfield, NH

ANSWER: As you have probably discovered by now, Unitarian Universalism has room in its faith not only for Christians, Buddhists, and others, but also for people who don't want to be involved in a regular organized religious community that has weekly worship services.

The Unitarian Universalist Association has established a congregation called the Church of the Larger Fellowship to serve the needs of people who either cannot or do not wish to participate in a regular Unitarian Universalist congregation. The Church of the Larger Fellowship (also called CLF) has members all over the world, with whom they interact via phone, mail, and email. CLF supports their members with such resources as a lending library with books on spiritual and religious topics, religious education curricula and guidance, and ministerial support for people of all faith traditions. I recommend that you contact the Church of the Larger Fellowship for advice and resources for establishing a personal religious system for your family.

You can find more information on the Church of the Larger Fellowship, and all necessary contact information, by visiting their website www.clfuu.org.

You can also ask your local Unitarian Universalist congregations for suggestions, advice, resources, and general support as you explore your family's religious experience. I'm sure they would be happy to help you with your endeavor. There are six UU churches within 25 miles of your town. You can find their contact information at www.uua.org/cong.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(wedding ceremony for interfaith couple)

QUESTION: My fiance and I are getting married in Grand Rapids, MI next fall and are looking for an officiant. It is important to him to have clery officiate, but neither one of us belong to a church. He was raised baptist, and I am monotheistic, but don't associate myself with any particular religious doctrine. Is it possible to find someone in the Grand Rapids area who could perform a lightly religious ceremony to fit both of our needs????

Heather
West Chester, OH

ANSWER: Unitarian Universalist ministers often perform marriages for couples whose religious ideas cross traditional faith boundaries. Unitarian Universalist clergy will help design the wedding ceremony to fit your spiritual needs, be they Christian, Buddhist, Pagan, Transcendentalist, Humanist, atheist, or something else entirely.

Contact information for the church in Grand Rapids, MI is below. You can also search for other UU churches at www.uua.org/cong. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

October 2004

(UUism, Sunday collection)

QUESTION: I have been wandering aimlessly since my preteen years, searching for a spiritual niche. At 26, I have very little remaining in my life of my catholic upbringing. I am sickened by the judgemental nature of many of the faiths that I have explored. I've found myself turning away from christianity, and find more appeal in the jewish faith. But, I know that convertion to judaism isn't for me because, while I do not see Jesus as the messiah, I do see him as an important historical/spiritual figure. (Not to mention that I have a hard time with the idea of abandoning all of the traditions of my family and ancestors.) So, I haven't known what to do. That is, until know. I have yet to find anything about UUism that doesn't fit into the faith that I have developed, and am excited to think that I may have finally found a home. But, I have a silly question.. Being raise catholic, I remember the intense pressure that was put onto my family to "pay-up" every Sunday. My family was actually kicked out of a parish for not giving as much as the priest thought we should. I am a single mom of meager means, and am nervous of that sort of thing happening to me. So, please ease my mind... Thank you - Amy

Amy
Rouses Point, NY

ANSWER: Don't worry! A UU church would never ask a member to leave the congregation, even if they had not money to donate.

UU congregations ask their members to give what money they can. Most congregations do "pass the plate" at Sunday services, but these offering donations are anonymous, and contributions aren't required.

Instead of getting their money from Sunday offerings, most UU congregations ask members to give as part of an annual membership pledge. This allows the minister and pledge committee to meet one-on-one with each member, to make sure that their donations are appropriate to their financial situation.

Each congregation determines their own guidelines about membership and financial contributions, so membership policies differ from congregation to congregation. There is rarely a minimum amount of donation required to be a part of the church, and when there is one, it is very small. Often there is a suggested financial contribution as part of being a member, but you always have the option of giving less that the suggested amount. We don't want to exlude anyone just because they can't pay as much as others.

You are also welcome to attend your local congregation without becoming a member. Membership allows you to vote in congregational matters (like selecting a new minister, etc.) and other such benefits, but is not necessary for involvement in your congregation. Many people attend a church for a long time before deciding to become a member.

If you have any other questions about this, feel free to call or email your local church about their guidelines for member's financial contributions. You can search our directory at www.uua.org/cong to find your closest congregation. If you have any further questions, just ask!

In Peace,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(God)

QUESTION: What God does the UU believe in?

ANSWER: You are not the first person to be confused about Unitarian Universalism's concept of God!

Because Unitarian Universalism has no defined set of beliefs, Unitarian Universalists are free to have many differing ideas about God. Some believe in the God of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam; some believe in a Goddess, or in many gods; some think of God as life, light and love; others believe in no dieties at all.

If you would like more information on Unitarian Universalism, you may find some of the pamphlets in our publications section helpful. (www.uua.org/pamphlet/pamphlets.html) For more information on Unitarian Universalist views of God, please see www.uua.org/pamphlet/3039.html. If I can answer any other questions for you, please let me know.

In Peace,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(Christianity in worship at UU churches)

QUESTION: I have been exploring religion lately. I am 31, married with a 9 month old and have greatly felt the need to "belong" to a religion. I was baptized Catholic, my mother was Catholic and grew up in the church but never practiced it beyond highschool and never encouraged it with myself and my siblings. I remember going to church with my grandparents and occasionally for holidays such as Easter and Midnight Mass. I remember loving the services and now, as an adult, I wanted to explore that again….

I logged onto this web site this morning and began reading and immediately felt like this was it...this is what I have been searching for! I have attended the UU church in town twice and really enjoyed it. I do, however, consider myself a Christian and I enjoy talking about God and readings from the Bible. Is this ever a part of UU services? I also want to get my daughter involved in youth church events and feel that bible stories are very important. Not as something that we all MUST LIVE BY but as a piece of religious history. My question is...how much Christianity and bible reading does the UU church involve itself in? I also noticed that the word God was never used in the services? I believe that God can be whatever you percieve him/her/it to be. Is the term used? I do want to say that I felt such "relief" after reading information off this web page this morning and really look forward to attending church at the local UU church this weekend.

Katherine
Waterville Maine

ANSWER: I'm glad that you've found the Unitarian Universalist church to be welcoming! There are many former Catholics who are now a part of the Unitarian Universalist church.

To hear one person's journey from Catholicism to Unitarian Universalism, please see www.uua.org/pamphlet/3150.html.

How often God and the Bible are referenced in worship services and religious education classes varies greatly from congregation to congregation. Some Unitarian Universalist congregations are decidedly Christian: for information on these congregations, please see the UU Christian Fellowship's webpage at www.uua.org/uucf. Other congregations have various degrees of involvement with Christianity. Most UU churches read from the Bible occasionally, and celebrate Christian holidays like Christmas. Most also discuss and refer to God occasionally, acknowledging that the members of the congregation will have different understandings of what "God" means to them.

For more information on Unitarian Universalist views of Christianity, the Bible, God, Jesus, etc., please see our pamphlets webpage at www.uua.org/pamphlet/pamphlets.html.

If you are unsatisfied with your local UU congregation, you could consider visiting one of the other UU congregations in your area. There are three within 15 miles of your town. Complete contact information for these congregations is at www.uua.org/CONG/.

I encourage you to talk with your minister about any further questions you may have. However, if you have any further questions for me, feel free to ask!

In Peace,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(would UUism help answer atheist's questions?)

QUESTION: I am 27 years old with absolutely no religious convictions. I suppose I would be labeled either "athiest" or "agnostic" based on my lack of views. In my family and workplace I am surrounded by practicing Christians who all believe that Christianity is the only way to go. I simply cannot logically find truth in the teachings of Christianity. To me, the teachings all sound like mysticism and fantasy. While I am fulfilled in my life and live a very happy life, I cannot help but wonder how so many people are drawn to religion. Am I missing something? Would UU help to answer my questions?

Brandy
Aiken, South Carolina

ANSWER: Many Unitarian Universalists are atheists, agnostics, and humanists. You would be quite at home here! Many non-"religious" people choose to participate in Unitarian Universalism because we have an active and welcoming community, bonded together by strong values and guided by shared principles. It is inspiring and comforting to gather with a group of people who have common interests and concerns, and with whom you can have engaging spiritual and moral discussions. The difference between Unitarian Universalism and most other religions is that we offer this community without the trappings of creed and dogma (in other words, official beliefs).

If you are interested in seeing what Unitarian Universalism has to offer you, I recommend that you visit your local UU congregation. You can find your local congregation's contact information at www.uua.org/cong. Feel free to contact the congregation before your visit with any questions you may have.

For more information about Unitarian Universalism, I encourage you to read our principles and purposes (www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html), as well as any of the various pamphlets available at www.uua.org/pamphlets/pamphlets.html. These answer the questions of most newcomers.

In Peace,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(afterlife, eternal punishment in hell)

QUESTION: Lately,my 12 year old son has been asking about the afterlife and has become very worried about the prospect of eternal punishment in Hell. What is the UU's view on these concerns and how can I best explain this to him?

Greg Arruda
Bristol, Rhode Island

ANSWER: Historically, Unitarians believed in the traditional Christian concept of the afterlife (heaven, hell, etc.), while Universalists believed in Universal salvation (that everyone will eventually go to heaven). Both of these religious groups later moved to a concept of religious pluralism (that there are many valid paths to truth in different religions), and then merged to form Unitarian Universalism in 1961.

Because of the flexibility in today's Unitarian Universalist faith, people hold many different views on almost all theological issues, including the afterlife. Some UUs believe in Heaven, some in reincarnation, some in no afterlife at all, others in different ideas altogether. That said, I would be very surprised to find a Unitarian Universalist who believes in eternal punishment or Hell.

I encourage you to contact your local Unitarian Universalist minister to discuss your son's questions. She or he will be able to help you talk with your son about his concerns, and will be able to find resources to help with his curiosity and fears. You can find the contact information for your local church at www.uua.org/cong.

Below are some links that might be of use to you. They discuss various aspects of Unitarian Universalist concepts of death and the afterlife.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

Death:

Dying: www.uua.org/pamphlet/3100.html

UU Theology: www.uuworld.org/2001/05/feature1.html (see the second section, "The Mortal Bond")

Reincarnation: www.uua.org/uubf/sangv6n1.htm (see "Why I Believe in Rebirth," near the end of the page)

Spiritualism: www.uua.org/uuhs/duub/articles/spiritualism.html

(just war, pacifism)

QUESTION: What do Unitarians think about the idea of a "Just War"?

Or just what stance do you take on average/publicly or in the name of your religion on the idea of pacifism?

Or to sum up...if you could have executed Hitler would you have?

Assuming the concentration camps could have been avoided.

Of course this doesn't have to be a yes or no answer as your congregations have different opionions but I'm wondering if the organization has ever taken a public stance on whether there is such a thing as a just war in the name of all their ...uhm should I say parishners?

Alan LaBudde
Knoxville, TN

ANSWER: There is a quick and long answer to your question. The quick answer is that individual Unitarian Universalists have many different opinions on all issues, but most probably support peace and/or pacifism. Officially, the Unitarian Universalist Association promotes peace, but does not say that there is no possibility of a just war.

The longer answer is this: Unitarians and Universalists have been speaking out for peace for almost as long as they have been called Unitarians and Universalists. The founder of American Unitarianism, William Ellery Channing, was outspoken against war and violence. Adin Ballou, an early Universalist, wrote about a philosophy of "non-resistance" that later inspired Unitarians Emerson and Thoreau to advocate pacifism, and contributed significantly to Gandhi's philosophy of peaceful revolution. John Haynes Holmes, one of the first American advocates for pacifism, was also a prominent Unitarian minister.

Unitarians and Universalists have also spoken out for war: the Civil War and both World Wars were supported by the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America. President Taft himself was a Unitarian, and led the American Unitarian Association to resist a pacifist's stance against war. Thomas Jefferson, also a former President of the U.S. and the author of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, was a Unitarian. He also had a significant hand in drafting the U.S. Constitution. These two documents' defense of the right to just war has been the foundation of all U.S. military policy since.

The American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America merged in 1961 to form today's Unitarian Universalist Association and the religion Unitarian Universalism.

I would hazard a guess that most Unitarian Universalists today either are pacifist themselves or agree with the idea of pacifism. This certainly does not mean that all Unitarian Universalists are pacifists or agree with pacifism: it is merely my guess at the general sentiment.

I base this guess on two things: first, the priciples of the Unitarian Universalist Association, which many Unitarian Universalists use as moral guidelines, call for "the inherent worth and dignity of every person," "justice, equity, and compassion in human relations," and "the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all." (For more information on the UUA's principles, please see www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html.) Second, many Unitarian Universalist congregations and individuals participate in peace activism, which is often based on pacifist ideals.

The official position of the Unitarian Universalist Association on different issues is determined by delegates from each UU congregation in a yearly vote. To see all of the UUA's official statements on Peace and Disarmament, please see www.uua.org/actions/#peace. To see our most recent statement on the war in Iraq, please see www.uua.org/csw/aiws2004.htm#Iraq:%20Sovereignty,%20the%20United%20Nations,%20and%20Human%20Rights.

I hope this answers your question. If you have any further questions, please let me know.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(structured values for kids)

QUESTION: I was raised Roman Catholic in a family who is very supportive and loving and mostly open-minded. Switching to UU from Catholicism is a no-brainer for me. HOWEVER, my problem is that I do beleive that a solid foundation of faith is imperative for children and Catholicism did me well. Although I don't hold all the beliefs today, I do recognize the good values that were taught in my parish. I think that the more accepting UU values would be an even better foundation for my kids, but I'm not sure it offers enough structure for them. It seems to be a wonderful faith to "learn" or "explore" your way into, but is it enough for a little one who needs so much guidance? Can you please give me some examples of "Sunday school" equivalents or something to ease my little mind? Thank you so much!!!!!

Pam
Charlottesville, VA

ANSWER: It's nice to know that you are so concerned with raising your kids with the right combination of values and structure.

Many people assume that because Unitarian Universalism doesn't have a creed, we don't have a set of values or ethics. This isn't the case. It is largely our shared values that bring and hold our religious community together.

The new children's pamphlet "My Seven Principles" (www.uua.org/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=1405) phrases the seven principles of the UUA in language that kids can understand. It reads:

Each person is important.
Be kind in all you do.
We're free to learn together...
...and search for what is true.
All people need a voice.
Build a fair and peaceful world.
We care for Earth's lifeboat.

To read the adult language of these principles, please visit www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html.

Our religious education programs are centered on teaching these values, as well as on teaching our children about the different world religions, and on learning to live responsibly.

The structure of each congregation's religious education program differs one to the other, and your children may find they are more comfortable in one congregation than in another. Many families "shop around" before settling on the religious education program that best fits their needs.

If you would like to talk with someone further about Unitarian Universalist religious education, I encourage you to contact your local congregation's Director of Religious Education (DRE). You can find your local congregation's contact information at www.uua.org/cong.

You can also write with any further questions to re@uua.org. A staff person from the Office of Lifespan Faith Development (formerly the Religious Education Department) will answer you. Feel free to explore the Lifespan Faith Development office webpage at www.uua.org/re.

There are a number of online resources on UU religious education. They
are:

"UU Religious Education and Your Child: Frequently Asked Questions"
www.uua.org/pamphlet/3102.html
"Faith Without a Creed"
www.uua.org/pamphlet/3089.html
"Should My Child Go To Sunday School?"
www.uua.org/pamphlet/3067.html
"UU Kids Say Church Is..."
www.uua.org/pamphlet/3083.html
"UU Kids Say God Is..."
www.uua.org/pamphlet/3078.html
"Youth on Fire: UUism for People ages 14-20"
www.uua.org/pamphlet/3093.html

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(macro and micro philosophical ponderings)

QUESTION: Mankinds technologies, such as the macroscope known as the Hubble telescope, have given us views of other galaxies but nothing "outside" of our universe. The electron microscope has given us views of quarks within a sub atomic particle.

Lately I have been pondering if mankind had the ability to see farther in ether direction, would we be seeing views of ourseleves.

In otherwords, what we are in this seemingly endless universe, could be the smallest part of something way larger while in the same instant the largest part of something way smaller.

Let me try another description.

Imagine an elderly person whose has been feeling low on energy and tired alot of the time. So this person visits a doctor who, after running tests, tells this person they have a low iron/blood count. The doctor tell his patient to start taking an iron supplement. The elderly person takes the iron supplement and it dissolves into this persons body getting smaller and smaller. Now shift your focus. Imagine a asteriod 5 miles accross hurling through space at hundreds of thousands of miles per hours. Made of iron. There is more but I will save the rest for another time.

My question is, does anyone else ever ponder such things?

Thomas Schmidt
Castalia, NC

ANSWER: You are certainly not the only person to ponder the connection between the microscopic and the macroscopic worlds.

The world beyond our senses, both large and small, has fascinated great minds for centuries. Some attempt to uncover its mysteries through science. They make bigger and better telescopes to see farther and farther into space, or microscopes to see inside the atomic particles. Others try to answer the same questions through reason: philosophers can debate endlessly about the nature and extent of the physical world, the connections between related objects, and the role of humans. Still others turn to religion and faith for answers to these questions.

Unitarian Universalism is different from many faiths because it looks to all three of these sources for answers to life's questions: in Unitarian Universalism, the world's religions, philosophy, and science all play a part in discussions about the world.

For more information about how Unitarian Univeralism looks to science for inspiration, please see the pamphlet entitled "Science and Religion" at www.uua.org/pamphlet/3097.html.

I encourage you to contact your local Unitarian Universalist minister to discuss this question further. You can find his or her contact information at www.uua.org/cong.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

September 2004

(different kinds of Unitarians and Universalists)

QUESTION:

I have now attended a couple of Unitarian meetings and explored several web sites which have provided me with a considerable amount of information and I am interested in learning more about the organisation. However, I have been somewhat taken aback to discover that apparently there are conservative Unitarians, liberal Unitarians, classical liberal Unitarians, libertarian Unitarians and, no doubt, other varieties which I have not yet encountered. I must have misunderstood the meaning of "universalist". Can you help? Should I find out which variety my local congregation belongs to? (their meetings haven't provided any clues).
I am rather confused.

Brian Toney
Kingston, Ontario (Canada)

ANSWER: The terms "Unitarian" and "Universalist" have had, and still do have, so many different meanings that it is easy to be confused. Here is a (very generalized) history of why this is so:

Originally, "Unitarian" referred to Christians who denied the Trinity (the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost), saying that God was one being. Unitarian groups and churches popped up in Transylvania and England as early as the 1550's.

In the mid-1800's Unitarians in America (descended from the English Unitarian heritage) began discussions about religious pluralism--recognizing other religions as having spiritual merit. Some Unitarians broke away from the American Unitarian Association, refusing to have part in a church that recognized non-Christian faiths, while others remained. By the early 1900's, many of the Unitarians in the A.U.A, while personally Christian, believed that not only was God one being, but that all Gods were one God. This group is one of Unitarian Universalist's two creedal forefathers.

There are quite a few Christian Unitarian churches that are not part of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Many of those are in England and Transylvania, where tens of thousands of Unitarians still reside. (Please see www.icuu.net ) There are also Christian (or Biblical) Unitarians in the U.S., some of whom are very conservative. There are also liberal Christian Unitarians, some of whom are part of the U.U.A., some of whom are not. (Please see www.uua.org/uucf).

Universalists, who largely got their start here in the U.S. in the 1700's, believed in universal salvation: that is, that everyone will go to heaven eventually. In the late 1800's, quite a few Universalists moved from this belief to a stance of religious pluralism similar to that of the Unitarians: that there is a universal religion, or that all religions are one religion, and that they all worship the same god. This group, headed by the Universalist Church of America, formed the second half of Unitarian Universalism.

Unitarian Universalism was created when the Universalist Church of America merged with the American Unitarian Association in 1961, after more than 30 years of working together on topics of religious pluralism.

There are very few Christian Universalists today, and those that exist are almost entirely within the Unitarian Universalist church. Those few outside of Unitarian Universalism are usually Quaker Universalists. (www.universalistfriends.org )

Today, there are conservative Christian/Biblical Unitarians, who adhere to the historical Unitarian beliefs and who have nothing to do with the Unitarian Universalist Association; liberal Christian Unitarians, some of whom are within the Unitarian Universalist church, and others without; a very few Christian Universalists; and of course, Unitarian Universalists.

Unitarian Universalism has moved beyond the beliefs of its two religious parents to become its own vibrant religion that has very little to do with either the belief in universal salvation or the unity of God. Unitarian Universalism today is a non-creedal faith, where members are free to follow whatever spiritual path they find meaningful. To learn more about our beliefs, please see www.uua.org/aboutuu/weare.html, www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html, and www.uua.org/aboutuu/uufaq.html.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

QUESTION: I am researching UU and so far find it very interesting and comfortable on the surface. I am reading "A Chosen Faith" and I like what UU stands for. However, I have never been a "religious" person in the sense that organized religion has bothered me and caused problems in my life. Does UU understand this perspective and what should I expect to get out of Liberal Religion if I am not a very religious person to begin with? Also, I've been told that UU is largely a homosexual religion. I'm sure this changes from congregation to congregation and quite honestly I couldn't care less. However, can you tell me if the Monte Vista congregation in Montclair, CA is primarily gay? I would like to know before making the leap into a new religion (btw, I was raised Jewish). Sorry if this qeustion is really confused and complex. I hope you can help. Thanks so much.

David Levy
La Verne, CA

ANSWER: You would be surprised at how many Unitarian Universalists share your sentiments! It is not at all unusual for UUs to come from non-religious backgrounds, or to consider themselves not very religious people even after becoming involved with the church. Our congregations would be than understanding of this perspective.

Regarding your other question: Unitarian Universalism is very supportive of the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people. This does not make us a "largely a homosexual religion," though. There are quite a few gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in our congregations, and you are right that this varies congregation to congregtion. However, there are not any more G.L.B.T.I. people in our congregations than in the general population by percent: that is, about 5-10% of the general population is not heterosexual, and about 5-10% of our congregations are not heterosexual.

There are many excellent congregations in your area. You can search www.uua.org/cong to find the church nearest to you. If you don't feel comfortable in your closest congregation, I encourage you to try another congregation in your area, since they differ greatly one to another.

You may also be interested in reading the following pamphlets:
www.uua.org/pamphlet/3150.html
www.uua.org/pamphlet/3017.html
www.uua.org/pamphlet/3081.html.

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

(family angry that she is attending 'non-Christian' church)

QUESTION: I have been attending my local Unitarian Universalist Church for about three months and it feels so right and good to me. I agree and feel good about all the services and the messages. My deepest intuition tells me that everything taught there is good and right. This is so new to me in that all my life I went to all kinds of christian churches (catholic, methodist, baptist, ect...) and there was always something that I didn't agree with (women's roles, non acceptence of people of different religions, sexual preference, ect). I would always just bite my tongue and grin and bare it. The Unitarian Universalist Church is where I belong. Now here is the problem and question. My family are all "Christians" as they have told me. My Mother has told me that she is very hurt and upset that I am attending this church because it is NOT a Christian Church. They don't study the Bible and follow Christ's example. I have informed my Mother that I am not attending this church to hurt her and rebel. Rather I'm attending this church because it feels right to me and that it makes me happy. I set down a boundry with her and told her that I don't want to discuss this with her anymore because it is offensive to me. Even though I know I'm right in my decision and that it is good to follow my own heart, there is still this little corner in my heart that is hurt with my family. I still consider myself Christian mostly because that is how I was raised and it is a part of me. But there are many things that don't sit will with me in most Christian churches. I don't feel that attending a Unitarian Universalist church should be such a big deal. They should be happy I'm even going to church at all. *giggle* My question is, has anyone else had this problem and how did they deal with it?

Anne
Chandler, AZ

ANSWER: It sounds as if you are in a very uncomfortable situation. My sympathies are with you! Sadly, there are many people, UUs especially, who are faced with similar problems.

My first and foremost recommendation is that you talk with your UU minister. She or he will be able to help you grapple with your spirituality and your family relationships, and will also be able to put you in contact with other UUs who have dealt with this in the past. If you don't know the contact information for your church, you can find it here: www.uua.org/cong.

You referred to Unitarian Universalism being a non-Christian church. This is not entirely true. UUism is historically (although no longer exclusively) Christian, and there are still quite a few Christian UUs and Christian UU churches. The Christian UU group is called the UU Christian Fellowship. You can learn more about them from their website, www.uua.org/uucf/.

To learn more about Unitarian Universalist views of Christianity, Jesus, the Bible, prayer, worship, church, etc., please visit www.uua.org/pamphlets/pamphlets.html. You will find a collection of essays on various different subjects, which you may find helpful in your own spiritual quest and in your discussions with your family.

Best of luck!

Sincerely,
Erika Nonken
UUA Public Information Assistant

Unitarian Universalist Association
25 Beacon St. | Boston, MA 02108 | 617-742-2100

Newcomers' Bulletin Board Archive September - December 2004

Newcomers' Bulletin Board Archive
September - December 2004