Basic
Introductions
 Our
Unitarian Universalist Faith: Frequently Asked Questions
by Alice Blair Wesley
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Many of us honor Jesus, and many of us honor other master teachers of past
or present generations, like Moses or the Buddha. As a result, mixed-tradition
families may find common ground in the UU fellowship without compromising other
loyalties.
And about the Bible?
In most of our congregations, our children learn Bible stories
as a part of their church school curricula. It is not unusual to find adult
study groups in the churches, or in workshops at summer camps and conferences,
focusing on the Bible. Allusions to biblical symbols and events are frequent
in our sermons. In most of our congregations, the Bible is read as any other
sacred text might be-from time to time, but not routinely.
We have especially cherished the prophetic books of the Bible.
Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, and other prophets dared to speak critical words of love
to the powerful, calling for justice for the oppressed. Many Unitarian and Universalist
social reformers have been inspired by the bib-lical prophets. We hallow the
names of Unitarian and Universalist prophets: Joseph Tuckerman, Dorothea Dix,
Clara Barton, Theodore Parker, Susan B. Anthony, and many others.
We do not, however, hold the Bible-or any other account of human
experience-to be either an infallible guide or the exclusive source of truth.
Much biblical material is mythical or legendary. Not that it should be discarded
for that reason! Rather, it should be treasured for what it is. We believe that
we should read the Bible as we read other books (or the newspaper)-with imagination
and a critical eye.
We also respect the sacred literature of other religions. Contemporary
works of science, art, and social commentary are valued as well. We hold, in
the words of an old liberal formulation, that "revelation is not sealed." Unitarian
Universalists aspire to truth as wide as the world-we look to find truth anywhere,
universally.
How do UUs understand salvation?
The English word salvation derives from the Latin salus,
meaning health. Unitarian Universalists are as concerned with salvation, in
the sense of spiritual health or wholeness, as any other religious people.
However, in many Western churches, salvation has come to be associated
with a specific set of beliefs or a spiritual transformation of a very limited
type.
Among Unitarian Universalists, instead of salvation you will hear
of our yearning for, and our experience of, personal growth, increased wisdom,
strength of character, and gifts of insight, understanding, inner and outer
peace, courage, patience, and compassion. The ways in which these things come
to, change, and heal us, are many indeed. We seek and celebrate them in our
worship.
What ceremonies are observed, what holidays celebrated?
Our ceremonies-of marriage and starting a new family, naming or
dedicating our children, and memorializing our dead-are phrased in simple, contemporary
language. We observe these rites in community, not because they are required
by some rule or dogma, but because in them we may voice our affection, hopes,
and dedication.
Though practices vary in our congregations and change over time,
UUs celebrate many of the great religious holidays with enthusiasm. Whether
we gather to celebrate Christmas, Passover, or the Hindu holiday Divali, we
do so in a universal context, recognizing and honoring religious observances
and festivals as innate and needful in all human cultures.
Are Unitarian Universalists Christian?
Yes and no.
Yes, some Unitarian Universalists are Christian. Personal encounter
with the spirit of Jesus as the christ richly informs their religious lives.
No, Unitarian Universalists are not Christian, if by Christian
you mean those who think that acceptance of any creedal belief whatsoever is
necessary for salvation. Unitarian Universalist Christians are considered heretics
by those orthodox Christians who claim none but Christians are "saved." (Fortunately,
not all the orthodox make that claim.)
Yes, Unitarian Universalists are Christian in the sense that both
Unitarian and Universalist history are part of Christian history. Our core principles
and practices were first articulated and established by liberal Christians.
Some Unitarian Universalists are not Christian. For though they
may acknowledge the Christian history of our faith, Christian stories and symbols
are no longer primary for them. They draw their personal faith from many sources:
nature, intuition, other cultures, science, civil liberation movements, and
so on.
How is religious education conducted?
The program of religious education is determined, as are all other
programs, by members of the local congregation. A wide range of courses is available
through our Association. These are adapted by members as they choose. Courses
appropriate for children may be offered in subjects as varied as interpersonal
relations, ethical questions, the Bible, world religions, nature and ecology,
heroes and heroines of social reform, Unitarian Universalist history, and holy
days around the world. The same is true of adult religious education.
In most of our congregations, regular children's worship-often
held during a portion of the adult service-is part of the program. We seek to
teach our children to be responsible for their own thinking and to nurture their
own impulses of reverence, morality, respect for others, and self-respect.
Do Unitarian Universalists practice what they preach?
Religious liberals put less emphasis on formal beliefs and more
on practical living. Our interest is in deeds, not creeds. We appreciate the
biblical text, "Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only."
Our members have been active leaders in the struggles for racial
equality, civil liberty, international peace, and equal rights for all people.
We work as individuals, in congregational social action, and in other groupings,
including such denominational efforts as the UUA's Faith in Action Department
and the UU-UN Office. We also work with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee,
which brings critically needed social change to many parts of the world.
How can I become part of a Unitarian Universalist congregation?
Many of our societies offer introductory sessions, study groups,
videotapes, and increasingly, a World Wide Web homepage to acquaint those interested
in membership with our history, Principles, and programs. Individual appointments
with ministers and members are encouraged. Many pamphlets are available through
the UUA Bookstore. Usually, these are readily accessible in a church's foyer,
and even small fellowships may have a good library of Unitarian Uni-versalist
writings. The UUA website at www.uua.org is another good source of information
about Unitarian Universalism.
All of these, along with your presence with us at worship and
in our many other activities, provide the means for learning more about who
Unitarian Universalists are, and whether you want to become one of us.
The last act of joining the congregation is simple, but significant:
You write your name on a membership card or in the membership book or parish
register.
We have no creedal requirements. With your signature you affirm
your pledge to enter and to remain in a continuing and tolerant dialogue concerning
the ways of truth and love, a dialogue within which free persuasion may occur;
to share in our fellowship and in our corporate decision making; and to support
with your gifts of energy and money our common work for the common good.
About
the Author
Alice
Blair Wesley is a Unitarian Universalist minister who has served
congregations in College Station, Texas; Silver Spring, Maryland;
Cherry Hill, New Jersey; Hagerstown, Maryland; and Harford County,
Maryland.
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