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Curriculum Mapping: Adult Curricula and Resources

Adult Curricula   |   Study Guides   |   Selected Faith Development Resources   |   Our U.U. History: A Selected Bibliography

DancingAdult Curricula

Study Guides

The category "Study Guides" encompasses three kinds of resources that accompany published books: curricula with activities based on the books, guides for book group discussions, and guides for individual study and reflection.  The UUA and Beacon Press have both published several study guides to accompany books related to Unitarian Universalism.

For a listing of online study guides, click here.

Selected Faith Development Resources

Books

A Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism by John A. Buehrens and Forrest Church (Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1998)
Thought-provoking, entertaining sourcebook for searchers, newcomers, and lifelong learners. Revised edition features two new chapters about UUism's earth-centered traditions, foreword by Robert Fulghum, and preface by Denise Davidoff. 240 pp. On-line study guide at www.beacon.org/readguide/rgchosefaith.html.

A Faith for all Seasons: Liberal Religion and the Crises of Life by William R. Murry (Kimberling City, MO: River Road Press, 1990)
Intelligent, sensitive essays explore the role of liberal religion in crises of life and death. 148 pp.

An Examined Faith: Social Context and Religious Commitment by James Luther Adams (Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1991)
Explores the role of faith in the work of Paul Tillich, Roger Baldwin, and others. From one of Unitarian Universalism's leading 20th-century theologians. 400 pp.

Articulating Your UU Faith: A Five-Session Course by Barbara Wells & Jaco B. ten Hove (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 2003)
This course guides participants through a series of exercises that equip them to discover and articulate their beliefs, including personal reflection, role-play, discussion, and even the creation of a worship event. For newcomers and a wonderful next step for long-time Unitarian Universalists. 72 pp.

Being Liberal in an Illiberal Age: Why I Am a Unitarian Universalist by Jack Mendelsohn (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1995)
A minister for over 50 years, Mendelsohn writes with conviction and eloquence in defense of liberal religion and discusses what draws people to UUism. 192 pp. On-line study guide http://www.uua.org/re/curriculum/beingliberal.pdf.

Big Questions, Worthy Dreams: Mentoring Young Adults in Their Search for Meaning, Purpose, and Faith by Sharon Daloz Parks (Hoboken, NJ: Jossey-Bass, 2000)
An examination of faith as “the activity of making meaning,” this book is for young adults and adults of all ages. 261 pp. (ISBN 0787941719).

Building Your Own Theology: Second Edition by Richard S. Gilbert (Boston, MA: UUA, 2000)
This adult RE program for exploring personal theology has been completely remodeled: new resources, new essays and new activities. Features ten sessions in which participants develop and articulate their religious values. Participants are encouraged to have their own copies of this program. 120 pp.

Call to Selma: Eighteen Days of Witness by Richard D. Leonard (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 2001)
In 1965 Rev. Martin Luther King appealed to clergy across the nation to come to Selma, Alabama, and join protestors in their struggle for voting rights. More than 200 Unitarian Universalists responded. Reverend Richard Leonard, age 37, was minister of education at the Community Church of New York at the time he answered Dr. King's call. Leonard's journal, along with the recollections of others who shared the journey, presents Selma as a pivotal point in the advancement of civil rights, and a defining moment for Unitarian Universalism. 176 pp.

Common Fire: Leading Lives of Commitment in a Complex World by Laurent A. Parks Daloz et al. (Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 2002)
Landmark study reveals how we become committed to the common good and sustain our commitments in a changing world. Free online study guide. 273 pp. On-line study guide is at www.beacon.org/uuguides/CommonFireGuide.pdf.

Emerson As Spiritual Guide: A Companion to Selected Essays for Personal Reflection and Group Discussion by Barry A. Andrews (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 2003)
Includes an introduction to the life and thought of Emerson, as well as questions and resources for further study and reflection. 128 pp.

Essex Conversations: Visions for Lifespan Religious Education (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 2001)
More than 30 religious educators and other religious leaders explore goals for the new century. A valuable tool for broadening our understanding of religious education and its impact on our future. 336 pp.

Evensong Volume 1: An Eight-Week Series of Gatherings by Barbara Hamilton-Holway Barbara Hamilton-Holway Barbara Hamilton-Holway (Boston, MA: UUA, 1999)
Intended to help congregation members make lasting connections with one another. Weekly worship services designed for groups of 10-20. Each service includes singing, readings, and discussion. Participants are invited to share thoughts, experiences, and religious beliefs. 80 pp.

Evensong Volume 2: An Eight-Week Series of Gatherings by Barbara Hamilton-Holway (Boston, MA: UUA, 2001)
Intended to help congregation members make lasting connections with one another. Weekly worship services designed for groups of 10-20. Each service includes singing, readings, and discussion. Participants are invited to share thoughts, experiences, and religious beliefs. 72 pp.

Everyday Spiritual Practice: Simple Pathways for Enriching Your Life, Scott W. Alexander, ed. (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1999)
Have you wondered, "How do I integrate my heartfelt beliefs into my daily life?" Nearly 40 contributors address this creative dilemma and share their discoveries. Creating a home altar, practicing martial arts, fasting, quilting — these are just some of the ways they've found to make every day more meaningful. 272 pp.

Finding Your Religion: When the Faith You Grew Up With Has Lost Its Meaning by Scotty McLennan (New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 2000)
McLennan, the inspiration for the character "Reverend Scotty Sloan" in Garry Trudeau's comic strip Doonesbury, is a real-life UU minister and chaplain at Stanford University. McLennan shares his own and his students' search for a meaningful spiritual life, detailing six stages of faith — Magic, Reality, Dependence, Independence, Interdependence, and Unity. 242 pp.

From Age-ing to Sage-ing: A Profound New Vision of Growing Older by Zalman Schachter-Shalomi (New York, NY: Warner Books, 1997)
Rabbi Schacter-Shalomi describes a radically different aging process characterized by adventure, passion, mystery, and fulfillment. Drawing on the wisdom of Sufi masters, Buddhist teachers, Native-American shamans, and Kabbalah (the mystical teachings of Islam and Judaism), Schacter-Shalomi offers techniques to expand our horizons, so we can all become sages as we grow older. 303 pp.

Heretics’ Faith: Vocabulary for Religious Liberals by John Muir
Muir makes the argument that Unitarian Universalists are limited by their reluctance to use the language of faith used by other denominations. He argues that we must become comfortable with words like sin, atonement, and blessing. "As Unitarian Universalists, we bring a liberal and heretical spirit to this vocabulary that can breathe new life into ancient words."--from the preface. 217 pp. John Muir, Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis.

Infinity in Your Hand: A Guide for the Spiritually Curious by William H. Houff (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1994)
Handbook for active seekers of spiritual growth. Explores a range of contemporary religious philosophies including Taoism, Islam, mysticism, and quantum theory, gleaning valuable insights along the way. Ponders knowledge and discipline, self-discovery, sex and the spirit, social action, and other issues of spiritual significance. 248 pp.

Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation by Parker Palmer (Hoboken, NJ: Jossey-Bass, 1999)
"Is the life I am living the same as the life that wants to live in me?" Author suggests that by listening to who we are rather than to who we believe we should be, it's possible to find our true vocations. Inspirational for anyone who is searching for meaningful life work. 123 pp.

Life Lines: Holding On (and Letting Go) by Forrest Church (Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1996)
This hopeful book explores the experiences that can help us survive suffering, feel more deeply connected to neighbors and strangers, and gain a better understanding of human limits and our place in the Universe. 192 pp. Study guide http://www.beacon.org/readguide/rglifelines.html.

Lifecraft: The Art of Meaning in the Everyday by Forrest Church (Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 2001)
Church challenges us to imagine ourselves as a "consortium of personae" rather than as a fixed identity...otherwise, we will either think too much or too little of ourselves. A joyous book on the art of finding meaning in daily life. 144 pp. Study Guide http://www.beacon.org/readguide/rglifecraft.html.

Making the Manifesto: The Birth of Religious Humanism by William Schulz (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 2002)
This comprehensive volume tells the story of the birth of religious humanism and its core document, the Humanist Manifesto. Explores the movement's emergence in the context of cultural, political, and religious events at the time. Schulz chronicles the social, intellectual, and religious conditions that gave rise to religious humanism as well as the personalities involved. The full text of the Manifesto is included. 144 pp.

Our Seven Principles in Story and Verse: A Collection for Children and Adults by Kenneth W. Collier (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1997)
Creative responses to the seven Principles. Each Principle is illustrated with a story, a poem, and a brief essay. For worship and individual reading. For all ages. 120 pp.

Questions for the Religious Journey: Finding Your Own Path by George Kimmich Beach (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 2002)
Previously titled, If Yes is the Answer, What is the Question. Based on the belief that "an authentic religion is a questioning religion." Offers tools for religious introspection. Useful as a starting point and as a resource to revisit as our perspectives shift. 216 pp.

Soul Work: Anti-racist Theologies in Dialogue, Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley and Nancy Palmer Jones (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 2002)
Papers and discussion transcripts from the UUA Consultation on Theology and Racism held in Boston in January 2001. Addresses such questions as: What theological or philosophical beliefs bind us together in our shared struggle against racism? What are the costs of racism, both for the oppressors and the oppressed? 264 pp.

Soulful Sundown by Marlin Lavanhar (Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, 1999)
Resources for providing a worship experience through music and the performance arts. Practical advice on publicity, funding, finding and paying for performers, and even how to create a budget. Includes sample orders of service and publicity flyers. 76 pp.

The Gift of Faith: Tending the Spiritual Lives of Children by Jeanne Harrison Nieuwejaar (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 2002)
Celebrates the importance of religious community, both as a support for parents and as an environment in which the spirituality of children can flourish. Revised edition includes a new preface, a new chapter about the home, and rituals for marking the events in children's lives as religious occasions. 128 pp.

The Parent Trilogy: Three Programs for UU Parents and Other Adults by Roberta and Christopher Nelson (Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, 1998)
Three adult RE curricula: Being a UU Parent offers five sessions and 17 handouts on theology and real-life child rearing. Parents as Resident Theologians includes six sessions and 12 readings to help parents and kids explore together their beliefs about God, prayer and other religious issues. Parents as Social Justice Educators provides six sessions on values clarification and how to talk about social issues. 104 pp.

The Prophetic Imperative: Social Gospel in Theory and Practice, Second Edition by Richard S. Gilbert Richard S. Gilbert (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 2000)
Fresh look at the role of social justice work within the UU denomination. Offers a historical review of justice-making in UUism, explores the connections between spirituality and social action, and provides vital advice and models to help congregations mobilize for justice work. 208 pp. On-line study guide http://www.uua.org/re/curriculum/pimperative.pdf.

The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide by William Sinkford (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 2004)
With a new introduction by UUA President Sinkford, this edition includes essays on our faith, heritage, worship, religious education, ministry and important dates in UU history. Classic resource for visitors and new members. 120pp.

With Purpose and Principle: Essays About the Seven Principles, Edward Frost (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1998)
A short history of the Principles and Purposes plus essays on each Principle. A resource for new members and for those seeking insight into this essential piece of living tradition. 128 pp.

Unitarian Universalist History Resources

Books

A Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism by John A. Buehrens and Forrest Church (Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1998)
Thought-provoking, entertaining sourcebook for searchers, newcomers, and lifelong learners. Revised edition features two new chapters about UUism's earth-centered traditions, foreword by Robert Fulghum, and preface by Denise Davidoff. 240 pp. On-line study guide at www.beacon.org/readguide/rgchosefaith.html.

A Faith People Make: Illustrated Unitarian Universalist Lives by Stephen Kendrick (Universalist Church of West Hartford, 1997)
Biographical collection of stories and illustrations of 20 Unitarian and Universalist forebears. Includes Joseph Priestley, Hosea Ballou, Margaret Fuller, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Clara Barton, Sophia Lyon Fahs, Thomas Starr King, James Reeb and others. For anyone interested in UU history and the people who made it. (Universalist Church of West Hartford) 1997. 144 pp.

American Universalism, Fourth Edition by George Huntston Williams (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 2002)
Classic study of Universalist theological positions, examining the richness of American Universalism and its many expressions in American life and thought. Includes a new preface by historian Charles A.Howe. Co-published by Skinner House and the Unitarian Universalist Historical Society. 136 pp.

Anita Trueman Pickett: New Thought Preacher by Lyn Burnstine (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1999)
Inspiring true story of a woman juggling Unitarian ministry, motherhood and her commitment to feminism. Preacher of "New Thought" philosophy, protègè of Edwin Markham, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, John Burroughs and Swami Abhedenanda. Public speaker, poet and author, Pickett (1881-1960) was instrumental in the founding of Rowe Camp and Conference Center. Brings UU and women's history to life. 208 pp.

Being Liberal in an Illiberal Age: Why I Am a Unitarian Universalist by Jack Mendelsohn (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1995)
A minister for over 50 years, Mendelsohn writes with conviction and eloquence in defense of liberal religion and discusses what draws people to UUism. 192 pp. On-line study guide http://www.uua.org/re/curriculum/beingliberal.pdf.

Black Pioneers in a White Denomination, Third Edition by Mark D. Morrison-Reed (Turley, OK: Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship, 1994)
Paints a painful yet important portrait of racism in liberal religion by telling the stories of two pioneering black ministers. Includes accounts of some of today's more integrated UU congregations and biographical notes on past and present black Unitarian, Universalist and UU ministers. 280pp.

Call to Selma: Eighteen Days of Witness by Richard D. Leonard (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 2001)
In 1965 Rev. Martin Luther King appealed to clergy across the nation to come to Selma, Alabama, and join protestors in their struggle for voting rights. More than 200 Unitarian Universalists responded. Reverend Richard Leonard, age 37, was minister of education at the Community Church of New York at the time he answered Dr. King's call. Leonard's journal, along with the recollections of others who shared the journey, presents Selma as a pivotal point in the advancement of civil rights, and a defining moment for Unitarian Universalism. 176 pp.

Challenge of a Liberal Faith, Third Edition by George N. Marshall (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1991)
Popular introduction and study guide to UUism offers a review of the denomination's history and beliefs. Perfect for newcomer workshops and adult education groups. Includes chapter guides with study questions, outlines, index and bibliography. For individual and group study. 256 pp.

For Faith and Freedom: A Short History of Unitarianism in Europe by Charles A. Howe (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1997)
Untangling Polish, Transylvanian and English Unitarianism is a challenge even for the serious student. Howe's lucid account reclaims for readers the heroic martyrdom of Michael Servetus, the humane leadership of Faustus Socinus, the eloquent conviction of Francis David and the literary genius of Harriet Martineau. Ideal for anyone who wants a deeper look into our Unitarian heritage. (Skinner House) 1997. 232 pp.

Heretics’ Faith: Vocabulary for Religious Liberals by John Muir
Muir makes the argument that Unitarian Universalists are limited by their reluctance to use the language of faith used by other denominations. He argues that we must become comfortable with words like sin, atonement, and blessing. "As Unitarian Universalists, we bring a liberal and heretical spirit to this vocabulary that can breathe new life into ancient words."--from the preface. 217 pp. John Muir, Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis.

Historical Dictionary of Unitarian Universalism by Mark W. Harris (Scrarecrow Press, 2004)
A reference guide with numerous entries on the places Unitarian Universalism was present, significant leaders, and causes and issues. Provides a comprehensive understanding of the multiple facets of the Unitarian Universalist faith. 540pp.

Hosea Ballou: The Challenge to Orthodoxy—A Biography by Ernest Cassara (Cambridge Cornerstone Press, 2003)
This biography of the leading Universalist thinker of the nineteenth century deals with his personal development and family life, and reveals for the first time that the influence of the Enlightenment led Ballou to develop a theology radically different from that which held sway among early Universalists. A unitarian in belief before the Unitarian movement became a recognized group in American religion, Ballou developed a view of atonement that, contrary to the predominant Calvinist interpretation, stressed the deity's love for humanity and His intention to save all souls. (Cambridge Cornerstone Press) 2003. 234 pp.

La Fe Que Hemos Escogido: Una Introduccíon al Unitario Universalismo by John A. Buehrens and Forrest Church; Translated by Ervin Barrio (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1998)
Spanish translation of the first edition of Our Chosen Faith. Indispensable resource for Unitarian Universalist congregations reaching out to the Latino population. 240 pp.

Motion Toward Perfection: The Achievement of Joseph Priestley, A. Truman Schwartz and John G. McEvoy (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1990)
Ten authors follow Priestley's (1733-1804) evolution from Calvinism to Unitarianism. 304 pp.

Norbert Fabian Capek: A Spiritual Journey by Richard Henry (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1999)
True story of an inspiring leader who, in the face of Nazi oppression, built a religious movement in his native Czechoslovakia that numbered close to 10,000 people. Based on years of research with documents uncovered in the Capek family library in Prague. An engrossing tale of political upheaval, religious freedom, murder, great heroism and loss. 336 pp.

O. Eugene Pickett: Borne on a Wintry Wind by Tom Owen-Towle (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1996)
One man's lifelong struggle to be both a husband and a minister. O. Eugene Pickett was the fourth president of the UUA from 1979 to 1985. 240 pp.

Our Unitarian Universalist Story: A Six-Session Program for Adults by Carol D. Meyer (Boston, MA: UUA, 1996)
This program explores Unitarian Universalist identity in the context of the history and heritage UUism.

Prophetic Sisterhood: Liberal Women Ministers of the Frontier, 1880-1930 by Cynthia Grant Tucker (Authors' Choice, 2000)
Documents the struggles of a courageous group of 19th-century women who searched for their place in the liberal denominations of American religion. Draws on a large and diverse body of sources, including personal letters, memoirs, diaries, sermons, hymnals and social settlement ledgers. 298 pp.

Remember Universalism Into Life, Revised Edition by Raymond R. Nasemann and Elizabeth M. Strong (Rochester, NY: New York State Convention of Universalists, 1993)
A discussion guide for The Universalist Heritage, a book of 15 keynote addresses delivered by Unitarian Universalist ministers at the annual meeting of the New York State Convention of Universalists from 1976 to 1992. Michael Scott; email scott@cs.rochester.edu; phone 716-271-3143.

Standing Before Us: Unitarian Universalist Women and Social Reform, 1776-1936, Dorothy May Emerson (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1999)
Impressive and thorough treasury of 160 years (1776 to 1936) of letters, essays, stories and poems penned by Unitarian and Universalist women. The reformers and leaders represented here write and speak eloquently for social justice, equality in education, religious reform and an end to slavery and prejudice. Contains a biographical sketch of each woman and informative notes on the texts selected. Valuable addition to any UU history or women's studies library. 640 pp.

The Epic of Unitarianism: Original Writings from the History of Liberal Religion, David B. Parke (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1985)
This collection of writings spanning the 16th through the 20th centuries provides a rich portrait of early Unitarian thought. 176 pp.

The Larger Faith: A Short History of American Universalism by Charles A. Howe (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1993)
Covers the the first gathering in 1793 of people who called themselves "Universalists" to the 1961 merger with the American Unitarian Association to present-day UUism. Addresses the struggles of a new religion, women pioneers, early missionary efforts, involvement with social concerns and the founding of a theological school. Includes bibliography, appendices and an index. 168 pp.

The Larger Message: Universalist Religious Education's Response to Theological and Cultural Challenges 1790-1930 by Elizabeth Strong (Meadville-Lombard, 2004)
Reveals the story of Universalist’s significant and vital religious education work before joining Unitarians. Universalists were part of the first Sunday schools to be established in America through their work with the First Day Schools in Philadelphia in 1970.

The Long Challenge: The Empowerment Controversy 1967-1977 by Victor Carpenter (Meadville-Lombard, 2004)
A look back at the conflict between African American and white UUs that exposed deep tensions which remain with us today. In this personal and provocative book, Carpenter raises challenges that go to the heart of liberal religion. Includes introduction by UUA President Bill Sinkford. Carpenter has been a UU minister since 1958. 110 pp.

The Premise and the Promise: The Story of the Unitarian Universalist Association by Warren A. Ross (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 2001)
In readable, accessible prose, highlighted with material culled from more than 60 interviews, Ross weaves a compelling institutional tale of two like-minded but separate religious bodies electing to unite and move into the future together. Features important figures in Unitarian and Universalist history, highlights key leaders in the consolidation process and chronicles significant aspects of the work of the UUA since 1961. 248pp.

The Unitarian Controversy: Essays on American Unitarian History by Conrad Wright (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1994)
Nine essays chronicle a key period in early American Unitarian history (1805-1835), when a liberal wing gradually split off from the congregational churches of the Standing Order of Massachusetts to become a separate denomination. 256 pp.

Three Prophets of Religious Liberalism: Channing, Emerson, Parker, Second Edition, Conrad Wright (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1996)
Three landmark addresses in the history of American Unitarianism in one convenient volume. Edited by one of the leading UU historians. William Ellery Channing's "Unitarian Christianity," Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Divinity School Address" and Theodore Parker's "The Transient and Permanent in Christianity." Second edition. 160 pp.

Unitarians and Universalists by David Robinson (Greenwood, 1985)
The compelling story of two faiths that were finally united. Contains thorough biographical dictionary. 384 pp.

Universalism in America: A Documentary History of a Liberal Faith by Ernest Cassara (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1997)
Selected writings from some of the most influential persons in Universalism, 1741 to 1961, plus incisive commentaries. 304 pp.

Walking Together: Polity and Participation in UU Churches by Conrad Wright (Unitarian Universalist Historical Society, 1998)
The history of church autonomy in the Unitarian and Universalist traditions. 176 pp.

With Purpose and Principle: Essays About the Seven Principles, Edward Frost (Boston, MA: Skinner House Books, 1998)
A short history of the Principles and Purposes plus essays on each Principle. A resource for new members and for those seeking insight into this essential piece of living tradition. 128 pp.

Multimedia Sources

Unitarian Universalism: An Heretical History (Fusion, 1995)
Video overview of the history of Unitarianism and Universalism, from their roots 2,000 years ago to the merger of 1961. Sketches, paintings and photographs enhance the lively narrative, which touches on the stories of Francis Dávid, Joseph Priestley, Susan B. Anthony and many others. VHS 30 mins.

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