Truth and Meaning
Questions about the Western Religious Heritage of Unitarian Universalism for High School Youth

By Jeff Liebmann

Web site

www.pitt.edu/~jdl1/ uucurric.htm

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Theme and Description

This curriculum for high-school youth explores questions about Western religions that young people encounter in their daily lives. In particular, it compares and contrasts Unitarian Universalism with other Western religions. The sessions are grounded in the format of questions about religious practices and theological concepts, life and afterlife, religious "extremes," religious prejudice, and dogma and creeds. Rather than offer concrete answers, the questions invite youth to develop their own answers.

Goals for Participants

To create answers to questions non-UUs often ask UUs about Unitarian Universalism;
To relate these answers to the history of major Western religions and Unitarian Universalist history;
To experience spiritual growth.

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Age Range

High School

Size of Group

Manageable discussion group size

Space Requirements

Average classroom

Number and Length of Sessions

25 sessions, in six units
Length: 60-75 minutes

Leader Training

No special training required

Leader Preparation

Background reading and other preparation for the program should begin at least one month before the start of the course. Preparation may require substantial background reading throughout the program.

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Strengths

Has a consistent format and method of presentation;
Deals constructively with issues about religion that many young UUs are likely to face in their daily lives;
Encourages participants to develop discussion and critical thinking skills;
Contains a substantial amount of useful background material and activities in each lesson.

Limitations

The discussion-based format may not work well with all groups;
Strongly teacher-directed in presenting background material and facilitating discussion; uses a schooling model of classroom learning.

Adaptability

Several movies, such as Jesus Christ Superstar, The Last Temptation of Christ, and Godspell, are suggested as possible subjects of an alternate session which can take place at a youth group retreat;
While it is a full year curriculum, it may be adapted for use in smaller timeframes.

Unitarian Universalist Values

"The purpose of Truth and Meaning is to act upon Unitarian Unversalist Principles calling for a covenant to affirm and promote encouragement to spiritual growth and a free and responsible search for truth and meaning." Adherence to and promotion of Unitarian Universalist values is at the essential core of this curriculum.

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