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CURRICULUM MAPPING: Adult Resources

Being Liberal in an Illiberal Age: Alone and Together
A Study Guide

Author: Patricia Bowen
Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Association
Pub. Date: 1993
Available From: UUA Bookstore

Theme and Description
Allows both individuals and groups to explore the book Being Liberal in an Illiberal Age by Jack Mendelsohn. Introduces Unitarian Universalism, encourages participants to develop and articulate their personal beliefs and values, explores the meaning for religious liberals of traditional religious concepts such as God, sin, prayer and authority, and examines the role of social action in liberal religious life.
Goals for Participants
  • To explore and articulate their religious philosophy or faith stance
  • To develop their spiritual or religious understandings
  • To explore the history and sources of Unitarian Universalism
  • To explore fundamental religious concepts such as God, authority, Jesus, the Bible, prayer, and faith
  • To consider the relationship of social action and liberal religion.
Age Range
Adult

Size of Group
For individuals or groups of 4 to 12

Space Requirements
A comfortable meeting room with space to divide into small groups

Number of Sessions
5

Length of Sessions
1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours (flexible)

Leader Training
No special training required

Leader Preparation
1 to 2 hours

Strengths
  • Fosters excellent group interaction
  • Gives a variety of activity choices in each session
  • Is grounded in participants' own experiences, beliefs, feelings, and thoughts
  • Is an excellent introduction to Unitarian Universalism and personal theology; equally valuable for newcomers or veterans of liberal religion
  • Helps people answer the question "What is a Unitarian Universalist?"

Limitations

  • Relies largely on reflection and discussion in small and large groups

Adaptability

  • Originally written for members of the Church of the Larger Fellowship, this program works well for groups of any manageable size as well as for individual study
  • Sessions or individual activities can be used for shorter programs, such as newcomer orientations.
Unitarian Universalist Values
While grounded in all the Principles and Purposes, this program particularly addresses 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; and a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

Review by Judith Frediani

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