Unitarian Universalists: Some Essential Beliefs

Guide and Puzzle

By Jonathan Coron
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville
Gainesville, FL

To some, Unitarian Universalism is a puzzle, but to others it is very clear in its direction, beliefs, history, and orientation. This puzzle provides some clarification on some essential beliefs as summarized from The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide edited by Bill Sinkford. Certain words in each statement have been bolded, and they can be found hidden diagonally, vertically, and horizontally on the word-find grid . Just as any religion can be challenging, so can the completion of this puzzle. Consider giving this puzzle to people you know—especially those who want to know more about this religion—to provide the beginning of insight into this religious practice as well as some word fun along the way. Some words can be found more than once, and that is just as it should be.

Most Unitarian Universalists believe in:

• 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.
• The freedom of religious expression by all people. Everyone should be encouraged to develop their own individual theology and to be able to present their religious opinions and ideas without fear of punishment of any type.
• The tolerance of differing religious ideas and that all religions have something of value to teach everyone who will listen.
• The authority of reason and conscience and that the ultimate arbiter in religion is not any document, official, or church but is solely based on the choices and decisions of the individual.
• The open-minded search for truth with the understanding that there is no limitation to the revelations that can be discovered.
• The unity of experience, for there is no real conflict between faith and knowledge, religion and the world, or the sacred and the secular.
• Each person having an equal claim to life, liberty and justice. There is no idea, ideal or philosophy that is superior to even one human life.
• The ethical application of religion.
• Completing inner grace and faith in social and community involvement.
• The force of love as the governing principle in human relationships, which seeks to help and to heal, never to hurt or destroy.
• The necessity for democratic processes.
• Having open organizational records, elections open to members, and ideas that are open to criticism so that people may govern themselves.
• The importance of a religious community where our peers confirm and validate experience and provide a critical platform as well as a network of mutual support.

An educational puzzle created by Jonathan Coron, April 2005

Download the word-find grid