Unitarian Univeralism
Beliefs
Unitarian Universalists
believe that character and fellowship are more important than any doctrinal
beliefs. We recognize that
religious formulations must not be imposed on others and that they must not be
made the bases of division among people. Many
Unitarian Universalists affirm a belief in God, but prefer to define this
idea—at once so vast and so personal—in ways meaningful to themselves and
relevant to their own experiences. We
cherish the Christian tradition from which we have grown, but do not consider
ourselves confined to that tradition. Our
emphasis in religion is universal, hence we seek knowledge and understanding in
all religions.
Convictions
We have no creed which a
person must believe to be accepted in membership. A basic Unitarian Universalist belief is individual freedom
of belief. We hold varying and
sometimes conflicting beliefs but are tolerant of these differences.
In our personal search for religious truth we share many principles and
values. We take inspiration from many sources and world religions.
Our Congregations covenant
to affirm and promote the following:
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 rights 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
Unitarian
Universalists
People who believe in
Unitarian and Universalist principles have been around since the early days of
Christianity. The Unitarians
believed in a single God and questioned the doctrine of the trinity for which
they found no biblical justification. The
Universalists believed that a loving God would not condemn most of humanity to
everlasting hell and that all could be saved, especially through good works.
Over the centuries many were persecuted and some martyred for these
beliefs that were condemned as heretical by the established churches.
Despite persecution, the
beliefs persisted and often flourished and have attracted some of the most
significant and independent thinkers in history such as:
Thomas Jefferson, Charles Darwin, Joseph Priestly, Susan B. Anthony,
Henry Thoreau, Clara Barton, Issac Newton, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Dr. Linus
Pauling, Elliot Richardson, Adlai Stevenson and many others.
Over the centuries the
beliefs and principles of the two denominations converged and they finally
merged in 1961 to form the present Unitarian Universalist Association.