I had a boss and a friend in college who were Unitarians. Being a cradle Catholic, it is kind of alien to me, so I checked it out at www.beliefnet.com
I think I'm a Unitarian Universalist Catholic...maybe.
The below is shamelessly borrowed from beliefnet.com and are the beliefs of Unitarian Universalists.
• Belief in Deity
Very diverse beliefs--Unitarian/Universalists welcome all deity beliefs as well as nontheistic beliefs. Some congregations are formed for those who share a common belief, e.g. Christianity.
I believe in a deity. So far, so good.
• Incarnations
Very diverse beliefs, including belief in no incarnations, or that all are the embodiment of God. Some believe Christ is God's Son, or not Son but "Wayshower."
I have a hard time understanding what they are saying here (Wayshower?), but I believe in an Incarnation, so good to go on this one, too.
• Origin of Universe and Life
Diverse beliefs, but most believe in the Bible as symbolic and that natural processes account for origins.
Hmmmm. May have a problem here, but my belief that the Bible is more than symbolic certainly falls into the "diverse beliefs" category.
• After Death
Diverse beliefs, but most believe that heaven and hell are not places but are symbolic. Some believe heaven and hell are states of consciousness either in life or continuing after death; some believe in reincarnation; some believe that afterlife is nonexistent or not known or not important, as actions in life are all that matter.
I believe in Heaven and Hell and life after death, still in the "diverse beliefs" bin.
• Why Evil?
Most do not believe that humanity inherited original sin from Adam and Eve or that Satan actually exists. Most believe that God is good and made people inherently good but also with free will and an imperfect nature that leads some to immoral behavior. Diverse beliefs. Some believe wrong is committed when people distance themselves from God. Some believe in “karma,” that what goes around comes around. Some believe wrongdoing is a matter of human nature, psychology, sociology, etc.
Original sin, yep. Satan exists. Again, I seem to fall into the "diverse beliefs" category.
• Salvation
Some believe in salvation through faith in God and Jesus Christ, along with doing good works and doing no harm to others. Many believe all will be saved, as God is good and forgiving. Some believe in reincarnation and the necessity to eliminate personal greed or to learn all of life’s lessons before achieving enlightenment or salvation. For some, the concepts of salvation or enlightenment are irrelevant or disbelieved.
Hey, we agree on somethings here, but we ain't all gonna to be saved!
• Undeserving Suffering
Diverse beliefs. Most Unitarians do not believe that Satan causes suffering. Some believe suffering is part of God’s plan, will, or design, even if we don’t immediately understand it. Some don’t believe in any spiritual reasons for suffering, and most take a humanistic approach to helping those in need.
Still can't rule me out.
• Contemporary Issues
The Unitarian Universalist Association’s stance is to protect the personal right to choose abortion. Other contemporary views include working for equality for homosexuals, gender equality, a secular approach to divorce and remarriage, working to end poverty, promoting peace and nonviolence, and environmental protection.
Darn, I was so close. You got me at "right to choose abortion" and then all the subsequent drivel.
I guess when one gets to pick and choose what one believes, he can pick and choose his own moral system (or lack of it) and requirements for salvation (or lack of need for salvation). Sorry for the non-gender-inclusive language. Guess I'm just not cut out to be a UU. Too many requirements.
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7 comments:
The only stance you would be allowed to take as a Universalist is not to take a stance.
It's the epitomy of complacence masquerading as the popular view of "tolerance" which is actually a form of political fascisim. (I think I spelled that wrong..hmmm)
So congratulations both on the lack of incluisive language AND in being a person willing to take a stand.
Adoro:
With criteria like this, I don't know how UUs know they are UUs. I think a large chunk of Americans could be UUs and not know it. I think Rudy Guiliani, Hillary, Obama, etc., could all be UUs. Maybe Rudy shouldn't say he's Catholic anymore (since he really isn't) but say he's a UUC, at least it would be more descriptive of what he really believes.
I went to a memorial service for a friend's husband once at a Unitarian building (I hesitate to call it a church).
What I came away with after scanning some of the bulletin boards promoting upcoming events is that it seemed to be like a really interesting college classroom building. Lots of interesting topics, none of them particularly "religious", I seem to recall.
The UUs have every right to believe what they wish. This is America, and it upsets me when we make fun of other denominations but want our own to be respected.
Is "Jesus gives universal happiness to those of good will through the Holy Spirit" and "Jesus gives us a common unity in Him" unitarian universalist beliefs? I just wondered, cos I read it, and I had never heard these sentiments expressed before.
As a former Catholic who converted to Unitarianism, allow me to give you a guide on how to identify a Unitarian.
Unitarians believe in the rational determination of beliefs free from dogma.
Non-Unitarians will swallow anything they are told provided the speaker has attractive enough vestments.
Unitarians seek to create a welcoming atmosphere that acknowledges people's differences, including differences in sexual orientation.
Non-Unitarians foment prejudice against sexual minorities while tolerating or even actively covering up unspeakable perversion within their own church.
Unitarian churchs emulate American Protestant tradition in using understated, dignified decorations.
Non-Unitarians have enough statues and muted psychosexual symbolism in their churches to rival a pagan temple.
In conclusion, those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
I'm Catholic. I identify myself as a Catholic because of all the churches I've been to so far it seems to be the only one that is universal, has lasted since Jesus created it, and even though there are problems within (what human being doesn't have problems?) many people still follow. My boyfriend identifies as a UU and while I do love and support him I am still unsure of his beliefs. From my stand point being a UU has no foundation. It is a self centered religion based off of whatever you want it to be.
surprisingly when i took the test UU came up just beneath Catholicism. I do like the fact that UUs consider all people around themselves without prejudice but you can still love someone but not agree with what they are doing, but it seems according to the UUs they love what they do too.
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