NationStates Jolt Archive

I am a Unitarian Universalist, and I don't know many people who have heard of my religion. I thought it might be interesting to see how many people on NationStates have heard of it.

So why don't you tell us about it? I have only a vague idea of what it is.

Everybody is right...I am not a Unitarian.

double post

It's atheism for people with kids.

:D

I know what it is, and respect it.

It`s still heresy. And those burn in Hell!

Repent thy sins and join holy mother church again!

The Unitarian Church...the church where atheists can go to pray. :lol:

Seriously, though, a church that atheists go to? Am I missing something here? Even pagans believe in something.

It`s still heresy. And those burn in Hell!

*raises hand in a Life of Brian-like way*

I don't.

It`s still heresy. And those burn in Hell!

*raises hand in a Life of Brian-like way*

I don't.
:D

Okay, I'll explain what Unitarian Universalism is. It's not very complicated.

First off, we're not all atheists. Some of us are, some of us arent't. There probably are more atheists who are UUs than there are in most religions, but there are also lots of general theists, Christian-style theists, etc.

Basically, UU doesn't have a dogma or a set of rules about what to believe. A UU church is a place where people go to develop their own personal belief system. It's sort of a thinker's religion.

The only rules that UUs have are the seven UU principle.
We affirm and promote:
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;

Basically, be nice to other people and the earth, use democracy in the congregation and society, and don't try to tell people what to believe.

Another thing: We are NOT Unitarians. The Unitarian church is an off-shoot of Christianity that believes in a single God, not a holy trinity. Universalism is religion that believes that everyone goes to heaven. Both are relatively small nowadays, even compared to UU. (Unitarians or Universalists out there, please correct me if I'm wrong.) Parts of both churches merged in the '70s, I believe, forming Unitarian Universalism.

You can be a Christian, Muslim, atheist, Wiccan, Buddhist, Hindu, etc., and also be a UU. There are many UU families whose parents are of different religions and wanted to go to the same church, so they go to our services. We draw the mateirial for our services from a broad range of religions and non-religious texts.

hey that's pretty interesting. i've heard of the term before, but i was never sure of what it meant. for the record i'm an agnostic theist bordering on deism these days, so that might be a cool congregation to check out.

The only rules that UUs have are the seven UU principle.
We affirm and promote:
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.

Is this religion or a set of ethics (like Confucism - sp)?

Just so you don't feel lonely Karinya, I'm a UU also. Although, I'm a teenager (16) I've been attending that congregation since I was 2.

It's a great place for anyone who just wants to get away from the dogma of other religions. You explained it better then I could, in your above post.

I'm a Catholic myself, but I went to high school with a lot of UU's. Except for one English teacher who was a bit of a bigot anyway, the UU's got a lot of respect for having as a religious tenet what most of my religiously diverse student body believed anyway - that religious tolerance was not a goal to be strived for, but a minimum standard of conduct. So long as you embrace God's love and God's creation, the form in which you do it does not matter.

Unitarian Universalism is damnable heresy, and a different religion totally removed from Christianity.

Unitarian Universalism is damnable heresy, and a different religion totally removed from Christianity.

Christianity is damnable heresy, and a different religion totally from leetness.

Unitarian Universalism is damnable heresy, and a different religion totally removed from Christianity.

I don't think many think that UU is Christian. I mean, come on, we must have an objective definition of what a Christian is.

Unitarian Universalism is damnable heresy, and a different religion totally removed from Christianity.

I don't think many think that UU is Christian. I mean, come on, we must have an objective definition of what a Christian is.

well first off, the belief that jesus christ was more than a mere mortal.

"They drew a circle which shut us out; we
drew a circle which drew them in..."

That is UUism in a nutshell.
We are inclusive.
That is what I like about it.
I am proud to be UU.

It is erroneous to say,

"Unitarian Universalism is damnable heresy, and a different
religion totally removed from Christianity."

1> Both branches came out of Christianity, because the
Bible supports both unitarianism and universalism

2> There are still UUs who consider themselves Christian

3> The true principles of Unitarian Universalism is in
harmony with *true* Christianity -- this can be supported
by the Bible

4> Some UUs do not call themselves Christian. Some do, but
the term has been distorted by those who preach hate,
like Robertson and Falwell

5> Those who claim that they are more Christian than others
are not practicing true Christianity 8)

If you aren't happen with the region that you are in I have
created one called "Unitarian Universalism" - open to all nations.

:D

I have created a new region "Unitarian Universalism".
If you are unhappy where you are, you are welcome here.
All nations welcome.

Sorry for the double post,, I didn't realize that the first one went through.

Okay, I'll explain what Unitarian Universalism is. It's not very complicated.

First off, we're not all atheists. Some of us are, some of us arent't. There probably are more atheists who are UUs than there are in most religions, but there are also lots of general theists, Christian-style theists, etc.

Basically, UU doesn't have a dogma or a set of rules about what to believe. A UU church is a place where people go to develop their own personal belief system. It's sort of a thinker's religion.

The only rules that UUs have are the seven UU principle.
We affirm and promote:
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;

Basically, be nice to other people and the earth, use democracy in the congregation and society, and don't try to tell people what to believe.

Another thing: We are NOT Unitarians. The Unitarian church is an off-shoot of Christianity that believes in a single God, not a holy trinity. Universalism is religion that believes that everyone goes to heaven. Both are relatively small nowadays, even compared to UU. (Unitarians or Universalists out there, please correct me if I'm wrong.) Parts of both churches merged in the '70s, I believe, forming Unitarian Universalism.

You can be a Christian, Muslim, atheist, Wiccan, Buddhist, Hindu, etc., and also be a UU. There are many UU families whose parents are of different religions and wanted to go to the same church, so they go to our services. We draw the mateirial for our services from a broad range of religions and non-religious texts.

I am bumping this thread for those interested in UUism, religion, and/or tolerance.

Are there any other UUs out there?

Check out the BELIEF SYSTEM SELECTOR to see if you are a Unitarian Universalist.

i'm UU and i would descibe us as mostly a bunch of ex-hippies and their kids who talk about stuff and prented that its important......

beyond that
Star Island is my hearts true home

[quote="Karinya"]Another thing: We are NOT Unitarians. The Unitarian church is an off-shoot of Christianity that believes in a single God, not a holy trinity. Universalism is religion that believes that everyone goes to heaven. Both are relatively small nowadays, even compared to UU. (Unitarians or Universalists out there, please correct me if I'm wrong.) Parts of both churches merged in the '70s, I believe, forming Unitarian Universalism. [quote]

:idea: actually, i'm pretty sure niether unitarianism nor universalism exists without the other anymore. they combined fully to create the UU church.

please feel free to correct me though, if you know otherwise! :wink:

oh yeah, and if anyone is interested, you can look at www.uua.org - it's the official website.

i'm UU and i would descibe us as mostly a bunch of ex-hippies and their kids who talk about stuff and prented that its important......

beyond that
Star Island is my hearts true home

oh Noah, how i wish we could go this summer! :cry:

Actually, I'd daresay that in spite of the relatively small size of the Unitarian Universalist denomination and separate Unitarian and Universalist groups, the original reasons for their respective splits (universal salvation and nontrinitarianism, to rephrase slightly) have been adopted widely by people who are not familiar with UUs at all.

Actually, I'd daresay that in spite of the relatively small size of the Unitarian Universalist denomination and separate Unitarian and Universalist groups, the original reasons for their respective splits (universal salvation and nontrinitarianism, to rephrase slightly) have been adopted widely by people who are not familiar with UUs at all.

Tahar, there's a major spam attack going on, where are you?

Actually, I'd daresay that in spite of the relatively small size of the Unitarian Universalist denomination and separate Unitarian and Universalist groups, the original reasons for their respective splits (universal salvation and nontrinitarianism, to rephrase slightly) have been adopted widely by people who are not familiar with UUs at all.

Tahar, there's a major spam attack going on, where are you?

Increadable Wussies...NS forum. Same guy that did it yesterday.

OK... now that's been dealt with... anybody else have something to say on topic?

To define "Christian" (from Merriam-Webster)
Main Entry: 1Chris·tian
Pronunciation: 'kris-ch&n, 'krish-
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin christianus, adjective & n., from Greek christianos, from Christos
Date: 1526
1 a : one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ b (1) : DISCIPLE

Based on your description, wouldn't UU be more of a social organization than a religion?

Every group is a social group to some extent. This applies to all churches I know of heavily, but that doesn't mean that they aren't religious groups. I'd say that we are a religious group, and that you'd find that UUs share many elemntes of faith ith each other. It's just that we don't require that everybody have the exact same theology and factual explanations.... that confuses people. I suppose we lose some less-intelligent would-be converts that way... :( that is, people who would be happy as UUs and find truth and meaning there who simply never try us out for size. It's a shame, seeing the prominent role us folks played in starting up this little country here... (USA, in case you can't guess from my accent).

I know many churches that are more social than religious. However, organized religion is generally defined as adhereing to a certain set of beliefs. I guess the list you gave at the beginning of the thread could qualify as that.

How is it particulary unintellegent to be a part of a group with a set beliefs?

I know many churches that are more social than religious. However, organized religion is generally defined as adhereing to a certain set of beliefs. I guess the list you gave at the beginning of the thread could qualify as that.

How is it particulary unintellegent to be a part of a group with a set beliefs?

It's not that it's unintelligent to be part of a group with a set dogma that everybody must follow, it's that if you aren't intelligent, you might find the UU church confusing if you weren't raised in it, and might not be willing to step from a dogmatic church to it. As I mentioned... there are things that all (or at least nearly all) UUs believe in... you can even find a list of principles if you look - it's just that the UU church doesn't come up with something like the apostle's creed and says "You must believe in X, Y, and Z, and those are the fundatmental truths about what really happened, what life really is about, and what your purpose in life is."

Ok, I understand you. When I was a kid, I would get quite confused going to different denominations (Baptist, Pentecostal, Episcopalian). Now that I'm (hopefully) more intellegent, I can usually figure out what is going on. Thanks for the clarification!

I am a Unitarian Universalist, and I don't know many people who have heard of my religion. I thought it might be interesting to see how many people on NationStates have heard of it.

It looks like a lot of people have.

Unitarian Universalism? In the words of Homer Simpson, "That's not a religion."

Unitarian Universalism? In the words of Homer Simpson, "That's not a religion."

To quote a more intelligent and more famous American:
I rejoice that in this blessed country of free inquiry and belief, which has surrendered its creed and conscience to neither kings nor priests, the genuine doctrine of one only God is reviving, and I trust that there is not a young man now living in the United States who will not die an Unitarian.

I seem to also recall that

...something along the lines of "Every thinking man becomes a Unitarian near the end of his life." but I couldn't find an exact quote, and my memory may well be failing me.

Anyway, it's worth noting that between folks with the last names of Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin, the Unitarians monopolize most of the solo time in the musical 1776.

Are there any other Unitarian Universalists here?

...something along the lines of "Every thinking man becomes a Unitarian near the end of his life." but I couldn't find an exact quote, and my memory may well be failing me.
You might find this link useful http://www.famousuus.com/bios/benjamin_franklin.htm

out of curiosity, in what regions do you other UU's around here live? i'm from New England in the north-east US, which is where the church is based and so it is relatively common, but i was wondering about other areas/countries/etc.

:wink:

It's atheism for people with kids.

:D

I saw other similar sentiments, and feel like pointing out that they're blatantly wrong.

Unitarian Universalism does not mandate atheistic beliefs. In fact, many (most?) Unitarian Universalists are Christian, and a significant number are Jewish.

So what UUs are going to GA?

If you do, come to the play "Unheard Voices in Unitarian Universalism: Young Adults" on Saturday! I'm going to be in it! Then you can come up to me and be like "Hi! I'm *blah* from NS!"

I'll be the one wearing the tie.

*Bump on the off chance that some NS people are going to GA and missed this thread that're on now ;p*

*Bump on the off chance that some NS people are going to GA and missed this thread that're on now ;p*

Not this year.
My first GA was Forth Worth TX in 94 and hope to go again in 05.
Possibly next year in CA?

I am in Philadelphia burb and there are about a half a dozen congregations
in the city and burbs.

Are 'church' always has a small delegation to GA.
I would go every year if it weren't so expensive.
I have also been to Rochester, NY and Salt Lake C.

For those of you who are UU, I am curious as to what appealed
to you about uuism that led you to join.

I was brought up a UU.

My parents decided that since neither of them were big fans of their religious backgrounds (Catholic and Episcopal) they'd look for something else, and they found a UU congregation.

Why'm I still a UU? Because I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

yeah GA! i'm not actually able to go to much of it, but i live in Boston and we're hosting 3 GAers!

The Unitarian Church...the church where atheists can go to pray. :lol:

Seriously, though, a church that atheists go to? Am I missing something here? Even pagans believe in something.

I am sure atheists believe in something, just not in GOD. :twisted: :wink: :!: :?:

I was brought up a UU.

My parents decided that since neither of them were big fans of their religious backgrounds (Catholic and Episcopal) they'd look for something else, and they found a UU congregation.

Why'm I still a UU? Because I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

my experience and sentiments exactly. :D

I was brought up a UU.

My parents decided that since neither of them were big fans of their religious backgrounds (Catholic and Episcopal) they'd look for something else, and they found a UU congregation.

Why'm I still a UU? Because I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

my experience and sentiments exactly. :D

I was attracted to universalism as a belief. I like the idea of the Unity of God also...

but certainly the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person is paramount.. it is about being *Inclusive*... would that every liberal were a UU...

Why Believe in anything? Why do people pray? Why do atheists feel the need for a vague psuedo-religion? To fit in with their christian friends?

Instead of having a list of things you believe, why not just have a list of things you do and do not know, along with things you are uncertain of? Why believe in unknowable things? It seems dishonest.

Christianity, and religion in general, is a heresy against the rational mind of man.

my mother is UU (father is a non-observant jew) and i went to UU services for years as a kid. there were three other UU kids in my high school (roughly 1200 students). though i have personally chosen to live free of any religion, UU has come the closer to accomodating my beliefs than any other religion i have encountered.

I've heard of the Unitarian Universalists before. I live in the UK and I haven't heard of them being down here though. In the town in the south coast that I live in there definitely isn't one around. It sounds a lot better than the church that my parents make me go to. Mine preaches very strict rules, and unfortunately my parents expect me to live by them. The UU church seems so tolerant and easy going.

I've heard of the Unitarian Universalists before. I live in the UK and I haven't heard of them being down here though. In the town in the south coast that I live in there definitely isn't one around. It sounds a lot better than the church that my parents make me go to. Mine preaches very strict rules, and unfortunately my parents expect me to live by them. The UU church seems so tolerant and easy going.

Religion should be a liberating experience and not about strict rules.

Why Believe in anything? Why do people pray? Why do atheists feel the need for a vague psuedo-religion? To fit in with their christian friends?

Instead of having a list of things you believe, why not just have a list of things you do and do not know, along with things you are uncertain of? Why believe in unknowable things? It seems dishonest.

Christianity, and religion in general, is a heresy against the rational mind of man.

i am not an athiest, and for me being a UU is not about "fitting in." UUism is not at all vague, it's just not limiting way the more conventional religions can be. i believe in "unknowable" things because i can feel them and experience them but not prove their existance scientifically, if that makes any sense. is it dishonest to explore my emotions, both rational and irrational, towards the human race and the world around me in an organized community?

:idea: i question, therefore i am. by questioning, not dismissing, my feelings of being conected to all people of the world, i am honest to what i can not see yet may be out there.

It is a shame that threads like this get overlooked because of all the stupid threads.

It is a shame that threads like this get overlooked because of all the stupid threads.

<-- Overlooked this thread for a long time...

I like UU, it allows individual worship and great freedom of ritual and belief.

Hi. This is my first time posting here.

I'm a UU too, aged 15. I'm an atheist, and not really sure if I intend to continue with the religion when I'm older, though my current sleep patterns suggest I won't. :D It works well enough as a religion-- it's open to everything and we get to swear in church and such-- heck, the youth group at First Unitarian Church in Saint Louis is the First Unitarian Church Kids, and they go by their acronym. :lol:

A thing of note is the youth conferences, known as cons. They're when a bunch of youth in a district get together at one of the district's churches for a weekend. Rules are more or less only those necessary for safety (mainly, no sex, drugs, or weapons and stay on church property), and there are a lot of great workshops-- some are serious discussions on a variety of topics, while others are more fun, like judo, fencing, or dancing-type things. There's also a lot of unique games, like wink or silent football. Wink is a strange wrestling/contact sport type thing, while silent football is a mind game in which people pass looks and such while assuming personae. All of this is great fun, and cons are attended by fun, tolerant people, so you can feel free to be your weird self.

Hi. This is my first time posting here.

I'm a UU too, aged 15. I'm an atheist, and not really sure if I intend to continue with the religion when I'm older, though my current sleep patterns suggest I won't. :D It works well enough as a religion-- it's open to everything and we get to swear in church and such-- heck, the youth group at First Unitarian Church in Saint Louis is the First Unitarian Church Kids, and they go by their acronym. :lol:

A thing of note is the youth conferences, known as cons. They're when a bunch of youth in a district get together at one of the district's churches for a weekend. Rules are more or less only those necessary for safety (mainly, no sex, drugs, or weapons and stay on church property), and there are a lot of great workshops-- some are serious discussions on a variety of topics, while others are more fun, like judo, fencing, or dancing-type things. There's also a lot of unique games, like wink or silent football. Wink is a strange wrestling/contact sport type thing, while silent football is a mind game in which people pass looks and such while assuming personae. All of this is great fun, and cons are attended by fun, tolerant people, so you can feel free to be your weird self.


:!: :oops: "First Unitarian Church in Saint Louis is the First Unitarian Church Kids, and they go by their acronym. :lol: "
:!:

So it's basically a religion for people who don't want to pick just one religion.

So it's basically a religion for people who don't want to pick just one religion.

Yes, kind of like that beer commercial :lol:

UUism is the one religion to have when you're having more than one :!:

Hi. This is my first time posting here.

I'm a UU too, aged 15. I'm an atheist, and not really sure if I intend to continue with the religion when I'm older, though my current sleep patterns suggest I won't. :D It works well enough as a religion-- it's open to everything and we get to swear in church and such-- heck, the youth group at First Unitarian Church in Saint Louis is the First Unitarian Church Kids, and they go by their acronym. :lol:

A thing of note is the youth conferences, known as cons. They're when a bunch of youth in a district get together at one of the district's churches for a weekend. Rules are more or less only those necessary for safety (mainly, no sex, drugs, or weapons and stay on church property), and there are a lot of great workshops-- some are serious discussions on a variety of topics, while others are more fun, like judo, fencing, or dancing-type things. There's also a lot of unique games, like wink or silent football. Wink is a strange wrestling/contact sport type thing, while silent football is a mind game in which people pass looks and such while assuming personae. All of this is great fun, and cons are attended by fun, tolerant people, so you can feel free to be your weird self.


:!: :oops: "First Unitarian Church in Saint Louis is the First Unitarian Church Kids, and they go by their acronym. :lol: "
:!:
Indeed, at their con, they had a sign that said "First Unitarian Church Kids Welcome You." However, they wrote the first letters of the words of their acronym quite large, with the subsequent letters being quite small, and also wrote "Welcome" very compactly.

The sign looked like this:
First Unitarian Church Kids
Welcome
You

Hi. This is my first time posting here.

I'm a UU too, aged 15. I'm an atheist, and not really sure if I intend to continue with the religion when I'm older, though my current sleep patterns suggest I won't. :D It works well enough as a religion-- it's open to everything and we get to swear in church and such-- heck, the youth group at First Unitarian Church in Saint Louis is the First Unitarian Church Kids, and they go by their acronym. :lol:

A thing of note is the youth conferences, known as cons. They're when a bunch of youth in a district get together at one of the district's churches for a weekend. Rules are more or less only those necessary for safety (mainly, no sex, drugs, or weapons and stay on church property), and there are a lot of great workshops-- some are serious discussions on a variety of topics, while others are more fun, like judo, fencing, or dancing-type things. There's also a lot of unique games, like wink or silent football. Wink is a strange wrestling/contact sport type thing, while silent football is a mind game in which people pass looks and such while assuming personae. All of this is great fun, and cons are attended by fun, tolerant people, so you can feel free to be your weird self.

Back in my day I was known as the Winkmeister :wink: . Wink (the original version) can be found in either the New Games Book or the More New Games Book (I forget which) and isn't exclusive to UUs; however, all groups I've seen that play Wink stick to the same set of rules (which are different from the original version, and easier to follow). I used to organize youthcons, and I helped found my district's current district youth steering commitee. Those were some fun times... heh.

There is a distinct UU youth culture, and there always has been. Unfortunately for the organizations themselves in the long run, UU churches tend to lose track of people in college - unlike other faiths, which actively and heavily recruit on college campuses. The fact that we don't pull out the guilt trip stops and resort to spiritual intimidation means that we've been losing ground to more aggressive underhanded religions. That, and many UU youth have already seen everything in terms of major world religions (UU kids typically spend a couple years in sunday school studying other religions) and feel self sufficient with regard to spirituality - they feel just fine seeking their own path on their own.

Which UN category is perfect for a UU?
If you are UU or sympathic to UUism which of the categories on
this list should a UU nation be?

http://asuaf.org/~gchristopher/nsmap.html

Which UN category is perfect for a UU?
If you are UU or sympathic to UUism which of the categories on
this list should a UU nation be?

http://asuaf.org/~gchristopher/nsmap.html

hmmm.... I just noticed 666 views of this thread...
(after my previous post)
but who of us is superstitous (isn't that against the UU religion, anyway)

Anbody interested in UUism?

I hope this thread doesn't die, because I am interested in seeing if there are more than just 9 UUs at nationstates.

I hope this thread doesn't die, because I am interested in seeing if there are more than just 9 UUs at nationstates.

There may be more, but not everyone will see this thread, or care if they do. Considering that there are less than a million UU's in the world it's not that surprising that only 9 showed up so far on NationStates.

There is a distinct UU youth culture, and there always has been. Unfortunately for the organizations themselves in the long run, UU churches tend to lose track of people in college - unlike other faiths, which actively and heavily recruit on college campuses. The fact that we don't pull out the guilt trip stops and resort to spiritual intimidation means that we've been losing ground to more aggressive underhanded religions.

:lol: Yeah, that must be the reason... If it's so easy to 'lose' people, have you considered that perhaps the reason has to do with what you have to offer? ...or, perhaps, what you don't have to offer? Do you teach the youth so poorly that they're so easily lead astray? Really, a "religion" that has no defined beliefs? A "Church of the Miscellaneous"... Perhaps part of the reason you lose them when they go to college is that they become educated and look for something with more substance. From what I've read and been told, UU makes a good template for society in general, but it seems odd to classify it as a "religion" :? Then again, in these Bill Clinton times, anyone can redefine any word to mean just about anything, so maybe it's not so unusual after all...

When someone gets tired of being Presbyterian etc. they can become UU, but when you're tired of UU is there anywhere else to go? I mean, it is pretty much the end of the spectrum, as far as freethinking religion within an organized institution, right? which is fine. If I am kicked out of my denomination for freethinking (and that may happen this evening, I have been told), I may just end up there.

There is a distinct UU youth culture, and there always has been. Unfortunately for the organizations themselves in the long run, UU churches tend to lose track of people in college - unlike other faiths, which actively and heavily recruit on college campuses. The fact that we don't pull out the guilt trip stops and resort to spiritual intimidation means that we've been losing ground to more aggressive underhanded religions.

:lol: Yeah, that must be the reason... If it's so easy to 'lose' people, have you considered that perhaps the reason has to do with what you have to offer? ...or, perhaps, what you don't have to offer? Do you teach the youth so poorly that they're so easily lead astray? Really, a "religion" that has no defined beliefs? A "Church of the Miscellaneous"... Perhaps part of the reason you lose them when they go to college is that they become educated and look for something with more substance. From what I've read and been told, UU makes a good template for society in general, but it seems odd to classify it as a "religion" :? Then again, in these Bill Clinton times, anyone can redefine any word to mean just about anything, so maybe it's not so unusual after all...

Actually we do have beliefs. We don't try to force people to
believe them. It isn't really a 'creed', but most if not all uus would
accept these:

As a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association, we covenant to affirm and promote: 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 living tradition we share draws from many sources: Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces that create and uphold life;
Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit;
Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

The following is an *EXCELLENT* argument in favor of being UU and I agree with a lot of it:

http://buxmontuu.org/why_you_should_not_be_a_unitaria.htm

"But if you have no creed, does that mean that Unitarian Universalists can believe anything?"

the following link addresses that question: (1/2 way down the page)

http://buxmontuu.org/unitarian_universalism.htm

SO uuism IS a religion

When someone gets tired of being Presbyterian etc. they can become UU, but when you're tired of UU is there anywhere else to go? I mean, it is pretty much the end of the spectrum, as far as freethinking religion within an organized institution, right? which is fine. If I am kicked out of my denomination for freethinking (and that may happen this evening, I have been told), I may just end up there.

Well, if one gets tired of being uu, starting a new denomination is always an option. UUism is currently growing, but over the century it has been on the decline, so a lot of people have left the religion(s)*.

*actually until 1960 it was *two* religions

for more information:

www.uua.org

for more information:

www.uua.org

Any comments?

no message

Why so many ex-nations on page one? Just curious.

Why so many ex-nations on page one? Just curious.

They must have gotten bored.

I took a quiz that said the religion most closely in line with my beliefs is unitarian universalism, so i do know a bit about it.

Was that on BeliefNet? I had 80% UU but 100% Orthodox Quaker. Now what could those 2 strains of religion have in common?

Was that on BeliefNet? I had 80% UU but 100% Orthodox Quaker. Now what could those 2 strains of religion have in common?


UUs and Quakers are both liberal religions.

It's atheism for people with kids.

:D

Actually, approx. 20 percent of its members believe Jesus to be the Son of God. Yes, there are many atheists in it, but it is not an atheist religion.

It is a shame that threads like this get overlooked because of all the stupid threads.

<-- Overlooked this thread for a long time...

I like UU, it allows individual worship and great freedom of ritual and belief.


true

Are you a UU? If so, do you attend a church and does it have a main religious influence? I know many churchs in the U.S. are Protestant Christian and there are others that specialize in worship structured after other religions. I've also heard of, but never seen a non-denominational UU church.

can anybody post a picture of a UU church, I'm an architect superfreak.

For the most part UU churches are just like Protestant Christian churches.

check out the website:

www.uua.org

also, using my nation Universalism, I have created a region
called Unitarian Universalism. It is open to anyone of any
religion, not just UUs.

can anybody post a picture of a UU church, I'm an architect superfreak.
Historic one in Meadville PA is classical colonial, very old and pretty.
One in Chicago's Loop looks (or used to look, don't know now) like Star Trek!

I'm a Unitarian Universalist and I'm not a Christian.

I'm a Unitarian Universalist and I'm not a Christian.

Most UUs do not consider themselves Christian.

For the most part UU churches are just like Protestant Christian churches.

But most UUs are not Christian.

I used my puppet nation Universalism to create a UU region.
I sent the password for Right-Wing Utopia to someone. Except
for that nation and Universalism, all the other nations in the UU
region are being offered free. You may chose to leave it in that
region if you'd like, or move it.

Please send me (@ Athine), a telegram if you'd like any of those regions.

(the region's name is simply "Unitarian Universalism".

(btw you don't have to be UU to belong to the UU region)

I figured out a way to empty hell.
Well, if I can get this to work.
I am not sure if html will work here.

:twisted: OK html doesn't work here
<div style="width: 400; text-align: center; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><p style="margin-right: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #7F0000;"><b>null</b><br>Circle I Limbo</p><p style="margin-right: 10; margin-left: 10; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #8F0000;"><b>null</b><br>Circle II Whirling in a Dark & Stormy Wind</p><p style="margin-right: 20; margin-left: 20; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #9F0000;"><b>null</b><br>Circle III Mud, Rain, Cold, Hail & Snow</p><p style="margin-right: 30; margin-left: 30; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #AF0000;"><b>null, nobody goes to hell forever, god damnit</b><br>Circle IV Rolling Weights</p><p style="margin-right: 40; margin-left: 40; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #BF0000;"><b>null</b><br>Circle V Stuck in Mud, Mangled</p><p style="border-style: solid none; border-color: black; background: white; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">River Styx</p><p style="margin-right: 50; margin-left: 50; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #CF0000;"><b>null</b><br>Circle VI Buried for Eternity</p><p style="border-style: solid none; border-color: black; background: white; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">River Phlegyas</p><p style="margin-right: 60; margin-left: 60; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #DF0000;"><b>null</b><br>Circle VII Burning Sands</p><p style="margin-right: 70; margin-left: 70; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #EF0000;"><b>null</b><br>Circle IIX Immersed in Excrement</p><p style="margin-right: 80; margin-left: 80; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #FF0000;"><b>null</b><br>Circle IX Frozen in Ice</p><p><a href="http://www.gaydeceiver.com/misc/hell/" style="color: red;">Design your own hell</a></p></div>

I am a Unitarian Universalist, and I don't know many people who have heard of my religion. I thought it might be interesting to see how many people on NationStates have heard of it.

To all who said "I am a Unitarian Universalist."
If you are out there please say something.
Perhaps there are more than 12 uus out there.
It would be interesting to hear from you'all.

I am a Unitarian Universalist, and I don't know many people who have heard of my religion. I thought it might be interesting to see how many people on NationStates have heard of it.

To all who said "I am a Unitarian Universalist."
If you are out there please say something.
Perhaps there are more than 12 uus out there.
It would be interesting to hear from you'all.

I'm not one, but many of my friends are. If you are in an atheist/agnostic/humanist group, you will inevitably run across at least one!

Yes, this is rather late...

can anybody post a picture of a UU church, I'm an architect superfreak.

http://www.oprf.com/unity/Unity_Temple1s.JPG
http://www.unitytemple-utrf.org/utabout1.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://www.greatbuildings.com/gbc/images/cid_unitarian_mw_001.150.jpg
http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Unitarian_Meeting_House.html

Those are two of the rather more famous ones. Both are Frank Lloyd Wright designs. I've been to a party-thing in Unity Temple before; it's rather small.

I am a Unitarian Universalist, and I don't know many people who have heard of my religion. I thought it might be interesting to see how many people on NationStates have heard of it.

To all who said "I am a Unitarian Universalist."
If you are out there please say something.
Perhaps there are more than 12 uus out there.
It would be interesting to hear from you'all.
12 is a rather lot for a relatively small group of people like that here.

Yes, this is rather late...

can anybody post a picture of a UU church, I'm an architect superfreak.

http://www.oprf.com/unity/Unity_Temple1s.JPG
http://www.unitytemple-utrf.org/utabout1.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://www.greatbuildings.com/gbc/images/cid_unitarian_mw_001.150.jpg
http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Unitarian_Meeting_House.html

Those are two of the rather more famous ones. Both are Frank Lloyd Wright designs. I've been to a party-thing in Unity Temple before; it's rather small.

I am a Unitarian Universalist, and I don't know many people who have heard of my religion. I thought it might be interesting to see how many people on NationStates have heard of it.

To all who said "I am a Unitarian Universalist."
If you are out there please say something.
Perhaps there are more than 12 uus out there.
It would be interesting to hear from you'all.
12 is a rather lot for a relatively small group of people like that here.

Based on the assumption that 1/2 nations here are puppets I would estimate that there would be about double the number of UUs at this site. In other words, about 24. That is figuring about .07% of the people at this site, which is a crude and educated guess.

can anybody post a picture of a UU church, I'm an architect superfreak.

There is a picture of a window at the Restoration UU church in Philadelphia, PA at the following link:

http://www.career-lifeskills.com/products_services/atpr/typtemp/cpp-7684b.htm

It is on the cover of a book about Myers-Briggs entitled "Four Spiritualities".

(Restorationism is a belief that everyone will be saved, but that some have to spend time in a place like hell to be punished for a time, for their sins)

I am a Unitarian Universalist, and I don't know many people who have heard of my religion. I thought it might be interesting to see how many people on NationStates have heard of it.

To all who said "I am a Unitarian Universalist."
If you are out there please say something.
Perhaps there are more than 12 uus out there.
It would be interesting to hear from you'all.
12 is a rather lot for a relatively small group of people like that here.

Based on the assumption that 1/2 nations here are puppets I would estimate that there would be about double the number of UUs at this site. In other words, about 24. That is figuring about .07% of the people at this site, which is a crude and educated guess.
The active forum user is a rather rarer breed than the mere user.

I went to a UU service once, and it wasn't to my liking. I have nothing against UUs, but the service seemed to have no real center. The congregation of the service that I attended did alot for the community and all were very nice, but minister's sermon left a bad taste in my mouth, so to speak. His sermon was too political. Half of it was simply trying not to offend people. I know all UU ministers are not this way, but I found, as a member of the Boy Scouts, a semi-Republican and a Presbyterian, that he made me feel uncomfortable.

I went to a UU service once, and it wasn't to my liking. I have nothing against UUs, but the service seemed to have no real center. The congregation of the service that I attended did alot for the community and all were very nice, but minister's sermon left a bad taste in my mouth, so to speak. His sermon was too political. Half of it was simply trying not to offend people. I know all UU ministers are not this way, but I found, as a member of the Boy Scouts, a semi-Republican and a Presbyterian, that he made me feel uncomfortable.

You might be more comfortable in the new denomination,
The American Unitarian Conference, which is less political and more theistic.

Well, I am still wondering if there are more than 12.

"He drew a circle that shut me out -- Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle that took him in!"

Here is a link to a site with some good quotes:

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Lane/5126/quotes.html

I am a Unitarian Universalist, and I don't know many people who have heard of my religion. I thought it might be interesting to see how many people on NationStates have heard of it.

To all who said "I am a Unitarian Universalist."
If you are out there please say something.
Perhaps there are more than 12 uus out there.
It would be interesting to hear from you'all.
12 is a rather lot for a relatively small group of people like that here.

Based on the assumption that 1/2 nations here are puppets I would estimate that there would be about double the number of UUs at this site. In other words, about 24. That is figuring about .07% of the people at this site, which is a crude and educated guess.
The active forum user is a rather rarer breed than the mere user.

Well, I was right the number is 13 now.

Well this will be my 364th (not including my puppets) post since joining
on June 4th, which is far too many (in other words I am a NS addict :( )

I was just wondering how many of you out there, who are interested in religion (or not for that matter) belong to beliefnet?

How many of you have heard of beliefnet?

Well this will be my 364th (not including my puppets) post since joining
on June 4th, which is far too many (in other words I am a NS addict :( )

I was just wondering how many of you out there, who are interested in religion (or not for that matter) belong to beliefnet?

How many of you have heard of beliefnet?

bump

It`s still heresy. And those burn in Hell!

Repent thy sins and join holy mother church again!

There's nothing wrong with being something else than catholic or christian, or any other sect. My family were members in a unitarian universalist church when I was younger. Just because we aren't catholic, or whatever religion you are, doesn't mean we don't belive in God and will go to hell. :x

It`s still heresy. And those burn in Hell!

Repent thy sins and join holy mother church again!

There's nothing wrong with being something else than catholic or christian, or any other sect. My family were members in a unitarian universalist church when I was younger. Just because we aren't catholic, or whatever religion you are, doesn't mean we don't belive in God and will go to hell. :x

Kind of silly how so many people would think that they were saved and others aren't.

yeah..some people are really stupid..i try not to get involved with them..but i couldn't help myself the other day..they pissed me off. :x

Sorry..wrong nation name..I'm also Christmas Palm Trees...oops. and Ravensbund..so i might get them mixed up sometimes :lol:

Why is the UUA so small?
Would anyone care to discuss this question?
I think it is an interesting thing to think about.

8)

http://www.winternet.com/~mikelr/assets/Philospher.jpg

http://www.winternet.com/~mikelr/assets/Philospher.jpg

Can someone tell me how to post this link, so that the picture will show up here?

http://www.winternet.com/~mikelr/assets/Philospher.jpg

Can someone tell me how to post this link, so that the picture will show up here?

http://www.winternet.com/~mikelr/assets/Philospher.jpg

http://www.winternet.com/~mikelr/assets/Philospher.jpg

For those of you that would like more information:

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=60288

(step 6 of 7 tells how to post a pic if it is already on the web)

http://www.deandeck.com/dean2.jpg

comments?

http://www.deandeck.com/bush.jpg
http://www.deandeck.com/cheney.jpg

The Unitarian Church...the church where atheists can go to pray. :lol:

Seriously, though, a church that atheists go to? Am I missing something here? Even pagans believe in something.

Atheists believe in something but do not call that something god.

As a gay person I like Unitarianism because it welcomes all people, regardless.

:?:

I'm 16, my mom is Protestant and my dad is Catholic. I've never attended a church service. My parents say they believe in God, but don't agree with him/her telling people what to do or not to do. So basically I've grown up a free thinker.

I took a religious test over the summer and it said I was a UU. I'm agnostic. I simply will not join a church or religion for reasons so deep inside me, it is extremely difficult to give an answer why I won't. I wish religion never came about, but it has and I do respect other people's beliefs.

However, I respect UUism very highly. I admire there liberal approach that is evolving with society, not centuries behind it (like some religions).

Oh, btw, I search for my nearest UU church. It seems like the nearest one is an hour drive away...

I'm 16, my mom is Protestant and my dad is Catholic. I've never attended a church service. My parents say they believe in God, but don't agree with him/her telling people what to do or not to do. So basically I've grown up a free thinker.

I took a religious test over the summer and it said I was a UU. I'm agnostic. I simply will not join a church or religion for reasons so deep inside me, it is extremely difficult to give an answer why I won't. I wish religion never came about, but it has and I do respect other people's beliefs.

However, I respect UUism very highly. I admire there liberal approach that is evolving with society, not centuries behind it (like some religions).

Oh, btw, I search for my nearest UU church. It seems like the nearest one is an hour drive away...

Well, I was going to ask you to join our region, but I see that you are already a delegate in yours, so I won't.
Anyway, thanks for the post. I hope this thread will be kept alive.

Universalism
(an 'Athine' nation)

You're welcome. :) If I ever need a new region, your's will be my first choice.

14 UUs out there = 8% so far.
That's higher than I would have guessed.

14 UUs out there = 8% so far.
That's higher than I would have guessed.

I belong to a UUs.

Considering that I am a very conservative thinker, I would have thought that joining this church, whose members support so many liberal and leftist ideals, and speaking my mind would have made me an instant pariah.

Not so.

People listen to all POVs at a UU church. They might not have liked them but they didn't engage in the liberal trash-talk that one finds so much on forums such as this. I can voice my opinions and discent on any topic being put before the church without slander and personal attacks. I oppose their ideas and they oppose mine. We then work from there in a civilized fashion. Very refreshing.

Think of the UU church like this: There is more to spirituality than dogma. The magic of existence is not the sole property of any culture or religion but all of them can be learned from. A grand salad bar of wisdom is available and one can take from the many philosophies and religions around the world and move towards personal enlightenment and happiness. Not a bad goal for a religion. Best I have found so far.

I belong to a UUs.

Considering that I am a very conservative thinker, I would have thought that joining this church, whose members support so many liberal and leftist ideals, and speaking my mind would have made me an instant pariah.

Not so.

People listen to all POVs at a UU church. They might not have liked them but they didn't engage in the liberal trash-talk that one finds so much on forums such as this. I can voice my opinions and discent on any topic being put before the church without slander and personal attacks. I oppose their ideas and they oppose mine. We then work from there in a civilized fashion. Very refreshing.

Think of the UU church like this: There is more to spirituality than dogma. The magic of existence is not the sole property of any culture or religion but all of them can be learned from. A grand salad bar of wisdom is available and one can take from the many philosophies and religions around the world and move towards personal enlightenment and happiness. Not a bad goal for a religion. Best I have found so far.

Did you know that there is a website for conservative UUs?

I belong to a UUs.

Considering that I am a very conservative thinker, I would have thought that joining this church, whose members support so many liberal and leftist ideals, and speaking my mind would have made me an instant pariah.

Not so.

People listen to all POVs at a UU church. They might not have liked them but they didn't engage in the liberal trash-talk that one finds so much on forums such as this. I can voice my opinions and discent on any topic being put before the church without slander and personal attacks. I oppose their ideas and they oppose mine. We then work from there in a civilized fashion. Very refreshing.

Think of the UU church like this: There is more to spirituality than dogma. The magic of existence is not the sole property of any culture or religion but all of them can be learned from. A grand salad bar of wisdom is available and one can take from the many philosophies and religions around the world and move towards personal enlightenment and happiness. Not a bad goal for a religion. Best I have found so far.

Did you know that there is a website for conservative UUs?

I have never bothered to look actually. I wouldn't think that there was one due to there being so few of us.

Care to give me the link? It would be greatly appreciated.

I belong to a UUs.

Considering that I am a very conservative thinker, I would have thought that joining this church, whose members support so many liberal and leftist ideals, and speaking my mind would have made me an instant pariah.

Not so.

People listen to all POVs at a UU church. They might not have liked them but they didn't engage in the liberal trash-talk that one finds so much on forums such as this. I can voice my opinions and discent on any topic being put before the church without slander and personal attacks. I oppose their ideas and they oppose mine. We then work from there in a civilized fashion. Very refreshing.

Think of the UU church like this: There is more to spirituality than dogma. The magic of existence is not the sole property of any culture or religion but all of them can be learned from. A grand salad bar of wisdom is available and one can take from the many philosophies and religions around the world and move towards personal enlightenment and happiness. Not a bad goal for a religion. Best I have found so far.

Did you know that there is a website for conservative UUs?

I have never bothered to look actually. I wouldn't think that there was one due to there being so few of us.

Care to give me the link? It would be greatly appreciated.

http://cfuu.org/

I belong to a UUs.

Considering that I am a very conservative thinker, I would have thought that joining this church, whose members support so many liberal and leftist ideals, and speaking my mind would have made me an instant pariah.

Not so.

People listen to all POVs at a UU church. They might not have liked them but they didn't engage in the liberal trash-talk that one finds so much on forums such as this. I can voice my opinions and discent on any topic being put before the church without slander and personal attacks. I oppose their ideas and they oppose mine. We then work from there in a civilized fashion. Very refreshing.

Think of the UU church like this: There is more to spirituality than dogma. The magic of existence is not the sole property of any culture or religion but all of them can be learned from. A grand salad bar of wisdom is available and one can take from the many philosophies and religions around the world and move towards personal enlightenment and happiness. Not a bad goal for a religion. Best I have found so far.

Did you know that there is a website for conservative UUs?

I have never bothered to look actually. I wouldn't think that there was one due to there being so few of us.

Care to give me the link? It would be greatly appreciated.

http://cfuu.org/

Thank you very much!

Goodbye Spamnia :!: :evil:

I belong to a UUs.

Considering that I am a very conservative thinker, I would have thought that joining this church, whose members support so many liberal and leftist ideals, and speaking my mind would have made me an instant pariah.

Not so.

People listen to all POVs at a UU church. They might not have liked them but they didn't engage in the liberal trash-talk that one finds so much on forums such as this. I can voice my opinions and discent on any topic being put before the church without slander and personal attacks. I oppose their ideas and they oppose mine. We then work from there in a civilized fashion. Very refreshing.

Think of the UU church like this: There is more to spirituality than dogma. The magic of existence is not the sole property of any culture or religion but all of them can be learned from. A grand salad bar of wisdom is available and one can take from the many philosophies and religions around the world and move towards personal enlightenment and happiness. Not a bad goal for a religion. Best I have found so far.

Did you know that there is a website for conservative UUs?

I have never bothered to look actually. I wouldn't think that there was one due to there being so few of us.

Care to give me the link? It would be greatly appreciated.

http://cfuu.org/

Thank you very much!

Let me know what you think of it.

I belong to a UUs.

Considering that I am a very conservative thinker, I would have thought that joining this church, whose members support so many liberal and leftist ideals, and speaking my mind would have made me an instant pariah.

Not so.

People listen to all POVs at a UU church. They might not have liked them but they didn't engage in the liberal trash-talk that one finds so much on forums such as this. I can voice my opinions and discent on any topic being put before the church without slander and personal attacks. I oppose their ideas and they oppose mine. We then work from there in a civilized fashion. Very refreshing.

Think of the UU church like this: There is more to spirituality than dogma. The magic of existence is not the sole property of any culture or religion but all of them can be learned from. A grand salad bar of wisdom is available and one can take from the many philosophies and religions around the world and move towards personal enlightenment and happiness. Not a bad goal for a religion. Best I have found so far.

Did you know that there is a website for conservative UUs?

I have never bothered to look actually. I wouldn't think that there was one due to there being so few of us.

Care to give me the link? It would be greatly appreciated.

http://cfuu.org/

Thank you very much!

Let me know what you think of it.

bump

Was raised UU (more or less) in early years. Later childhood was vaugely Presbitarian (parents are now Presbitarian - sp?). Spent many years without. Currently Buddhist.

Was raised UU (more or less) in early years. Later childhood was vaugely Presbitarian (parents are now Presbitarian - sp?). Spent many years without. Currently Buddhist.

What is your opinion of Unitarian Universalism?

Athine is now part of the Unitarian Universalism REGION.

If anyone is UU and/or wishes to visit, all are welcome.
'We' may stay there if we find no region which is better.
It depends on whether we can grow the region.

Was raised UU (more or less) in early years. Later childhood was vaugely Presbitarian (parents are now Presbitarian - sp?). Spent many years without. Currently Buddhist.

What is your opinion of Unitarian Universalism?

Honestly, I don*t have much in the way of strong recollections of anything to do with my parents old fellowship (beyond the aftermathg of the fire that burned doen the place - nothing dramatic - just remember a tour of the burned out building at age 5 or so...). We moved to a community without a fellowship not long after. I really haven*t been associated enough with the UUs to give much of an opinion. FWIW, the good old belife selector usually brings up Theredavada, Mahayana, and UU as my 1st 3.... (runs off to enjot the belife selector again...)

Was raised UU (more or less) in early years. Later childhood was vaugely Presbitarian (parents are now Presbitarian - sp?). Spent many years without. Currently Buddhist.

What is your opinion of Unitarian Universalism?

Honestly, I don*t have much in the way of strong recollections of anything to do with my parents old fellowship (beyond the aftermathg of the fire that burned doen the place - nothing dramatic - just remember a tour of the burned out building at age 5 or so...). We moved to a community without a fellowship not long after. I really haven*t been associated enough with the UUs to give much of an opinion. FWIW, the good old belife selector usually brings up Theredavada, Mahayana, and UU as my 1st 3.... (runs off to enjot the belife selector again...)

Tell me more about Buddhism. Do you consider yourself a certain 'type'
(for example Zen)? What is your view on a life after death and on God?

During college I was living with a good friend who had been raised UU. We were living in a duplex in town a couple blocks away from a UU church, and she asked me if I would go with her. I did it mostly out of pity--her best friend was too much of a drunk to ever get up on a Sunday morning to go with her, and she had always gone with her family, etc. So depsite the crippling hangover I had, I got up to go with her because she really was a good friend. I've run the gamut of religions from my upbrining and had been introduced to a slew of others from friends. If I were to go to any church, it would be a UU one. The congregation was really great, the services were always full of good energy, I was really surprised. No stuffiness, no one was pressuring me to join the congregation, there was a wide range of spiritual thought presented. I continued to go with her most of the time I lived in that town, to support my friend but also because it was a nice thing to do on a Sunday morning, if I could bear waking up. My friend became a youth minister and is studying to become a UU minister now.

Tell me more about Buddhism. Do you consider yourself a certain 'type'
(for example Zen)? What is your view on a life after death and on God?

Hmmm... Buddhism in a very small, over simplified nutshell: Life sucks. Life sucks because you want what you cannot get, and what you want isn*t going to satisfy you (because what you want never measures up to your expectations because everything is constantly changing). Once you realize that, happiness is yours. Working thru the right methods, you can get to the roots of your wants and realize they are useless. (That is a super rough, rough, rough formulation of the 4 noble truths: http://dharma.ncf.ca/introduction/4-Noble-Truths.html )

Teachers are fairly important to Buddhism - they are generally people who are awakened (ie have made it through all the above).

My teacher is very ecuminical (sp). His root or main teaching is Tibetian Vajarayana, but he uses various forms to teache, and is not limited to solely Eastern teachings. He knows and uses psychology, kabbalism, sufiism, and other teachings. Most importantly, he is extra flexible.
http://www.dharma-japan.org/

Personally, I would call myself a Zen Atheist/Agnostic.

I don*t belive in a God. I don*t belive in a soul or an afterlife. I do belive in karma - in a very social capital way. (ie you do harm to othes, you spend your social capital, and that comes back to hurt you...)

Tell me more about Buddhism. Do you consider yourself a certain 'type'
(for example Zen)? What is your view on a life after death and on God?

Hmmm... Buddhism in a very small, over simplified nutshell: Life sucks. Life sucks because you want what you cannot get, and what you want isn*t going to satisfy you (because what you want never measures up to your expectations because everything is constantly changing). Once you realize that, happiness is yours. Working thru the right methods, you can get to the roots of your wants and realize they are useless. (That is a super rough, rough, rough formulation of the 4 noble truths: http://dharma.ncf.ca/introduction/4-Noble-Truths.html )

Teachers are fairly important to Buddhism - they are generally people who are awakened (ie have made it through all the above).

My teacher is very ecuminical (sp). His root or main teaching is Tibetian Vajarayana, but he uses various forms to teache, and is not limited to solely Eastern teachings. He knows and uses psychology, kabbalism, sufiism, and other teachings. Most importantly, he is extra flexible.
http://www.dharma-japan.org/

Personally, I would call myself a Zen Atheist/Agnostic.

I don*t belive in a God. I don*t belive in a soul or an afterlife. I do belive in karma - in a very social capital way. (ie you do harm to othes, you spend your social capital, and that comes back to hurt you...)

thanks

bump

Tell me more about Buddhism. Do you consider yourself a certain 'type'
(for example Zen)? What is your view on a life after death and on God?

Hmmm... Buddhism in a very small, over simplified nutshell: Life sucks. Life sucks because you want what you cannot get, and what you want isn*t going to satisfy you (because what you want never measures up to your expectations because everything is constantly changing). Once you realize that, happiness is yours. Working thru the right methods, you can get to the roots of your wants and realize they are useless. (That is a super rough, rough, rough formulation of the 4 noble truths: http://dharma.ncf.ca/introduction/4-Noble-Truths.html )

Teachers are fairly important to Buddhism - they are generally people who are awakened (ie have made it through all the above).

My teacher is very ecuminical (sp). His root or main teaching is Tibetian Vajarayana, but he uses various forms to teache, and is not limited to solely Eastern teachings. He knows and uses psychology, kabbalism, sufiism, and other teachings. Most importantly, he is extra flexible.
http://www.dharma-japan.org/

Personally, I would call myself a Zen Atheist/Agnostic.

I don*t belive in a God. I don*t belive in a soul or an afterlife. I do belive in karma - in a very social capital way. (ie you do harm to othes, you spend your social capital, and that comes back to hurt you...)

I would think most Buddhists do not "believe in God" per se yet they are very spiritual because they sense a depth dimension to life.

Why is the UUA so small?
Would anyone care to discuss this question?
I think it is an interesting thing to think about.

8)

Actually I think that there are many who believe in and know
about UU principles, but do not join for whatever reason.

Why is the UUA so small?
Would anyone care to discuss this question?
I think it is an interesting thing to think about.

8)

Actually I think that there are many who believe in and know
about UU principles, but do not join for whatever reason.



i am a uu, allthough i havent gone to a uu church yet.

but i believe in there beliefs, and they are vegetarian friendly, and vegan friendly, because they thrive on expanding the mind.

Why is the UUA so small?
Would anyone care to discuss this question?
I think it is an interesting thing to think about.

8)

Actually I think that there are many who believe in and know
about UU principles, but do not join for whatever reason.



i am a uu, allthough i havent gone to a uu church yet.

but i believe in there beliefs, and they are vegetarian friendly, and vegan friendly, because they thrive on expanding the mind.

Why is the UUA so small?
Would anyone care to discuss this question?
I think it is an interesting thing to think about.

8)

Actually I think that there are many who believe in and know
about UU principles, but do not join for whatever reason.



i am a uu, allthough i havent gone to a uu church yet.

but i believe in there beliefs, and they are vegetarian friendly, and vegan friendly, because they thrive on expanding the mind.

Yes, we are very inclusive.

Now that I know what it is, I consider myself UU, although I've never gone to a UU church or anything.

Now that I know what it is, I consider myself UU, although I've never gone to a UU church or anything.

For every member, there are at least a dozen non-members who are uus as far as belief goes. In fact, maybe more, since, in theory, UUism *includes* everyone.

Just got back from a week in AZ on Saturday.
I flew to Tucson. I drove north Thursday and drove
back Friday. Driving back I stopped for a break and
was pleasantly surprised to see a sign for Valley UU
Church in Chandler.

5> Those who claim that they are more Christian than others are not practicing true Christianity 8)

Owned

Oh, and happy New Year, by the way.

Well, I attended a "Peace" retreat yesterday; interesting.
A lot of passion for peace. It gives me hope.

I for one have lost interest in the General Forum and therefore in nationstates as well.

I come here only once in a while anymore to see if there is any excitement.

There rarely is.

I for one have lost interest in the General Forum and therefore in nationstates as well.

I come here only once in a while anymore to see if there is any excitement.

There rarely is.

Well, the interesting stuff tends to get lost in the noise. It's hard to have the energy to keep up with something like this, with the signal to noise ratio so high.

Oh, and I suppose this is also something of a bump for one of the topics I prefer seeing up here than the repeated tearing and shredding ....

I for one have lost interest in the General Forum and therefore in nationstates as well.

I come here only once in a while anymore to see if there is any excitement.

There rarely is.

Well, the interesting stuff tends to get lost in the noise. It's hard to have the energy to keep up with something like this, with the signal to noise ratio so high.

Oh, and I suppose this is also something of a bump for one of the topics I prefer seeing up here than the repeated tearing and shredding ....

Well, it doesn't look like anyone wants to discuss this topic.

Since 41% either have never heard of or don't know what UUism is all about I am interested in letting people know about it.

But since there is no interest in it here I have started a thread on another board:

http://fua.board.dk3.com/2/index.php

Here is how I described the religion on that board:




"The fact that there are so many people who don't know about Unitarian Universalism leads me to believe that it is important to tell people about it.
There are probably millions who would join if they understood the purpose of this religion.

It is difficult to describe this religion without saying what it is *not*.
It is an a 'liberal' religion in the sense of promoting religious diversity.
The two key beliefs are inclusiveness and a commitment to believing what is rational. Let me elaborate on what is 'rational'. That means thinking for yourself, questioning authority, and believing what can be proven. UUs believe in the importance of science. So in a nutshell that is what UUism is. The church of the 'open mind'.

Having said what it is, I will now say what it is not. It is not fundamentalist. It does not require the recitation of a theological or dogmatic 'creed'.

Well, hopefully that is enough for now.
To learn more:

www.uua.org

one more vote and we'll have 200

never mind

It must be difficult to talk positively about your beliefs without seeming unduly "evangelical".

I like Unitarians; I just wish they were a little more outspoken.

It must be difficult to talk positively about your beliefs without seeming unduly "evangelical".

I like Unitarians; I just wish they were a little more outspoken.

I think that this is changing. We have a workshop/course on articulating our faith.. I am big on telling people (obviously) about uuism, because I think it is very important that we grow as a movement; how else will we become 'part of the solution'?
The workshop/course is a six week course and I am enjoying it. It gives me hope that this movement will grow and eventually become mainstream.

20 out of 203 - not bad - certainly much higher than the general population which in the US is less than 1/10 %.
Considering that there are so few UUs it is interesting that so many have heard of us, but how many really *know* what we believe?

U Us rules. i need to go to one of those churches. 8)

U Us rules. i need to go to one of those churches. 8)

I can't say for sure, but I think you will love it :D

U Us rules. i need to go to one of those churches. 8)

I can't say for sure, but I think you will love it :D

thanks bud. ive read up on it, and i know ill like it.

is pretty much everthing ive wanted in a church organization.

for those who are skeptics, and agnostic, atheist alike.

a place where those stated above, can gain faith, and pride in large numbers like any other church. But are practicing the real truth of our lives, instead of a imaginary book.
which there is ample proof off. 8)

How can anyone be against a religion that seeks to include everyone?
UUism is a great religion because we believe in equatlity for everyone.
We believe in the Democratic process. How can anyone be against that?
Why are there not more UUs?
Why are there not more people talking about UUism, about no-hellism, and the UNITY of God?

Why can't all people accept homosexuals as good?
Well, all UUs can.
Therefore if everyone were a UU all people would accept
homosexuals as good.

GAMPAC

Have you heard of it?

The server is slow today. I may have to give up on this thread, therefore.
I have tried to keep it alive, but interest is slowly waning, unfortunately.

Universalism means that there is no hell. I am sure that there are a lot of you who agree with me...

For more information:

http://www.uua.org/uuhs/duub/listuniv.html

My good friend and former pastoral supervisor believes in universal salvation, which is pretty close to "no hell".

If I were God, I'd kick some a$$! No hell indeed! Hah!

But I'm not, so prob'ly things are more merciful than if I had that job.

My good friend and former pastoral supervisor believes in universal salvation, which is pretty close to "no hell".

If I were God, I'd kick some a$$! No hell indeed! Hah!

But I'm not, so prob'ly things are more merciful than if I had that job.

Historically one of the first origins of the idea is with Origen (185-254 AD)

My good friend and former pastoral supervisor believes in universal salvation, which is pretty close to "no hell".

If I were God, I'd kick some a$$! No hell indeed! Hah!

But I'm not, so prob'ly things are more merciful than if I had that job.

Historically one of the first origins of the idea is with Origen (185-254 AD)

"Origen did not believe in the eternal suffering of sinners in hell. For him, all souls, including the devil himself, will eventually achieve salvation, even if it takes innumerable ages to do so":

http://www.utm.edu/research/iep/o/origen.htm

My good friend and former pastoral supervisor believes in universal salvation, which is pretty close to "no hell".

If I were God, I'd kick some a$$! No hell indeed! Hah!

But I'm not, so prob'ly things are more merciful than if I had that job.

Historically one of the first origins of the idea is with Origen (185-254 AD)

How "Origenal"!

Did you know that he also believed God was a hermaphrodite because of the passage in Genesis that says "God created humans in[ his own image; male and female he created them."

What a spin that would put on our religious sexual politics!

My good friend and former pastoral supervisor believes in universal salvation, which is pretty close to "no hell".

If I were God, I'd kick some a$$! No hell indeed! Hah!

But I'm not, so prob'ly things are more merciful than if I had that job.

Historically one of the first origins of the idea is with Origen (185-254 AD)

How "Origenal"!

Did you know that he also believed God was a hermaphrodite because of the passage in Genesis that says "God created humans in[ his own image; male and female he created them."

What a spin that would put on our religious sexual politics!

Some of these "ancient" thinkers were actually way ahead of their time.

any interest in this topic?

any interest in this topic?

hmmm, I guess not :evil:

any interest in this topic?

hmmm, I guess not :evil:

"I am a Unitarian Universalist" is now at 11%.
Interesting.

any interest in this topic?

hmmm, I guess not :evil:

"I am a Unitarian Universalist" is now at 11%.
Interesting.

Well, some people probably read most or part of the thread before answering. That throws the stats off a bit :P

Frankly, I think that the "I know what UUism is" option is thrown off the most by the "read thread then answer poll" faction...

"They drew a circle which shut us out; we
drew a circle which drew them in..."

That is UUism in a nutshell.
We are inclusive.
That is what I like about it.
I am proud to be UU.

It is erroneous to say,

"Unitarian Universalism is damnable heresy, and a different
religion totally removed from Christianity."

1> Both branches came out of Christianity, because the
Bible supports both unitarianism and universalism

2> There are still UUs who consider themselves Christian

3> The true principles of Unitarian Universalism is in
harmony with *true* Christianity -- this can be supported
by the Bible

4> Some UUs do not call themselves Christian. Some do, but
the term has been distorted by those who preach hate,
like Robertson and Falwell

5> Those who claim that they are more Christian than others
are not practicing true Christianity 8)

Wow, this is one of the best descriptions of UUism I have seen! I am a UU, having been one for 8 years now. I'm also a recent convert to crhristianity, though I still consider myself UU. Thus it is I consider myself to be a Unitarian Christian.

You must be very steeped in UU tradition to have come up with the description you have of UUism. I've often likened UUism to "a buffet line of religion and philosophy." everything is offered to you...you take that which works for you, and leave the rest. Eeryone picks different things, but we all respect each other's choices. That is how I would describe it.

Another of my famous descriptions...and my congregation LOVED this one, when I used it in a sermon I delivered about 4 months ago...it caused raucous laughter..."as a UU, and as a woman...I KN OW the lie of 'one size fits all'"

Now, having said all that, I'm gonna risk your ire a little bit by pointing out something that bothered me a bit in your description...

4> Some UUs do not call themselves Christian. Some do, but
the term has been distorted by those who preach hate,
like Robertson and Falwell

5> Those who claim that they are more Christian than others
are not practicing true Christianity 8)[/quote]

While I like these (and happen to share your opinions on these matters) I must admonish you that it is according to UUism Seven Principles to respect the spiritual path others choose. And to be non-judgemental in regards to those choices.

I often fall short on this principle, myself, and thus, I am, right now, the pot calling the kettle black...but especially number 5...it probably isn't a very good idea to say that...especially when giving a description of UUism...this is NOT an example of drawing others into our circle! (Even though I hold the same opinion.) It just isn't really good to SAY that. And I'd be falling short, and failing you as a fellow UU if I didn't point that out.

Blessed Be!

As far as I am concerned anyone who decides to follow the (radical) teachings of Jesus is a Christian.

The early church didn't worry about any Trinitarian concepts; the word "Trinity" appears nowhere in the bible, nor does the phrase "Father, Son and Holy Spirit".

Some early christians preferred a "low Christology" emphasizing the humanity of Jesus. Eventually Arianism was declared a heresy but if you ask me these declarations of heresy were more political than theological.

I personally enjoy declaring the carpenter of Nazareth to be the pre-existing divine word of creation and final judge of humanity, just because it's so shockingly offensive. (Makes people think, at least)

"They drew a circle which shut us out; we
drew a circle which drew them in..."

That is UUism in a nutshell.
We are inclusive.
That is what I like about it.
I am proud to be UU.

It is erroneous to say,

"Unitarian Universalism is damnable heresy, and a different
religion totally removed from Christianity."

1> Both branches came out of Christianity, because the
Bible supports both unitarianism and universalism

2> There are still UUs who consider themselves Christian

3> The true principles of Unitarian Universalism is in
harmony with *true* Christianity -- this can be supported
by the Bible

4> Some UUs do not call themselves Christian. Some do, but
the term has been distorted by those who preach hate,
like Robertson and Falwell

5> Those who claim that they are more Christian than others
are not practicing true Christianity 8)

Wow, this is one of the best descriptions of UUism I have seen! I am a UU, having been one for 8 years now. I'm also a recent convert to crhristianity, though I still consider myself UU. Thus it is I consider myself to be a Unitarian Christian.

You must be very steeped in UU tradition to have come up with the description you have of UUism. I've often likened UUism to "a buffet line of religion and philosophy." everything is offered to you...you take that which works for you, and leave the rest. Eeryone picks different things, but we all respect each other's choices. That is how I would describe it.

Another of my famous descriptions...and my congregation LOVED this one, when I used it in a sermon I delivered about 4 months ago...it caused raucous laughter..."as a UU, and as a woman...I KN OW the lie of 'one size fits all'"

Now, having said all that, I'm gonna risk your ire a little bit by pointing out something that bothered me a bit in your description...

4> Some UUs do not call themselves Christian. Some do, but
the term has been distorted by those who preach hate,
like Robertson and Falwell

5> Those who claim that they are more Christian than others
are not practicing true Christianity 8)

While I like these (and happen to share your opinions on these matters) I must admonish you that it is according to UUism Seven Principles to respect the spiritual path others choose. And to be non-judgemental in regards to those choices.

I often fall short on this principle, myself, and thus, I am, right now, the pot calling the kettle black...but especially number 5...it probably isn't a very good idea to say that...especially when giving a description of UUism...this is NOT an example of drawing others into our circle! (Even though I hold the same opinion.) It just isn't really good to SAY that. And I'd be falling short, and failing you as a fellow UU if I didn't point that out.

Blessed Be!

Thanks for the response :)

Unitarian Universalist Ministers on the cutting edge of progressive change for the good of all people on this planet:

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20040316/capt.ny14003160202.gay_marriage_ny_ny140.jpg

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040316/ap_on_re_us/gay_marriage_2

I am losing interest on posting on the General Board.
It is rarely functioning well.

But, anyway, how do I generate interest in this particular thread?

I am losing interest on posting on the General Board.
It is rarely functioning well.

But, anyway, how do I generate interest in this particular thread?

Start and keep running more discussion, I'd guess.

General section threads rarely last as long as this one has, actually. I could point you to one of mine over in an RP section that I started back in January 2003 or so, but that stays alive only because I keep posting in it so often.

I am losing interest on posting on the General Board.
It is rarely functioning well.

But, anyway, how do I generate interest in this particular thread?
Speaking as a UU, I wish you luck. We need to inform more people about what, exactly, Unitarian Universalism is....
You're certainly helping with that.

I am losing interest on posting on the General Board.
It is rarely functioning well.

But, anyway, how do I generate interest in this particular thread?
Speaking as a UU, I wish you luck. We need to inform more people about what, exactly, Unitarian Universalism is....
You're certainly helping with that.

Thanks... I have had some feedback on another forum:

Since 41% either have never heard of or don't know what UUism is all about I am interested in letting people know about it.

But since there is no interest in it here I have started a thread on another board:

http://fua.board.dk3.com/2/index.php

Here is how I described the religion on that board:




"The fact that there are so many people who don't know about Unitarian Universalism leads me to believe that it is important to tell people about it.
There are probably millions who would join if they understood the purpose of this religion.

It is difficult to describe this religion without saying what it is *not*.
It is an a 'liberal' religion in the sense of promoting religious diversity.
The two key beliefs are inclusiveness and a commitment to believing what is rational. Let me elaborate on what is 'rational'. That means thinking for yourself, questioning authority, and believing what can be proven. UUs believe in the importance of science. So in a nutshell that is what UUism is. The church of the 'open mind'.

Having said what it is, I will now say what it is not. It is not fundamentalist. It does not require the recitation of a theological or dogmatic 'creed'.

Well, hopefully that is enough for now.
To learn more:

www.uua.org

also try beliefnet:

http://www.beliefnet.com/boards/index.asp

“This is Mr. Ballou, I suppose?”
“Yes, madam, my name is Ballou.”
“Well, Mr. Ballou, they say you hold that all men will be saved. Do you really believe that doctrine?”
“Yes, madam, I really believe it.”
“Why, sir! Do you really believe that all men are going to be saved just such creatures as they are?”
Seeing that she did not understand the nature of salvation, Ballou asked:
“What is that you have in your hand, dear woman?”
“Why,” she replied, laughing, “it is my mop.”
“Your mop? Well, what are going to do with it?”
“I am going to mop up my floor. I always do it on Saturday afternoon.”
“Well, sister, I understand you. Are you going to mop it up just as it is?”
“Mop it up just as it is?”
“Yes; you wished to know if I hold that all men will be saved just as they are. Do you intend to mop up the floor just as it is?”
“Why,” she replied, “I mop it up to clean it.”
“True,” said Ballou. “You do not require it to be made clean before you will consent to mop it up. God saves men to purify them; that’s what salvation is designed for. God does not require men to be pure in order that he may save them.”

(from Whittermore, Life of Ballou, II, 287-88
and cited by Cassara pp. 148-149)

Question for the UUs: Do most UUs think Christ was just "a good guy", not necessarily the son of God?
A few weeks ago at my church, the pastor said something along those lines. Of course, I am slow to believe anything said at my church, as it is probably the most ultraconservative church on the east coast. So what do you really believe?

Question for the UUs: Do most UUs think Christ was just "a good guy", not necessarily the son of God?
A few weeks ago at my church, the pastor said something along those lines. Of course, I am slow to believe anything said at my church, as it is probably the most ultraconservative church on the east coast. So what do you really believe?

You would find a wide array of opinions on that, Jamesbondmcm.
It is not easy to pin down what "most" UU's believe, since we do not have an orgainzed creed or dogma. We do have the Seven Principles, and the Six Living Traditions, which can be found at http://www.uua.org

And that is as close to a collective creed as we have.

You would find, at a UU church, some members would believe Christ was the Son of God...others that believed Christ was "a good guy, but not necessarily the Son of God"...still others that believed Christ was a good guy, but definitely wasn't the son of God (after all, how could a non-existent entity have a Son?)...and still others that would believe Jesus never even existed at all, that it was all a fairy tale.

What you'd also find is that, whatever camp you fell into, your belief, and faith would be respected. You'd not be belittled or shunned for your belief, even by those who would hold a different belief than you did.

For the record, I consider myself to be a Unitarian Christian...I do believe Christ to be the Son of God, and my personal Lord and Savior. I also believe in the tenets of LIBERAL religion, such as what is practiced in the UU church. And these are not contradictory views, either. Go to http://www.liberalslikechrist.org and you will see what I mean.

however, in my church, there are people in all the different camps I mentioned above, with regards to Jesus. Nevertheless, though my view is what it is...I respect others' rights to have the views they do...and I do not disparage them for those views, which may not coincide with my own.

Have you ever heard this comparison??
UU's are like crayons...some are sharp, some are dull...some are skinny, some are fat...some are long, and others short...some have funny names, but they all live together, peacefully, in the same box.

That might not really answer your question...but it is as close as I can get to answering it. I certainly would not...nor would any true UU claiim to speak for the religion as a whole...or even as a representative of a majority of UUism, because our beliefs are so diverse...and we have no central dogma or creed that we require members to adhere to.

Even the Principles and Living Traaditions I mentioned before are meant as a guide for our spiritual lives...not as Commandments to be adhered to. And some of the Principles and Traditions are more significant for me than others are...just as with other UU's, maybe they hold different ones to be of grreater significance to them than I do.

UUism, in short, is a very mixed bag...and it would really be impossible to say what all...or even most...UU's believe concerning Christ.

Question for the UUs: Do most UUs think Christ was just "a good guy", not necessarily the son of God?
A few weeks ago at my church, the pastor said something along those lines. Of course, I am slow to believe anything said at my church, as it is probably the most ultraconservative church on the east coast. So what do you really believe?

Of course, although it may be possible to find UUs on both sides of the issue, the original historical theological split of the Unitarians from the Trinitarians was just that. (The original historical theological split of the Universalists was over whether or not a loving God would send people to Hell to suffer.) As such, it's not a surprise that these views are quite common among UUs today; however, those basic theological splits are found outside the community of UUs as a whole these days.

In response to what UUs believe about Christ, I think it is useful to differentiate between what UUism is today and what it was historically.
As has been pointed out you can't really state what *all* UUs today believe. But, as for what the two traditions were, namely Unitarianism and Universalism, they differed somewhat on this question.
Unitarians rejected the trinity and therefore the divinity of Jesus (although Swedenborgians and some other non-trinitarians do believe Jesus is God),
the Universalists on the other hand were not all unitarian in their doctrine.
Hosea Ballou a famous member of the Universalist side of the two traditions was also a unitarian theologically speaking.. He belonged to the Universalist denomination and was influential in leading it to the 'ultra-universalist' belief that all would be saved immediately after death unlike the 'restorationist' universalists who believe that all would eventually be saved but have to be 'restored' through a process similar to the Catholic Purgatory. John Murray on the other hand was a trinitarian universalist.

Many of the Unitarian denomination on the other hand believed in 'salvation by character' while the universalists tended to believe in salvation irrespective of character' (see antecdote above). Some Unitarians had problems not only with ultra-universalism but with any kind of universalism.

8)