As Unitarian Universalists we are called to live our faith by doing. Both as individuals and in community with others, we know that active, tangible expressions of love, justice, liberty and peace create change: in ourselves and in the world.
Historically, Unitarian Universalists have been active in social action, notably the abolitionist movement, the civil rights movement, the gay rights movement, the social justice movement, the feminist movement, voting rights guarantees, refugee advocation/outreach/aide and environmental conservationism and sustainability practice and education.
The intention of our Spring 2020 curriculum is to provide exposure, knowledge and understanding of our Judeo-Christian heritage through the Bible. The Important People and Events in the Bible curricula will explore and extrapolate how we as Unitarian Universalists can relate to the people, events and teachings of the Old Testament and the New Testament.
One difference between Judaism and Christianity and Unitarian Universalism is that Judaism and Christianity, especially among conservatives, regard the Bible as infallible, and that because God inspired its authors it cannot be rewritten or modified. Unitarian Universalists do not have a Holy Scripture written by God; we draw on multiple sources through time, cultures, borders, theologies and disciplines as we quest for our individual “free and responsible search for truth and meaning.”
Unitarian Universalists, those who believe in God, believe in the oneness of God and not the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. Unitarian Universalists, those who believe in God, believe in an all-encompassing, loving, forgiving and inclusive Entity. Unitarian Universalists view Jesus not as deity, but as a moral authority who lead by action and word. The historical Jesus lived “the inherent worth and dignity of every person.” The religion that Jesus taught was creedless and primarily ethical – how to live rightly, how to treat others.
The Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism reflect the agreement (covenant) among UU congregations and the Unitarian Universalist Association to support each other and promote our Unitarian Universal principles. Our UU values are known as our Seven Principles. They are written by man for man. They emphasize what we believe in and are humanistic in their foundation. Our principles are part of our living tradition and can be changed or modified.
“For us, when it comes to religion, the book is open. As an evolving species on an evolving Earth, we are committed, as religious people, to continue learning, to continue seeking, and to accept new revelation that is bound to come. We find revelation in books, in people, even in photographs, for the holy can touch our spirits in ways we may never have dreamed.”
Barbara Wells, Articulating Your UU Faith, 2003, Unitarian Universalist Association
