Unitarian Universalism

FreeToBeGG · Post by **FreeToBeGG** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 5:58 am

Hi, everyone! Are there any other UU's here?

Genie

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 6:30 am

what is it?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 12:02 pm

Unitarian Universalism is a faith that opens its arms to all. An individual chooses their own spiritual path, and no one spiritual path is better or more like the "truth" than any other. I particularly like UU because, although my beliefs have their roots in Christianity, my overall spirituality is a cornucopia of a variety of ideas from different kinds of faiths. They also place a lot of emphasis on social justice and human rights, things that I am very passionate about. I know that I am not doing this justice, so I have copied and pasted some material from their website (www.uua.org) so that you can get a better idea. This just seems to be a natural fit with me. We have a congregation near where I live, but I have yet had a good opportunity to visit.

Unitarian Universalists are a caring, open-minded religious community that encourages you to seek your own spiritual path. Our congregations are places where people gather to nurture their spirits and put their faith into action by helping to make our communities—and the world—a better place.

There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations 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.
Unitarian Universalism (UU) 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 which 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.
These principles and sources of faith are the backbone of our religious community.

Rosie1 · Post by **Rosie1** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 8:29 am

Hi Genie:
I have been going to a UU church for about 8 years now. It seems a good fit for me, but I have recently began a discussion with my minister because it is definitely a kind of "find your own way" religion, which can sometimes leave me feeling a little directionless. Anxiety hit me in summer 2006, then I had a setback earlier this year and I am doing OK now but my confidence has been shaken. I'd be interested in hearing about your spiritual practices and what brings you comfort. Lately I have been reading Thich Nhat Hhan about Buddhism and mindfulness.
formerly SleeplessMom

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 10:59 am

Hi, sleeplessMom,

I can understand feeling directionless. But then I realized that my spirituality was mine and mine alone, and I could take whatever direction I wanted to with it.

One of the beliefs that I have that really comforts me is that everything happens for a reason. The reason may not always be readily apparent to me, but it exists.

Another thing that helps me is the belief that my life path was created for me when I was born. And that I am free to follow it or not follow it. When I am feeling directionless or stuck, I pray for the next piece of the map and a flashlight to find my way through the darkness.

Good luck with discovering your spiritual path. I look forward to chatting with you on the forum.

Genie

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 6:28 am

Hi Genie:
I am reading this GREAT book written by a UU called "Everyday Spiritual Practice." I am only two chapters in and already it has changed the way I view my life and spirituality. I highly recommend it. Take Care,
formerly SleeplessMom

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 9:18 am

Thanks for the recommendation! I will look into it!