Are we Christian?
This is a question that many UUs are asked. The answer depends upon who you ask. Historically, Unitarian Universalism is a derivative of the Protestant Reformation in Europe. However, UUism (as it is known today) has grown out of American soil.
The two traditions (Unitarian & Universalist) grew out of opposition to two doctrines. Unitarianism was founded in opposition to the idea of the trinity. God was seen as a unity rather than a three-part entity. Unitarians also took issue with the idea of Original Sin, that mankind is inherently evil and in need of salvation. Unitarians believed that, through choice and social environment, each individual had the potential to do great good or great evil. It is by our actions that we are made. Universalists believed that all are saved--not that God sends some people to Heaven and some to Hell. How could a loving God send someone to Hell? "He" doesn't.
Unitarian Universalism, as it exists today, cannot be considered a Christian movement. The Christian roots of Unitarian Universalism are just one of six sources of our faith. What once was a liberal Christian denomination, has expanded into a movement that embraces all faiths, people from all walks of life. Because of this liberal approach to the spiritual quest, UUs have been at the forefront of many of the movements for social change: from abolition to womens' suffrage, from education to gay rights.
When I first began to explore the UU tradition, I knew very little about it. I still am just coming to realize that UUs are everywhere, in some very surprising places. I had known about Emerson and Thoreau being influential to the tradition, but I never realized, as I am beginning to, what a rich and vibrant movement Unitarian Univeralism is.
The thing I love about being a UU is that, aside from children raised UU, being a UU means that you choose to be one. You don't find UUs coming to your door with pamphlets, holding huge conventions to draw attention--hardly any degree of proselytization. Despite this lack of advertisement, UU draws people in. I think this is because Unitarian Universalism fills a need that many seek but few find in a spirituality--intellectual and spiritual fulfillment.
The two traditions (Unitarian & Universalist) grew out of opposition to two doctrines. Unitarianism was founded in opposition to the idea of the trinity. God was seen as a unity rather than a three-part entity. Unitarians also took issue with the idea of Original Sin, that mankind is inherently evil and in need of salvation. Unitarians believed that, through choice and social environment, each individual had the potential to do great good or great evil. It is by our actions that we are made. Universalists believed that all are saved--not that God sends some people to Heaven and some to Hell. How could a loving God send someone to Hell? "He" doesn't.
Unitarian Universalism, as it exists today, cannot be considered a Christian movement. The Christian roots of Unitarian Universalism are just one of six sources of our faith. What once was a liberal Christian denomination, has expanded into a movement that embraces all faiths, people from all walks of life. Because of this liberal approach to the spiritual quest, UUs have been at the forefront of many of the movements for social change: from abolition to womens' suffrage, from education to gay rights.
When I first began to explore the UU tradition, I knew very little about it. I still am just coming to realize that UUs are everywhere, in some very surprising places. I had known about Emerson and Thoreau being influential to the tradition, but I never realized, as I am beginning to, what a rich and vibrant movement Unitarian Univeralism is.
The thing I love about being a UU is that, aside from children raised UU, being a UU means that you choose to be one. You don't find UUs coming to your door with pamphlets, holding huge conventions to draw attention--hardly any degree of proselytization. Despite this lack of advertisement, UU draws people in. I think this is because Unitarian Universalism fills a need that many seek but few find in a spirituality--intellectual and spiritual fulfillment.
posted by Joey at 1:51 PM
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