| We
believe in
The inherent dignity and worth
of every person. |
What do Unitarian Universalists Believe?
This is the text of the “Red
Pamphlet” distributed by the UUA.
- We believe in the freedom of religious expression. All
individuals should be encouraged to develop their own personal
theology, and to present openly their religious opinions without
fear of censure or reprisal.
- We believe in the toleration of religious ideas. All
religions, in every age and culture, possess not only an intrinsic
merit, but also a potential value for those who have learned the
art of listening.
- We believe in the authority of reason and conscience.
The ultimate arbiter in religion is not a church, or a document,
or an official, but the personal choice and decision of the individual.
- We believe in the never-ending search for Truth. If the
mind and heart are truly free and open, the revelations which
appear to the human spirit are infinitely numerous, eternally
fruitful, and wondrously exciting.
- We believe in the unity of experience. There is no fundamental
conflict between faith and knowledge, religion and the world,
the sacred and the secular, since they all have their source in
the same reality.
- We believe in the worth and dignity of each human being.
All people on earth have an equal claim to life, liberty, and
justice -- and no idea, ideal, or philosophy is superior to a
single human life.
- We believe in the ethical application of religion. Good
works are the natural product of a good faith, the evidence of
an inner grace that finds completion in social and community involvement.
- We believe in the motive force of love. The governing
principle in human relationships is the principle of love, which
always seeks the welfare of others and never seeks to hurt or
destroy.
- We believe in the necessity of the democratic process.
Records are open to scrutiny, elections are open to members, and
ideas are open to criticism -- so that people might govern themselves.
- We believe in the importance of a religious community.
The validation of experience requires the confirmation of peers,
who provide a critical platform along with a network of mutual
support.
—David O. Rankin
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The Unitarian Universalist Movement
Unitarian Universalism is a religious movement dating back
several hundred years. We are a non-creedal faith, believing
that each individual has the privilege and the responsibility
to build his or her own personal theology.
Unitarian Universalism has appealed to many well known leaders
in the past and the present because of its rational and intelligent
approach to religion without demanding adherence to creeds
or dogmas - an approach that is open-ended, ready to accept
new truths as they are revealed by science and discoveries
that bring changes and new ideas to our store of knowledge.
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History of
the Flaming Chalice
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