In the Western world, we expect religion to be defined by belief and by scripture. We are most familiar with a kind of religion that begins with “I believe” and then everything else flows from that.
Unitarians are different. We define our religion by the kind of people we want to be, by the work we do for others, and by the communities we create and sustain. When people of open heart and open mind unite in community to share their stories, their beliefs, their joys and their sorrows, what emerges is a spirituality that comes from deep within - a spirituality that is more felt and immediate and personally relevant than anything that can be written or taught.
Unitarianism nurtures each one of us to grow toward wholeness and connection and unites us to do the hard and essential work of creating a better world.
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 free, just, and peaceful world community;
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
Please see our list of links for more information about Unitarianism
Unitarian LinksBooks about Unitarianism- Being Liberal in an Illliberal Age, Jack Mendelsohn, 1995 Edition. The Critical Way in Religion by Duncan Howlett
- Divinity School Address, Ralph Waldo Emerson
- The Epic of Unitarianism by David Parke. A documentary history of Unitarianism through the ages. Fascinating reading.
- A History of Unitarianism by Earl Morse Wilbur. A detailed, two-volume history beginning in the 15th century. Currently out of print but available in libraries.
- On Being Human Religiously by James Luther Adams. The author's philosophy as a liberal theologian.
- Our Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism by John Buehrens and T. Forrester Church. A lighter touch than the previous two recommendations.
- Today's Children and Yesterday's Heritage by Sophia Lyon Fahs. A philosophical work that points out the importance of religious education.
- The Unitarians and the Universalists by David Robinson. An easy-to-read scholarly history.
- Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide edited by William Schultz. An accessible guide to UU beliefs, practices and history.
- Universalism in America: A Documentary History by Ernest Cassera
- "We Are Unitarian Universalists" An on-line pamphlet created by the Unitarian Universalist Association which gives a very broad overview of Unitarian Universalism.
- Unitarian Perspectives on Contemporary Social Issues. Edited by George D. Chryssides.
- Prospects for the Unitarian Movement.
Edited by Matthew Smith.
A collection of fifteen essays by ministers and layfolk concerning the
key issues currently facing the denomination in 21st century Britain.
Download '100 Questions That Non-Members Ask About Unitarian Universalism' at the link below | 