UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST description for SELECTSMART'S SPIRITUAL BELIEF SYSTEM SELECTOR - a comparative WORLD RELIGIONS quiz. Explore your spiritual path.

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This description is generally aligned with the topics addressed in SelectSmart.com's entertaining yet educational Spiritual Belief Systems selector quiz, comparing more than two dozen world religions/belief systems.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

by SelectSmart Staff

A tradition that values spiritual seeking, acceptance of diverse and liberal spiritual and philosophical beliefs that are not necessarily based on the precepts of an established religion. Comprised of mostly Non-theists (atheists, agnostics etc.), Humanists, Liberal Christians, Neopagans, New Age spirituality, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, etc. (Note: Some UU churches are led by Christian ministers, but this is not to be confused with the Christian Universalist church )

  • Belief in Deity: Very diverse deity beliefs, as Unitarian Universalists (UU) welcome all deity beliefs as well as non-theistic. The UU tradition does not generally offer deity-centered services; few UU believe in a corporeal or incorporeal "personal" God. Many believe in a universal life spirit or force within that connects all, which some UU refer to as "God."

  • Incarnations: Very diverse beliefs, but most do not believe in a supernatural deity nor incarnation as such; many believe that all are the embodiment of God. Some believe Christ is God's Son; most view Christ as an important figure, a "wayshower," exemplary of the power of love, compassion, and humanitarian values.

  • Origins of universe/life: Diverse beliefs; most believe in the Bible as symbolic and that natural processes such as evolution account for the origins of the universe and life.

  • After death: Diverse beliefs; most believe that heaven and hell are not actual places but symbolic. Some believe heaven and hell are states of consciousness either in life or continuing after death; some believe in reincarnation; many believe that a supernatural afterlife is nonexistent or not known or not important, and that actions in life are all that matter. Many believe that one lives on through their legacy and memories held by those they impacted in life.

  • Why evil? Diverse beliefs. Some believe wrong is committed when people distance themselves from God. Some believe in “karma" in the sense that "what goes around comes around." Many believe wrongdoing is a matter of human nature, psychology, sociology, etc.

  • Salvation: Some believe in salvation through faith in God and Jesus Christ, along with doing good works and doing no harm to others. Many believe all will be saved, as God is good and forgiving. Some believe in reincarnation and the necessity to eliminate personal greed or to learn all of life’s lessons before achieving enlightenment or salvation. For many, the concepts of salvation or enlightenment are irrelevant or disbelieved, or that you achieve your highest level of actualization through devotion to humanitarian works.

  • Undeserved suffering: Diverse beliefs. It would be a rare Unitarian Universalists that believes that a literal Satan causes suffering. Some believe suffering is part of God’s plan, will, or design even if we don’t immediately understand it. Many don't believe in any spiritual reasons for suffering, but turn their attention to reducing suffering.

  • Contemporary Issues: The Unitarian Universalist Association's stance is to protect the personal right to choose abortion. Other contemporary views include working for equality for homosexuals, gender equality, a secular approach to divorce and remarriage, working to end poverty, promoting peace and non-violence, and environmental protection. Humanitarian work is intergral to the church, including social justice, human rights, and charity.

    RECOMMENDED LINKS:

  • Books on Religion & Spirituality from Amazon.com
  • Recommended Website: Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
  • Recommended Website: Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua, "100 Questions That Non-Members Ask About Unitarian Universalism."
  • Recommended Website: Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations