[email protected]

In a message dated 5/2/2003 1:55:55 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[email protected] writes:

> A friend of mine had piqued my curiosity regarding the UU church, so
> I looked up the local church's website. I found that the minister is
> an athiest. Most of the impressions I had about UU was that they are
> open to exploring many beliefs regarding spirituality, but my
> understanding of atheism is that basically they believe there is NO
> god, so I don't quite get how you have spirituality without any form
> of deity, whether it be god, goddess, buddha, etc. Am I missing
> something here?
>
> It also seemed that there was a huge democratic "slant" in the
> sermons shown on the website. I don't really fall in line with
> either republican or democrat, so I don't know that I would be
> comfortable in a setting that was extreme one way or the other.
>
> So I guess my question would be whether these observations are in
> line with the average UU church. I have not been to any church in
> over 2 years due to my frustrations with the one I had been very
> involved with (non-denominational Christian.) I am not really sure
> that I feel like I need (or want) a church, but the seeming lack
> of "doctrine" within the UU church did catch my eye. (Plus the fact
> that I also found out a small group of secular homeschoolers meet at
> the UU church here, as well as an astronomy group...two of my
> passions!) Any input from an insider (or otherwise) would be great!
>
>
>

Many Unitarian Universalists consider themselves Spiritual Humanists, finding
spiritual nurturance in the goodness and wisdom of people. Some find their
touchstone to the spiritual parts of themselves in nature. Those people might
consider themselves Atheists.

Most UU churches do end up being pretty politically liberal, not a neccesary
by-product of the liberal faith, but it often happens. It is a challenge for
many congregations....there are fairly politically conservative people in our
midst at times, and we don't always necessarily handle it well or with
respect. Most of the time it does work though. Wars and stuff like that can
be challenges for some congregations.

Uuism does not have a doctrine or dogma to which one subscribe. Our
principles are:
> We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association,
> covenant to 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.
>

Note that even this is not intended to be doctrine. They are meant to be
ideas we gather around rather than a statement of faith. The point is to
support each person in their own search for truth and meaning. (I often get
"So I can worship my toaster oven if I want?" The idea is RESPONSIBLE
search.)

UU churches are often very different from one another. Check it out if it
sounds interesting.
Kathryn


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