[net.religion] Unitarian-Universalism

done (02/28/83)

Thanks to all those who identified with my previous posting.  This
one is a reply those who wrote back asking for an elaboration of
Unitarian beliefs.  The best summary of Unitarian ideas I've found
so far was published in the Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide, in
the chapter "Our beliefs" by David O. Rankin:

1.   We believe in  the  freedom  of  religious  expression.
     Every  individual should be encouraged to develop their
     own personal theology,  and  to  present  openly  their
     religious opinions without fear of censure or reprisal.

2.   We believe in the toleration of religious  ideas.   All
     religions,  in  every age and culture, not only possess
     an intrinsic merit, but  also  a  potential  value  for
     those who have learned the art of listening.

3.   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.

4.   We believe in the never-ending search  for  Truth.   If
     the mind and heart are truly free and open, the revela-
     tions which appear to the human spirit  are  infinitely
     numerous, eternally fruitful, and wondrously exciting.

5.   We believe in the unity of  experience.   There  is  no
     fundamental conflict between faith and knowledge, reli-
     gion and the world, the sacred and the  secular,  since
     they all have their source in the same reality.

6.   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 phi-
     losophy is superior to a single human life.

7.   We believe in  the  ethical  application  of  religion.
     Good works are the natural product of a good faith, the
     evidence of an inner grace which  finds  completion  in
     social and community involvement.

8.   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.

9.   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  peo-
     ple might govern themselves.

10.  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.

Amazingly enough, I have received no flames at all kindled by my
previous posting.  There is hope for this newsgroup yet!

                                     Don Ellis

rregier (03/26/83)

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