Unitarian Universalism

Part I
A system of Symbols

It is not uncommon for a religion to base its beliefs around a central book of teachings. Christians have the Bible, Mormons have the Book of Mormon, and Muslims have the Koran. Unitarian Universalism is unique because it lacks a central book. The Bible is important but they believe in reading all religious books as if they were in a religious studies class instead of Theology class, Unitarian Universalists read with a critical eye, not simply accepting any religious text. The critical eye and lack of a central book allows Unitarian Universalists to search for spirituality in religious texts as well as transcendentalist and current authors. The Surmons of Ralph Waldo Emmerson play a vital role in Unitarian Universalists system of symbols to establish beliefs.

Emmerson was raised near the end of New England Puritanism; according to the Unitarian Universalist Historical Society Emerson is “the most recognized and revered figure in the Unitarian movement”. His sermons were said to encourage and uplift all the people who went to see him speak even if they didn’t really understand what he said. Emerson once said “the search after truth is always by approximation”. He advocated, “the kingdom of god is within you” (Mott 53). These two principles are central in Unitarian Universalism however it’s an idea that is not actively preached in other religions.

Most religions like Mormonism for example want people to accept that their book is the truth. Islam forces followers to think that there is no God but Allah and Muhammud is the profit. It’s strange to think that a person can still be a Unitarian even if they don’t accept a profit or a sacred text. If prophets are not essential in religion why have all religions before Unitarian Universalism had one? Before I started this class I considered a profit essential to the definition of religion.

When reading Emerson through Unitarian Universalist lenses it’s tempting to look for why Emerson could be considered a prophet. For Unitarian Universalists Emerson simply establishes key principles not sacred texts. I think the one of the most important ones is “the search for truth is an approximation” (Mott 53). This quote establishes the critical eye that Unitarians have when looking at all things. It’s not cynical it’s simply a way of preventing conflict, if someone is never sure of what is truly the correct religion they can never disagree with a person who holds different beliefs. The critical eye allows Unitarians to practice another key principle that Emerson illustrated which was equality for all. 

As far as establishing a system of symbols it is important to remember that Unitarian Universalists don’t rely on one person. Emerson is a key figure but he is not a prophet. He preached values that are consistent with what Unitarian Universalists believe, but he did not establish the system of symbols. This is important because there may be elements of Emerson’s beliefs that are not consistent with Unitarian values especially since the world has evolved to become more complex today than when Emerson lived. Unitarian Universalists beliefs can evolve with time because they learn their core values from many different sources.

             

Part II

How the Right Views Unitarian Universalism  

Unitarian Universalism has been struggling with the negative characterization by the religious right for a long time. It is important to note that Unitarian Universalism embraces people of all faiths whether they believe in heaven and hell, only heaven, or neither. In this video Mr. Ankerburg only addresses those Unitarian Universalists that believe in heaven and accept Jesus as their savior.

Mr. Ankerburg’s attack on universalism is very flawed. We can never know for sure if there is a heaven or hell it is only through speculation and religious text that we know of heaven and hell. Heaven and hell have existed in many different forms throughout history. For example the Indians of Wisconsin believed that there was an upper world and a lower world and they built Indian mounds honoring both worlds to maintain balance. Some Unitarians belief that heaven and hell might not exist or their might only be a heaven is very uncommon in religion. It is no surprise that Mr. Ankerburg takes offence to such a revolutionary concept, his religion has believed in heaven and hell since it was founded.

Believing only in heaven does have many advantages. It promotes the belief that goodness can be found in everyone. It equalizes all people so the beggar is not less spiritual than a person who is wealthy. If people believe that they are all equal it promotes valuing those that are less fortunate. In general I think that humanity can coexist much better if they aren’t separating those that are going to heaven from those that are going to hell.

The belief in heaven and hell is not the only division that deeply separates Unitarian Universalists from the religious right. Modern times have brought many social, beliefs, values, and perspectives that shape public and private life. For example the Religious right has been promoting the right to life and the ban on gay marriage for years. Universalists deeply oppose these ideas. It is very interesting that the bible can spark such sharp contrasts in ideas, but Unitarian Universalism couldn’t be farther from the religious right.

Universalism “is a promise to theologically hang in there with the complexities and cruelties of the human enterprise” (Alexander 37). In this way it appears similar to the Rastafarians rejecting the influence of Babylon. Universalists aim to reject the influence of injustice by promoting the “natural worth and preciousness of people”(Alexander 36). The inspiration provided by Unitarian Universalism allows people to continue in the face of adversity much like Rastafarianism gave the disadvantaged people of Jamaca hope. It uplifts the soul instead of guilt tripping people and providing reasons that humans are bad and God wants to damn humanity.

It is interesting to note that even 200 years ago around the creation of Unitarian Universalism the puritans were still preaching that “hell’s gaping mouth [is] wide open, and you have nothing to stand upon or take hold of” (Alexander 33). This statement sounds very similar to Mr. Ankerburg’s argument. Mr. Ankerburg is not looking for the best in humanity. Unitarian Universalists present a much more positive view of spirituality because they preach “the tenacious acceptance of every human person” (Alexander 37). As a bystander the Universalist approach religion seems to be just as effective and much less stressful, I find it hard to spend ones life conscious the inevitable damnation that humanity faces in the afterlife and still live a positive life. Why live a cynical life when one can live positively?

III

The Glue of Unitary Universalism

At first glance Unitary Universalism seems like it is not really held together that well. It appears to be many people who believe different things, but value love. This video certainly personifies the difference between many people who are Unitary Universalists.

It seems that these people have nothing in common, except the very obvious fact that they all go to the same church. However, Unitarian Universalists are deeply connected. The Covenant links Unitarian Universalists together; “In Universalism a covenant is a promise that members of a congregation make to one another, transforming them from a collection of individuals into a faith based community” (Fervert). In Unitarian Universalist churches the church service will open with the recitation of the covenant in unison.

It is interesting that in each church the covenant is different. At first I saw this as a weakness because how can a faith attempt to be unified if they recite different covenants. This could lead to drastic differences in beliefs. It is another aspect of Unitary Universalism that separates them from most religions. For example in Mormonism The Church of Latter Day Saints makes sure that each church follows the customs of the religion. I realized that Unitary Universalism promotes equality on a spiritual level by letting each community choose how they want to open their service. The way the Unitarian Universalist church works is very similar to the American political system. Allowing people to pick their opening prayer is reminiscent of Federalism. The system of belief is divided up into localities so it can better represent the people in the community. For example Unitary Universalists who live in a largely conservative community might side more towards including God in their covenant. A very liberal community might community might choose a covenant that speaks of love, knowledge, and freedom, and plays down the role of god.

The Covenant is a genius way to tie the community together. Speaking it aloud reaffirms that what one is saying is true. And speaking it together connects the community and unites people despite their differences. I think the tolerance that Unitary Universalists preach is reflected well in letting each community decide what to say for their covenant. With this type of tolerance it’s no wonder that Unitary Universalists feel a deep connection with each other even if their bond seems tenuous from the outside perspective.

             

Part IV
Membership Problem

With such collective freedom Unitarian Universalism does face a problem. Unitarian Universalism combines people of all faiths so how does someone know if they are a Unitarian Universalist? As is the general theme throughout Unitarian Universalism people define membership differently. The membership problem is breaking the bonds of traditional religions. For example Mormonism clearly illustrates what it means to be a Mormon and there is no question about how one becomes a Mormon.

I consider it a problem that Unitarian Universalism does not have a clearly defined route to membership. By letting each church decide how a person becomes a member it seems reminiscent of federalism again. Each locality determines how people become members much like the states choose how they will hold elections. In both Unitarian Universalism and American politics participation is a problem.

I read a story that illustrates the Unitarian’s membership problem. People who are looking for the right church attend a Unitarian Universalist church. They are interested and sign what they think is the guest book, but later they end up becoming a member of a different church.

Months later they get a call from a member of the Unitarian Universalist church asking for a member’s pledge. Upon explaining that they are not a member they only signed the guest book the person who signed the guestbook realizes that they signed the membership book instead of the guest book. This would mean that they have been a member of the Unitarian Universalist faith for months and didn’t know it.  In this sense membership is a real problem for Unitarians because there are no specific guidelines. The lack of guidelines can create a disconnected community in a sense because the people of the church don’t know fellow members.

            I think most Unitarians would agree that they would like specific guidelines for membership. Most faiths have the criteria that a person should attend church regularly, work on ones own spiritual development, involve themselves in service to the community, and connect themselves to the broader Unitarian Universalist movement. I think these criteria are essential to the success of Unitarian Universalism. Attending service regularly will connect the community and make sure that everyone is familiar with the people of their same faith. Spiritual development is crucial because it proves that people are getting something positive out of their faith. Involving ones self in service shows the commitment to the faith, through the central Unitarian Universalist theme of making the world a more positive place. Connecting to Unitarian Universalist movement shows commitment and pride in spreading the faith and making others aware of it. This criterion establishes conceptions of the world that can be defined through Unitary Universalism.

Part V

Unitarian Universalism Today

             Throughout the term I have been trying to put my finger on something that unites the religions we studied. I have been searching for the common element that explains not just what all the elements of a religion are but something that explains why people choose to be religious and why religions are worth studying. I found a quote that illustrates not only Unitarian Universalists view of why we believe but also pertains to all religions. Henry David Thoreau once said, “I wish to learn what life has to teach, and not, when I come to die discover that I have not lived” (Ferver).           

            Thoreau illustrated the essential point of religion. People trying to make sense of the world they live in so they have no regrets when they die. Religion is a way to justify ones actions. It seems like a simple concept but it is present in all the religions we have studied. The Indians built mounds to honor the gods they did not know for sure existed. Joseph Smith wrote the book of Mormon to become more spiritual by finding a truer, more pious way to live than the puritans. The Bahai likewise preach that their religion is the most up to date and allows people to live the best, most spiritual life. Rastafari created a religion in order to explain the confusing poverty stricken world around them. They attempted to find their niche and exist in a world that didn’t make sense.

            Like wise Unitarians believe they have found the best way to live for them. Religion varies so widely especially today because people have such different goals in life. The idea of a universal religion like the Bahai preach is somewhat strange because there is no one belief that will fulfill all of humanity except that we all want to die with no regrets in a world that makes sense.

            Unitarians attempt to explain their world in terms of the eternal good of humans. They look at things in a positive light and attempt to live life to the fullest and take in as much as possible so they can die with no regrets. Unitarians are different than many religions but they share the concept of explaining the world around them through a lens that fits their unique situation.