Unitarian Universalist
Remembering Reverend Forrest Church
Author, theologian and longtime minister of the Unitarian Church of All Souls, Forrest Church wrote often for Beliefnet over the years. We have collected some of his contributions below, in memory of his fine work.
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What is Unitarian Universalist?
Central tenets of this faith, based on questions in the Belief-O-Matic quiz:
Belief in Deity
Very diverse beliefs--Unitarian/Universalists welcome all deity beliefs as well as nontheistic beliefs. Some congregations are formed for those who share a common belief, e.g. Christianity.
Incarnations
Very diverse beliefs, including belief in no incarnations, or that all are the embodiment of God. Some believe Christ is God's Son, or not Son but "Wayshower."
After Death
Diverse beliefs, but most believe that heaven and hell are not places but are symbolic. Some believe heaven and hell are states of consciousness either in life or continuing after death; some believe in reincarnation; some believe that afterlife is nonexistent or not known or not important, as actions in life are all that matter.
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 some, the concepts of salvation or enlightenment are irrelevant or disbelieved.
Undeserving Suffering
Diverse beliefs. Most Unitarians do not believe that Satan causes suffering. Some believe suffering is part of God’s plan, will, or design, even if we don’t immediately understand it. Some don’t believe in any spiritual reasons for suffering, and most take a humanistic approach to helping those in need.
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 nonviolence, and environmental protection.
Top Unitarian Universalist Features
A brief overview of basic beliefs
Do UUs Believe in God?
...and other frequently asked questions
Why Liberals Should Read the Bible
The Rev. John Buerens writes that the Bible doesn't go away if we ignore it--but others will try to tell us what it says.
UUA News
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Find a Unitarian-Universalist Congregation
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From UU World magazine:
Spirit of Life
Unitarian Universalism's most beloved song and the woman who wrote it
Does Unitarian Universalism Have a Class Problem?
If my blue-collar father started attending a UU church, I'm not sure who he'd talk to. By Doug Muder
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