I Intentionally Draw from Many Sources / Unitarian Universalism

I’ve been revisiting the Unitarian Universalist Association these days. I started attending a local Unitarian Universalist congregation late last year. I then took a few weeks off from church altogether for self-care and family.

So, now, why the UUA. Why? Well, because I appreciate structure. I happen to believe that structure is necessary for a movement – any movement – to be effective. Not just any old structure will do either, mind you. It has to be a structure that compliments a given people’s expressed ideology, dream, and vision. If the structure contradicts these very important things, then the movement will petrify and become a catalyst for frustration and angst. I’ve tasted these detriments and I have swallowed the hard way. Now, I just want to be a part of a movement that is not only built upon the most important aspects of my maturing ideology, dream, and vision, but also has honest potential for real movement. It has to be progressive.

I believe the Unitarian Universalist Association is such a place. Is it perfect? No, of course not! That said, my ever-evolving and always maturing post-Christian, postmodern, pluralistic sensibilities resonate with the organizational structure offered within the UUA and the following Seven Principles, and, maybe even more importantly, the six cited sources of inspiration.

There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote:

1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;

4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;

6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Unitarian Universalism (UU) draws from many sources:

1. Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;

2. Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;

3. Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;

4. Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;

5. Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.

6. Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

These principles and sources of faith are the backbone of our religious community.

Like I said, the “draws from many sources” concept is very, very appealing to my growing postmodern sensibilities. Truth is everywhere. And again, like I said, I’ve been here before, I know, but that was a drastically different time in my life. I’m older, wiser, and I have personally been through more than a few things that have opened my eyes wider to more of the beauty and less of the hang-ups that such association offers. I think I’ll stay here for a while, and see what the next wave brings.

Namaste. And here’s to progressive spirituality, drawing truth from many sources, and complimentary organization. :)