What is Unitarian Universalism?
Rev. Dr. Rayne is a member of the UU Society of Community Ministries. With his Pentecostal/Southern Baptist roots, Calen has developed a presentation that some have referred to as “Evangelical UU.” Worship services speak to our UU Principles and topics suggested by the host congregation. Most gospel hour services include 4-6 pieces of music, and the host church is welcome and encouraged to provide singers for the presentation. The Rev. Dr. Calen Rayne presents interactive worship services in diverse topics, including “Old Time Buddhist Gospel Hour,” for Unitarian Universalist congregations of all sizes, weaving teachings from ancient teachings with common sense answers and approaches to some of the more profound questions raised by our rapidly changing society.
Unitarians and Universalists have traditions hundreds of years old. The name "Unitarian" originally came from the belief in the "unity" of God rather than a Trinity. The name "Universalism" originated with the belief in "universal" salvation, the idea that everyone will be saved and no one is eternally damned. Unitarians and Universalists merged in 1961. Contemporary Unitarian Universalism has no creed and is an alternative to creed-based religions. The most fundamental of its principles is individual freedom of religious belief.
Unitarian Universalists believe personal experience, conscience, and reason should be the final authorities in religion. There is no creed with which you must agree. Religious insight may come from a book, a person, or an institution, but religious authority does not. Religious authority is within ourselves. Religious insights are tested in our individual hearts and minds. It is a free faith.
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion born of Jewish and Christian traditions, but religious wisdom is ever-changing. Human understanding of life and death, the world, and its mysteries is never final. People should think for themselves. We differ in opinions and lifestyles, and those differences generally should be honored. Everyone has worth. Ethical living is the supreme witness of religion. Our relationships with one another, with diverse peoples, races, and nations, should be governed by justice, equity, and compassion.
One of our tradition’s most inspiring figures, Theodore Parker, said in a sermon, “The arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Parker’s words guide our feet, our words, and our actions today as engaged and committed Unitarian Universalists working for justice in our world.
There are seven principles that our congregations affirm and promote:
● The inherent worth and dignity of every person.
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● 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 the world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all. —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
● Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
To know more visit UUA.org.
Unitarian Universalism draws from many sources. These principles and sources of faith are the backbone of our religious community:
● 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 that create and uphold life.
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● Words and deeds of prophetic women and men that challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love.
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● Wisdom from the world’s religions, which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life.
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● Jewish and Christian teachings, which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves.
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● 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.
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● 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.
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