Unity in Diversity:  The Theology of Unitarian Universalism

Ponderings of the Spiritual Life Director

 

One of the biggest challenges of being a Unitarian Universalist is gaining the ability to articulate the theology of our faith.  This can be frustrating, especially when those outside of our faith fail to understand, or even to recognize us, as a religious movement (vs. a “social club”) because of our lack of creed.  Our Unitarian theology guides us to accept that we are all one, that there is one god or source of universal mystery from whence we came.  Our Universalist theology directs us down the path of accepting that we are all worthy of love and salvation.  Within this framework, we are given freedom- the freedom to search and find the answers to those three big religious questions:  Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?

 

Often times, this leads us to say “we can believe anything we want”, but the reality of it is, our UU faith demands more of us.  Our 4th UU Principle asks us to promise to engage in not only a free search but a responsible search for truth and meaning.  Responsible to what?  To love, justice, hope, and ultimate truth.  Responsible to whom?  To each other and to the future of humanity.  Certainly, not all beliefs are capable of pointing us in this direction, and so it is required of us to deeply examine what it is we believe and what the implications of those beliefs are.  Do our beliefs point us in the direction of love, equity, and justice for all?

 

Here’s the other part of it- if we can hold theological beliefs from another religion, then why not just join that religious movement?  Why be a Unitarian Universalist?  I have two simple and powerful answers for you.

 

First, from one of the most influential Unitarian ministers of our time, James Luther Adams, “revelation is continuous”.  Indeed, our search for truth and meaning should never end!  We should remain open to new ideas, to the truth as it is discovered by science, and therefore always be willing to grow and evolve our theologies.  A Unitarian Universalist faith community is a place where we can nurture and support each other in this growth, and while doing so, creating a tapestry with unity and diversity like no other faith.  Together in our continuous search, we build bridges to a new humanity.

 

Second, as is oft attributed to 16th century Transylvanian Unitarian preacher Francis David, “we don’t need to think alike to love alike”.  Here we find the focus of our theology- love.  It takes the emphasis off of “what do you believe?” and puts it on “how do you love?”.  Which question will change the world?  Which question requires us to get on the same boat together and works towards our mission of “uniting in diversity, advocating for love and justice”?  Why should we be Unitarian Universalists?  Because together, with our colorful tapestry of beliefs, we can love the hell out of this world!

 

“Such a vision exists in faith and hope before it can exist in reality, thus we call it theological. The religious community we believe in must represent the whole, glorious diversity of humanity.”

(from an unauthored page on uua.org called “Theological Perspective”)

I look forward, with much enthusiasm, to traversing the mystery and creating a glorious and diverse faith together!

Namaste,

Heather