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Why I became a Unitarian Universalist
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Why I Became A Unitarian Universalist
Over 90% of adult members of UU congregations came from other religious backgrounds and denominations. Most became UU’s by choice rather than being acculturated into the concepts. Most of our stories are similar but also vastly different.
For me, it allowed the first time in my life as a child or adult to have a free conscious and to forge my own direction in my theological future.
It was the first time I had participated with a church body that actually put into motion its social justice beliefs.
And to be in an environment that encouraged discussion and inquiry.
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THE BEGINNINGS-
I had a rather unique upbringing in that my father is/was a northern Baptist preacher from deep in Texas (making me an instant PK!). He brought the family to Oklahoma in 1958 to begin a new ministry.
I remained a northern Christian practitioner all of my young life and eventually attended a Catholic High School in Tulsa. This was perhaps when I first felt inside I was headed in a new direction.
Upon visiting my mother in California (after the separation from my father), I discovered and participated in several non-denominational and non traditional religious programs.
After completion of college I began to experiment and to begin a personal journey that would take me to a place called All Souls Unitarian Church. And after 26 years as a police officer (20 as a UU) I launched my career into the UU ministry.
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THE UU WORLD-
Since UU’s do not proselytize or advertise otherwise to others, I think that we sometimes forget the huge impact and affect we have in our communities. The fact that we are so diverse intellectually, socially and religiously makes us unique.
UU’s are one of the few traditions to openly embrace, discuss and identify with those of different or opposing faith bodies. And today, UU’s churches are on the move to truly become some of the most ethnically diverse in the world.
As UU’s we can all remember the first time we were asked that seemingly inevitable question: ‘well, what do you guys believe anyway!?’ And after graduating a predominantly Christian Seminary, I had the opportunity to have many deep and real conversations about the UU philosophy.
Many were surprised to discover the venerable age and history of the UU movement, while still others struggled with the concepts of a free pew and pulpit. Having had to conform for much of my life in Christian doctrine, religious freedom was a gift to me as is with all UU’s.
I remember the very first sermon that myself and former wife heard at All Souls was preached by the remarkable Dr. John Wolf. I will never forget the feeling of freedom and serenity that came over me after leaving and reflecting on his words.
LIVING ON FAITH-
There is nothing wrong with having faith in a higher power and in something outside ourselves. There is nothing wrong with living by faith each day as many do. But it becomes dangerous and conflicting with it turns to blind faith as many denominations require. A dear friend and UU minister once told, "If someone requires blind faith, you’re a fool if you don’t peak!"
Living on faith is a human condition. As stated, we all need something greater than ourselves to cling to and explain the unexplainable to steer us in the right direction. All too often, people that we look to for that type of guidance have all too human limitations themselves and are often afforded too much credibility and power.
Believing is also a human condition and need. And as UU’s we are never told what to believe, but are encouraged to believe in something. Together religious freedom is our quest and the development of a personal theology our commitment.
When we become UU’s we have engaged in a freedom unheard of in most denominations. We chose to be and continue to be free to choose. And along with that freedom comes a large responsibility to be ethical, fair-minded, non-judgmental and involved in community affairs.
But becoming UU does not require a disconnection with our past or a purging of the belief system from which we initially sprang. I will always value Christian concepts of love, worship, faith, devotion, brother and sisterhood and love of good food!! The practice of inter-faith worship and discussion is also a hallmark of our worship process.
BIBLE THUMPERS?-
The path to becoming UU’s for most is a life-long process. Somewhere along the way we all get asked the ‘other’ inevitable question; "are you saved." For many, it’s question that tends to get under the skin. I was always able to answer honestly and affirm that yes I was. I remember distinctly being ‘dunked’ in the water by my dad and it was awfully cold! The affirmation usually was satisfying to the questioner and we all left happy. Besides, that’s a part of my past I’m claiming, that way I know I have it all covered!
Seriously, religious education and knowledge of the bible are key to having intelligent discussions on religion and its applications today. Key also is reading and studying varied text such as the Koran, Torah, Book of Mormon and the Jewish Bible to name just a few. The search for the truth in love never ceases.
In the study of Pauline Theology, one of the most influential persons in biblical history (Paul) taught us new ways to look at scripture and Jesus. In many of Paul’s writings (such as the Letter to the Romans), we get a look as the man as a politician, a leader, a healer and existentialist and a peacemaker. A great model for us as we face many issues today.
Existential spirituality or theology, although having roots in Christianity is nonetheless a new way to thinking and interpreting scripture.
Knowledge of the bible and scripture is not meant to disarm anyone else or to dismiss their interpretation, but instead allows for peaceful discourse and analysis without disowning or bashing.
One of the aspects of UU activities I most enjoyed upon becoming a member was the ‘book table.’ It was always wonderful to walk into the hall in the mornings before worship and see titles on all subjects, ideas and disciplines.
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OPEN ARMS-
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Another aspect of UU is the policy of inclusion. For us, it is a main ingredient of our practice. In order to present a picture of ourselves to the world, it’s a matter of walking the walk and talking the talk. This allows for greater personal and spiritual growth and others around us.
As discussed earlier the concepts of a free pew and pulpit are not new ideas, but certainly controversial ones in most communities. The idea that I can sit next to a person who practices a certain theology that is different than mine is rarer than we sometimes acknowledge. It is indeed true that Sunday morning remains the most segregated hour in the country.
As UU’s we do not look backwards or upwards. By that I mean we put special emphasis on justice and peace for today without over-emphasizing history or focusing too much on the beyond. If you are spending too much time looking backward you are bound to trip over something in the future.
Equally as important is the application of UU philosophy, theology and spirituality as it relates to time. One of our biggest challenges is to provide direction and clarity to the generations of young people in a world of uncertainty
Because of this openness to all forms of spirituality
we will subjugate ourselves to the tests of reason,
the Unitarian Universalist movement
(or whatever it might be called in future centuries).
We will continue to become a spiritual home
for persons of spirit who have new insights.
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NEWGENESIS-
If ever the world's religious climate becomes more rational,
then we can expect the anti-rational religions to decline.
But Unitarian Universalism will continue and prosper
because we welcome new thinking ---instead of testing any new insights
against an established tradition of 'truth'.
Even if no human being has ever had such insights before,
if new forms of spirituality can be explained
and if open-minded people find them useful,
then they can become new parts of the UU movement.
When I first became involved in the UU movement
(as a teacher of adult education classes),
I was impressed by the level of intelligence.
And finding other good thinkers has continued to be a solid reason to remain a Unitarian Universalist.
Because we are open-minded,
we do occasionally attract people who have beliefs
that do not stand up to the tests of reason,
but in my experience these fringe believers usually drop out after awhile,
since we UUs are not easily convinced to follow long established ideals.
For the rest of the history of the human race,
whenever new intelligent persons of spirit emerge,
they will often rebel against
the religious traditions in which they were raised.
And when the UU movement is still in existence
and if it still welcomes insightful people,
these religious persons
should be able to find a spiritual home within our movement.
As long as we remain open to new ideas,
intelligent persons of all religious backgrounds
will continue to find a good spiritual home within Unitarian Universalism. ?
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