Unitarians (reject, salvation, tradition, beliefs, evolve)

[Green Gaia]

Originally Posted by Davidium

To most people, this is a pretty esoteric point, but it is essential to realize that one of the things that makes UU different is that we are organized very differently than many other churches.

I get what you're saying and see your point, we are very differently organized, which is part of the reason why I try to stay away from the 'denomination, non-denominational' labels altogether. To me it implies being one part of a greater whole religion. We are the whole religion and for someone to lump us into a group of non-denominationalist churches is very inaccurate.

But you made me think, thanks. I could use a course in "UU Polity for dummies." I know it shouldn't be, but it is largely uninteresting to me.

[Davidium]

Maize,

You know, Polity should be uninteresting to most people... But perhaps I find it facinating right now, because I am here in Chicago with a dynamic group of UU ministers in training, engaging on the issues, with a wonderfully engaging instructor, in a setting that is so deeply tied into our movement's history. I mean, the halls I am walking this month were trod by James Luther Adams. The UU church across the street (which the seminary uses) was a part of the underground railroad. The last time I was in this particular classroom to "sit in" on a class it was taught by Thandeka. Rev. David Baumbaugh, another huge name in our movement, will be conducting my preaching class in two weeks...

Old stone and passionate students... I guess what I am saying if there was ever a setting that could make you passionate about church governance, at least for a little while, this is it.

Yours in Faith,

David

[Green Gaia]

Originally Posted by Davidium

Old stone and passionate students... I guess what I am saying if there was ever a setting that could make you passionate about church governance, at least for a little while, this is it.

I'm a little envious, David! I'm glad you're having a wonderful, stimulation experience!

[Nozem]

I was interested in the debate concerning the lack of Unitarian Universalists in the UK; I live in the city of Brighton and Hove, on the south coast of England, and count myself as a Unitarian Universalist, but the fact that Unitarians here seem reluctant to adopt the 'Universalist' title is noticeable. The first time I heard the term 'Universalist' as a self definition was from a member of the Society of Friends (Quakers) rather than a Unitarian.

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by Fluffy

Unfortunately no UU churches, only Unitarian Churches. The thing that attracts me is the non-denominational aspect... something which Unitarian Churches lack.

Actually, the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches doesn't sound that far from the Unitarian Universalist Association:

The Unitarian movement arose and evolved in the Christian tradition. Today, most Unitarians in Britain are happy to acknowledge this living relationship in some way. Many are glad to call themselves Free or liberal Christians.

It is recognised, though, that there are many people who find difficulty with the Jewish-Christian tradition. Unitarians are concerned to provide fellowship and worship which, while respecting the liberal Christian tradition, will have meaning for them too. Among Unitarians, there are those who find the focus of their faith elsewhere than in liberal Christianity, for example in religious humanism or Creation Spirituality.

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by Nozem

I was interested in the debate concerning the lack of Unitarian Universalists in the UK; I live in the city of Brighton and Hove, on the south coast of England, and count myself as a Unitarian Universalist, but the fact that Unitarians here seem reluctant to adopt the 'Universalist' title is noticeable.

There is at least one congregation that has adopted it:

Salisbury Unitarian Universalists, meeting at the United Reform Church, Fisherton Street, Salisbury

Tel: (01722) 335199

Originally Posted by Nozem

The first time I heard the term 'Universalist' as a self definition was from a member of the Society of Friends (Quakers) rather than a Unitarian.

The Fellowship of Universalist Friends isn't a denomination, but has an interesting website: http://www.universalistfriends.org/

[Nozem]

Well spotted, I had forgotten that Salisbury has Unitarian Universalists - I think that they are quite a small group, they meet monthly rather than each Sunday. Will visit them if I am ever in Salisbury.I imagine that it takes a lot of dedication to run a group without having your own building.
The Unitarian chuch I belong to Brighton and Hove also has strong connections with the Worthing Unitarian Fellowship; Worthing is about 16 miles from us, and this Fellowship meet at the Friends Meeting House. There could well be other examples of some sort of affinity betweeen the Unitarians and the Society of Friends.
www.brightonunitarianchurch.org.uk

[ChrisP]

Originally Posted by michel

Ah Grasshopper, that was my problem when I wanted to try U.U.

So start a congregation of 2 . Build it, and they will come

[Green Gaia]

Originally Posted by Nozem

Well spotted, I had forgotten that Salisbury has Unitarian Universalists - I think that they are quite a small group, they meet monthly rather than each Sunday.

That's very cool!

I imagine that it takes a lot of dedication to run a group without having your own building.

A lot of UU churches will rent out buildings or space somewhere until they have enough money to build their own church. Especially new ones that spring up out of larger, more established UU churches. Most of the time, I think the new congregations are formed because the older church just doesn't have the space for all the people that want to attend. So, a group will break off and start a congregation in an area that is most needed population-wise. This is what my church did.

[Nozem]

The advantages of having a church building are manifold. It is great to have a designated space for Unitarian worship, to have a permanent presence in the town centre, where people can wander in and take Unitarian literature to read or just casually drop by for a service without any obligation to turn up ever again. Also having the building which we can rent out for community events shows that we can offer something to the community and hopefully like minded people who may be drawn to Unitarianism will get that further opportunity to be made aware of our existence.We are not knocking on peoples' doors or trying to grab people to talk to in the streets, so a permanent building helps to remind folk that we are about. I think that I'd have taken far longer to get round to attending a Unitarian service if I felt that I would be with a small group of people, rather than creeping in at the back of the church. Having said all that I would try out a small group-maybe around someone's house-if invited to do so.