I'm still learning more about the Unitarian faith. There are many christians here, a lot; so, it's hard to get from that mindset and follow spirituality from a open perspective. In other words, not isolating spirituality or religion as a "thing" to be a part of.
What does your religion give you in terms of positive values in your life?
It gives me community. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, religious point of view, and without at the same time following the same principles and goals for the betterment of ourselves and others. Basically, just life in a church. Just as life we have our different meanings but we survive and have other basic spiritual needs it's the same thing in our religious and worldviews.
I like how services involve everyone individually contributing as a whole. For example, in our joys and sorrows we tell the church individually things we'd like the church to keep in mind and things we want our "family" to be uplifted together. For example, when I found out I have a tumor [beign], they were concerned and helpful. I'm taking classes towards my B.S. Degree, they supported. Likewise I with others.
Do you think it makes you a better person than you could be without it?
I actually don't know. I choose to be part of this community; and, my life doesn't depend on it. I choose to be a part of it because I benefit from it. Either way, I'll still survive just I desire community in living life.
2. Do you think that there are any negative things about your religion, which you think limit you or restrict you or make you behave in ways which you have a hard time accepting? and so on.
Unitarian Universalist have a christian background. We branched off from protestant thinking as we [those who follow christian thought] believe everyone will be saved and no one deserves to be separated from god. In the 1960s I believe, the U.U. Church became more extensively political more than religious. So, depending on the church you may have more christian-oriented services, many secular political, others secular religious. They help in the form of social justice.
I'm not too keen on political oriented services. We don't have that much in our church, though. I really don't keep track of who the next mayor is but with the causes, I am full agreement with. I do things a bit less political but on the same note.
Another is the religion is challenging my biases. Because of history, majority of U.U. are caucasian. I seen sermons over United States and it's interestings the imbalance. I'm the only African American in our church and, "by looks" the only one who doesn't look outside the white-majority to put it generally. It is a bit uncomfortable and many people there are uncomfortable with it. We addressed in in some services and other churches I went to to help with pastoral care. It depends on the church but you can tell.
It really challenges how I feel when I'm not in a mixed environment. Though, I don't feel any harsh prejudices just mostly people are uncomfortable when the subject is brought up.
Other than the political part, the community and spirituality is very warming and any church will have its hiccups it's just working through them is the key; no one is perfect.
