What Is
Unitarian Universalism?
Personal
“Elevator Speeches” offered by various members of North Unitarian Universalist
Congregation during the service on Jan. 22, 2006
Unitarian
Universalism is a religion rooted in Christianity but one which expands beyond
those boundaries to embrace the worlds’ religions. --Teri Cornell
What did you
eat for dinner last night? What about the night before that? What about last Saturday night? I bet the answer was different for all 3
questions and beyond that, I’ll bet your answer was different than the person
sitting behind you and in front of you, unless of course you share the same
dinner table.
My point is,
we like variety. We enjoy different
tastes and flavors. Wouldn’t life be
boring if we ate the same thing every meal?
Even our favorite food would lose it’s appeal if we ate it too much.
So, I think
the UU faith is like a smorgasbord of beliefs.
I might want to nibble on this or dine on that, but I can try new things
and incorporate what tastes good. Just
think of the UU faith as the “North Market” of beliefs, there is something new
and different around every corner and the journey of discovery is what keeps it
fresh and interesting.
Bon Appetit!--Jody Dzuranin
I can only remember three things at a time, so my
elevator speech lists three components. This elevator speech is a major
modification of one credited to Bruce Melville of the Southwest UU Church in
Unitarian Universalism encourages us to use the
world’s religions and other inspirational sources to develop our own truth; it
emphasizes good deeds over any particular creed; and urges us to live in
harmony with the world around us. So there are three things to remember: find
your personal truth, social action, and living well with other people and the
planet.--Dick Leavy
Unitarian
Universalist beliefs are as varied as the people in its congregations. We
exercise our freedom of choice and so, we are free to choose are own beliefs.
We practice reverence for the teachings that came before our time and welcome
the inspiration that comes to us daily. We believe in the importance of
understanding our differences and to respect them within the nurturing of the
strength of unity. Many of us believe in "One God.”
We believe in
the mental, emotional and spiritual service to humanity and our environment.
Practicing the
Unitarian Universalist way is like being in a church with many windows from
which we can see and hear the surrounding world and hopefully enrich our lives
with educated choices.
--Kitcia Amaya
Unitarian
Universalism is a religious tradition which appeals to its members and friends
for many different reasons. I am a Unitarian Universalist for two primary
reasons:
First,
I experience Unitarian Universalism as a life-enhancing way of being. In the
Principles and Purposes statement written by the Unitarian Universalist
Association, each statement resonates deeply with my own inner wisdom,
regarding what it means to aspire to wholeness – both individually and
collectively. Unitarian Universalism significantly informs my perspective on
life, my interactions in life, and my life choices.
The
second reason that I am a Unitarian Universalist is because I experience UU
community as a rare and wonderful gift. There are few religious communities
where a person is encouraged to be his or her authentic self - to be mad, sad,
glad, or fearful; to express doubt and confusion, as well as faith and
epiphanies. And while this standard of authenticity is not always the easiest
way to be in religious community, I believe it is a healthy and meaningful way
to be in religious community.
And so
for me, Unitarian Universalism is a life-enhancing way of being in this world
and a marvelous experience of religious family!
--Marguerite Robbins
Universalists
believe in universal salvation. That there is inherent worth and dignity
in every person, so no one will be "damned" everyone is worthy of
salvation.
Unitarians believe in both the unity of
God, and a unity of experience, that everything we think and feel informs our
spirituality. For that reason we explore many different traditions on our
individual spiritual journey.
We practice true democratic process in
our congregations and support each other on our spiritual quests.
--Lori
Torrerio