Ask a Unitarian

[hartlandcat]

Following on from the other similar threads, here's my own! I'd actually originally posted this in Unorthodox Theology, but I then realised that it was in the wrong section (there hadn't been any replies anyway). I think it belongs best here, although it's debatable about whether or not we come under 'non-Christian'.

Anyway, ask any questions you have about Unitarianism and Unitarians here!

Just to clarify, I'm not a Biblical Unitarian -- that's a different denomination.

(Note: I'm from Britain. From looking on the internet, I've gathered that there are a few minor differences between British Unitarianism and American Unitarian-Universalism, although it's the equivalent denomination. On the whole, I think that British Unitarians are *possibly* slightly more Christian-orientated than American Unitarian-Universalists, but I don't really know. I just thought I'd mention this so that you know where I'm coming from).

 

[Hydra009]

I guess my first question is what exactly is a Unitarian-Universalist?

 

[hartlandcat]

Do you mean what's the difference between a Unitarian and a Unitarian-Universalist? If so, ultimately not a lot -- it's mainly that it's called one in some countries and the other in other countries, for certain of historical reasons. Obviously there will be differences due to differences in society and culture in that particular country though.

But if you were just asking generally what a Unitarian/Unitarian-Universalist is, I'll explain. (I'm not going to list the 7 UUA Principles, since they only apply to the American denomination, and in the denominations in other countries which choose to use them -- not in Britain, though).

Basically, we affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person and we believe in an independent search for truth. We usually (in Britain, at least) view Jesus Christ as being a great teacher, but not the literal son of God -- more like a son of God, if you like. We don't usually believe in the various miracles either. Most of us have some concept of God, although these vary. I'd say that most of us perceive God as being a primarily inward reality -- something which resides within oneself, rather than a sort of external being/intelligence. We also encourage people to draw inspiration from other texts/faiths.

 

[Fear]

Do you believe in an after-life? If so, why?

 

[Hydra009]

Do you mean what's the difference between a Unitarian and a Unitarian-Universalist?

No, but that's good to know.

Basically, we affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person and we believe in an independent search for truth. We usually (in Britain, at least) view Jesus Christ as being a great teacher, but not the literal son of God -- more like a son of God, if you like. We don't usually believe in the various miracles either. Most of us have some concept of God, although these vary. I'd say that most of us perceive God as being a primarily inward reality -- something which resides within oneself, rather than a sort of external being/intelligence. We also encourage people to draw inspiration from other texts/faiths.

You're a Rationalist Unitarianism, correct? Sorry, I thought you were a UU, like many Unitarians in the US.

 

[Born_to_Lose_Live_to_Win]

What is the meaning behind Unitarianism?

 

[hartlandcat]

You're a Rationalist Unitarianism, correct? Sorry, I thought you were a UU, like many Unitarians in the US.

Sort of. I'm a British Unitarian, which means that I'm probably somewhere between a Unitarian-Universalist and a Rationalist Unitarian. I sort of believe in 'God', although I see it as something which resides within oneself. I would probably fit just as easily into both groups.

What is the meaning behind Unitarianism?

Sorry, but I'm afraid that seems a bit vague. Could you please elaborate?

Do you believe in an after-life? If so, why?

No, I don't. Although some Unitarians might, I'd imagine that most don't. I don't believe in an afterlife because I believe that the most important thing is one's conduct during life.

 

[Rae]

If you want answers about American UUism, going to uua dot org will help as well.

--Rae, Pagan and UU

 

[Born_to_Lose_Live_to_Win]

Sorry, but I'm afraid that seems a bit vague. Could you please elaborate?

What is the meaning and significance behind the word "Unitarianism"? Does it point to any sort of 'Essential unity of everything' etc.?

 

[Muslim]

Do Unitarians believe Jesus is the son of God?

 

[progressivegal]

Do Unitarians believe Jesus is the son of God?

We usually (in Britain, at least) view Jesus Christ as being a great teacher, but not the literal son of God -- more like a son of God, if you like.

 

[hartlandcat]

What is the meaning and significance behind the word "Unitarianism"? Does it point to any sort of 'Essential unity of everything' etc.?

Originally, it referred to our rejection of the doctrine of the Trinity, thus seeing God as a Unity. Now it also includes the idea of the 'essential unity of everything', as you mentioned.

 

[Born_to_Lose_Live_to_Win]

Originally, it referred to our rejection of the doctrine of the Trinity, thus seeing God as a Unity. Now it also includes the idea of the 'essential unity of everything', as you mentioned.

Great. Thanks for the answer. I raise my glass to Unitarianism, not for the rejection of the trinity but for the essential unity of everything

 

[coyoteBR]

The more I study, the more I view common points between what I believe and the Unitarian believes. About Jesus, for insance, and also the need to search everywhere.
My question is:
Is there something the unitarian must do to live well with God and oneself? Let me explain:
In christian spiritism, we believe each person has the way to God they feel more conected with. So, technically, does not matter what religion you follow; however, there is two tenents one must follow inside each religion:
- Pray and watch your thoughts;
- Without charity there is no salvation.
Doing that, one is basically OK, according to what I believe.

So, what about Unitarianism?

 

[Born_to_Lose_Live_to_Win]

The more I study, the more I view common points between what I believe and the Unitarian believes. About Jesus, for insance, and also the need to search everywhere.
My question is:
Is there something the unitarian must do to live well with God and oneself? Let me explain:
In christian spiritism, we believe each person has the way to God they feel more conected with. So, technically, does not matter what religion you follow; however, there is two tenents one must follow inside each religion:
- Pray and watch your thoughts;
- Without charity there is no salvation.
Doing that, one is basically OK, according to what I believe.

So, what about Unitarianism?

I completely agree with that part. Without charity, one is not even a human, IMO.

 

[Shy21]

Do Unitarians believe in a Satan or a special force that makes us do evil or do Unitarians believe we do bad things on our own and we learn from our mistakes and if we dont learn from our mistakes we suffer punishment such as jail or punishment by a powerful being such as G-d??

 

[hartlandcat]

Is there something the unitarian must do to live well with God and oneself? Let me explain:
In christian spiritism, we believe each person has the way to God they feel more conected with. So, technically, does not matter what religion you follow; however, there is two tenents one must follow inside each religion:
- Pray and watch your thoughts;
- Without charity there is no salvation.
Doing that, one is basically OK, according to what I believe.

So, what about Unitarianism?

We affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We believe that we should live our lives according to our conscience and follow and independent search for truth based upon reason and our experiences. However, we also recognise that others will do the same, meaning that they will likely reach different conclusions from ourselves. Showing tolerance for the beliefs of others (i.e. not being absolutely convinced that you're tight) is extremely important. Is this sort of what you meant?

Do Unitarians believe in a Satan or a special force that makes us do evil or do Unitarians believe we do bad things on our own and we learn from our mistakes and if we dont learn from our mistakes we suffer punishment such as jail or punishment by a powerful being such as G-d??

We don't generally believe in Satan or any other similar force. We would believe that we should learn from our mistakes, yes. Generally, we'd agree that people do bad things on their own, although we'd recognise that one's upbringing often causes people to do such things (i.e. if you grew up often seeing your father beating your mother, you're likely to beat your own wife when you're older etc.). We'd accept that bad things that you do will come back to you in some way, although we don't believe in an eternal punishment after life (e.g. hell).