Ask the UU!

[Druweid]

oh okay. But the Truth then is absolute!
Only our preception changes.

But we have no way of knowing what that absolute truth is.

If I may offer a possible insight; The truth is indeed, absolute, and as you say, our perception of that truth changes. Just as the child's view of the world changes when he/she becomes a teenager, again when adulthood is attained, and likely several times thereafter. To each individual, therefore, Absolute Truth is not a goal inasmuch as it is a pursuit. Each time we realize a new view or new facet of that Absolute Truth, we recognize and acknowledge growth within ourselves. Thus, Absolute Truth will not be fully realized until we have reached the pinnacle of our spiritual development. I personally believe that this pinnacle is not reached in this world, but in the afterlife, where spiritual growth continues in ways we can only begin to fathom.

Just my thoughts.
-- Druweid

 

[Shivam]

If I may offer a possible insight; The truth is indeed, absolute, and as you say, our perception of that truth changes. Just as the child's view of the world changes when he/she becomes a teenager, again when adulthood is attained, and likely several times thereafter. To each individual, therefore, Absolute Truth is not a goal inasmuch as it is a pursuit. Each time we realize a new view or new facet of that Absolute Truth, we recognize and acknowledge growth within ourselves. Thus, Absolute Truth will not be fully realized until we have reached the pinnacle of our spiritual development. I personally believe that this pinnacle is not reached in this world, but in the afterlife, where spiritual growth continues in ways we can only begin to fathom.

Just my thoughts.
-- Druweid

But that is more along the lines of Vedanta!

 

[hartlandcat]

My understanding of British and European Unitarianism, is that it is much more Christian then UU is, which we don't even call ourselves Christian anymore. We gave up the denomination label and see UU as a religion by itself.

I agree that Eastern European Unitarianism is very Christian orientated, whilst Western European Unitarianism is perhaps less so. I was going to find the clause on the UK Unitarian website (www.unitarian.org.uk) that says that we 'uphold the liberal Christian tradition', but it seems to have been removed or rephrased — it's certainly caused a lot of controversy over the past few months.

In British Unitarianism, there seems to be two rather vocal minorities at both extremes — those who wish to see the Unitarian Church as a strictly Christian denomination (sometimes even to the point of saying that people who don't consider themselves to be Christians should not be considered Unitarians), and those who wish to see all official references to Christianity removed. I tend to think that the majority though aren't really bothered either way.

 

[Maize]

If I may offer a possible insight; The truth is indeed, absolute, and as you say, our perception of that truth changes. Just as the child's view of the world changes when he/she becomes a teenager, again when adulthood is attained, and likely several times thereafter. To each individual, therefore, Absolute Truth is not a goal inasmuch as it is a pursuit. Each time we realize a new view or new facet of that Absolute Truth, we recognize and acknowledge growth within ourselves. Thus, Absolute Truth will not be fully realized until we have reached the pinnacle of our spiritual development. I personally believe that this pinnacle is not reached in this world, but in the afterlife, where spiritual growth continues in ways we can only begin to fathom.

Just my thoughts.
-- Druweid

I like your thoughts. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Maize]

I tend to think that the majority though aren't really bothered either way.

That's my perception (although admittedly probably flawed) of Brits thoughts about most issues, at least concerning religion.

 

[Shivam]

Maize,

Do UUs practice Yoga or any other type of meditation?

 

[Maize]

Maize,

Do UUs practice Yoga or any other type of meditation?

Some do. Most churches will have a meditation time and some even have yoga classes.

 

[Druweid]

But that is more along the lines of Vedanta!

One of the inherent dangers of religion. If we remove the names, the titles, and formal classifications, we find the truth in the most curious places.

 

[Shivam]

Some do. Most churches will have a meditation time and some even have yoga classes.

Neat.

 

[Maize]

One of the inherent dangers of religion. If we remove the names, the titles, and formal classifications, we find the truth in the most curious places.

 

[Shivam]

One of the inherent dangers of religion. If we remove the names, the titles, and formal classifications, we find the truth in the most curious places.

I wonder if UUs should study Vedanta not Hinduism as the west knows it but actual Vedanta like the teaching of sri shankra and madva etc.

Hey Maize,
Have you ever studied the books of Osho?

 

[Maize]

I wonder if UUs should study Vedanta not Hinduism as the west knows it but actual Vedanta like the teaching of sri shankra and madva etc.

Hey Maize,
Have you ever studied the books of Osho?

I personally have not, but I will check my church's library for it.

 

[hartlandcat]

That's my perception (although admittedly probably flawed) of Brits thoughts about most issues, at least concerning religion.

You're right. If you ask most people here if they believe in God, they'll usually have to think for a minute and may even conclude that they don't know. The latest opinion poll results I've seen (conducted by YouGov) suggested that only 44% of British people believe in any sort of god or higher power at all, and I wouldn't be surprised if a significant percentage of people would have responded differently had they been asked on a different day.

It's perfectly acceptable (in most communities) in Britain to have no opinion on religious issues at all.

 

[arunma]

In my travels across various religious forums on the internet, I frequently encounter people who have either never heard of Unitarian Universalism or if they have they've been given incorrect/incomplete information.




So, here's your chance to ask anything about Unitarian Universalism!




p.s. I have no wish to debate and I will not respond to rude or inflammatory comments about my religion, I will simply ask that a moderater delete them. So, let's please all be nice.

Why don't you describe a typical UU service to us? I personally have no idea what UU services entail.

 

[Maize]

Sure. This is what I said in this thread.

In Unitarian Universalism the services vary from church to church. Most last about an hour. The centerpiece is usually a sermon delivered by the senior minister. The sermons are usually thematic and rarely follow a lectionary. Ministers often preach about universal themes of life, truth and meaning. They use stories, myths and poems, as well as scripture from a variety of world religions.

Services often begin with the lighting of the chalice-the symbol of Unitarian Universalism. Brief words of reflection are usually read as it is lit, inaugurating the start of the service.

We sing from our hymnal Singing the Living Tradition, which contains a wide range of traditional and contemporary songs, using gender-inclusive language. Many congregations have choirs.

Many congregations reserve a time in their services for lighting "Candles of Joy and Concern" or "Candles of Community." Members are invited to come up from their pews and light a candle at the front of the church to honor an event in their lives, to share an idea, or to ask for the thoughts and prayers of the community.

After the service, most congregations sponsor "coffee hour"-a chance for people to socialize informally and to discuss the worship service.

 

[Wiffey]

Hi Maize! My parents (cradle Catholic and Reformed Jew), after much soul searching stumbled across the local UU church a few years ago and joined. They are very happy there! I just wanted to interject that UU's in the US have a wonderful record WRT being involved in outreach to the poor and social justice & equality issues. Really some of the loveliest people.

Glad to see you here!

 

[Maize]

Hi Wiffey! Thank you for your kinds words. Those are things we take very seriously indeed.

 

[Im_A]

In my travels across various religious forums on the internet, I frequently encounter people who have either never heard of Unitarian Universalism or if they have they've been given incorrect/incomplete information.




So, here's your chance to ask anything about Unitarian Universalism!




p.s. I have no wish to debate and I will not respond to rude or inflammatory comments about my religion, I will simply ask that a moderater delete them. So, let's please all be nice.




Shalom.

hey Maize

does the unitarian in UU specifically mean a disagreeance with the Trinity? or it the unitarian part meaning a unified of all the religions and have nothing to do with the Trinity?

 

[Maize]

hey Maize

does the unitarian in UU specifically mean a disagreeance with the Trinity? or it the unitarian part meaning a unified of all the religions and have nothing to do with the Trinity?

Historically yes, the Unitarians did (and still do) have issues with the doctrine of the Trinity. It's not so much an issue today within Unitarian Universalism.

As far as know, neither the Unitarians nor the Universalists (nor UUs) ever believed in unification of all religions.

I can expand more on historical Unitarianism if you like, but that's the short answer to your questions.

 

[Druweid]

By the way, I had meant to ask before, Is there a significant difference between UU and UUE?