The Unitarian Philosophy
What do Unitarians believe?
Since any Unitarian’s beliefs are the outcome of a personal lifelong spiritual journey, and may continue to evolve in the light of new experience and knowledge, no one answer can be given to that question. But some guiding principles are offered here:
- Faith is not measured by how hard you believe, but by how closely your actions match your beliefs.
- Doubt and inquiry are as much the tools of faith as hope and prayer.
- Jesus, Moses, Mohammed, Buddha, among others, are great spiritual leaders because of the ethics they taught and lived.
- We reject any discrimination that punishes or excludes people on race, religion, gender, age, disability, class, education, or affectional orientation.
- Human beings have free will and the capacity to choose good over evil.
- All religions hold a corner on the truth, but none hold a monopoly.
- Unitarians stand for an open-minded approach to the spiritual quest.
- Ours is a faith with traditional foundations, resting on principles of freedom, reason and tolerance. We value the freedom as individuals to decide for ourselves.
- Truth comes to us from many sources – not least from our own life experience.
- Unitarians have been at the forefront of liberal religion since the 1600s – always striving to make our faith relevant to the challenges of everyday living.
Our Sources of Wisdom
Here are some sources of wisdom we value:
- Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
- Words and deeds of prophetic people which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
- Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life.
The Seven Principles of Unitarians
Unitarians affirm and promote seven Principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. We live out these Principles within a “living tradition” of wisdom and spirituality, drawn from sources as diverse as science, poetry, scripture, and personal experience.
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person.
- Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and society at large.
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Perhaps we already have something in common...
Ask yourself… Do you think:
- that no single religion has a monopoly on wisdom and truth?
- that how you behave toward others is more important than any religious creed?
- that the universe was not made for our benefit, but we are intimately connected to it all?
- that everyone should be free and responsible to seek truth and meaning, according to their own reason, spirit, and conscience?
- that we should always be open to growth, change, and new ideas?
Are you:
- looking for spiritual growth among supportive fellow seekers?
- eager to reflect deeply on life’s important questions?
- seeking a place of celebration and worship, inspiration and education, friendship and mutual support?
- wanting to help your children develop their own values and commitments, free of dogma?
If you answered ‘yes’ to a few of these, you might enjoy a Unitarian experience!
We are a welcoming, inclusive community, so why not come and check us out at one of our services or activities!