Religion - Unitarian Universalist

[Partaker]

I went to "church" today for the first time since I was a child. Although, I picked a Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in my area and I have to say it was a great experience.
I grew up in a Christian church and as a teen began to reject a lot of principles in Christianity/most religions in general. I guess i'm now realizing this doesn't mean I have to reject god, too.

Here are their 7 principals.. I think i'll be going back next week. :-) Any thoughts/experience with this religion?

1 - The inherent dignity and worth of every person;
2 - Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
3 - Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
4 - A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
5 - The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
6 - The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
7 - Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

[RonSouther]

Awhile back my kids performed a memorial service at a UU church. They are part of the Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard and the service was for a longtime CAP Colonel that had passed away.

While waiting for the service, I also say the tenets of the faith and liked it. The lady pastor delivered a truly beautiful sermon rich in natural law.

Later I went home and looked up the UU church and found out that the Pilgrims were part of it or something related to it (can't remember). I am a direct descendent on both sides of my family of the same people on the Mayflower and if you could label me something, it would be a gnostic pagan.

So I thought it was cool that I'm living up to my family heritage.

As far as joining the church, I have no need. I don't see where a spiritual path can be organized and I asked the pastor if she had ever heard of my favorite guy, Osho. She hadn't but was interested so I sent her the book "The Mustard Seed" but never heard back.

The people at this particular church were pretty eccletic! It was nice to see something really different than the traditional churches. Also, the history of the church and another similar church go all the way to the time of Jesus. The two churches are essentially gnostic (doubt dependent) and what we normally see as a Christian church is creedal (belief dependent).

[Partaker]

Originally Posted by RonSouther

While waiting for the service, I also say the tenets of the faith and liked it. The lady pastor delivered a truly beautiful sermon rich in natural law.

I thought the same when I went. She cited a lot of different texts .. some religious some philosophical. It was a different but pleasant church experience.

[RonSouther]

I think that kind of church would be useful for people early in their journey and as they grew up, they wouldn't need it anymore, but like any church, it can't survive without some kind of mindset that the church is needed for life.

[ChristsLight]

Just some questions:

Why do you feel you need this church, or what do you believe you'll get out of it?

What does God mean to you?

[nistacular]

So, I've been a UU all my life... I can tell you, it's composed of some of the most enlightened, good people you'll ever meet. A very liberal, intellectual crowd, most very happy with their lives, and very loving. If you are going to pick one church to go to, pick that one. The 7 principals make the 10 commandments look like a joke (imho)....

Of course churches vary from area to area... but I speak from experience in the UU Church of Greater Lansing.

Now I don't identify as being a UU, because I haven't attended in about 5 months, and yeah... don't really need it... but if you want a community that is accepting of all beliefs (except intolerance!), and is willing to laugh and rejoice in being together, and have interesting discussions during 'coffee hour', they would love to have you. Also most of the sermons I went to were pretty interesting (I was in the UU youth group for the most part).

[Partaker]

Originally Posted by ChristsLight

Just some questions:

Why do you feel you need this church, or what do you believe you'll get out of it?

I felt I needed church firstly due to the death of a close family member this year. It was a tragic night for my family thats caused a lot of drama which only adds more the the pile of grief, stress, and regret this situation has caused me personally. I need some healing, solitude, and uninvolved people to talk to and hopefully find healthy friendships. Ive been really depressed and my spirit needs uplifting.
I picked this church in particular because i need a place where i can be 100% honest, no sugarcoating, with little possibility of stirring anyone up- i truly just dont have the mental energy right now to go to a traditional christian church where you encounter a lot of closedminded people (in my experience, no offense) who i only end up having uncomfortable and censored conversations with for fear of offending them or being offended myself.

What does God mean to you?

im not really sure yet but im happy to finally be okay with that. im still borderline atheist but now instead of rejecting other peoples views of god i feel like i am searching for my own and hopefully finding some comfort in the process.

[ChristsLight]

Partaker,

Sounds like you are exactly where you need to be right now.

My only caution is to not get caught up too much with the perspective provided with this new church. It provides a much-needed resting ground, but it is a means, not an end. That is, it's useful to hang onto it as long as you need it, but no longer. In your case, I wouldn't be surprised if you transitioned out of it fairly quickly.

Please let me know if you ever need to discuss the healing and growth you are undergoing.

[nistacular]

@ChristsLight - Why do you say perspective? It doesn't actually provide you with any specific view - hence the vagueness of the principals (that 99% of people would agree with). But I do agree - it's not an end. However most people in this world don't reach their ideal enlightened end.

@Partaker, I hope you are able to undergo a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

[ChristsLight]

Originally Posted by nistacular

@ChristsLight - Why do you say perspective? It doesn't actually provide you with any specific view - hence the vagueness of the principals (that 99% of people would agree with). But I do agree - it's not an end. However most people in this world don't reach their ideal enlightened end.

Anything is a perspective, no matter how vague it may seem to be initially.

[Partaker]

Originally Posted by nistacular

@Partaker, I hope you are able to undergo a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

Thanks :-)

I went last week and stayed for social hour afterwards. It was really enjoyable and the minister offered me grief counseling whenever I am ready.

Thanks for your input, ChristsLight.. right now I am enjoying a place of peace where I am free to explore and express my own personal meaning of god. Who knows where I will be next, if anywhere.