Historically, Universalists believed in universal salvation and a loving god. Unitarianism developed as a reaction to Calvinism and rejected original sin, predestination, and the infallibility of the bible. The fusion and evolution of these belief systems over time has resulted in a recognition that there are many paths to spiritual growth, and that no belief system has a monopoly on the truth. There is wisdom to be found in many traditions, and we welcome seekers from all of them, from agnostics to Zoroastrians, to join us on our journey.
From the Unitarian Universalist Association’s website:
“Unitarian Universalist congregations 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.
As Rev. Barbara Wells ten Hove explains, “The Principles are not dogma or doctrine, but rather a guide for those of us who choose to join and participate in Unitarian Universalist religious communities.”
- 1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
- 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
- 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
- 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
- 6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
- 7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.”