UNITARIAN-UNIVERSALISM

Unitarian Universalist Church | UU History, Beliefs & Practices

Video LessonThe Unitarian Universalist ChurchQuiz QuestionsHistory of Unitarian UniversalismRelated LessonsOrigins and FoundingHistory in the United StatesThe Flaming Chalice and WWIIThe Flaming Chalice and WWIIUnitarian Universalist BeliefsThe Seven PrinciplesReligious PracticesLesson Summary

The Unitarian Universalist Church

Unitarian Universalism, sometimes called UU, is a liberal religion that unites its members in the common goal of seeking the truth and meaning in life. The main source of tradition within the Unitarian Universalist Church is a set of documents referred to as the Six Sources and Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism. However, these are considered fluid documents and are open to examination, interpretation, and change.

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Quiz Questions

Answer quiz questions and gauge understanding

1. The flame and chalice symbol was first created for _____.

refugee papers and badges
the first electric church sign
the title page of the 1976/1977 UUA Directory
the merger of the Unitarians and Universalists

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History of Unitarian Universalism

As Unitarian Universalism was created through the union of two distinct Christian sects, congregations will often utilize many Christian traditions, such as holding sermons on Sundays, but the amount of Christianity within any individual congregation is decided individually. Elements of other religious traditions can be found within it, as well. Congregations might include traditions from a variety of religions and theologies, even atheism.

To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Create your accountAuthorAngela MacArthur

Angela has taught English, Communications, and Canadian Studies at the post-secondary level for 20 years. She has a Master of Arts degree with a focus on English Language and Literature, as well as an Honors Bachelor of Arts in English from Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada. She has also completed a Fundamentals of Teaching and Learning certificate from Sheridan College.Hide bioInstructorSunday Moulton

Sunday earned a PhD in Anthropology and has taught college courses in Anthropology, English, and high school ACT/SAT Prep.Hide bio

This lesson appears in the following Course:

History of Major World Religions Study Guide

14 Chapters15 Practice Exams138 Lessons691 Quiz Questions

Next Lessons in this Course:

Unitarian Universalist: Definition & History Voodoo Religions | Definition, Origin & Rituals Voodoo Religion Origins, History, & Beliefs | What is Voodoo?

Origins and Founding

Bringing together Unitarianism and Universalism brought with it some particular aspects. Unitarians challenged the Christian idea of the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and believed God was a unitary being. On the other hand, universalists rejected Puritan Christianity and the idea of a punishing God described by Fundamentalist Christianity. This led to a more liberal type of religion that allows for questioning and growth. Those belonging to the church feel that these foundations open the door to intellectual thought and inclusivity.

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History in the United States

UU is traditionally an American fellowship, although the originating religions were brought over from Europe. It was given corporate status in the U.S. in 1961, with its central location in Boston, Massachusetts. Today, there are almost 150,000 UU members in the U.S., out of approximately 800,000 worldwide.

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The Flaming Chalice and WWII

The main symbol of Unitarian Universalism is a flaming chalice. It became a symbol of Unitarianism during WWII but had existed previously in several traditions as a sign of religious freedom and resistance to oppression.

A flaming chalice is drawn in black ink and enclosed with two circles.

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The Flaming Chalice and WWII

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Unitarian Universalist Beliefs

Unitarian Universalist beliefs are not considered concrete. The congregations, often referred to as fellowships rather than churches, are open and accepting to people of different faiths, spiritualities, and beliefs. In its tenet of acceptance, UU is usually considered a liberal church. It lacks much of the typical Christian ideologies of sin and punishment. Further, it can be found that what is Unitarian, such as the belief that reason is more important than doctrine, is featured throughout UU.

Traditional Unitarian and Universalist beliefs do not define UU, though. Members of UU are encouraged to take inspiration from all over the world, including different religions, philosophies, and experiences. The main belief in UU is acceptance. The Association itself highlights that their primary shared belief is that individuals are free and responsible for their search for the truth in life and spirituality.

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The Seven Principles

The Seven Principles are the foundational core values of UU. The principles are as follows:

Every person is inherently worthy of dignity.
Relationships require justice, equality, and compassion.
UU accepts and encourages members to seek spiritual growth.
There is a free and responsible search for truth.
Congregations have the right of conscience and democratic process.
UU strives for a world community that exists within the tenets of peace, liberty, and justice.
All existence is interdependent and must be respected as such.

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Religious Practices

The experiences found at each Unitarian Universalist congregation can be quite different, as the church adheres to the ideals of acceptance, growth, and democracy. This leaves a lot of room for members to decide how they want to practice their spirituality. Congregations will often draw from other religious and theological traditions.

As Unitarian Universalism was borne out of Christianity, there are some Christian traditions that can frequently be found. There are often Sunday services with readings and hymns. However, what is shared within that sermon can be vastly different from one congregation to another. The readings may include religious texts, poetry, and literature from throughout time. Most of the time, a UU sermon will commence with the lighting of the chalice. As a significant symbol of light and freedom within the organization, this practice is particularly significant to some. There may also be a time of meditation or quiet reflection, or even a chance for members to speak to the congregation about their thoughts or experiences.

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Lesson Summary

Unitarian Universalism , or UU, is a fellowship of people who view life, religion, and spirituality with a sense of acceptance, learning, and growth. They do not require their members to commit to any particular religion or god, and democracy is a central tenet of the organization. Their members are encouraged to find inspiration from a variety of sources, such as world religions, philosophy, and life experience, and to share this inspiration with others. Unitarian Universalism beliefs encourage equality and growth.

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