Re: Is Unitarian Universalism a Religion?

Al,

Thanks for your response. I'm inclined to disagree with the extremely
open definition of UUism for several reasons. Here is one in
particular that comes to mind:

Both Unitarians and Universalists showed the greatest periods of
growth during times when they stood in distinct contrast to other
religious bodies. As many mainline churches absorbed more liberal
theologies, however, both Unitarianism and Universalism became less
distinctive. Universalism, especially, was criticized for offering
nothing more than a negative critique of a specific doctrine.

If Unitarian Universalism is to be a sustaining, cradle-to-grave kind
of faith, then I think UUs will have to first recognize that they are
much less theologically diverse than they think they are and then
recognize that their implicit theologies are not only distinctive, but
worth sharing.

Anyway, the poll results are in and, according to most people who
responded, Unitarian Universalism is not a religion. More interesting,
perhaps, are the many definitions of UUism offered by folks who didn't
feel their view fit into the poll answers. You can read all the
responses at http://matthewgatheringwater.blogspot.com
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