It always surprises me when people have not heard of Unitarian Universalists.  I know about almost all of the mainstream protestant religions, why haven't they heard of me?  It always surprises me when, what I'll call "ardent supporters" of a faith, just look at me in disbelief and have never heard of Unitarian Universalism.  It would seem to me that you would want to be able to "know your enemy" in order to discuss topics or perhaps to convert the people you are talking with. 

     I have been attending the same UU church for over 20 years.  I grew up in the faith.  I became a member of the congregation the week before my grandmother (avid Lutheran) passed away in 2002.  She shopped around for a faith throughout her life and found that the Lutherans were reasonable Christians.  She respected her children's choices with deep reverence, as she expected others to respect her decision.  She was a very pious woman who was able to think critically on Biblical issues.  She was also very open minded.  I joined my own church for various reasons, but it made her happy at the end to know that I had actively decided to follow my heart and think critically too. 

     As a result of my growing up in the faith, I take a lot of it for granted.  UUism is a very political religion.  It is also very liberal, politically and spiritually.  Congregants are active in social causes and range the full gamut of belief systems (from atheist to theist to pantheist to earth centered).  The faith has no central creed or dogma.  The only item you have to commit yourself to is to keep questioning, learning, and loving.  Traditional Christians who I have taken as visitors have a hard time with the lack of scripture, mention of God or Jesus, and general lack of organization of the service.  I, on the other hand, love going to traditional Christian churches, but get uncomfortable with the excessive use of the words God and Jesus.

     The one thing I think is horribly funny about UUism is the hymns.  Their huge words, extensive metaphors, unwieldy tunes leave our congregations in the lurch.  It takes a music director with a strong hand to bring us all together.  Luckily, my church has just this.  All the same, if you come to church with me, odds are I'll be smiling uncontrollably while we sing. 

  • If you would like to visit this congregation, or talk with me about visiting, click here to email me.
  • I found a great way of classifying yourself with the help of a web based questionnaire.  It is on Beliefnet.com, click here to take the quiz.
  • If you are interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism, click here to be directed to the national organization's website.
  • If you are interested in learning more about my congregation, click here to be directed to our website.
  • I put on a service in July 2003 integrating my personal spiritual journey in Peace Corps and my choice of faith.  Click here if you are interested in reading it.
  • I was a member of a panel discussion at church in 2002, describing the process of renewal of faith.  To read what I said (very short), click here.
  • I was a member of a panel discussion in 2004, titled, "What we believe."  For the text of my speech, click here.
  • For a different look at Jesus, click here.