The A To Z Of Unitarian Universalism

Small though it may be, Unitarian Universalism has had a big impact not only on its members but also on the world around it. Rejecting the constraints of other Christian denominations, it sought tolerance for itself and, surprisingly, freely granted tolerance to others. Evolving in its principles and practices over a relatively short lifetime, it shows every sign of developing further, reaching beyond Christianity to embrace what is good in other, more diverse religions. Unitarian Universalism has also regularly been at the forefront in fighting for social causes, including abolition, temperance, women's suffrage, pacifism, educational reform, environmentalism, and others. Unitarian Universalism has also spread with time. First developed in present-day Romania and Hungary, its center shifted early to England, but its most successful story is the way it grew and flourished in the United States. This reference covers numerous subjects, both historical and contemporary, with entries on the places where the church was present, many more on significant leaders, and an impressive number on causes and issues. All the important people, events, and ideas in this religion are included, as well as important late-20th-century battles, including racism and new principles and purposes.

The Unitarian Universalist religious movement is small in numbers, but has a long history as a radical, reforming movement within Protestantism, coupled with a larger, liberal social witness to the world. Both Unitarianism and Universalism began as Christian denominations, but rejected doctrinal constraints to embrace a human views of Jesus, an openness to continuing revelation, and a loving God who, they believed, wanted to be reconciled with all people. In the twentieth century Unitarian Universalism developed beyond Christianity and theism to embrace other religious perspectives, becoming more inclusive and multi-faith. Efforts to achieve justice and equality included civil rights for African-Americans, women and gays and lesbians, along with strident support for abortion rights, environmentalism and peace. Today the Unitarian Universalist movement is a world-wide faith that has expanded into several new countries in Africa, continued to develop in the Philippines and India, while maintaining historic footholds in Romania, Hungary, England, and especially the United States and Canada. This second edition of Historical Dictionary of Unitarian Universalism contains a chronology, an introduction, an appendix, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 400 cross-referenced entries on people, places, events and trends in the history of the Unitarian and Universalist faiths including American leaders and luminaries, important writers and social reformers. This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Unitarian Universalism.

An updated edition of the classic introduction to the history and beliefs of Unitarian Universalism—from a senior minister of the Unitarian Church For those contemplating religious choices, Unitarian Universalism offers an appealing alternative to religious denominations that stress theological creeds over individual conviction and belief. Featuring two new chapters, a revealing and entertaining foreword by best-selling author Robert Fulghum, and a new preface by UU moderator Denise Davidoff, this updated edition of the classic introductory text on Unitarian Universalism explores the many sources of the living tradition of this ‘chosen faith’.

Publisher's description: Although the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is not the largest or best-known religious group in America, its belief system pervades our society--especially in politics and on college campuses across the country. Unitarian Universalism is a "politically correct" faith, in which truth is relative; "tolerance" of "alternative lifestyles" and beliefs--including homosexuality, radical feminism, and abortion on demand--is the highest virtue; reason, conscience, and experience are the guides to truth; and the Bible is a myth and Jesus Christ but one of many inspirational (but fallible) teachers. This guide explores and refutes the beliefs and attitudes of what is the most highly educated of all religious groups in North America.

This book answers the questions most frequently asked about Unitarian Universalism. Covering ministry, worship, religious education, social justice, theology, and history, these essays from leaders in the faith provide one of the most complete introductions to Unitarian Universalism available.--Adapted from back cover.

A panel of top scholars presents the first comprehensive collection of primary sources from Unitarian Universalist history. This critical resource covers the long histories of Unitarianism, Universalism, and Unitarian Universalism in the United States and around the world, and offers a wealth of sources from the first fifty-five years of the Unitarian Universalist Association. From Arius and Origen to Peter Morales and Rebecca Parker, this two-volume anthology features leaders, thinkers, and ordinary participants in the ever-changing tradition of liberal religion. Each volume contains more than a hundred distinct selections, with scholarly introductions by leading experts in Unitarian Universalist history. The selections include sermons, theologies, denominational statements, hymns, autobiographies, and manifestos, with special attention to class, cultural, gender, and sexual diversity. Primary sources are the building blocks of history, and A Documentary History of Unitarian Universalism presents the sources we need for understanding this denomination’s past and for shaping its future.

A panel of top scholars presents the first comprehensive collection of primary sources from Unitarian Universalist history. This critical resource covers the long histories of Unitarianism, Universalism, and Unitarian Universalism in the United States and around the world, and offers a wealth of sources from the first fifty-five years of the Unitarian Universalist Association. From Arius and Origen to Peter Morales and Rebecca Parker, this two-volume anthology features leaders, thinkers, and ordinary participants in the ever-changing tradition of liberal religion. Each volume contains more than a hundred distinct selections, with scholarly introductions by leading experts in Unitarian Universalist history. The selections include sermons, theologies, denominational statements, hymns, autobiographies, and manifestos, with special attention to class, cultural, gender, and sexual diversity. Primary sources are the building blocks of history, and A Documentary History of Unitarian Universalism presents the sources we need for understanding this denomination’s past and for shaping its future.