Unitarians speak out to share their beliefs
I am a Unitarian because this church is the only place where I am both intellectually and spiritually stretched. It is a wonderful fellowship in diversity where doubts and faith, dreams and pragmatism blend together in an utterly satisfying whole. It is somewhere to share ideas and inspirations, celebrations and crises, when I can truly be myself.
I am a Unitarian because I cherish the freedom to work at, and work out, my own particular faith wlthout pressure from outside. I enjoy the fellowship of other like minded people.
After a decade of earnest searching and a firmly embraced mid-life passage I am now at home with the Unitarians. Dipped my toe back into the C. of E., ran again to Bramah Kumaris, Buddhist Retreat holidays, Abram holiday, Quakers and then Unitarlanism.
I just feel with a quiet certainty that Unitarianism will meet my needs no matter how I develop. There is such implicit respect for the individual’s right to find their own journey – there is no forcing and to be with others who feel the same is so amazing. Such a relief.
I was born into a Unitarian family so inevitably grew up as one. I like two distinct facets about Unitarianism. I am comfortable with the concept of a single person being God, rather than a trinity, and I am very comfortable with a free thinking, tolerant approach to other beliefs, sincerely held, even if I do not subscribe to them, so long as we all agree there is no wrong or right about the matter.
A lack of dogma. Always open to ideas, thoughts, spiritual truths from other religions and spiritual teachings. Not blind faith but informed faith.
I am a Unitarian because I believe that your faith is how you live, not what you believe. I am a Unitarian because I want to dedicate myself to creating a world where no one is persecuted became of their religious belief. I am a Unitarian because I want to belong to a community where I can commune with God unhindered by any concept of what God is. I am a Unitarian because I want to belong to a community of individuals. I am a Unitarian because I believe holiness is not contained in books or theology but in the very depth of the human heart. I am a Unitarian because I believe in God and I believe In gay rights, and I don’t think they’re mutually exclusive.
Why belong to any church at all? Can’t I be a “Unitarian” without belonging? Not really. Most of us aren’t resolute or gifted enough to achieve our full potential living as hermits. Good company helps.
I am a Unitarian because I was born that way, my parents being members of a Unitarian Christian church. I have remained Unitarian because however much I doubted or questioned, I was not alienated from the church. Doubts and questions have always been our accepted way of religion. My beliefs are not now dissimilar from those I grew up with, although my perception of God the Creator is less personal than in my childhood. Jesus is still to me the greatest exemplar, and his ethical code I try to live by.
Ideally the Unitarian path should emphasise what I see as the real message of Jesus, the inner quality of life and attitude, of living rather than believing, regardless of creed or taste. Unitarianism should strive to uphold priorities, to assert what really matters and what does not. Now I see through the glass darkly, but meanwhile Unitarianism is my way of trying to bow humbly before the great mystery of life.
I was born into a family which had been members of a Unitarian church almost since 1782 when my church began. I moved around very many other churches, but my own always seemed to draw me back. What is this X-factor that eludes clarity of definition? For me there is the sense of freedom, the challenge to search and find one’s own personal faith, and the understanding that one’s views and their expression will change over time. It does not suit those who look for an authoritative faith, but can be a joy and real support to those who value self-responsibility.
Unitarianism is an inclusive religion. Therefore we can draw on many sources of wisdom and insight. Change of belief is not merely permitted, it is expected. New information and experiences make our own lives paths of spiritual evolution and growth. Our faith is a part of us which develops as we journey through life rather than being something which is imposed on us by an outside authority.
Many people in atheist and humanist organisations are always talking about people’s rights, but never their responsibilities. I cannot accept the existence of a power greater than humans, therefore I am an atheist, but I am not comfortable with the “angry” atheists’ self centred approach. I share the values affirmed by Unitarians, am accepted by them, and am comfortable with their approach to life. I am a Unitarian who is a ‘religious” atheist.
Everyone has been very good to me and you are now like a part of my family.
I can say what I believe in a Unitarian church without feeling uncomfortable. When I first came to the Unitarian Church as a visitor I was surprised to learn that it is not necessary to believe all those difficult dogmas such as the doctrine of transubstantiation, virgin Birth, etc. Bit by bit I discarded all the clutter of Christian belief and felt a great sense of relief, Then I was able to begin to think for myself.
We are not concerned about salvation. We regard this life as the most important and should live it to the full; it is the only one we are sure of having. We should behave well because of the effects of our behaviour in THIS world.
I was impressed by the history of Unitarianism and the great people who have been part of the movement. I have the feeling of being proud to be in their company.
We wish to find channels to help us express faith and hope and love.
In the natural world there is a network of physical laws plus, it seems to me, an even greater spiritual force that is in us that gives each of us intrinsic worth. All of us should therefore be allowed freedom of thought and the chance to reach our full potential.
I did not feel comfortable in my previous congregation because I could no longer believe the things we were supposed to believe. I wish I had discovered Unitarians existed earlier in my life.