Unitarian Church

Avatar for heartsandroses2002
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Unitarian Church
9
Wed, 09-28-2005 - 3:04pm

My 17dd & I visited a Unitarian church near our home this past Sunday. We both liked it alot. The minister was a little verbose, but her message was really great. I think I'd feel comfortable returning again. This week we're checking out the Universalist Church.

Since my dd's were babies, I've kind of steered away from organized religion altogether and adopted many Pagan rituals and a naturalist belief system.

I simply cannot accept Jesus as MY savior - I personally do not feel the need to be "saved" from anything. Rather, I prefer to work in harmony with nature and all things good and against all things bad. I've read the Bible here and there and was raised CAtholic, with a very devout grandma who used to read me novellas as a kid, had statues of all the saints lining her bedroom shelves...but I think that the Bible is predominantly a compilation of stories to teach us lessons; I do not believe those events actually took place as they are written - IOW, I don't think they are factual, however, I do think thier message is true. Anyway, that's another post.

My 17dd has visited Baptist and Bible churches with her friends over the years and never felt quite right. She is still seeking her place of worship (and comfort) and has asked me to help her so that's what we're doing.

Is anyone here a Unitarian or Universalist? I'd be interested in any insights you have to offer as those are her top two choices. Thanks~

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-11-2004
Wed, 09-28-2005 - 3:50pm

I go to a Unitarian Church and was born and raised Catholic as well. I however do accept Jesus the Christ as my Lord and Savior. What changed my thinking was Betty J. Eadie's book 'Embraced by the Light.'
Jesus is not God but is like a God. If you accept his teachings, why not accept him as your savior?

Betsy

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2005
Wed, 09-28-2005 - 6:51pm

I have attended a Unitarian church for a couple years. I love it. The open mindedness of the congregation and the church itself made me feel very comfortable.

I like having a spiritual place to go that does not tell me how to think or what (or who) to believe.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2003
Wed, 09-28-2005 - 7:43pm

I go to a Unity Church.


iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2000
Thu, 09-29-2005 - 9:23am

I'm Unitarian Universalist...and am a bit confused. You found separate congregations, one Unitarian & one Universalist? They combined in the 60s to form one religion, at least they did in the US - are you outside the US?

In any case, I was raised RC & searched for quite a while till I found UU - a perfect fit! I bet you'll feel the same way :-)

Avatar for heartsandroses2002
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 09-29-2005 - 9:36am

Bink, I agree with your point of view 100%.

Charliesnape, I think part of the reason I have trouble with being 'saved' is because it intimates that I've done something wrong, am guilty of something, or I'm in a pickle...or something that requires me to be 'saved' and that's not how it is in my life. That's not how it is in my heart. I like the ideas behind the supposed actions/lessons that Jesus taught, and that's okay and all, but I don't feel compelled to 'follow' Him or accept Him as my God, that's all. I compare it to the feelings of admiration or respect that I might have for one of my fellow human beings who've done something great for this world or our community. Example: Jimmy Carter and the Habitat for Humanity; Paul Newman and the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps; Mother Theresa, etc. I admire and respect those people and think there is something Holy about them that enriches all human life (and nature as a whole), but I don't consider them Gods/Goddesses.

littlegirl, Yes, the happiness and just a very calming feeling of peace was evident from the beginning of the service to the end. I felt a little awkward because we didn't stay for "after meeting", because my dd had to get home, but I think I will if we go back again, which I think we will. I really liked the sense of "We're all a part of this and we're in it together" that I felt.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-11-2004
Thu, 09-29-2005 - 10:09am

I understand that completely. I really wish they wouldn't use the word 'saved' myself either. It is not even close to what Jesus meant. All he meant to do was to encompass all and let them know that by love one will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. But I do believe he is God incarnate, as we all are, only he was/is a master just like the Buddah.

Peace,
Betsy

Avatar for heartsandroses2002
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 09-29-2005 - 10:29am
I am in CT, USA. There is a UU church around here somewhere, but it is Christian based and we wanted to check out the non-Christian first. This one is ALL faith OR Non-denominational. The minister DID bring up or discuss 'thier' universalist beliefs throughout the service, so I don't think they being exclusionary to the UU ideals.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2000
Thu, 09-29-2005 - 11:54am
how strange that it's Christian based! Like they believe in the Trinity? Woldn't that be a Unity church then? Bink? Can you enlighten us here?
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2003
Thu, 09-29-2005 - 5:21pm

Unitarian and Unity have been confused for years.