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Modern Unitarianism, despite its origins in the Protestant Reformation, was less a systematic theology than a rebellion against Calvinist orthodoxy, inspired by scientific rationalism and a belief in the ability of the free mind to think for itself. In the 19th century, such famous Americans as Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Henry David Thoreau were Unitarians. Many Unitarians were active in abolition, women’s suffrage, and other reform movements. Our tradition of concern with civil rights and social justice persists to this day.

The Universalist movement, brought to this country in 1770 by John Murray and greatly advanced by the leadership of Hosea Ballou, shared the Unitarians' anti-trinitarian bent. Universalists believed in a benevolent God and in universal salvation, and they saw humanity inspired by divine principle rather than limited by inherent depravity.

The two churches merged in 1961 to form the Unitarian Universalist Association headquartered in Boston at 25 Beacon Street. Unitarian Universalism views religion as a dynamic way of living. While its roots may be Jewish and Christian, it recognizes that the meaning of life goes beyond human attempts to capture religious truths. Contemporary Unitarian Universalist congregations have no creeds or test for membership. The Purposes and Principles along with our tradition of religious tolerance, form the basis for our common affirmations.

Unitarian Universalism, A Living Tradition by Rev. Katie Lee Crane.
Rooted in Christianity by Rev. Katie Lee Crane.
Diversity and Democracy by Rev. Katie Lee Crane.
The UU Principles and Sources

Offsite Links

A UU FAQ - 100 Questions That Non-Members Ask About Unitarian Universalism.
UU Jokes
http://uua.org/ - The Unitarian Universalist Association home page
A Beginner's Guide to Online Resources for Unitarians, Universalists and Friends
UUism According to the Belief System Selector - an online test available at http://www.selectsmart.com/RELIGION/

ARE YOU A UU WITHOUT KNOWING IT?

Or something else? Try this handy-dandy, online, belief system selector to see how you fit into the spectrum of religious belief and which religion(s) is(are) right for you. No guarantees on accuracy (hey, it's just a computer program...).

Revision 2. Last edited Fri 11 Apr 2008 11:35am by TomYelton