Unitarian Universalism is not an atheist movement but this article explains why atheists may comfortably fit into this organisation.
Unitarian Universalism
Last updated 2009-10-27
Unitarian Universalism
Ours is a non-creedal, non-doctrinal religion which affirms the individual's freedom of belief.
Unitarian Universalist publications
Unitarian Universalism is not an atheist movement, but a religious movement into which some atheists may comfortably fit.
The Unitarian Universalist logo ©
The movement proclaims the importance of individual freedom of belief, and it includes members from a wide spectrum of beliefs.
Unitarianism and Universalism began in the 18th century as a reaction against some Christian doctrines. The movements joined together in 1961.
Is it atheist?
The movement does not have an official definition of God, but allows members to "develop individual concepts of God that are meaningful to them." Members are entirely free to "reject the term and concept altogether."
However, the movement's literature says:
Most of us do not believe in a supernatural, supreme being who can directly intervene in and alter human life or the mechanism of the natural world. Many believe in a spirit of life or a power within themselves, which some choose to call God.
Unitarian Universalist literature
Most followers of established religions would regard this as an atheist position.
Services in the movement's churches do not make much (if any) mention of God. They emphasise human, ethical and social issues, and do not assume a belief in God.
Unitarian Universalist church in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. Photo: Jonathan Lamb ©
Spirituality
While the movement is both religious and spiritual, it does not have any place for spiritual beings that have an existence outside this world. Spirituality is seen as a dimension of ordinary life, in the same way as human life has physical, mental and emotional dimensions.
Afterlife
Most Unitarian Universalists believe that this is the only life we get.
Attitude to religion
Unitarian Universalists believe there is wisdom in most, if not all, of the world's religions. They feel each is valuable for what it can tell us about humanity and the world, and how people can find religious meaning and direction.
A statement of belief
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion born of the Jewish and Christian traditions. We keep our minds open to the religious questions people have struggled with in all times and places.
We believe that personal experience, conscience, and reason should be the final authorities in religion. In the end religious authority lies not in a book, person, or institution, but in ourselves. We put religious insights to the test of our hearts and minds.
We uphold the free search for truth. We will not be bound by a statement of belief. We do not ask anyone to subscribe to a creed. We say ours is a noncreedal religion. Ours is a free faith.
We believe that religious wisdom is ever changing. Human understanding of life and death, the world and its mysteries, is never final. Revelation is continuous. We celebrate unfolding truths known to teachers, prophets, and sages throughout the ages.
We affirm the worth of all women and men. We believe people should be encouraged to think for themselves. We know people differ in their opinions and lifestyles, and we believe these differences generally should be honored.
We seek to act as a moral force in the world, believing that ethical living is the supreme witness of religion. The here and now and the effects our actions will have on future generations deeply concern us. We know that our relationships with one another, with diverse peoples, races, and nations, should be governed by justice, equity, and compassion.
Unitarian Universalist Association
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