A Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism

This book is what its title says it is: an introduction to Unitarian Universalism. It combines a brief history of the denomination (which, in one respect, goes back centuries, but in another goes back to the 1961 merger of the Unitarian and Universalist denominations, whereupon the Unitarian Universalist Association ceased to be a "liberal Christian" denomination and became the "non-creedal religion" it is today) with an overview of UU principles, mixed with the author's personal reminiscences.Unitarian Universalism is a tough religion to categorize or summarize. For those used to faiths where you are given a creed to follow and answers to life's deep questions, it can be difficult to understand the appeal of a religion that gives you questions rather than answers. There are no "authoritative" answers within the church regarding the existence of God or the nature of souls and the afterlife or why good people suffer, so the author of this book can only give his personal opinion without presuming to speak for Unitarian Universalism in general.If you want to know more about Unitarian Universalism in general, this is a good book to start with. If you are wondering whether Unitarian Universalism might be the "right" religion for you, then you won't find the answer to that in this or any book. You need to attend a UU church and talk to the members of the congregation and see if it's a good "fit" for you. And be aware that no two UU congregations are the same -- some are heavily theistic, with a lot of spiritual/religious overtones (though none explicitly endorse or require members to believe in a deity), while others are much more "humanist." Some UU congregations are even explicitly pagan/"Earth-centered" in nature, though these are rare. The point is, if one congregation doesn't feel right to you, you might find another one does. You will find some UU members who are very comfortable with "religious language" while others recoil at any mention of God. Some regard this as a positive thing about Unitarian Universalism, the fact that it is so personal and unique to each individual's experience, others find the lack of uniformity or consensus frustrating.I think it is this tension between "theists" and "humanists" within the UUA that prompted a previous reviewer's negative review of this book. As an atheist UU myself, I disagree with his assessment that this book is "hostile" to humanists/atheists. The thing is, the author is more theistic himself and so he has a more benevolent view of Unitarian Universalism's theistic (Christian, in fact) heritage. He doesn't explicitly say "There is a God," and admits he's unsure, but one gets the impression that he believes in some sort of higher power or at least would like to, and so he has a kindly attitude towards fellow believers. This may grate on determinedly atheistic UUs who would prefer that there be no mention at all of deities or spirituality in UU services. Personally, I don't find such religious references offensive as long as I am not being asked to subscribe personally to a belief in any gods or made to feel excluded because I don't. But as far as theology goes, this book only offers the author's PERSONAL theology; it cannot lay out a theological foundation for all UUs, because every UU approaches theology differently.

So glad my son made me aware of this book. Powerful reading!

Overall, I enjoyed and found helpful this introduction to Unitarian Univeralism. But, you must know a but is coming.However (I fooled you!) I must say I chuckled at some of the themes that Revs. Buehrens and Church emphasized.1. The claim to be a non-hierarchical church. Buehrens himself was the president of the UUA--not all that different from being the pope. I think you have local supervisors. Another word for supervisor is "bishop." BTW, concerning Catholics, maybe 1% of an average day has anything to do with the pope. Maybe 2% of the same day has anything to do with the bishop. 97% of the time we are congregationalists.2. The claim to be non-credal. But what are the six sources? What are the 10 beliefs of Rev. David Rankin in the book's introduction? If you say that "they are not creeds, they are suggestions," I tell you, that is the way that the majority of Catholics take their creed.3. The claim to all inclusiveness, toleration, and non-judgementalism. How are pro-life UU's treated, if there are any? Rankin (#6) states that "we believe in the worth and dignity of every human being." Certainly a pre-born baby is human; he/she isn't animal or vegetable or mineral. Is she/he a "being?" I think so, as opposed to a non-being. In 1966, my brother was born at 6 months maturity, at 2lbs, 13 oz. He was given a 1% chance of living. Now he is about 222lbs. No one says anyone should go to jail; that is a 'straw man' argument. Just that it should be left to the states, contra Roe v Wade, and that it be recognized as 'not a good thing, to be avoided.' Apparently, Susan B. Anthony and many of the original feminists were against abortion.Would a UU who said "my sense of justice requires that those who take a life should forfeit their life" be tolerated?4.) There seemed to be too much emphasis on "fundamentalists" as bogey men/women. Where's the tolerance, the love, the acceptance, even if you don't have to think alike with them?At any rate, thank you for this introduction, and I look forward to learning more about your denomination.

The book is a discussion by two Unitarian Universalist Ministers. Each alternates in writing a chapter. Unitarian and Universalist history is richly discussed. I like the idea of "deeds not creeds". Examples such as Unitarian minister Henry Whitney Bellows in the early 1860's founding the American Sanitary Commision which was the precurser to the American Red Cross. And Unitarian minister, Rev. James Reeb who was murdered in Sema Alabama for marching with Rev. Martin Luther King.Rev. Forrest Church discusses the historic Christian Apostle's Creed and what it says about Jesus. The creed does not mention the life and teachings of Jesus which are important. Unitarian Universalists do have Christian roots. Rev John Buehrens points out that "The living tradition we share draws from diverse sources." UU's have a rich tradition going back to the reformation, questioning the belief in the Trinity. Michael Servetus was burned at the stake as a heretic for challenging this belief.

Easy to read. Informative. The Unitarians are without creed or dogma. No Literalist rote religion. They are interested love and justice. I found the book informative and describes a very intelligent fellowship.

Fast delivery good book

Bought as a gift

Excellent introduction to Unitarianism. Quotable words on virtually every page.

recommended reading for all unitarians

informative