Unitarian Universalism The “Religion” of Pluralism – Tolerance - Freedom

The Need to Study UUA ► Ignored for past 30 years ► New dynamics at work now ► Dangerous Ignorance of Potent Potential

Background Information Unitarianism The doctrine that there is only one God not a holy Trinity of three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in one subsistence. The doctrine that there is only one God not a holy Trinity of three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in one subsistence. Universalism Holds that all living beings will attain complete salvation. Later: All religions are equally valid means to truth – a universal world religion or blend of global faith positions

History of the Movements Origin of Unitarianism Ideas ► 16th c. Post Reformation Radical Wing  Servetus: Forerunner (founder?)  Sozzini ( ) – Established Socinianism  Biddle ( ) “Father of English Unitarianism” ► Migration to American soil – Boston MA  The Fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of man, and the neighborhood of Boston  King’s Chapel

History of the Movements Origin of Unitarianism Ideas ► Key proponents of Unitarianism in America  Channing, William Ellery ( ) “Apostle of American Unitarianism” ► Baltimore Sermon: “Unitarian Christianity”  Emerson, Ralph Waldo ( ) Principle lecturer propagating Unitarianism ► Divinity School Address ► Nature the Oversoul of which man is part ► Transcendental philosophy

History of the Movements Origin of Universalism Ideas ► Roots in Zoroastrianism & Eastern religions ► Proponents  Murray, John ( ) Universalism developed into a denomination  Ballou, Hosea ( ) “Father of American Universalism”

History of the Movements Three Phases of Development ► Conservative Era  Scriptural authority and supernatural elements ► Idealism and Age of Reason Era  From unorthodoxy to non-Christian philosophy  German influences on academia on East coast ► Secularism Era  Pluralism  Humanism  Alternative Spiritualities

Organization of the Movement ► Headquarters: Boston MA ► Current Statistical Information ► Transforming organization today ► New Evangelistic Approach ► Cause for Concern

Teachings of the U.U.A. ► Common Theme: Freedom and Tolerance  1961 Declaration of Purpose  1985 Revision ► Doctrinal divergences  Authoritative writings  Trinitarian Position  Jesus  Man and Sin  Salvation  Eschatology – heaven / hell / afterlife  Church

Responding to Unitarian Universalists ► Step One: Information and Education ► Step Two: strategize response  Apologetics focused on key pressure points  Problem: Convincing of ultimate truth ► Groundwork before they can “hear” gospel  May require crisis – breakdown of worldview  Gradual disappointment with emptiness of self-worship  Ultimate inconsistency in absolute tolerance & freedom