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People who find themselves religious however not spiritual search religious administrators who will be attentive to them with out trying to place them in an institutional field. Whereas religious administrators of all backgrounds are purported to have this kind of openness, there’s one spiritual custom that has a historical past of not forcing seekers right into a field: Unitarian Universalism (UU). That’s why when referring individuals who name themselves religious however not spiritual to religious administrators, I many occasions steer them towards administrators from the Unitarian Universalist custom.
Unitarian Universalists are dedicated to “serving to folks lead lives of justice, love, studying, and hope.” Whereas they maintain to no creed or doctrine, Unitarian implies they’re monotheistic (Divine oneness) and Universalist refers back to the perception that every one folks — no exceptions — are acceptable to the Divine, with the divine interpreted in any variety of methods. Atheists can discover a house amongst UUs, alongside humanists and other people from Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and pagan backgrounds.
Listed below are 5 causes I imagine Unitarian Universalist religious administrators — particularly the three I interviewed, whose ideas you’ll discover under — are good decisions for the religious however not spiritual individual.
UUs know the right way to speak concerning the religious life with out overly theistic or “churchy” language.
Rev. Dr. Victoria Weinstein: UUs are very skilled with individuals who have been wounded by spiritual custom and communities so — for higher or worse — we turn out to be theologically multi-lingual. We all know that the start of religious path is listening, so we pay attention rigorously for the language the directee is utilizing. We’re listening for the presence of the spirit. What are they groping towards? Additionally, what language hurts or triggers them? What are they rejecting? What’s the language that has excluded them? We’re comfy with their tales of being damage by spiritual folks or establishments due to sexuality, being too curious, or too open.
Rev. Michelle Pederson: As a result of we within the UU custom are so numerous within the first place, we’re extra used to talking throughout huge theological variations. I feel that atheists won’t really feel they’d be heard by a Christian religious director however could be heard and completely understood by us as we assist them take a look at that means of their lives (whether or not we use the phrase God or not). I wish to ask: The place do you are feeling referred to as by the universe?
UUs are accepting of many paths to the Divine
Rev. Todd Strickland: As Unitarian Universalists, we have a tendency to come back already deconstructed from the assorted spiritual properties through which we had been born. So, after we encounter somebody who calls themselves “Religious however not spiritual,” that is typically a journey with which now we have some familiarity, and it’s not jarring to our religious grounding. The problem for Unitarian Universalists is whether or not now we have reconstructed a brand new philosophy or religion that grounds us sufficient to do the spirit work of holding area and being current.
Rev. Weinstein: I’ve identified lots of reverent atheists. I discover it very simple to accompany an individual no matter their perception in God. They’re having an expertise of being alive and it’s doing one thing to them. I would name that sense of stirring consciousness or craving God. They may name it one thing else. A part of our course of collectively is to search out ideas and language that resonate for them.
UUs have statements of religion rules, however no creeds.
Rev. Pederson: UU congregations promote 7 rules of religion, however you don’t must have a particular perception to be UU. The primary precept is the inherent value and dignity of the individual (not some, all). We search to deal with folks with respect. I didn’t develop up with any faith, so I started to discover religion as a youngster looking out round. I discovered UUism at 30, and it spoke to me about how I relate to the universe.
UUs don’t attempt to convert folks — ever.
Rev. Pederson: There isn’t a proselytizing in Unitarian Universalism. It’s just like the Alcoholics Nameless precept of attraction somewhat than promotion. We attempt to have the ability to say what we imagine with out pushing it.
UUs are intercourse and physique constructive.
Rev. Weinstein: UUs are distinctive in that now we have carried out work over the past 50 years integrating human sexuality with spirituality. I’m comfy with directees who’re LGBTQ, a part of the kink neighborhood, or asexual. Possibly they’re exploring. It is very important be capable of carry one’s complete self to religious path, and I feel everybody deserves to work with a religious director who receives and celebrates all of who they’re.
Rev. Pederson: There isn’t a debate about full personhood of LGBTQ folks in UUism. Everyone seems to be welcomed. And we’ve been doing lots of work round physique positivity and increasing how folks see themselves. Nobody goes to fats disgrace you, both.
After all, all skilled religious administrators are purported to be welcoming to all religious paths, questions, life decisions, beliefs, and traditions. For those who really feel judged by a director, discover a new one. Nevertheless, for folks with a heightened sensitivity to how their story could be acquired, I’m satisfied {that a} skilled and skilled Unitarian Universalist religious director could be a superb alternative for a long-lasting and significant connection.
If you want to contact one among these UU religious administrators, right here is their contact info.
Rev. Dr. Victoria Weinstein, UU minister and religious director, Japanese MA
Rev. Michelle Pederson, UU neighborhood minister and religious director, Nashville, TN
Rev. Todd Strickland, UU clergy, chaplain, and SD
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