Unitarians what do they believe

Our own sin, our own false and selfish consciousness, is overcome inasmuch as we too can live lovingly and selflessly, no matter what the cost. It must be said that many Unitarians are wary of the word "salvation". We find some of its associations in mainstream Christianity unhelpful. However, whether we use the word or not, Unitarians tend to see salvation in this-worldly rather than other-worldly terms.

We identify it with the deliverance of the human spirit from those things that diminish it and bar the way to its fulfilment. Thus, deliverance from all that fractures our relationships with each other, with the rest of creation, and with our own true selves -- and so from God -- constitutes salvation.

Such fracture manifests itself in hatred and resentment, arrogance and bitterness, greed and fear, guilt and self-contempt.

Unitarians identify the agent of salvation as healing, dynamic love. This is both channelled through others and derived from some wellspring within ourselves. It is love that brings wholeness and fulfilment through the dissolution of the barriers that divide us.

These barriers exist both inwardly and in the external world. The ultimate saviour is the source of love's power -- which most call God. However, love becomes manifest only in human beings and their relationships. So all those people who bring mercy and reconciliation, liberty and justice into the world are the embodiments of salvation. They are the "saviours" within humanity. Unitarians hold a wide variety of beliefs on this subject.

Some have a very firm belief in personal survival beyond death, and cite evidence to support it. Others -- probably most -- are less categorical, perhaps believing that in some way all that constitutes a human being continues to exist after death. However, they would not wish to be specific about how, where or in what form. They might talk in terms of the soul or spirit returning to God.

They might say that the essence of a person is rewoven into the spiritual life of the universe, just as the body's constituents are reworked into the universe's physical dimension. Some are interested in exploring the various theories of reincarnation. The persistence of a person's ideas, genes and more intangible influences would be as much as many Unitarians would be prepared to concede.

Some prefer to say nothing at all, being content to "take one world at a time". Most, though, would also point to the continued existence of individuals in the memories and lives of those who knew and loved them, and would see in this a source of comfort. Whatever our position, most Unitarians agree that this is an area of mystery. Many theories exist, many claims are made, but undisputed evidence is hard to find.

Unitarians take the view that, in any case, the focus of our attention should be this world. Our concern is better directed to considering how we should live our lives in the here and now. A life well-lived is the best preparation for death, what-ever may lie beyond it.

Unitarians take a scientific and evolutionary view of human origins. We regard the biblical creation stories as myths. As myths, though, they still have value. In them are expressed deep and perceptive insights into human nature and our place in world. However, a hard and fast view of human nature is precluded by the incompleteness of our knowledge. We have a long way to go in our exploration of human origins, biology, sociology and psychology.

Generally speaking, though, Unitarians share a positive view of human nature and human potential. While not being blind to human weakness and our capacity for evil, we do not see human beings as inherently depraved or corrupt.

We have little time for the doctrines of "original sin" and inherited guilt. Rather we see human beings as having inherent and equal worth. This is regardless of all such differences as race, gender, class, creed, or sexual orientation.

Unitarians affirm that all human beings originate in the Divine Unity, all have something of God in them, all are alive with the same divine breath. Humanity's tragedy has all too often been to lose sight of this. Thus people become alienated from each other and from the roots of their own being.

To rediscover an awareness of our connectedness with each other and with our common origin is one of the objects of the spiritual quest. On the fraught question of whether human nature and human destiny are free or determined, Unitarians come down on the side of freedom. Our forebears had little time for the old Calvinist ideas of predestination or for superstitions like astrology. More serious considerations come into play with such issues as the influence of the environment in which we are raised and, increasingly, with genetic determinants.

Although the jury is still out here, Unitarians recognise their importance. Unitarians accept that human beings are moulded by many influences and live within certain parameters. However, we believe that people remain capable of free choice and self-determination. Indeed, our freedom is enhanced the more we understand the factors that influence us. And to the extent that we are free, then to that extent we are also responsible.

Is there a Unitarian Morality? With our belief in individual religious freedom, can Unitarians give any moral guidance? Can there be any shared moral standards, or are all free to behave as they please? One point a Unitarian might make is that unless your moral standards are truly your own, then they do not really constitute morality. If they are simply imposed on you, then they are just a means of social control and nothing more. Of course, a commonly accepted "moral framework" must exist in any human society.

But this is not enough, unless people also have a personal morality, an ethical code that is truly their own. A Unitarian view of morality does not favour untrammelled individualism.

Unitarian acceptance of the underlying unity and connectedness of humanity comes into play here. We don't live in isolation.

We are members of society, with a responsibility to help make it work. We may be individuals, with a right to our own beliefs, but we are also social beings. As such it is incumbent upon each of us to behave in ways that respect others and make our community, and our world, a better place for everyone.

In building a personal morality we may well learn from the teachings and example of others, but the crucial point is to make it ours.

One of the traps in the area of morality is to pay more attention to other people's behaviour than to one's own. Judgementalism and self-righteousness can result. Unitarians are suspicious of any morality that is too rigid in its decisions or which is lacking in mercy. Such "morality" often comes with a religious label attached.

But a liberal religious Unitarian morality offers another model: one that imposes the highest standards on oneself, while treating others with justice and compassion. Gilbert, a Unitarian Universalist minister. They are widely used in Unitarian congregations. It is impossible to give "the Unitarian position" on any and every specific ethical and moral issue. This is for two reasons. First, there are too many to deal with in the space available here. Second, Unitarians do not impose a "moral orthodoxy" any more than a theological one.

On many things, though, there is a near universal consensus. This may be expressed in statements agreed at local, district, and national levels.

Even then the right to dissent is fully respected and such statements are not seen as binding on all Unitarians, either in the present or the future. Unitarians are wary of narrowly focused "morally absolute" positions -- those claiming a monopoly of truth and virtue on a particular issue.

We see such inflexibility as insensitive to the inevitable complexities of such issues. Simplistic "moral absolutism" also carries with it the dangers of spiritual arrogance, bigotry, and self-righteousness.

It can corrupt the well-meaning. As we have seen on issues such as abortion and animal rights, it can lead to violent fanaticism on the part of extremists that discredits a whole movement. Unitarians approaching any moral issue will seek balance and a stance that affirms love, life, compassion, and justice. We will be conscious, though, that our personal decision is ours alone. We will recognise that other sincere people may reach a different conclusion.

Where there are differences, Unitarians seek respectful dialogue. Where there is consensus, we will speak and act together as the times demand. Unitarians tend to see their faith in this-worldly terms. This means that we see the spiritual sphere as inextricably linked with the ordering of human affairs. Our religion is in constant dialogue with the world as it is, and thus with the political and social issues of the day.

In this we make no claim to be different from many people in other denominations and faith traditions. Indeed, Unitarians find many points of contact with other people of faith on matters relating to social, economic, and environmental justice. Inasmuch as these matters are political in the broadest sense, then Unitarians do mix religion with politics.

This means, for some, active involvement in campaigns, marches and demonstrations. It may mean lobbying politicians and making legislators aware of Unitarian concerns in particular areas of policy. It means using one's democratic rights responsibly and purposefully for the common good. It means focusing on political and social issues in worship in order to explore their spiritual implications. Unitarians are interested in the whole range of challenges facing our society and our world. We believe that our liberal religious ethos, our affirmation of human dignity, and our one-world vision have something valuable to offer in this regard.

However, although many Unitarians are active in the social and political sphere, as a movement we are not aligned with any political party or single-issue political organisation. Unitarians can be found across the whole spectrum of democratic political parties, sometimes as dedicated activists. They can also be found in all manner of groups campaigning on humanitarian and environmental issues. As a movement, Unitarians are religious, not political, but our religion has political implications, and our politics have a spiritual foundation.

Unitarians see human sexuality as a perfectly natural and healthy dimension of our existence. Although it is fundamentally the means of pro-creation, Unitarians recognise and value its role in bringing intimacy, tenderness, and pleasure to loving relationships. We do not insist that sex is for procreative purposes only, but its primeval purpose is a source of wonder, reverence, and awe. For the most part, Unitarians take the view that the natural spectrum of sexuality includes both homosexuality and bisexuality.

For this reason we would affirm the right of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people to give full emotional and physical expression to their sexuality. In all matters relating to sexuality, however, Unitarians stress the absolute necessity of responsibility and respect. For us, sexual immorality means any form of sexual activity that is not conducted on a sure basis of mutual consent and with due regard to the health, welfare and feelings of third parties. Unitarians regard sexual abuse and exploitation of any kind as an affront to the rights, worth, and dignity of the human person.

Any sexual activity that is not entered into willingly, consciously, respectfully, and lovingly by consenting and responsible adults is seen by Unitarians as dangerous and unacceptable. In our view sex, properly used, is a wonderful gift to be thankful for. If, however, it is squandered or used to degrade and hurt others, then something wonderful becomes tawdry and squalid. As people who place their primary religious concern on life in this world, Unitarians are much concerned with environmental issues.

Historically, we have been deeply interested both in the scientific study of our natural environment and in seeing it as a spiritual resource -- alive with the divine. This remains the case today. Unitarian devotional writing and hymnody reflect a deep sense of the sacredness of the natural world. Many Unitarians are active in environmental and conservation organisations.

Unitarian worship often reflects spiritually on these subjects, and also celebrates the natural cycle of the seasons. Among Unitarians there is considerable interest in "reation spirituality" not to be confused with "Creationism".

Unitarians may see creation spirituality in a Judaeo-Christian context: the creation as blessing, as the pregnant manifestation of God's unfolding creative power. They may also look to other traditions which, for example, see the earth as Mother -- to be revered and respected -- with all natural phenomena replete with spiritual significance.

Whatever the theological underpinning which some may not see as necessary anyway care for the environment is now seen as an important aspect of liberal religious life. This is both for its own sake and for the sake of all present and future generations of the earth's inhabitants. Unitarians regard the main-tenance of a sustainable, diverse and beautiful environment -- "natural" and "human" as needful for our survival and our wellbeing as a species.

On pacifism, as on all issues of personal conscience, each Unitarian is free to come to his or her own conclusions without fear of judgement or censure. So although there are many Unitarian pacifists, there is no explicit requirement or implicit expectation on the matter.

Unitarians live with diversity and its potential tensions -- on this subject as on many others. A Unitarian congregation may include both pacifists and members of the armed forces.

But whether pacifist or not, Unitarians affirm the values of peace, justice, forgiveness and reconciliation. Some call these divine values. They are held to be necessary for the wholeness and happiness of any human community, from the family to the nation and the world.

On the subject of war, Unitarians agree that it is wrong. Some say that this rules out the use of force entirely, that it can never be justified in any situation.

For others, though, there are -- sadly, tragically -- situations in which the use of proportionate force is necessary in order to prevent or defeat a greater evil, particularly to defend the innocent and the weak in immediate peril.

Unitarians generally agree, however, that we must find better ways than war and violence to resolve conflicts and disputes. We agree that nations and individuals should regard the renunciation of violence as a moral imperative. But many Unitarians also believe that, in the world as it is, circumstances sometimes necessitate actions for the sake of others that fall short of these ideals.

It gives them no satisfaction to do so. The Unitarian view of religious authority contrasts with those held by many other traditions. It is often the case that a religious organisation, whatever its size, vests spiritual authority in a holy book, a creed or confession of faith, in a hierarchical structure or priestly caste, or in some charismatic leader or authority figure.

Although this authority may be seen by its own adherents as divine or a mediation of the divine, the Unitarian view is that it remains essentially human, regardless of claims made by it or for it. Unitarians are sceptical of any claim to be in exclusive possession of religious truth. In the final analysis, all human beings have the same access to the evidence. All human beings can have a direct relationship with the ultimate, with God.

All human beings can see the universe for themselves. All have the potential for an interior life of the spirit. Although someone may develop spiritually within a particular faith tradition, such development is greatest when the believer is in active and critical dialogue with it. To be unthinkingly submissive to it, on the other hand, is fraught with dangers.

Unitarians believe that the seat of religious authority lies within oneself. This is not an arrogant claim. All people develop their own belief-system, whether they articulate it or not. All people choose what to accept or reject from the propositions on offer. The Unitarian approach is, therefore, to recognise that each person is his or her own final authority in matters of faith. Our liberal religious ethos grants full individual freedom in this regard.

However, we also see the necessity of religious community, of exposure to the beliefs, doubts, and insights of others. This provides the necessary checks and balances that prevent belief descending into self-indulgence, fantasy, and a blinkered self-centredness.

To be a Unitarian is to take responsibility for one's own faith. It is to value the intuitions of oneself and others. It is to test one's beliefs against reason and conscience. It is to afford others the same right to be honest with their own inner authority as one claims for oneself.

They believe in rationalism, social action, and the inherent goodness of humans. Because they do not believe in salvation through Jesus Christ, who would have to be divine in order to save us, they have developed a humanistic type of religion that makes salvation dependent upon ethical good works.

The beliefs of one member of this society were clearly summarized a few years ago in an advertisement: "Do Unitarians Believe in Anything? We believe in brotherhood; Many of us even believe in God. In , the Unitarians merged with a group called The Universalists who, during the 19th century held that salvation was ultimately for everyone, regardless of repentance in this life.

The Universalist teaching acknowledges that Jesus is God, but takes away any human responsibility in salvation. Because the Unitarians do not believe Jesus is God, it is hard to understand how these two groups could have gotten together, but they did.

Skip to main content. Search only: All News TV. The Christian Broadcasting Network CBN is a global ministry committed to preparing the nations of the world for the coming of Jesus Christ through mass media. What Do Unitarians Believe? What Is Hare Krishna? Discover the intriguing history and beliefs of these churches and Unitarianism below! Meaning of Unitarianism Unitarianism is a theological movement named for its view that the God in Christianity is one person, contrary to the Trinity which defines God as three forms in one being; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Unitarian Christians hold that Jesus was encouraged by God in his moral teachings, and he is a savior, yet he was not a divinity or God incarnate. Unitarianism does not compose one single Christian denomination but refers to a combination of both existing and defunct Christian groups which share a similar theological notion of the singular essence of God.

Unitarianism , as a Christian denominational group of churches, was first established in Poland-Lithuania and Transylvania in the late 16th century. It was then more refined in England and America until the early 19th century, although canonical predecessors are to be found as far back as the beginning days of Christianity. It developed and arrived at its classical form in the mid 19th century. Later historical growth has been assorted in different countries.

Unitarians track their history back to the Apostolic Age and maintain this belief was popular during the pre-Nicene era, preceding the First Council of Nicaea in Many Unitarians consider their Christology most similarly matches that of the "original Christians. Search term:. Read more. This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets CSS enabled.

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