Posted by iris2 on September 16, 2004, at 15:44:30
In reply to Re: relationship advice...., posted by becksA on September 16, 2004, at 14:06:03
> I supposed that would be worth a thought. My whole life/family has been Presbyterian...and although I'm not devout and don't go every week (actually I haven't gone in a long time, although my family has)...It might be strange for me to check into a totally different denomination JUST for the social aspect of things. I looked around at the different presbyterian churches for this but all the groups were either for middle/high schoolers and senior citizens, with nothing in between!
When I walked into the Unitarian Universalist "Congregation"(we voted later to call it a church) I had not been to Temple or any other religious activity for over 20 years.
I have copied the "Principles" around which the entire religion is about. I would not have been able to go if it had been dogmatic in any way. I am not trying to convert you to a different religion. I do not believe in that type of thing. This can be so spiritual without being "religious" and for myself with the depression I found a place I felt I belonged from the beginning. The extra was that there was room for me to be active in volunteer groups and along with that I got to meet a lot of people. I never bothered to join any of the singles stuff.
Anyway here are the "Principles" and a very brief description:
With its historical roots in the Jewish and Christian traditions, Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion -- that is, a religion that keeps an open mind 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, and that in the end religious authority lies not in a book or person or institution, but in ourselves. We are a "non-creedal" religion: we do not ask anyone to subscribe to a creed.
Our congregations are self-governing. Authority and responsibility are vested in the membership of the congregation. Each Unitarian Universalist congregation is involved in many kinds of programs. Worship is held regularly, the insights of the past and the present are shared with those who will create the future, service to the community is undertaken, and friendships are made. A visitor to a UU congregation will very likely find events and activities such as church school, day-care centers, lectures and forums, support groups, poetry festivals, family events, adult education classes and study groups.
Unitarian Universalist Association Principles and Purposes
We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote
· The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
· Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;· Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
· A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
· The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;· The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
· Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
The living tradition which we share draws from many sources:· Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
· Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
· Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
· Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;· Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
· Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support
Here is a link to the association: http://www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.htmlThis is a link to the congregation I go to: http://www.sunnyhill.org/uu/
There is a very short book I read as part of a class I took to learn about it all. I will look it up if you are interested. You could read it in an afternoon.
The reason I am advancing this to you or others so much is not only that it helped me so much but the therapist I was seeing at the time pooh-poohed the whole thing. We did not talk of it. After I had started going for a couple of months he saw how much it helped me and asked me about it and where it was I assume to tell some of his other clients. This really is not about "religion".If you have any questions do not hesitate. I will not send more information else you think I really was trying to convert you.
Sorry if it seems that way, not the intent.
irene
poster:iris2
thread:391085
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040914/msgs/391582.html