Rockin' vid, mon. I definately think that UUA is on the leading edge of religions.....I just wished that they reproduced as fast as fundimentalist did...... :-(
Thanks, Randy. Re: UUAs reproducing, this week there's an ad in Time Magazine sponsored by the UUA. I'm not one for evangelizing, but I hope it helps bring in people who would otherwise be interested.
Thanks. The music is "Vintner Full," which I got from Freeplay Music dot com. The music is free for non commercial use, and I really like the site. Regarding the Unitarian Universalism, I find it useful. Others may not. However, I find UUism to be a non-dogmatic force for positive change. If it ever gets dogmatic, I'm out the door.
From UUAdotORG: "Atheists (people who do not believe in a god) and Agnostics (people who think that we cannot know whether a god exists) are more than welcome within Unitarian Universalism. Unitarian Universalism is unusual in its belief that a person can be very religious, spiritual, moral, etc. without believing in a god. There is no requirement to believe in a god of any sort within our faith. At last count, 19% of Unitarian Universalists said that they did not believe in any type of god."
My sentiments exactly. Satanism as a philosophy is exactly similar to my understanding of my nature and human nature in general. It's the rejection of the supernatural. But I am not about to dress in dark robes and wear a pentagram. Unitarianism is just silly and inefficient.
Great, spend some time checking out UUA dot ORG. I'm not necessarily trying to promote the UUA or UUism, but I think it's important for people to be aware that a religion already exists which promotes the type of tolerance that you advocate in YOUR video, that is: a tolerance that is intolerant of intolerance. ;)
I am still confused at what religion UUA actually is. What to they believe? What are they worshiping?
I have a question. Suppose I believe in a just god, a specific one like YAHWEH, and Hell. I have reasoned that my god reveals himself to everyone else Hell would be unjust. Therefore, I can conclude that by not worshiping my god the others intentionally wish to do evil. Can I still be a Unitarian Universalist?
The short answer is, yes. UUism is non-creedal. As long as you support other people's search for truth and meaning, you'd be living the UUA's principles. If you're truly interested, look around UUA dot ORG. If you're still confused or want a more personalized response, please, send me a private message.
Another serious question. If your child (assuming UUAs raise their children in their specific religion) if a child Leaves Christianity and starts praying to Allah, then what should the parent do? Support the child learning Arabic?
This is not a private question so I hope you don't mind it being put here.
"if a child Leaves Christianity and starts praying to Allah, then what should the parent do? Support the child learning Arabic?"
My advice for a parent of a minor, would be to not allow the child to join any congregation until you, as parent, are satisfied with the child's ability to decide such matters. If we're talking about an adult child, yeah, support the decision.
"So, Christianity is out also. I am impressed with that if it is true."
You can't join a UUA member congregation until you're 14, as a junior member (can't vote in congregation matters). My advice to all parents of minor children is not to let their kids join any congregation until you're satisfied with the child's ability to decide such matters.
"You can't join a UUA member congregation until you're 14, as a junior member (can't vote in congregation matters)."
Mea culpa, this is NOT factually correct. Each congregation deals with this matter as it seems fit, and even our congregation doesn't follow this rule. Junior members (age 13-17) in our congregation can vote, just not on financial matters and on the decision to dismiss a minister.
"It seems to be a place in which any statement about the spirit world is supported by the other members."
Think about the logical consequences of the members of a congregation following ALL seven principles. YOU are free to decide your own mind. YOU are also OBLIGATED to help other people along THEIR own spiritual path, respecting THEIR choices. You SHOULD be critical, but always in a way which encourages spiritual growth. Does that help explain it?
I am not concerned with a child joining a congregation. I am talking about times like the child might play with a ouija board with his friends or pray toward Mecca when his friends pray. "Tommy gave me a Qur'an."
"but always in a way which encourages spiritual growth."
So, truth is secondary. Would pointing out flaws in belief in specific miracles be hindering peoples spiritual growth?
"But what about beliefs? Is it required to respect something on which a person has FAITH?"
The UUA cites a number of sources from which we draw our beliefs. Among them are "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." So, if you're using the term "faith" tp mean something believed for which there is no evidence, I'd think that was an idolatry. Does that answer your question?
"I am not concerned with a child joining a congregation. I am talking about times like the child might play with a ouija board with his friends or pray toward Mecca when his friends pray."
I say, let the kids explore. As a point of interest, this year our congregation's youth religious education program explores different holidays and holy days from various faiths and cultures.
"So, truth is secondary. Would pointing out flaws in belief in specific miracles be hindering peoples spiritual growth?"
I wouldn't say truth is secondary, just that you can't encourage a free search if YOU claim to already KNOW the truth. Pointing out flaws is a necessary part of that search.
I agree that faith with no evidence should be shunned. I can't imagine that being enforced in a religion.
When you say the kids "explore", do you mean taught or apply? I know of christian churches that teach about other religions but never say they are as valid.
I agree that only the probability of knowing the truth should be claimed, and that is proportional to failed counter proofs. I don't see how anything spiritual can be declared in a UUA church. It must be a utopia of churches, if I understand correctly.
"When you say the kids 'explore', do you mean taught or apply? I know of christian churches that teach about other religions but never say they are as valid."
I taught the first lesson this year, and I explicitly stated that the students should try to understand the cultural aspects of each holiday, but that the validity of the spiritual aspects were up to each student to evaluate and decide for him/herself.
Rockin' vid, mon. I definately think that UUA is on the leading edge of religions.....I just wished that they reproduced as fast as fundimentalist did...... :-(
randyhelzerman 4 years ago
Thanks, Randy. Re: UUAs reproducing, this week there's an ad in Time Magazine sponsored by the UUA. I'm not one for evangelizing, but I hope it helps bring in people who would otherwise be interested.
MikeSarno 4 years ago
Very interesting, im going to give this a little investigation Mike.
P.S. I love the music (cello or viola or something, i dont know which) at the end of this video. It makes me think of PBS. LOL.
bigevasive 4 years ago
Thanks. The music is "Vintner Full," which I got from Freeplay Music dot com. The music is free for non commercial use, and I really like the site. Regarding the Unitarian Universalism, I find it useful. Others may not. However, I find UUism to be a non-dogmatic force for positive change. If it ever gets dogmatic, I'm out the door.
MikeSarno 4 years ago
Those would be my parameters as well. Thanks again.
bigevasive 4 years ago
Would this religion still rest on the false premise of a higher power?
CapnOrdinary 4 years ago 3
From UUAdotORG: "Atheists (people who do not believe in a god) and Agnostics (people who think that we cannot know whether a god exists) are more than welcome within Unitarian Universalism. Unitarian Universalism is unusual in its belief that a person can be very religious, spiritual, moral, etc. without believing in a god. There is no requirement to believe in a god of any sort within our faith. At last count, 19% of Unitarian Universalists said that they did not believe in any type of god."
MikeSarno 4 years ago
Cool, not only did I find out I am a Satanist but now I am apparently a Unitarian Universalist.
DayfallKat 4 years ago 2
My sentiments exactly. Satanism as a philosophy is exactly similar to my understanding of my nature and human nature in general. It's the rejection of the supernatural. But I am not about to dress in dark robes and wear a pentagram. Unitarianism is just silly and inefficient.
DeimosSaturn 4 years ago
See, now you're starting to catch my interest. I may have to look into that religion of yours.
CapnOrdinary 4 years ago
Great, spend some time checking out UUA dot ORG. I'm not necessarily trying to promote the UUA or UUism, but I think it's important for people to be aware that a religion already exists which promotes the type of tolerance that you advocate in YOUR video, that is: a tolerance that is intolerant of intolerance. ;)
MikeSarno 4 years ago
I am still confused at what religion UUA actually is. What to they believe? What are they worshiping?
I have a question. Suppose I believe in a just god, a specific one like YAHWEH, and Hell. I have reasoned that my god reveals himself to everyone else Hell would be unjust. Therefore, I can conclude that by not worshiping my god the others intentionally wish to do evil. Can I still be a Unitarian Universalist?
DayfallKat 4 years ago
The short answer is, yes. UUism is non-creedal. As long as you support other people's search for truth and meaning, you'd be living the UUA's principles. If you're truly interested, look around UUA dot ORG. If you're still confused or want a more personalized response, please, send me a private message.
MikeSarno 4 years ago
I did look at the site. I still couldn't tell what they believed. Do you have to believe in a soul?
And as my example went, yes, I would be supporting your search for truth; which is of course my god.
DayfallKat 4 years ago
Another serious question. If your child (assuming UUAs raise their children in their specific religion) if a child Leaves Christianity and starts praying to Allah, then what should the parent do? Support the child learning Arabic?
This is not a private question so I hope you don't mind it being put here.
DayfallKat 4 years ago
"if a child Leaves Christianity and starts praying to Allah, then what should the parent do? Support the child learning Arabic?"
My advice for a parent of a minor, would be to not allow the child to join any congregation until you, as parent, are satisfied with the child's ability to decide such matters. If we're talking about an adult child, yeah, support the decision.
MikeSarno 4 years ago
"This is not a private question so I hope you don't mind it being put here."
It's not an issue of privacy. This interface sucks for lengthy comments and discussions.
MikeSarno 4 years ago
"Do you have to believe in a soul?"
UUism is non-creedal, which is to say, there are no specific beliefs you must hold to join a congregation.
"I would be supporting your search for truth; which is of course my god."
This wouldn't be promoting "the free search for truth and meaning." If you mentioned your interpretation at a meeting, I'd point out those thoughts.
MikeSarno 4 years ago
"are satisfied with the child's ability to decide such matters"
So, Christianity is out also. I am impressed with that if it is true.
"no specific beliefs you must hold to join a congregation"
Then I am not sure of the point. It seems to be a place in which any statement about the spirit world is supported by the other members.
DayfallKat 4 years ago
"So, Christianity is out also. I am impressed with that if it is true."
You can't join a UUA member congregation until you're 14, as a junior member (can't vote in congregation matters). My advice to all parents of minor children is not to let their kids join any congregation until you're satisfied with the child's ability to decide such matters.
MikeSarno 4 years ago
"You can't join a UUA member congregation until you're 14, as a junior member (can't vote in congregation matters)."
Mea culpa, this is NOT factually correct. Each congregation deals with this matter as it seems fit, and even our congregation doesn't follow this rule. Junior members (age 13-17) in our congregation can vote, just not on financial matters and on the decision to dismiss a minister.
MikeSarno 4 years ago
"It seems to be a place in which any statement about the spirit world is supported by the other members."
Think about the logical consequences of the members of a congregation following ALL seven principles. YOU are free to decide your own mind. YOU are also OBLIGATED to help other people along THEIR own spiritual path, respecting THEIR choices. You SHOULD be critical, but always in a way which encourages spiritual growth. Does that help explain it?
MikeSarno 4 years ago
I am not concerned with a child joining a congregation. I am talking about times like the child might play with a ouija board with his friends or pray toward Mecca when his friends pray. "Tommy gave me a Qur'an."
"but always in a way which encourages spiritual growth."
So, truth is secondary. Would pointing out flaws in belief in specific miracles be hindering peoples spiritual growth?
DayfallKat 4 years ago
"respecting THEIR choices"
But what about beliefs? Is it required to respect something on which a person has FAITH?
DayfallKat 4 years ago 2
"But what about beliefs? Is it required to respect something on which a person has FAITH?"
The UUA cites a number of sources from which we draw our beliefs. Among them are "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." So, if you're using the term "faith" tp mean something believed for which there is no evidence, I'd think that was an idolatry. Does that answer your question?
MikeSarno 4 years ago
"I am not concerned with a child joining a congregation. I am talking about times like the child might play with a ouija board with his friends or pray toward Mecca when his friends pray."
I say, let the kids explore. As a point of interest, this year our congregation's youth religious education program explores different holidays and holy days from various faiths and cultures.
MikeSarno 4 years ago
"So, truth is secondary. Would pointing out flaws in belief in specific miracles be hindering peoples spiritual growth?"
I wouldn't say truth is secondary, just that you can't encourage a free search if YOU claim to already KNOW the truth. Pointing out flaws is a necessary part of that search.
MikeSarno 4 years ago
I agree that faith with no evidence should be shunned. I can't imagine that being enforced in a religion.
When you say the kids "explore", do you mean taught or apply? I know of christian churches that teach about other religions but never say they are as valid.
DayfallKat 4 years ago 2
I agree that only the probability of knowing the truth should be claimed, and that is proportional to failed counter proofs. I don't see how anything spiritual can be declared in a UUA church. It must be a utopia of churches, if I understand correctly.
DayfallKat 4 years ago 2
"I don't see how anything spiritual can be declared in a UUA church. It must be a utopia of churches, if I understand correctly."
In our congregation, the services tend to be humanistic.
MikeSarno 4 years ago
"When you say the kids 'explore', do you mean taught or apply? I know of christian churches that teach about other religions but never say they are as valid."
I taught the first lesson this year, and I explicitly stated that the students should try to understand the cultural aspects of each holiday, but that the validity of the spiritual aspects were up to each student to evaluate and decide for him/herself.
MikeSarno 4 years ago
Then that all sounds good to me.
DayfallKat 4 years ago