Heritage of Heresy: Chapter 1

Heritage of Heresy:
Bisbee & Tuttle on the Universalist Frontier

Early Universalists in the Minnesota Territory were leaders in intellectual, business, social and spiritual life. Indeed, they brought a well-rounded and reasoned approach to building their new communities. By 1860, there were two Universalist Societies established within a one mile radius of each other, the First Universalist Society of St. Anthony, and the First Universalist Society of Minneapolis. In the decade that followed, the differences between the ministers of these two societies grew wider than the Mississippi River that physically separated their churches.

In 1872, the traditional and pragmatic approach of Rev. James Tuttle of Minneapolis clashed with the progressive and provocative style of Rev. Herman Bisbee of St. Anthony. The two men presented their views on Universalism in competing sermons. While Tuttle preached creationism and the infallibility of the Bible, Bisbee argued in favor of evolution and women's rights. Bisbee's proposals were so radical and progressive that he was brought up on 'unministerial conduct' charges by the Universalist establishment. Heritage of Heresy tells the story of the struggle to define Universalism in an expanding America.

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• Unitarian
• Universalist
• History
• Bisbee
• Tuttle
• Frontier
• Minnesota
• Evolution
• Creation
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• Religion

[NixonisLord]

Unitarians preach diversity and celebrate our differences: why do they remain overwhelmingly White and middle/upper middle class and from the middle to Left of the Democratic party (NPR at prayer)? If this is diversity, cream cheese is salsa.

 If it weren't for the fact that you're financial state is much better per capita than most of us and you're overwhelmingly in upper income and social brackets, you'd be less important than the Jehovah's Witnesses. Stupid excuse for a religion.

[jereuter01]

@shieldsff See! There you go showing the true nature of your delusion with your vain threat that, "I will stand before Jesus and be judged righteously." You have proven to me the core tyranny of your angry faith. You are the one who brought up Hitler, not me. I pointed out that he was raised Catholic and gave preference to the anglo Christian. I might also point out that your own Martin Luther "ranted and raved" anti-semitic slurs, his 99 theses the ediface of Protestantism.

[shieldsff]

perhaps sadly, hating the truth about the realities of our common mortal condition is what U R really so frustrated about ?!? Is it any person's fault that your existence here is like a blade of grass as Solomon says- no more than a vapor. For anyone to assert that Jesus is a type of "Aryan" who would support the genocideof jews (or any group based on 'race') is,of course, preposterous."My God delusion"- then why do you rant & rave here? When YOU stand before JESUS U will be judged righteously

[jereuter01]

@shieldsff Sadly , debating a shallow religious demogogue is fruitless. You insult w/reference t/unicorns, the Pantheon. Hitler ac Catholic praised Christian heritage, professed a belief in Aryan Jesus Christ, a Jesus who fought against Jews. Learn your history bf popping off! Your irrational dogma: God sent his Son on a suicide mission bc he loves us so much but if we don't believe in him, we're going to burn in hell forever. Your God Delusion is not mine, nor millions like me.

[shieldsff]

Sadly, this is where you are so mistaken- it has NOTHING to do with "my way". You have no basis for asserting that many ways lead to [the truth of] God. As far as U appear to suppose, the 'spiritual' precepts of Molech or perhaps Mr. Hitler might well lead one to god as any other -(or perhaps you prefer the mysteries of unicorns or the pantheon). David said the word of the Lord is light; Jesus said men love darkness but He is the Light. Jesus adds U must be born to see the Kingdom of God

[jereuter01]

@shieldsff Your way is not the only way, nor your truth despositive. There are many paths to peace, just as there are in your faith many mansions in heaven. It's not your destination, but rather my journey that matters to me. I am as steadfast in my way and faithful to my way as you claim be to your way. Om shanti shanti shanti.

[shieldsff]

if that has been, in fact, your experience, i certainly regret that. Of course, I do not know any details of UR experience w/whatever encounter you had. However, all humans are fallible, & subject to deficiencies- the Bible makes that clear and that would extend to you as well as me. The great & wonderful truth, however, is that the failures of men do NOT undermine the reality, truth and experiences of personal relationship w/Jesus. John says the Law came by Moses but grace & truth by Jesus

[jereuter01]

@shieldsff In my experience Christians pretend to "love everybody" but their actions prove otherwise. Reconstructionalist & Dominionist Christians dominate Protestantism. You may pray for me as much as you wish, just stay out of my bedroom & classroom & workplace & secular courts. I don't believe your benevolent intentions. How presumptuous of you to assert that (I) may "never (have) had the faith in the truth to begin with..." Your truth, or my Truth? Your Great Commission is powerless.

[shieldsff]

@jereuter01 - sorry, but it cannot be considered 'heresy' from the perspective of traditional judeo/christian faith if YOU NEVER HAD FAITH IN THE TRUTH to begin with.... As Christians, we love everybody and we will pray for your coming to the perfected knowledge and truth of the person & work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross for you. But, technically, you ARE NOT a heretic

[shieldsff]

yes, but why do people have to 'feel' that their sexuality has to drive who they really are- their" identity" Why is the word spirituality thrown around so much without any definition ? If spirituality means, say maximizing material wealth & profits" ( a defensible philosophy called objectivism) can this religion can help me grow into.. No, I don;t believe that this is the tenet, but it is clears that traditional Bible truths & morality WOULD NOT be called 'spiritual' here. Am I wrong