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Unitarian Universalist Beliefs
- We believe
in the freedom of religious expression. All individuals
should be encouraged to develop their own personal theology,
and to present openly their religious opinions without fear
of censure or reprisal.
- We believe
in the toleration of religious ideas. All religions, in
every age and culture, possess not only an intrinsic merit,
but also a potential value for those who have learned the art
of listening.
- We believe
in the authority of reason and conscience. The ultimate
arbiter in religion is not a church, or a document, or an official,
but the personal choice and decision of the individual.
- We believe
in the never-ending search for Truth. If the mind and heart
are truly free and open, the revelations which appear to the
human spirit are infinitely numerous, externally fruitful, and
wondrously exciting.
- We believe
in the unity of experience. There is no fundamental conflict
between faith and knowledge, religion and the world, the sacred
and the secular, since they all have their source in the same
realty.
- We believe
in the worth and dignity of each human being. All people
on earth have an equal claim to life, liberty, and justice--and
no idea, ideal, or philosophy is superior to a single human
life.
- We believe
in the ethical application of religion. Good works are the
natural product of a good faith, the evidence of an inner grace
that finds completion in social and community involvement.
- We believe
in the motive force of love. The governing principle in
human relationships is the principle of love, which always seeks
the welfare of others and never seeks to hurt or destroy.
- We believe
in the necessity of the democratic process. Records are
open to scrutiny, elections are open to members, and ideas are
open to criticism--so that people might govern themselves.
- We believe
in the importance of a religious community. The validation
of experience requires the confirmation of peers, who provide
a critical platform along with a network of mutual support.
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