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Unitarian Universalism

Unitarian Universalism. The “Religion” of Pluralism – Tolerance - Freedom. The Need to Study UUA. Ignored for past 30 years New dynamics at work now Dangerous Ignorance of Potent Potential. Unitarianism

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Unitarian Universalism

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  1. Unitarian Universalism The “Religion”ofPluralism – Tolerance - Freedom

  2. The Need to Study UUA • Ignored for past 30 years • New dynamics at work now • Dangerous Ignorance of Potent Potential

  3. Unitarianism The doctrine that there is only one God not a holy Trinity of three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in one subsistence. Universalism Holds that all living beings will attain complete salvation.Later: All religions are equally valid means to truth – a universal world religion or blend of global faith positions Background Information

  4. History of the MovementsOrigin of Unitarianism Ideas • 16th c. Post Reformation Radical Wing • Servetus: Forerunner (founder?) • Sozzini(1539-1604) – Established Socinianism • Biddle(1615-1662) “Father of English Unitarianism” • Migration to American soil – Boston MA • The Fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of man, and the neighborhood of Boston • King’s Chapel

  5. History of the MovementsOrigin of Unitarianism Ideas • Key proponents of Unitarianism in America • Channing, William Ellery (1780-1842) “Apostle of American Unitarianism” • Baltimore Sermon: “Unitarian Christianity” • Emerson, Ralph Waldo (1803-1882) Principle lecturer propagating Unitarianism • Divinity School Address • Nature the Oversoul of which man is part • Transcendental philosophy

  6. History of the MovementsOrigin of Universalism Ideas • Roots in Zoroastrianism & Eastern religions • Proponents • Murray, John (1741-1815) Universalism developed into a denomination • Ballou, Hosea (1771-1852) “Father of American Universalism”

  7. History of the MovementsThree Phases of Development • Conservative Era 1800-1835 • Scriptural authority and supernatural elements • Idealism and Age of Reason Era 1835-1885 • From unorthodoxy to non-Christian philosophy • German influences on academia on East coast • Secularism Era 1885-2007 • Pluralism • Humanism • Alternative Spiritualities

  8. Organization of the Movement • Headquarters: Boston MA • Current Statistical Information • Transforming organization today • New Evangelistic Approach • Cause for Concern

  9. Teachings of the U.U.A. • Common Theme: Freedom and Tolerance • 1961 Declaration of Purpose • 1985 Revision • Doctrinal divergences • Authoritative writings • Trinitarian Position • Jesus • Man and Sin • Salvation • Eschatology – heaven / hell / afterlife • Church

  10. Responding to Unitarian Universalists • Step One: Information and Education • Step Two: strategize response • Apologetics focused on key pressure points • Problem: Convincing of ultimate truth • Groundwork before they can “hear” gospel • May require crisis – breakdown of worldview • Gradual disappointment with emptiness of self-worship • Ultimate inconsistency in absolute tolerance & freedom

  11. Questions?

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