Unitarian Universalism

[Scott Free]

What I don't agree upon is the pessimist conclusion you seem to have that any group of people organized under a particular cause or set of beliefs is doomed to become a victim of tribalism. If that is the case, we might as well stop right now trying to build a peaceful and just society for everyone.

Philosophy has well demonstrated that freedom and egalitarianism are mutually exclusive. I believe Karrie is 100% right in her assessment. Any organized group, and especially a group trying to build a utopia, is doomed to failure. It will become destructive and maybe even is immediately so.

Our current system of elitist rule enforced by violence is a tyranny that we are comfortable with but it is still a tyranny.

It is possible for an organized group to come close to a balance between freedom and egalitarianism so long as it isn't exclusive and responsive enough to react quickly. It is a difficult balance and one that requires the quick reflexes one might find in the computer controls of an advanced fighter jet. Our current system and social order of leaders doesn't IMO have that kind of responsiveness. I am quite sure this is why we see the kind of problems we do today. Society changes and advances far faster than our elites are able to react.

 

[karrie]

What I don't agree upon is the pessimist conclusion you seem to have that any group of people organized under a particular cause or set of beliefs is doomed to become a victim of tribalism. If that is the case, we might as well stop right now trying to build a peaceful and just society for everyone.

Ah.... you're taking it the wrong direction. Realizing the path religions take, and predicting that this one is just as susceptible to human flaw, doesn't mean it shouldn't exist. Just like I don't think that my rant is an argument for the end of any other religion. More that I think it is a splash of cold water that should be thrown on EVERY religion on a regular basis, to keep people aware, to keep them humble, and to keep them looking for good, rather than focusing on judgement.

You asked if it was an example of a 'good' religion. But most began with good intentions and good central values. It's where they'll end up after decades of practice that's the issue, not where they're beginning.

 

[MHz]

Okay, any religion can become corrupt and should be 'straightened out' when needed. It isn't like that is the only place corruption can be found. When do politicians, corporations, and bankers get that same glass of cold water in their faces? So far they seem to have immunity.

 

[karrie]

Okay, any religion can become corrupt and should be 'straightened out' when needed. It isn't like that is the only place corruption can be found. When do politicians, corporations, and bankers get that same glass of cold water in their faces? So far they seem to have immunity.

Well, since it's 'faith discussion', I don't know that it's really the place to delve into politicians and bankers.

 

[MHz]

If they have any part in those 7 things from about the 4th post how can they be excluded?

 

[tracy]

The UU church isn't exactly new. My parents were married in a UU church over 35 years ago. The Universalist and the Unitarian traditions have been around since the 18th century. They didn't formally join into the UU church until the 1960s.

The reason it's the only religious organization I could ever belong to is precisely because it doesn't spend time judging others. It's right there in the name and has been there since the beginning: Universalist. That comes from the notion that God loves all of us so much that he wouldn't damn anyone to hell. Salvation is universal. At the time (the late 1700s) that was somewhat of a radical idea. Many aspects of the church have changed over time, but it is still a free faith. Individual members are encouraged to find their own path.