Our Beliefs and Values
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion that embraces theological diversity. We have no dogma or creed; rather, we encourage each person to explore his or her own unique spiritual path using a variety of sources, including religious teachings, science, meditation, and the arts. While our beliefs span the religious spectrum, from theism to atheism, from Christianity to paganism, we’re held together by our support for each other’s search for truth and meaning, our shared values and principles, and our commitment to social justice.
Below, we offer a glimpse of UU beliefs and invite you to join us as you explore your own.
Our UU Principles
- There are seven principles that Unitarian Universalists affirm and promote:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
- Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Our Six Sources
Unitarian Universalism (UU) draws from many sources:
- Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
- Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
- Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
- Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
- 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.
- Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
These principles and sources of faith are the backbone of our religious community.
Our Symbol: The Flaming Chalice
A flame within a chalice (a wide-lipped stemmed cup) is a symbol of the Unitarian Universalist (UU) faith. Hans Deutsch, an Austrian artist, used the chalice and the flame as a Unitarian symbol while working with the Unitarian Service Committee during World War II. To him, the image symbolized sacrifice and love, but over the years the symbol has taken on different meanings. The image itself has changed many times and modern chalice designs often include two overlapping circles to represent our Unitarian and Universalist heritages.
UU Spirituality
Spirituality, and Unitarian Universalist spirituality in particular, has as many meanings as there are people trying to define it.
Our UUA President Rev. Peter Morales writes that “A spirituality worthy of the name involves deep awareness. It is that sense of profound openness and awakening in the Buddhist tradition…. It includes our intellect, our emotions, our senses. It is the bittersweet chill of a clear winter night, the yellow sunset, and salt air at the seashore.”
And Rev. William S. Schultz, former UUA president and executive director of Amnesty International, writes that “Occasionally the glory of the stars explodes before me so that I cannot turn away…. Whatever discloses that abundance, whatever reminds us of the best we can be, whatever summons us to transform the world into ever wider channels of justice and of love—this is spirituality.”
We each experience spirituality in our own way. Our fourth principle encourages us to a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We invite you to join us as you explore your unique sense of spirituality with us.
Billings
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
2032 Central Avenue / Billings, MT 59102
www.uubillings.org
/ buuf@uubillings.org
406-652-1893
Contact Us: