What do Unitarian Universalists believe?

This post is a sort of answer to Adrian's post, a fellow UU. So you may want to read his before reading mine.

What do Unitarian Universalists believe? Before I started on my path of searching I had never heard of UU. The simple answer lies the 7 principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association; all non/beliefs are welcome. Historically, the two separate parts of UU are part of liberal Christianity. Since the merge in 1961, UUs who express Christianity as their primary belief system are a minority*. Note that there are some Unitarians and Universalists who are separate from Unitarian Universalists.

Adrian says on his blog:

If I could believe in whatever I wanted, I would believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God the Father Almighty up in Heaven, that He is my Lord and Savior, and that He came to Earth, suffered, died for my sins, and rose from the dead to offer me eternal sanctuary with Him now and at the end of days. Why would I want to believe these things? Because that's what most of my family believes; and because I don't like conflict, I don't always enjoy being on the outside of the in-group (it gets lonesome here), and life in the United States of America might just be a little less rife with tension if I believed as many others claim to believe.

Amen!! Sometimes I think for a millisecond of trying to be a Jehovah's Witness again. But I can't. I've eaten from the tree of knowledge. I cannot unlearn what I've learn. I believe what I must. If my current beliefs have flaws, then I will change them. I'm sure there are Christian UUs but they accept me and I accept them.

For a time I was reluctant to consider myself a UU. After 30+ years in the JW cult, I was reluctant to identify as part of a group. However, I craved fellowship. UU is the best of both worlds. It is so important for me to retain my own beliefs, to search for God/dess (or not) on my own terms.

Is UUism for you? That depends. If you are looking for instruction from the pulpit, then no, UUism may not be for you. UU caters to the searcher, to the open-minded, to the ones who want to learn. Some folks want to be told what to do; they need clear directions and an instruction manual. Keep in mind that each congregation is autonomous. UUA has ideas for religious education, sermons, dedications, holiday celebrations, etc., but congregations are under no obligation to follow them. Each congregation chooses its own order of service. One of my tweeps wrote that he visited a UU congregation and although everyone was nice, he was turned off by the prayers. My congregation sings hymns, plays secular music, and doesn't do prayers.

Collectively, Unitarian Universalists believe all sorts of things. Maybe that's why I still say I'm Pagan if asked about my religion. It's somewhat easier to explain Paganism than UUism. I'm definitely not embarrassed about being a UU like I was when I was a Jehovah's Witness.

If you are UU, do you identify as such or do you identify as your primary belief system? How would you answer the question, what do UUs believe?


*For the life of me, I can't remember where I read this. If you can help me out or if my statement is incorrect, please let me know.

Is the Jehovah's Witness religion a cult?

They would say no. I've said no when I was on the inside. Let's take a look at the answer from the horse's mouth:

No, Jehovah’s Witnesses are not a cult. Rather, we are Christians who do our best to follow the example set by Jesus Christ and to live by his teachings. 

What is a cult?
The term “cult” means different things to different people. However, consider two common perceptions regarding cults and why those perceptions don’t apply to us. 

Some think of a cult as being a new or unorthodox religion.Jehovah’s Witnesses have not invented a new religion. On the contrary, we pattern our worship after that of the first-century Christians, whose example and teachings were recorded in the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) We believe that the Holy Scriptures should be the authority on what is orthodox in matters of worship. 

Some think of a cult as being a dangerous religious sect with a human leader. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not look to any human as their leader. Rather, we adhere to the standard that Jesus set for his followers when he stated: “Your Leader is one, the Christ.”—⁠Matthew 23:10. 

Far from being a dangerous cult, Jehovah’s Witnesses practice a religion that benefits its members and others in the community. For example, our ministry has helped many people to overcome harmful addictions, such as the abuse of drugs and alcohol. In addition, we conduct literacy classes around the world, helping thousands learn to read and write. And we are actively involved in disaster relief. We work hard to have a positive impact on others, just as Jesus commanded his followers to do.—⁠Matthew 5:13-16.

I want to break this answer down little by little. 

• No, Jehovah’s Witnesses are not a cult. Rather, we are Christians who do our best to follow the example set by Jesus Christ and to live by his teachings.

It's possible to be both a cult and a Christian organization. I'm sure David Koresh considered himself Christian and we all know the outcome of his cult. Koresh was the leader of the Branch Davidians, a grandchild sect of the 7th Day Adventists. Interestingly, Jehovah's Witness is related to 7th Day Adventists. More on that later. You can check out this list of 10 infamous cults at How Stuff Works. At least 3 have Christian origins.

• The term “cult” means different things to different people.

Yes, this is true. That's why sociologists prefer the term new religious movement. However, not all cults are religious. The JW site goes on to cherry-pick 2 definitions that are applied to cults:

• Some think of a cult as being a new or unorthodox religion. Jehovah’s Witnesses have not invented a new religion.

The religion known as Jehovah's Witnesses, formerly known as the International Bible Students, had its beginning in 1870. Charles Taze Russell met with Adventist preachers and they started having bible discussions. Eventually Russell had disagreements with them over doctrine and formed his own group. Now, correct me if I'm wrong but forming one's own group in response to disagreeing with one's current group's doctrine is inventing a new religion. There have been several splits / disagreements after Russell. Since each one has different doctrines, they can be said to be different religions.

• Some think of a cult as being a dangerous religious sect with a human leader. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not look to any human as their leader.

The head of the Jehovah Witnesses is a group of 8 men called the Governing Body. They are responsible for making and changing doctrine similar to the Pope for Catholics. For a long time, the names of these members weren't even known by the rank-and-file, Witnesses at the bottom of the totem pole. The Governing Body approves all literature including written interpretation of scriptures. Changes in doctrine is referred to as new light.

Let's start with the positive things that the Witnesses claim they do.

• Far from being a dangerous cult, Jehovah’s Witnesses practice a religion that benefits its members and others in the community. For example, our ministry has helped many people to overcome harmful addictions, such as the abuse of drugs and alcohol. 

I remember asking my mother once why we don't have bake sales and such like other churches. I don't recall the answer. Unless things have changed, JWs don't have pancake breakfasts, spaghetti dinners, crab feasts, or any other social gatherings or events designed to help the community. They don't participate in interfaith groups or discussions with the goal of sharing ideas.

I could not find any drug or alcohol program sponsored by JWs. If you know of such, please comment. As far as I know, Jehovah's Witnesses do not rent out or donate space to 12-step programs. True, one may find hope in the bible and be moved to discontinue adverse habits.

• In addition, we conduct literacy classes around the world, helping thousands learn to read and write. 

The only thing that came up when I searched for Jehovah's Witness literacy programs was information concerning Nigeria, Burundi, and other African countries. Again, if you are familiar with literacy programs in other counties including America, please comment. During my actives years, I was not aware of any such programs.

• And we are actively involved in disaster relief.

That's another whole question. What I can tell you is from my active years which ended officially in 1995. Yes JWs rush to assist their brethren when there is a disaster. However, they won't take up a collection to send to an organization known for disaster relief. And don't forget, JWs do not donate blood. As an organization, Jehovah's Witnesses may assist non-JWs in the immediate area of one of their own, say, a next door neighbor. If anyone has any experience with JWs and recent disasters, again, comment below.

Mmkay, let's go to the negative, what isn't mentioned in the JW answer. Like I said before, cult is hard to define. Check out Steven Hassan's BITE model of mind control. BITE stands for control of Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional. There are many characteristics listed but I'll just pick 2 like the Witnesses.

• Major time spent with group indoctrination and rituals and/or self indoctrination including the Internet 

Jehovah's Witnesses are required to attend 2 2-hr meetings a week. In addition, they are to have a 1-hr weekly family study and go door-to-door for an average of 10 hrs a month. The meetings are to be prepared for in advance. Watching TV, engaging in hobbies, surfing the 'net (unless it's JW.org) are all considered to be time-wasters. Higher education is frowned upon as well.

• Compartmentalize information into Outsider vs. Insider doctrines; Allow only leadership to decide who needs to know what and when 

Recently the Watchtower started being printed in 2 different versions, the study version for the Witnesses and the public one. The elders, men who are in charge at the congregational level, have a special book that is not supposed to be available to the general public. Letters written to the congregation by the branch office may or may not be read to the entire congregation.

Ok, I lied, here are 2 more:

• Require members to internalize the group’s doctrine as truth

As any Witness and they will say they have "The Truth." Instead of asking each other, "When did you become a Witness?" they will say, "When did you come into The Truth?"

• Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends, peers, and family

Ah, my favorite! Again this is another answer in the FAQ. Shunning is strictly enforced. Members aren't allowed to contact shunned ones for any reason lest they themselves be shunned. I have been shunned since 1996. I haven't seen my mother for at least 10 yrs but I have communicated by email with her until about a couple years ago. Shunning isn't hereditary as my mother still contacts both of kids periodically.

Whew! If you got to the end, congrats! I know I didn't give sufficient proof to call Jehovah's Witnesses a cult but I mentioned just 4 criteria of the BITE model that this religion fits. If I went down the line, this blog post would be way long. I did promise to show you how the Branch Davidians and Jehovah's Witnesses are from the same family tree. This graphic comes from the Wikipedia article on Adventism. Branch Davidian is not mentioned but 7th Day Adventist is as well as Russell's Bible Students.

ExJW Therapy - Dedication and Baptism

This may be a new segment to my blog. As you know by now, I was raised as Jehovah's Witness (called a born-in). Only recently have I begun to deal with the fallout and mental breakthroughs of no longer being JW. Every now and then, I ponder on various parts of the doctrine. See, now that I'm out of the cult, I get to question the beliefs. You can't do that while you are still inside. From time to time, I will post thoughts on my new and unclouded understanding. Today's topic is dedication and baptism.

JWs are in the business of converting. If you are a non-JW or worldly, the goal is to study the Bible with you until you want to convert by dedication and baptism. If you are a born-in or the child of a convert, the goal is to push you to dedication and baptism. Dedication and baptism is like peanut butter and jelly - one is no good without the other. I was taught that baptism is the outward sign of your dedication. Dedication is private and between you and Jehovah.

I remember my dedication. I wasn't sure if I was doing the right thing. Really, should a 17 yr old commit to something for the rest of her life without having access to all available options? Doesn't seem fair, does it? Yet, I dedicated myself anyway. Teen mom with a kid under 1, still in high school, still living with my mother, can't drink, can't sign legal contracts like a lease, but I was able to "sign" my spiritual life away. I don't remember the exact date or even what I said. But that's not important because according to JWs the most important day in your life is the day of your baptism; your wedding date is a distant 2nd.

My baptism took place at a circuit assembly in March 1992. Although this is day is supposedly important, I have no idea of the exact date. Perhaps it is on file at the WTBS? Anyway, I had this nagging feeling that I shouldn't be doing this. I did not feel any different after the "big dip". No, scratch that. First thought was what have I done???

The Process
Although I was a born-in I still had to study 2 books and answer some questions. The questions proved that I had a firm grasp of the JW doctrine. Before being scheduled for baptism, all of the questions must be answered before a couple of elders. They ask you if you dedicated your life to Jehovah. Of course, you must be active in field service (door-to-door converting) and present and participating at meetings (3x a week).

The day of the baptism, all baptismal candidates (that's what they call us) are to sit in a specific section. After the talk that's specifically directed to us, we are to stand and publically answer 2 questions. These questions has changed over the years. The ones I had to answer are

1. On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will? 
2. Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?

Questions that come to mind:
Why is baptism even necessary if the dedication between you and Jehovah is private?

Why does the dedication identify one as a JW? Assume that Jehovah is another name for God.

If D&B is something that will affect the rest of your life, why are minors allowed to make this decision?

Why is there such a great penalty (shunning) if one no longer wants to be identified as a JW?

For more info on JW baptism, see this link.

What is Truth

It really grinds my gears when I see religious sites stating how true Christians, Pagans, Buddists, Jews, etc. should practice. I recently visited a website talking about the pagan roots of the most commonly celebrated holidays. Unless you've been living under a rock, you are aware of this. However, this site also goes on to say that "true Christians" do not celebrate any of these holidays because it is not pleasing to Jehovah God. I'm assuming that the website's author is Jehovah's Witness. As a former JW, I can attest to the fact that JWs do not celebrate ANY holidays whatsoever except the commemmoration of Jesus' death. Milestones such as graduations, wedding anniversaries, and baby showers are acceptable (unless of course you have a baby out of wedlock :/)

Since when was pagan such a bad word? I remember when I used to defend JW beliefs to my friends while secretly I was dying inside. What good is living when you have absolutely nothing to celebrate, nothing to look forward to other than school, Kingdom Hall meetings, and field service? But I digress.

So this author like so many others in their respective religions knows what "truth" is. Truth is like beauty; it's in the eye of the beholder. You can take 2 people in the exact same denomination and have 2 different versions of the truth.

Christians should know by now that yes, historically most if not all of Christian holidays were Pagan first. I have no problem with Christians or anyone else for that matter celebrating whatever holidays they want to. However, I urge all to be educated. Do not insist that Christmas is *the* birthday of Jesus. It's not. Halloween aka Samhain has been perverted from its original purpose. Easter has nothing to do with Jesus either.

What your spirituality, be true to yourself. After all, some wo/man made up the rules to whatever path you're following.

New Moon Uposatha - my (re)dedication to the Goddess

Today is the day that I've decided to dedicate myself to my new spiritual path. A little over a year ago, I went to my first Buddhist meeting. A very short time after that, I started exploring Wicca and other religions. I have come Home. I realized this some time ago but I have been reluctant to commit. On the one hand, one's spirituality is personal and private. On the other hand, it's nice to exchange ideas with like-minded individuals. I attended International Pagan Coming Out Day with a Facebook group. I sent my mother a card with some information in it about Buddhism and Paganism. My kids know that I know no longer identify with Christianity. My husband has always been supportive throughout my journey.

So today is the day that I accept this fact. Why today? Well, it's the new moon, the first of the month, and Wednesday. I was born on a Wednesday so it almost seems fitting that today is *the* day. I have no idea of the specifics of my ritual. I said a small prayer at the exact time of the partial eclipse with the rest of my ritual to be performed later. I do what I feel in my heart to do. Maybe it will be just lighting some candles and sitting quietly.

I've been struggling with the fact that previously I dedicated myself to Jehovah and was baptized as a Jehovah's Witness in 1992. I was serious at the time, as serious as a teenager could be. Is my Christian dedication and baptizm negated? I thought about this and as I believe that the Goddess and God are one, my dedication is still valid. The baptism is irrelevent. So I guess my ritual is more of a re-dedication, a step that I'm taking with no pressure from my mother or from an organization. My free will. I'm happy to do it.

Oh, I don't have craft name / magical name yet. I thought of one but I'll let the Goddess guide me.

Blessed Be

Then and Now

I was hesitant to post this because in some ways I believe that one's spirituality is a personal matter. However, I created this blog to get my thoughts out and perhaps to reach out to others. I don't expect anyone to agree with me although that would be nice J. As you may know by now, I was raised in a Christian religion. Now that I'm thinking for myself, I know longer hold to those ideals.  I decided to compare where I am now and where I was.

Old: There is one true God "out there", usually referred to as male.

New:  All Goddesses are one Goddess. All Gods are one God. The Goddess and God are one.  The Divine is within and without.

Old: The soul is not a separate part of the body.

New: The soul or spirit is what makes you, you and me, me and separates from the physical entity at death.

Old: There is only one true religion / spiritual path.

New: There are many ways to achieve the same goal. Your path may not be the same as mine. I don't mind if we share or compare notes, but don't force your beliefs on me.

Old: There is no afterlife. When you die, you die. No heaven (except for a select few), no fiery hell.

New: The spirit survives on. Doing what, I'm not sure. Some people believe in reincarnation which is the soul being reborn into another body. I still have lots of questions about that.

Old: Jesus Christ is the savior of mankind. We must go through him to talk to God.

New: Since we all have the Divine in us, we don't need an intermediary. We can contact God/dess directly.

Old: Homosexuality is a sin and is unnatural.

New: A sin according to whom? One's sexual preference is personal and is none of my business.  As far as being unnatural or contrary to nature – 2 males or 2 females cannot reproduce on their own. Sorry, but right now, the creation of a human being requires one egg to be fertilized by one sperm. Genetics aside, who are we to say who should get married or raise children? Is it any more unnatural to have more than one husband or wife? I also think that in some cases preferring the same gender is not a choice, so for those people being heterosexual is unnatural.

I'll pose a question to my readers – all one of them – if you don't follow your childhood religion, how have your beliefs changed?