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It all came together for me when I was looking at a book by Leo
Rosten, Religions in America. My wife and I were taking turns
reading up on various religions (Sharon evolved with me strangely
enough). She came downstairs (I was in my home office) and said,
“This religion sounds like what you wrote about in your book…” I
read the seven principles of this faith and I could not believe what
I was seeing. I said, “THAT IS WHO I AM. I THINK I’M LIKE THESE
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS!” I found this church and I haven’t been the
same since. The rest is history…
If you have your order of service, please turn it over. Can we read
each principle together?
Inherent worth and dignity…
We recognize that every person on the face of the earth has worth
and value. No matter your race or ethnicity, no matter your station
in life. You are a child of the universe and have the right to be
respected.
Justice equity and compassion…
Yes, we believe that you must treat people as you wish to be
treated.
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth…
We believe that we are all seekers, all on a journey and we must be
given space to grow and develop spiritually.
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning…
Yes we are not all like-minded but we respect your place where you
are because we know you are seeking, and “looking through your own
eyes.”
Use of democratic process…
We believe that democracy in principle is brilliant, flawed in
praxis, but when it operates at the highest level allows for the
greater good to flourish.
The goal of world community with peace and justice…
We believe in Dr. King’s dream of the Beloved Community where all
are not judged by their color or income but by their love and
compassion for the spirit of humanity.
Respect for the interdependent web…
Lastly, we are all a part of the circle of life. Humans are not
master of the earth but the earth is our master and we have to
respect the circle. We are not separate from nature we are nature
and must live in harmony.
You see, this is why I am a Unitarian Universalist. I found this
place and found 7-principles which reflect the best of the American
ideal. I found seven-principles that held up the best of every
religion. Seven-principles that cut the fat off of religion; seven
principles that got beyond creeds, and primitive out-dated rituals;
it got pass those affirmations of faith and got right to the meat of
what is important in the human experience, and for me, this is a
very spiritual thing. Seven-principles that allowed me to look at
life not as wretched and flawed, but as a beautiful polyphony of
sight, sound, color, motion and emotion; seven-principles that were
not exclusive—“My way or the highway,” rather they embraced the
whole humanity with all of its virtues and vices.
Seven principles
that confirmed to me—I am a Unitarian Universalist and proud of it.
What about you? If your heart has been strangely warmed by my
message or if your consciousness has been pricked in some small or
great way, you too are a Unitarian Universalist. Thank you for your
time this morning.
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