" Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around. "
- Henry David Thoreau
- Henry David Thoreau
We attended Unitarian services this sunny but cold Easter Sunday. Having no idea what to expect, we came away well pleased with the direction the leader of our church chose to take the sermon.
As I always say, expect little. That way you'll be rewarded even more when you do get something.
Unitarians, as you may know, don't have a creed. Neither do they (I would say "we," but my husband hasn't yet claimed them and I'm brand new to the church) espouse any particular beliefs. Rather, they're a sort of catch-all for people who feel disenfranchised by all the other world religions. As my husband describes it, if you were to put everyone from every major religion in a big sieve and shake it, the ones left over would be qualified for Unitarian status.
That's pretty much the truth. The Unitarians welcome everyone, regardless of religion. There are even atheists who subscribe to the church's membership. Why? Well, because Unitarians believe it's right and good to gather together, pool resources and do good things to help people. They believe in supporting and loving one another without benefit of fear instilled by a stern God sitting in judgment over them. They try to live well for the very best reason: because it's the right thing to do.
I can dig that.
The message today was one of renewal, the same as you'd find in the Christian services on Easter day. It's just minus any belief in the resurrection, a core tenent of the Christian faith. Same general message, minus the religious part.
It's spring, time to get out and enjoy life after the long, cold winter. It's the time for rebirth and renewal, a time of beginnings and of relief the days are getting longer and the weather warmer. That's what it's all about, and that's how the Unitarians celebrate Easter. It's the same general spirit as any other religion, when you get down to the heart of it. It's all about promise and hope.
Hope you had a very nice holiday, whatever you celebrate (or don't). Happy spring!
As I always say, expect little. That way you'll be rewarded even more when you do get something.
Unitarians, as you may know, don't have a creed. Neither do they (I would say "we," but my husband hasn't yet claimed them and I'm brand new to the church) espouse any particular beliefs. Rather, they're a sort of catch-all for people who feel disenfranchised by all the other world religions. As my husband describes it, if you were to put everyone from every major religion in a big sieve and shake it, the ones left over would be qualified for Unitarian status.
That's pretty much the truth. The Unitarians welcome everyone, regardless of religion. There are even atheists who subscribe to the church's membership. Why? Well, because Unitarians believe it's right and good to gather together, pool resources and do good things to help people. They believe in supporting and loving one another without benefit of fear instilled by a stern God sitting in judgment over them. They try to live well for the very best reason: because it's the right thing to do.
I can dig that.
The message today was one of renewal, the same as you'd find in the Christian services on Easter day. It's just minus any belief in the resurrection, a core tenent of the Christian faith. Same general message, minus the religious part.
It's spring, time to get out and enjoy life after the long, cold winter. It's the time for rebirth and renewal, a time of beginnings and of relief the days are getting longer and the weather warmer. That's what it's all about, and that's how the Unitarians celebrate Easter. It's the same general spirit as any other religion, when you get down to the heart of it. It's all about promise and hope.
Hope you had a very nice holiday, whatever you celebrate (or don't). Happy spring!
2 comments:
Lisa, you might also be interested in exploring the Ethical Society. I'm pretty sure there's one in Chicago. They have completely removed any particular dogma. As with the Unitarian church, people of all faiths (or lack thereof) are welcome and, in fact, do participate.
Mary, this sounds intriguing. I'll have a look at their website. Thanks so much! I'd never even heard of them.
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