We avow our faith in God as eternal and all-conquering
love. Universalism insists on using the term "God,"
though allows great latitude in the term’s interpretation.
By linking God with love, Universalism is saying that people are
in harmony with the divine when they are in loving relationship
with one another.
... the spiritual leadership of Jesus. It’s important
to notice that this doesn’t say "Christ," and it
doesn’t say "only of Jesus."
Jesus, not Christ. Universalism upholds the religion of
Jesus but not religion about Jesus (mainstream Christianity).
"Christ" is Christianity’s title for the "son
of God" who died "for our sins" and was resurrected
on the third day. By contrast, the Jesus of Universalism is the
Jesus of history--an Israelite prophet and defender of the powerless
whose eloquent restatements of traditional Israelite ethical principles
move people still.
Not just Jesus. Since at least 1805 Universalism has acknowledged
the importance of other spiritual leaders--like Moses, Buddha, and
Lao-Tzu. And interest in world religions is integral to the meaning
of the off-center cross.
... the supreme worth of every human personality. This
is the source of the first UU principle: "the inherent worth
and dignity of every person."
... the authority of truth, known or to be known. Universalism
is committed to reason and is open to new insights, from whatever
source.
...and the power of persons of good will and sacrificial spirit
to overcome all evil and progressively establish the kingdom of
God. For Universalism, the kingdom of God is here--it
is the world, finally made just.
Neither this nor any other statement shall be imposed as a
creedal test. The declaration of faith sounds a lot like a
creed, but denies that it is. What gives?
Universalism is committed to individual freedom of belief. But
Universalism always tries to speak to heart and head at the same
time, and sometimes does things for the sake of the heart that the
head finds confusing. The declaration of faith is a statement of
feelings--of things Universalists give their hearts
to. |
