"We ask all alike to think, not all to think alike"

As we mentioned in our last post, on Sunday we took a visit to a Universal Unitarian church. This was the first different place of worship that we visited since we started our religion project, and it was very interesting to point out differences and similarities between Universal Unitarianism and Catholicism.

For those of our readers who do not know much about this religion, it is a religion that welcomes all people and celebrates holidays and festivals of many religious traditions. Beliefs are based on questions and proof, rather than faith. There were many similarities between their service and a Catholic Mass (for instance there were hymns, a choir, a Sunday School, a lecture, and a sharing of sorrows and joys) but the beliefs are very different. Our youngest sister said it seemed like "a relaxed religion." We noticed that instead of displaying a cross or crucifix, the symbol of Unitarian Universalism is a lighted chalice, which symbolizes universal wisdom and a thirst for knowledge as well as the power of questions. We drew the chalice in the photo above.


Before the service started, people were very friendly and chatty. We noticed greeters at the door of the church, as well as greeters at the sanctuary (or chapel) entrance. Everyone seemed to be in a very good mood!

When the service started, announcements were read, and joys and sorrows were shared. We noticed a similarity in this from our own religion, since we have prayers offered during Mass. (although it is closer to the end, not beginning.) In addition, a lot of singing was done—there was a very good choir who sang in parts, along with a very good pianist, who played Schuman and Debussy at the beginning and end, among others.

The sermon, or perhaps lecture, was given by a woman, which of course is very different from our church. Only men are allowed to become priests in Catholic churches and lead the weekly service. Other differences we noticed: there was no communion, which for us was very odd because we are used to taking communion every week. When we've visited other churches in the past, we've noticed that some take communion and some don't.

The lecture we heard was perfect for visitors, since the preacher explained that Universal Unitarianism is not about getting answers—it is about asking questions. She told us that she had been raised by a fundamental Christian family in a fundamental Christian town, and that she had never been satisfied by the religion of her family—she asked too many questions for her own good. Instead of asking questions, she was told she had to have faith—and that is why she became a Universal Unitarian. UUs believe in "the never-ending search for Truth." We learned about this and other UU beliefs from a small printed card that is also pictured about with our drawing.

After the lecture, there was a quiet time of prayer, or meditation. Then a hymn was sung, and the service was over. Afterward, we went out to eat with our UU friends to interview them. The next blog post will contain excerpts of our interview with them. Look for it later in the week!

Again, if you yourself are a Universal Unitarian, please contact us and tell us about your church! We would love to hear from UUs all over the country, if not all over the world.

We have an upcoming visit planned with a practicing Druid, who is going to introduce us to a member of her grove (Druid groups are called "groves, just like church members are known as "congregations") and show us her altar.  We are really excited to share that visit with our readers, as well.