Many congregations offer a "New UU" program that includes an introduction to theology and worship, history and practices of the local congregation, and the meaning of membership. It is an excellent way to get to know leaders of the local congregation and to learn some of the basics about our tradition.
The UU Pocket Guide, available for purchase at inSpirit: UU Book and Gift Shop offers a complete introduction to Unitarian Universalism, covering ministry, worship, religious education, social justice, and history.
Here are some other ways to learn more about Unitarian Universalism, and about how to use UU values, principles, and spiritual traditions to help ground and guide your life.
UU principles on newsprint in a classroom at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham, AL
Unitarian Universalist History and Theology
- "Themes in North American Unitarian Universalist History," a handout from the New UU program, offers a mile-high look at our tradition, focusing on four themes: freedom of thought, the unfolding nature of truth, connection with the natural world, and building the beloved community.
- Videos produced by UU individuals and groups spotlight people and events in our history. Many can be viewed on line without charge. Others are available at inSpirit: UU Book and Gift Shop.
- Faith Like a River: Themes in Unitarian Universalist History and Resistance and Transformation: Unitarian Universalist Social Justice History are programs which offer historical information, primary source documents, and reflection questions and activities. The curriculum is online, available for you to explore at your leisure. Wondering about the history of the Unitarian and Universalist merger? Want to know more about our history with comprehensive sexuality education? Find a wealth of accessible and succinct information about these and other topics; start by perusing the Table of Contents and Stories List for Faith Like a River and the Table of Contents and Stories List for Resistance and Transformation.
- Our online theology program, What Moves Us: Unitarian Universalist Theology, explores ten historic and contemporary Unitarian Universalist theologians. Each workshop focuses on a theologian's "big question" about the nature of God, or humanity, or creation, using short biography to help illuminate the person's work. Reflection questions invite you to engage with those same theological questions and seeking your own answers.
Living Unitarian Universalist Values
Unitarian Universalism is a lived religion. UU Principles and values offer guidance and grounding for everyday life. Here are some ways to explore more deeply how to be a Unitarian Universalist in the world:
- What We Choose: Ethics for Unitarian Universalists is a program which explores different ways of framing and understanding ethical questions, inviting us to test each framework against UU Principles and values and against our own lived experience. Participants consider the basis for personal moral decision-making and strengthen their ability to frame moral arguments in the public square. While it is written as a curriculum for a group, the reflection questions and activities for Workshops 2 through 9 are well-suited to individual study and reflection.
Living your values through leadership
Leadership in a UU community can take many forms. Many are called to serve on congregational boards and committees, while others mentor or teach children or youth. Your leadership and service, guided by Unitarian Universalist Principles and values, is a gift to both your community and yourself. Here are some ways to help ensure that your volunteer work grows your spirit while it strengthens your community:
- Harvest the Power: Developing Lay Leadership provides leadership skill development that goes hand-in-hand with faith development. Explore the program, considering possibilities for use with the group you lead and for personal use.
- The UU Leadership Institute offers a wide variety of online courses to help strengthen your leadership and grow your spirit. Online seminars, on-demand resources, peer learning groups and local in-person communities of practice will help you to lead more effectively while building relationships and partnerships with other UUs. Here's how it works.
