Humanism: Theological Diversity in Unitarian Universalism

Humanism is a non-theist tradition that focuses on human potential and emphasizes personal responsibility for ethical behavior. Modern day Religious Humanism is largely derived from the writings of early American Unitarian Humanists, including Joseph Priestley, Thomas Jefferson, and John Haynes Holmes. Today, Humanism among the largest spiritual identity groups within Unitarian Universalism.

Rev. Sarah Oelberg describes Humanism as including the following values:

"Showing love to all humans is a worthy goal.
Immortality is found in the examples we set and the work we do.
We gain insight from many sources and all cultures, and there are many religious books and teachings that can instruct us about how to live.
We have the power within ourselves to realize the best we are capable of as human beings.
We are responsible for what we do and become; our lives are in our own hands."

More information about Humanism from a Unitarian Universalist perspective is available in the pamphlet "The Faith of a Humanist," and in the following UU World articles. UU World magazine is published in behalf of Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) congregations to help its readers build their faith and act on it more effectively in their personal lives, their congregations, their communities, and the world.

• "Reason and Reverence"
• "Our Humanist Legacy"

For even more resources and to connect with other Unitarian Universalist Humanists, please visit the website of the HUUmanists.