Religious Survey of a None

March 3, 2014

52 Weeks of Exploring Faith

Chad, a young adult based in Ogden, Utah, a self-described "None" having, "no religion and no dogmatic beliefs", has undertaken to visit a different congregation or different faith every week for one year. His blog, "52 Weeks in 52 Faiths: My Personal Survey of Religions in My Backyard" started on January 5 with a visit to the United Church of Christ (Congregational) in Ogden, across the street from his home.

On February 16, Chad visited the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden (Utah) (a UUA Breakthrough Congregation). Among other observations, Chad remarked Unitarian Univeralism welcoming everyone, writing, "And I definitely get that impression. People in the church will come up to you and ask you about yourself and your background. They truly don't seem at all judgmental about where you come from or what you believe. The people there were very kind to us, and in particular, the minister went out of her way to be very friendly and welcoming."

After making detailed observations on the service, Chad closes, writing,

This church is amazing. The love and sense of community you feel in it is almost tangible. I would definitely return time and time again to UUCO. They approach religion and faith not with simple dogmatic answers that are beyond question, nor with the arrogance of certainty, but with humility and acknowledgment that there are diverse beliefs out there. Since their focus is not on doctrine and easy answers, their church is instead focused on the community and making this life better for all. I completely support this sort of religion and spirituality. The Unitarian Universalists are a wonderful group to see out there in the modern world filled with pessimism and a future that seems hopeless at times."