Welcoming and Entering, Workshop 15: The 1800s—Five New Religions
In "Building Bridges," a Tapestry of Faith program
Materials for Activity
- Leader Resource 1, If You Believed
- Handout 1, Then What Would You Do or Believe?
- Pens or pencils
- Newsprint, markers, and tape
Preparation for Activity
- Write on newsprint, "If You Believed ... " and post it in the welcoming area.
- Reproduce a few copies of Leader Resource 1, If You Believed, and place them on the welcoming table.
Description of Activity
Participants follow a line of reasoning related to today's religions.
As participants enter, welcome them and offer writing implements and Handout 1, Then What Would You Do or Believe? Invite them to consult Leader Resource 1, If You Believed, on the welcoming table and answer the questions on their handouts. They are welcome to compare answers and discuss them with others.
This is not an opportunity to criticize the beliefs of others. This is an exercise posing the question, if participants believed something, then what would logically follow? We do not always know why people believe what they do, but what they believe is important to them, and has logic for them. This is an exercise in understanding someone else's perspective.
Encourage discussion among participants. Set a respectful tone. A few minutes before the workshop begins, ask participants if they know any religion that holds all these beliefs. If someone knows, affirm their answer; otherwise, share with the youth that Jehovah's Witnesses hold all the beliefs stated here. Witnesses, as they are commonly called, do not celebrate Christmas, Easter, or birthdays, but this is not a punishment or sacrifice; it is their understanding of scripture and a strong expression of their faith. Share that Jehovah's Witnesses is one of the faiths that emerged in the period we will explore today.
This work is made possible by the generosity of individual donors and congregations. Please consider making a donation today.
Last updated on Wednesday, October 26, 2011.
Section Navigation
- About the Authors
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Entire Program
- Entire Program (Paper-Saving Version)
- Workshop 1
- Workshop 2
- Workshop 3
- Workshop 4
- Workshop 5
- Workshop 6
- Workshop 7
- Workshop 8
- Workshop 9
- Workshop 10
- Workshop 11
- Workshop 12
- Workshop 13
- Workshop 14
- Workshop 15
- Workshop 16
- Workshop 17
- Workshop 20
- Workshop 21
- Workshop 22
- Workshop 23
- List of Stories
- List of Handouts
- List of Leader Resources
Updated and Popular
Popular New Searches
For Newcomers
Learn more about the Beliefs & Principles of Unitarian Universalism, or read our online magazine, UU World, for features on today's Unitarian Universalists. Visit an online UU church, or find a congregation near you.