Section 1: Living Unitarian Universalist Values

Read Unitarian Universalist Principles at the front of The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide. Then read “Our Faith,” by the Reverend Rosemary Bray McNatt, p. 3 – 6. These explain the values that Unitarian Universalists try to embody in our lives and in the world, both individually and in groups or congregations.

Unitarian Universalist values are living values that we express in our daily lives. Choose one of the seven principles and discuss it with your advisor. Express how that principle has meaning in your life using a three-to-five paragraph essay, a video, a poem, or another creative project. Share your expression with others.

Section 2: Social Justice

Read “Our Work for Social Justice,” by the Reverend Rebecca Ann Parker in The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide.” (p. 59 – 73). Take notes in your notebook, journal, or electronic device, especially about words or concepts that spark your interest or that you do not understand. Meet with your advisor to talk it over.

Research social justice and service projects in which your congregation takes part, finding out especially where youth might be involved.

Decide on and complete a service project as part of this program. You may choose either to take part in a congregational project or to do a project outside the congregation that reflects your Unitarian Universalist values. The project must take at least 6 hours to complete. You may want to consult your advisor, minister, or religious educator to help you find a suitable project. Your advisor must approve your choice before you begin.

After you complete your project, meet with your advisor to discuss what you learned.

Section 3: World Religions

In this section, you will look at what religion is and why it is a part of so many people’s lives. All religions ask and try to answer certain key questions:

• How should we live? What values should we uphold?
• Why do evil, pain, and suffering exist—and how should we respond?
• What is the nature of joy and pleasure?
• How should we treat one another and the planet?
• What happens after we die?

Answer these questions for yourself. Write down your answers and discuss them with your advisor.

Explore websites and books about world religions. The Resource Bibliography suggests one website. Take a closer look at one world religion. Explain, as best you can, how that religion answers the questions above. You may wish to read a book or attend a worship service to learn more.

Read Unitarian Universalist Sources at the front of The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide, noting that wisdom from the world’s religions and teachings from the Jewish and Christian scripture are just two of the sources of our faith. Then, find out if and how the religion you studied is reflected in today’s Unitarian Universalism. Find wisdom from that religion which speaks to you as a Unitarian Universalist. You will find some helpful resources in the Resource Bibliography. Discuss your findings with your advisor.