Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Faith Like a River: A Program on Unitarian Universalist History for Adults

Taking It Home: Rise in the Sea: Universalism

Universalists are often asked to tell where they stand. The only true answer to give to this question is that we do not stand at all, we move.

— L. B. Fisher, A Brief History of the Universalist Church for Young People (1904)

The doctrine of universal salvation rests on a theology of a supreme deity of compassion, mercy, and forgiveness. Islam, Judaism, and Christianity teach that as humanity was created with the breath of God, humans contain the potential for divine attributes including those of compassion, mercy and forgiveness. Consider times in your life when you were called on to display compassion, mercy, or forgiveness. Under what circumstances did this come easily? When was it a challenge? Can you think of a time when you were in need of these same gifts from another person?

What does a saving faith call you to do in today's world? Journal your thoughts or share your insights with a trusted conversation partner.