Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: A Place of Wholeness: A Program for Youth Exploring Their Own Unitarian Universalist Faith Journeys

Taking It Home: A Theology of Love

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. — 1 John 4:7-8

In Today's Workshop...

We explored the Unitarian Universalist theology of love. We did this by first looking at our own experiences of love. Then we distinguished romantic love from agape love. We looked at the historical roots of a theology of love. We explored how this theology is put into action by listening to a story about a group of Unitarian Universalist youth from Canada who created a giant rainbow pride banner and used it to witness for marriage equality in Canada. We illustrated the ways our congregation expresses love and dreamed of new ways to do so.

Explore the topic further with family and friends...

  • Take Handout 1, Source Text for a Theology of Love home with you. Pick your favorite quote and show it to family and friends. Ask them what the quote means to them. How does what is said in the quote fit with their own faith?
  • Have a conversation with a friend or family member from another faith tradition. Find out what their religion thinks of love and how it fits into their own belief. Do they have important text from their religious tradition that talks about love?
  • Visit the website for the Unitarian Universalist Association's Standing on the Side of Love Campaign. Sign up for the email newsletter and look for ways that you and your family, friends and congregations might be able to get involved.
  • Do you have a Facebook or MySpace profile, blog, website or other social networking account? If you do, take one of the quotes and post it to your profile. Ask your friends and family what the quote means to them. How does it fit with their own faith? If they are from a different religious tradition, do they have important text from their tradition that talks about love?
  • Was there a church activity depicted on the banner that particularly appeals to you? Find out how to get involved. Invite your friends or family to join you in spreading a little love around.
  • Do not forget that "love" is a verb, too. Make an effort to show the ones you love your feelings by your actions. Little things can mean a lot. Help a sibling with their homework or attend one of their games or recitals. Draw a bubble bath for a family member. Bring two special lunches and share with your best friend. Purchase a bag of Hershey's (tm) Chocolate Hugs and pass them out to anybody who looks like they need a hug today.
  • Help fill your congregation with a loving feeling. Is there a church elder who always asks you about school or your extracurricular activities? Take the imitative this time. Strike up a conversation with them first by asking about their job, hobby, family or about their youth.
  • Volunteer to help your congregation's caring committee which helps congregants in need. Taking care of each other is one way we show our love.