I don't want this to come off as mean, I just want advice.

I grew up very involved in the Episcopal Church, but I've slowly lost faith and became an atheist. I attended multiple UUs, but I always end up getting annoyed and leaving due to the fringe folks in leadership. I want to learn how to be a better person internally and externally by learning about different religions and philosophies to life, but I don't wanna hear vaccine conspiracy theories or other forms of alternative medicine. Crystals and "positive energy" won't heal your cancer. In my opinion, if you wanna have crazy medicine go join the Christian Scientists. I won't support people with views that will cause actual harm.

Anyways, love 80% of y'all. 20% of y'all drove me out.

Anyone have any advice for UUish people in my position?

Lengthy and detailed essay, including how the UUA has transformed into an illiberal democracy

"Intolerance and Illiberalism in Unitarian Universalism"

In UU tradition, we are taught to use the bible as a guide for the Judeo-Christian values we share. In UU Sunday school is 5th grade, some churches even give out bibles with our names printed into the cover. We read and study the bible as a part of UU Sunday school.

It's no secret that the bible holds controversial quotes that condone controversial actions and mindset. Some of which include quotes on women, slaves, and members of the LGBT+ community.

How is it the UU community can pick the parts they agree with of a controversial book like the bible and use it for teaching purposes in any positive light? Why must our values stem from the bible, even if back then, it's where our roots grew from? Can UU's deny the bible's value and still be considered UU?

How do you feel as a UU using the bible or being associated with it?

My dad recently told me about his experience with this specific church (he grew up in LA and his parents were members of it) and there was one part in particular that interests me: he told me that the pastor (or what ever they call it for non-religious groups) used to come by his house around dinner time and the "pastor" sat around the table with his whole family and try and talk about his feelings and stuff. He was very young and couldn't recall much. My dad told me he talked about this with his brother (who was also there) and asked him what was going on, but before his brother could tell him the conversation broke off.
I would now like to know if any of you guys and girls have the answer. This was in the seventees and they probably dont do this know anymore, so unless you've lived it, you probably won't know.

I was raised religious (Unitarian Universalist), attending church every Sunday. My partner was not, and is strictly atheist. I have not attended church during our time together because we met and live in a small, conservative town, where there is no church I want to join. Thus, my religion has been private and quiet for the five years we've lived together.

Next week we are moving to a large city, where there is a UU church. I've been clear with my partner that I intend to at least try out this church, and that he is welcome to join me or not. Meanwhile, his brother and sister-in-law have expressed interest and intend to join me at this church while I consider membership. To me, this is an exciting and long-overdue return to "normal." I have missed going to church! To my partner, this is an unwelcome disruption of our leisurely Sunday morning breakfasts. He is upset by what he sees as a "new" imposition on our weekends, and an unfamiliar dynamic being added to his non-religious family. He is trapped between being left out, or being pressured into something he doesn't care for.

My return to church is not up for negotiation, and I am touched that others want to share in this experience. How can I make this transition feel less disruptive to my partner? Do you have any advice for toeing the delicate line between sharing something I care about and "converting" his family? I appreciate any suggestions!

If so what did you think of it? Thoughts about it online?

I'm seeking advice about where I can read about UU, I'd like to read more about UUism, can you give me some recommendations on it?

Thank you

I’m a lost Mormon looking for other options for myself, but more importantly, my family. I have a lot of questions about UU but this was the first one I thought of. Do UUs believe in baptism?

I support public education but the trend of attacking public schools to get voucher $ is clearly on the rise. Are there UU schools out there? Is there a framework or model that could be used if communities desired one?

I'm side stepping the 'should we do this' question mostly out of curiosity.

This seems to me like a book many UU people would appreciate. Has anyone here ever heard of it?

I tried to explain someone what is UU, but it seems to me so difficult to explain this 'liberal religion' and 'non credential religion' stuff and what's UU objective and all of that.

How can I explain all of that in a simple way, so I can be understood?

I might have asked this ages ago but i will do an update in that case, because i want to know the opinion of Swedenborgs work if anyone is familiar with his writings.

He apparently has some universalist views but seems to favor, or at least those who are more his followers, favor an eternal hell- but hell isn’t ECT, it’s a hell you can “feel more comfortable in since you chose to go there with all your heart, and THATS why it’s eternal- and God will not force you or help you to go back to him.

So instead of the idea that “everyone Eventually goes back to heaven,” it’s “you have the option to,” which is no different than that of a christian or someone who says “hell is kicked from the outside,” (which only can do so much, especially if this means that god isn’t powerful enough using his heavenly resources to get his own children to not enjoy hell. This to me just means if they feel they can “breathe” better in hell, then god and his angels didn’t do a good enough job helping the person out of hellish mindsets- even if it’s all in their own free will). Swedenborg followers even clarify that “everyone is predestined for heaven,” but it’s just the “worse of the worse in hell,” which still doesn’t make me feel better- considering the sweetest person you know could favor something hellish so much they could just choose hell- that’s the cycle of thinking i’m currently stuck with.

thoughts? cause i’m losing hope of being a confident universalist the more i read hell NDEs, swedenborg, etc.