I've been thinking of becoming a UU for a while now, and I understand it well enough (well enough to know that a question like this will garner many answers, because every congregation is different).

I'd like to hear more about what the purpose/point of being UU is, according to some of you kind folk.

Is the point of the UU tradition mostly an embodiment of humanism, liberal values and diversity? Is it more so about trying to make the world a better place, and fighting against oppression or cruelty? Does the tradition noticeably help you be a better person, and is that it? Is it just about wanting community? What keeps you going as an active Unitarian Universalist?

What does the UU tradition offer that keeps you involved (and hopefully passionate)?

Yes this is a broad question and I have effectively listed what are probably the main motives, but I thought I'd hear what people have to say.

Hi,

This could be a sensitive topic for people here. I don't know. The title asks it all. There is /r/UUreddit, and there is r/UnitarianUniversalist.

What is the difference between the two?

It just seems like the work that gets put into some discussions and resources would get duplicated, which is a bit of a waste of time. Plus it's confusing.

I wonder if there could be a brief explanation on the sidebar maybe?

There has been a trend in Christianity towards a renewed interest in intentional community. I'm thinking of 'new monastic' groups like the Iona Community and Taize.

Here is a link for an example of what I'm thinking of. These guys are liberal Christians: https://www.abbeychurch.ca/pages/the-emmaus-community.

Are there any groups like this among Unitarians? Anything come to mind that involves people choosing to live together and engaging in shared spiritual practices and meals, etc.?

To be brief, I hunger for communion with the divine. The mysterious Infinite, the Universe, God, etc. I also long to be someone who lives out a spirit of compassion and peace. I want a more holistic awakening, where I reduce the clinging to my ego that causes anguish.

I have been on a long path. I invested a lot of time and energy into Christianity, including its mystical side. Now I'm ex-Christian, and I have become more and more shaped by Buddhism.

I am thinking of checking out the Unitarian Universalists, but I have been reluctant. Why have reluctance? I get a sense that the UU community may not be particularly spiritual. I get a sense that it's just about social justice and intentional community centered on vague religiosity. That's fine, but I don't need that. If it's not about spirituality, it doesn't interest me.

What do people here think of all this? How much spirituality is there in Unitarian Universalism, and what does it look like?

Also, are there UU spaces that do spiritual retreats? I am thinking of having a week of silence, for example. Also, are there UU spaces that do spiritual direction/companionship?

Yes, I know congregations can vary widely but there are still general trends and patterns in the wider UU culture.

Anyway, it's been over a year that I first thought of attending a UU congregation...maybe I actually should.