Christian Theology From a Unitarian Perspective

Atonement

Atonement can be any righteous means in which one seeks to establish a state of peace and reconciliation with God, oneself, and another human being.

"We can expect forgiveness of our sins by God only if we sincerely repent, turn away from our sins and daily strengthen ourselves in love and goodness." (Hungarian Unitarian Catechism)

"Unitarians do not believe that Christ came to reconcile God to man, but to reconcile man to God." (Rev. James Freeman Clark-Unitarian Minister)

Angels

Angels, also known as "messengers and helpers of God", are immortal heavenly beings believed to be loyal to God's Divine Providence. They are said to be assigned to protecting and assisting humanity in leading a good and righteous life.

Many Unitarians take a non-literalist stance concerning the topic of angels; hence, angels are viewed as a personification of the good within the world and hearts of human beings. Yet, there are some Unitarians that believe in the physical existence of Angels.

Bible

The Holy Bible is the bedrock of Christian theology. It serves as a source of spiritual inspiration for seekers pursuing its religious insight and wisdom.

"The Bible is a collection of man-created writings, including teachings of Jewish and Christian teachers, historical accountings and literature. These works were inspired by God but we are not to forget that this inspiration was grasped by those who lived long-long time ago in a certain historical time and place. This is why each writing has the marks of a cultural trend from ancient times, with that characteristical world-view, containing precious intuitive insight but mistakes too." (Hungarian Unitarian Principles of Faith)

"It is necessary to know the Bible because the teachings included in it are the basis of the Christian religion and (the basis for) direction of Christian life. For this reason we have to read and study the Bible with love and reason." (Hungarian Unitarian Catechism)

"a book written for men, in the language of men, and that its meaning is to be sought in the same manner as that of other books." (Rev. William Ellery Channing-Unitarian Minister)

Biblical Sacred Stories

Unitarians view the sacred stories in the Bible as a means to an ends. They function as a vehicle to teach us about the nature of humanity, how to avoid universal pitfalls, and how to live a God-conscious existence.

Born Again

From a Unitarian perspective, any human being is considered to be "born again" when he/she sees God's presence and love in all things.

Christianity

Christianity is the religion taught by Jesus of Nazareth and his followers as compiled, recorded, interpreted, and paraphrased in the New Testament. 

Christology (Nature of Jesus the Christ)

According to Unitarianism, Jesus the Christ was a self-realized human being. Unitarian ministers generally teach that all people have full access to the relationship that Jesus established and experienced with God. Biblical terms referring to Jesus as the "son of God", "Messiah", "Lord",  etc. are understood as being honorary titles bestowed upon him to signify his devotion to "the Father" and distinguishment as a spiritual guide, leader, savior, and deliverer.

"Jesus was God's best child as he lived his life according entirely to God's will. Jesus was a man. Jewish religious teacher, prophet, regarded by unitarians as an example to follow, a master of religious and ethical life in teaching and acting."  (Hungarian Unitarian Principles of Faith)

Creed

A creed is a statement of beliefs that are declared binding upon Christians to profess in order to receive salvation.

It is not required in the Unitarian Christian Church to acknowledge a specific creed or dogma to be a congregant.

Demons

Demons, also known as "fallen angels" and "helpers of Satan", are immortal beings believed to be adversaries of God's Divine Providence. They are said to be dedicated to instigating the fall and destruction of humanity.

Many Unitarians take a non-literalist stance concerning the topic of demons; hence, demons are viewed as a personification of the evil within the world and hearts of human beings. Yet, there are some Unitarians that believe in the physical existence of Demons.

Divine Inspiration/Prophetic Wisdom

Divine Inspiration or Prophetic Wisdom is another name for the innate  wisdom/insight that profoundly speaks from the heart and mind without the aide of a formal education. Theologically, this term is also known as the "Still Small Voice Within" or "Word of God."

Most Unitarians are in agreement that this form of inspiration contains a lot of beneficial knowledge, but is not entirely immune from errors and contradictions.

Divine Intervention & Daily Prayer

Many contemporary Unitarians assert that it is not necessary to petition for a miracle or divine intervention because God is fully aware of our needs and wants. Expressing prayers that honor God, seek clarity and wisdom,  and show appreciation for all that the Lord has already given us are normally preferred.

"Prayer is a spiritual communion and conversation with God. So our prayers must be simple, short, and rising from our spirit. In our prayer we must ask more about spiritual needs than about material goods. In that way our prayer will be a clear mirror of trust in God." (Hungarian Unitarian Catechism)

Daily Prayer by Rev. William Ellery Channing

How Many Times and When Should a Unitarian Pray? by Bishop Knut Heidelberg 

Divine Providence 

Divine Providence is the manner in which God sustains, governs, and progresses human lives and history. This is a theological term for the Laws of Nature which include the Laws of Evolution.

Unitarians do not interpret this concept in a fatalistic way. They affirm that human beings have been given free will to make choices in life and decisions that shape their future. 

"Free will means moral independence, the chance of learning and spiritual growth, and the chance and guarantee in addition in attaining personal salvation out of one's own in the same time. Man is supported in this endeavor by providence and the holy spirit, which is God's spiritual power." (Hungarian Unitarian Principles of Faith)

God

Unitarians attest that God, the creator and sustainer of the Universe, is one in being and person. According to Jesus, in addition to God' many glorifying attributes and names, our Creator is above all most loving and merciful.

"They (Unitarians) believe in God  as a personal and spiritual power who takes care of his providential act manifested in nature and history, on the universal and personal level alike." (Hungarian Unitarian Principles of Faith)

Heaven

Heaven is a state of being in the presence of God after one dies. It is said to be reserved for those whom, in their lifetime, were good natured and lived a lifestyle loyal to our Divine Maker. Abundant blessings and rewards are  said to be bestowed upon those residing in this place. 

Many Unitarians take a non-literalist stance concerning the topic of Heaven; hence, Heaven is viewed as a personification of the belief in or a hope of Divine union or reconciliation with the Creator. Also, Heaven (according to some Unitarians) is seen as a state of mind or being, rather than an actual place, that one can experience here and now based on the lifestyle or way of thinking that one chooses to adopt. Yet, there are some Unitarians that believe in the physical existence of Heaven.

"The purpose of one's life is to attain the salvation. This physical and spiritual state of mind and the reward for the good conduct are not always attained in this earthly life. The unitarians believe in eternal life, beyond this earthly one, where the immortal soul will win it's reward according to one's way of life." (Hungarian Unitarian Principles of Faith)

Hell

Hell is a state of being cut off, annihilated, rejected, punished, and/or purified by God. It is said to be reserved for those whom, in their lifetime, didn't repent or receive penalization for crimes he/she committed against humanity or one's self. 

Many Unitarians take a non-literalist stance concerning the topic of Hell; hence, Hell is viewed as a personification of the belief in or hope of Divine justice or purification. Also, Hell (according to some Unitarians) is seen as a state of mind or being, rather than an actual place, that one can experience here and now based on the lifestyle or way of thinking that one chooses to adopt. Yet, there are some Unitarians that believe in the physical existence of Hell.

Holy Spirit 

The Holy Spirit is God's active power that permeates all of creation and gives everything its form, lifespan, and general purpose. Furthermore, it is through the Holy Spirit that we have been endowed with many innate  abilities and knowledge.

"By holy spirit we mean the power of God, and its help for good, which clarifies the intellect, cleanses the heart and strengthens the will, thus enlightening, calming, encouraging and making one happy."  (Hungarian Unitarian Catechism)

Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God is God's sovereign reign, as opposed to man's rule, over the Earth. In God's case, this also encompasses the Universe and extends throughout life and death. The representative and facilitator of this Godly Kingdom was hailed as Jesus of Nazareth by his early disciples and present day followers. He taught men/women how to be upright children and stewards of God.

"The purpose of human kind is accomplishing the kingdom of God on Earth, which means fulfillment of the good natural endowments of men, on a personal and social level." (Hungarian Unitarian Principles of Faith)

Original Sin

Most Unitarians believe that sin and evil are brought about by biological, environmental, and/or psychological reasons as opposed to being inherited from our primeval parents.

"Unitarians do not teach original sin. We do not believe that through sin of the first human couple we all became corrupted. It would contradict the love and justice of God to attribute to us the sin of others, because sin is one's own personal action." (Hungarian Unitarian Catechism)

Satan

Satan, also known as "the Devil", is believed to be a fallen angel that rebelled against and opposed God's Divine Providence. He is depicted as the serpent that tempted our primeval parents and caused their "fall from grace." Him and his demons are said to be devoted to instigating the corruption and destruction of humanity. 

Many Unitarians take a non-literalist stance concerning the topic of Satan; hence, Satan is viewed as a personification of the evil within the world and hearts of human beings. Yet, there are some Unitarians that believe in the physical existence of Satan.

Unitarianism

Unitarianism is the belief that God is one in being and person. Jesus, in Unitarian thought, is considered to be a human being and distinct from God "the Father."

Word of God

Unitarians basically interpret the term "Word of God" as any concept or thought that is found to be true and beneficial. Humans have come to know the Mind of God through a variety of names and avenues. Some have discovered the Divine Truths by utilizing their higher faculties of common sense and reason. Others have derived Divine Laws  through scientific discovery and exploration. Most intensely, people have found the innate Divine Wisdom within their hearts and minds whenever they are inspired or moved.  

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Interpretative Note!

Unitarians have traditionally interpreted the Bible and the teachings of the Christian Church from a liberal standpoint, applying common sense, reason, and personal experience to deduce theology. Freedom of  religious thought and worship, were two key principles that laid the foundation in which the first Unitarian church was structured and built upon.

 "It is always best to think first for ourselves on any subject, and then to have recourse to others for the correction or improvement of our sentiments. Thus we may reach truth, which we should never have observed, had we caught a particular mode of thinking from any author... The quality of knowledge thus gained may be less, but the quality will be superior. Truth received on authority, or acquired without labor, makes but a feeble impression."  ( Rev. William Ellery Channing-Unitarian Minister)

Links

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Sermons of Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Where is Love by Rev. Barbara Merritt 

The Legacy by Rev. Barbara Merritt

The Spirit of Adventure by Rev. Barbara Merritt

A Heretic's Welcome by Rev. Barbara Merritt

Choosing Resurrection by Rev. Barbara Merritt

Transitions by Rev. Barbara Merritt

Hard Jolts by Rev. Thomas Schade 

Sermons by Rev. Dr. Carol K. Ashton

Sample Sermons From First Parish Church in Weston

The American Unitarian Quarterly Journal Online

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Cork & Dublin Unitarian Magazine Online

UCA Colloquim

The Herald Winter 2005

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Rev. Andrew J. Brown's  Blog Archive of Hard to Find Entries

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A Passion for Freedom by Rev. Bela-Botond Jakabhazi 

Sermons at Blackpool Unitarian Church

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The Good News by UUCF

Electronic Archive of Liberal Religion (Some Unitarian Christian Sermons Found on This Site)

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