An Introduction to the Unitarian and Universalist Traditions

An accessible and international look at what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist today.

Andrea Greenwood (Author), Mark W. Harris (Author)

9780521707718, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 11 August 2011

264 pages, 3 b/w illus. 1 map
22.8 x 15.3 x 1.7 cm, 0.43 kg

'The scope, the depth, and the detail of this work are all impressive. Greenwood and Harris explore both the roots and the fruits of Unitarian and Universalist ideas and institutions, combining great knowledge and a touch of audacity to range successfully from Nicaea to the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Second Life.' Rev Dr Gordon D. Gibson, President of the Unitarian Universalist Historical Society

How is a free faith expressed, organised and governed? How are diverse spiritualities and theologies made compatible? What might a religion based in reason and democracy offer today's world? This book will help the reader to understand the contemporary liberal religion of Unitarian Universalism in a historical and global context. Andrea Greenwood and Mark W. Harris challenge the view that the Unitarianism of New England is indigenous and the point from which the religion spread. Relationships between Polish radicals and the English Dissenters existed and the English radicals profoundly influenced the Unitarianism of the nascent United States. Greenwood and Harris also explore the US identity as Unitarian Universalist since a 1961 merger and its current relationship to international congregations, particularly in the context of twentieth-century expansion into Asia.

1. Liberal religion and the foundations of the Unitarian and Universalist faiths
2. The European background
3. Great Britain
4. Early America
5. Unitarians and Universalists in the Republic
6. A religion for one world
7. Polity
8. Theology
9. Worship
10. Science and ecology
11. Architecture, music and the arts
12. Education, welfare and human rights
13. Unitarian Universalism in the 21st century.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX], Aspects of religion [non-Christian HRL], Other non-Christian religions [HRK], Religion: general [HRA]