We cannot do what we want.

I was struck by the fact that one Minister would vehemently contradict another in a service. It was only after reflecting on the talk that it became clear to me the vehemence was justified. There is a common misconception that Unitarians can believe whatever they wish and that ‘anything goes’. This is due to the acceptance that Unitarians have that there is Truth and wisdome to be found in all spiritual paths. There is indeed great truths in all the major religions. From all the great religions Unitarians take the wisdom and Truths found in their scripture and their teachings. However the Minister pointed out that unless the teachings and the path taken are in harmony with the Unitarian seven principles then they cannot be followed and are not Unitarian valid so to speak. The principles are:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our
congregations;
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our
congregations and in society at large;
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The point is that fundamentalists who proport to follow one of the great religions cannot be called Christian or Jew or Muslim or whatever because they violate the tenets of their own faith. Neither can they be considered Unitarian bcause they do not meet any of the priciples Unitarians try to live by. Unitarian cannot “do whatever they want,” but they can follow any path they wish providing they attempt to adhere to the seven principles.