No binding pneumatology; Spirit understood as divine energy, or not referenced
The UUA holds no binding position on the Holy Spirit. Among theistic UU members, the Holy Spirit may be understood as the presence of God active in the world, as the spirit of love and truth, or as a metaphor for inspiration and moral energy. Among humanist and atheist UU members, the concept of the Holy Spirit is not religiously meaningful and is not part of their framework.
The UUA's Unitarian heritage rejected the Trinitarian understanding of the Holy Spirit as a distinct third divine person, understanding the Spirit as an attribute or activity of the one God (the Father) rather than a separate person. This anti-Trinitarian pneumatology, however, is not formally maintained as a requirement in the contemporary UUA.
UUA worship often uses language about 'spirit' in broad, inclusive ways — 'the spirit of life,' 'the holy,' 'that which sustains us' — that can be meaningful to theists and non-theists alike. This language reflects the UUA's commitment to inclusive and non-dogmatic worship that welcomes people across the full theological spectrum of the fellowship.
Key Distinctions
- Personhood:
- varies — Spirit as metaphor for divine energy or inspiration; not a distinct person for most
- Spiritual gifts view:
- varies widely; spiritual experience is personal
- Spirit baptism:
- not applicable as traditionally understood
Scripture References
Sources
- UUA Seven Principles; UUA worship and hymnody resources ('Singing the Living Tradition', 1993)