Unitarian Universalist
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is a non-creedal religious body that emerged from the merger of Unitarianism and Universalism, both rooted in liberal Protestant Christianity. Today the UUA encompasses a wide theological spectrum — from liberal Christians to humanists, pagans, agnostics, and atheists — united not by shared doctrinal beliefs but by shared values: the inherent worth and dignity of every person, a free and responsible search for truth, and justice, equity, and compassion in human relations. The UUA rejects binding creeds, dogmatic authority, and supernatural claims as tests of membership.
Theology
Christology
Nature of Jesus
Varies
Jesus seen as moral teacher or prophet; divine sonship and resurrection not required
Virgin Birth
Varies
Not required; most UUs interpret as non-literal; historical fact widely questioned
Pre-existence of Christ
Denies
Pre-existence of Christ rejected historically; most UUs do not affirm it
Soteriology
Salvation
Varies
No unified soteriology; salvation not a central concept for most UU members
Atonement & Ransom
Denies
Substitutionary atonement widely rejected; Jesus seen as moral example, not sacrifice
Predestination
Denies
Predestination rejected; free will and human responsibility affirmed universally
Original Sin
Denies
Original sin rejected; humans are inherently dignified and capable of good
Eschatology
Soul & Afterlife
Varies
Diverse views; no official position; members range from immortality to no afterlife
Hell
Denies
Eternal hell rejected; Universalist heritage affirms no soul is permanently lost
Heaven
Varies
No official position; focus on this-world transformation; afterlife beliefs vary
Second Coming
Varies
Second coming not affirmed; most UUs interpret eschatology non-literally or not at all
Millennium
Varies
Literal millennium not affirmed; justice and peace are present responsibilities
Ecclesiology
Church Authority
Nuanced
Congregational polity; no binding creed; individual conscience is supreme
Clergy & Priesthood
Affirms
Ordained ministers lead; women and LGBTQ+ fully included since mid-20th century
Sacraments & Ordinances
Varies
No required sacraments; practices vary; communion and dedication used by some
Scripture
Biblical Canon
Varies
Bible not uniquely authoritative; all wisdom traditions valued alongside Scripture
Biblical Inerrancy
Denies
Biblical inerrancy rejected; Bible is human witness to spiritual experience, not infallible
Extra-biblical Revelation
Affirms
All wisdom traditions affirmed; direct experience and reason are primary sources
Scripture Interpretation
John 1:1 — "The Word Was God"
Denies
Rejects Trinitarian reading; non-creedal; individual members interpret freely
Isaiah 7:14 — "Virgin or Young Woman"
Varies
No official interpretation; members range from symbolic to historical readings
Matthew 16:18 — "Upon This Rock"
Varies
No binding interpretation; members emphasize inclusive community building
Romans 9:18-21 — "God's Sovereign Choice"
Varies
No official stance; members emphasize human freedom and responsibility
James 2:24 — "Justified by Works"
Affirms
Faith expressing itself in action; works for justice and compassion affirmed
Matthew 28:19 — "Baptize in the Name"
Varies
No official interpretation; baptism as welcome/covenant ritual if observed
Hebrews 1:8 — "Your Throne, O God"
Denies
Rejects divine Christ; understands Jesus as ethical exemplar and wisdom teacher
Revelation 20:1-6 — "The Thousand Years"
Varies
No official stance; Scripture as wisdom literature; eschatology not emphasized
Genesis 1:1-2 — "In the Beginning"
Varies
Scripture as ancient wisdom; compatible with science; theological not literal
Mark 16:9-20 — "The Longer Ending"
Varies
Textual scholarship acknowledged; resurrection interpretation varies widely
John 7:53–8:11 — "The Woman Caught in Adultery"
Varies
Textual scholarship acknowledged; story appreciated for ethical teaching on mercy
1 John 5:7-8 — "The Comma Johanneum"
Denies
Trinity rejected; verse likely later addition; Oneness/Unitarianism preferred
Deuterocanonical Books — "Tobit, Wisdom, Sirach, Maccabees"
Varies
No mandate; appreciated as wisdom literature; not canonical authority
Shepherd of Hermas — "Early Christian Text"
Varies
Appreciated as early Christian literature; no canonical status; wisdom valued
Ethics & Practice
Sabbath
Varies
No Sabbath requirement; Sunday services common; practices vary by congregation
Blood Transfusions
Affirms
No prohibition; individual medical decisions are matters of personal conscience
Military Service
Varies
Peace witness is strong; pacifism common but not required; individual conscience respected
Holidays
Varies
Diverse celebrations; Christmas and Easter observed by some; earth-cycle festivals common