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Unitarian Universalism: A Visit to Hope Church
Unitarian Universalism , by definition, is a religion based on the spiritual search for truth and meaning. Unitarian Universalists (UUs) do not uphold any kind of dogma. UUs became an organized religion in 1961. Hope church in Tulsa was founded in 1968.
I have not been to a church service in a long time and I was very anxious. I peeked at the church’s website. The pictures shown did not do the church justice. On a Sunday morning, when I’m normally sleeping, I drove up a hill on a winding road through the woods. Though my research gave me a head’s up, my experience did not start until I reached the top of the hill.
The building is quite breath-taking. The structure is incased by the land and the trees. picture 1 picture 2
The sanctuary( chapel) reminded me of stepping into a cave. The lighting is low and the room is circular. One steps down into the seating area. picture 3
The service seemed to be based on Christian and Judaic values, however, the minister pulled from several religions. The language of the ceremony is not intimidating. For someone like me who does not know the lingo of church, the sermon was soothing. The service catered to Memorial Day and the sermon was titled Living with Grief.
The service started with an affirmation that I believe to be the motto of Hope,” Love is the spirit of this church and service its law. This is our great covenant. To dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in love, and to help one another.” Although the reverend quoted excerpts from the bible, there was also quite a bit of philosophy.
After the service, I contemplated the six questions given in the first week of class in relation to Unitarian Universalism. I had to do some more research on the subject to answer the queries from an informed point of view. Following a Red Bull and a couple of hours of web-surfing, the subsequent answers appeared to me.
What is ultimate reality? The ultimate reality for a UU is spiritual growth through love. Many UUs believe in peace and religious tolerance. Hope church answers the question with community. The congregation firmly believes the church should be the center of the community and governed by the community.
What is a human being? Hope church members say a human being is a kindred spirit. UUs further explain this statement by accepting a kindred spirit whether one is straight, gay, or ethnicity.
What happens to a person at death? This answer is not cut and dry. Because UUs do not have a doctrine, individuals claim different truths. Some believe in heaven and some do not. Some believe in an endless existence and others maintain only the here-and –now theory.
How do we know anything at all? For the more philosophical UUs, this question will never have a definite answer. Some might say I think therefore I am. The Christian UUs might claim we know because God created us in his own image.
How do we know what is right and what is wrong? Being a truth seeker myself, I interpret the Unitarian Universalists’ teachings to be a how-to guide on an ideal and just community. They take stories from the bible or Chinese proverbs and turn them into moral lessons devoted to improving spiritual life.
What is the meaning of history? History is a teacher. For those seeking truth, examining the past can have great significance. One can determine what works and what does not work. UUs educate themselves on rituals and practices of many religions to create their own spiritual journey.
I walked away with a different view of church. Before I went to Hope, I did not agree with the idea of church or a church community. My previous experience of worship in a church was frightful and judgmental. This church contained mostly men but atmosphere was calming. I believe this particular church has a good idea. I’m not sure if I will ever step foot in a church again, but if I do, I would go to Hope. picture 4

References
Pictures 1-4, 2010. Hope Unitarian Church, http://www.hopeuu.org/index.html

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