In my last article I announced that Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is sponsoring First Friday Film every month starting Friday, Jan 5th.
Jeff asks: What is Unitarian Universalist Fellowship?
Jeff, Well the movie, Wooden Camera, was great. Very touching. A lot to say about choices. Movies will be on the first Friday of each month.
My husband’s and my first reaction to your question is movie night has nothing to do with what Unitarian Universalists are because we are just using the building but no one wants to drive to a building and be surprised that it is used for a religion. But since the UU’s are sponsoring this and we are so glad they are doing this community service and even if you want me to talk about it so you can find something wrong with it (sorry, a sign of the times) or not, I will give you my impression.
My husband and a lot of my friends are members and I go occasionally (I have two jobs). They defend their right to think about things and even though that is not actually part of their written creed, I think you will find it in every member. Some of them are intellectuals foremost. Some are spiritualists foremost. Because UU’s are very much about honoring all people and all religions, you’re not going to hear a lot about “God” there because members have different interpretations of “God” and no one wishes to have others push their interpretation on them. So the sermons are usually neutral on that issue, sometimes done by members of the Fellowship since this chapter has no official minister. They sing songs from a hymnal which includes songs written even by the Shakers. I have enjoyed guest speakers like Quakers and a Lakota Sioux Sacred Pipe Holder to name just two. Hearing once from an actual Wiccan was good for me and helped me to put aside what my assumptions about that religion were.
Some UU’s are very involved in energy conservation; one family built their house to be totally self sufficient in energy. There are UU’s who find this subject and the ones above totally uninteresting.
I’m trying to say that the UU’s do not represent some unanimous, agreed belief about God.
They agree on seven principles which have to do with respect for all life, which is what Jesus demonstrated. They do not desire to chant that Jesus demonstrated these principles. They try to do it, not talk about it. They have the sense and competence to want to allow other things to exist. Any disagreements I have had with members there have to do with faults on this issue and what I perceive it to mean. I, personally, am not an atheist and do not have a lot in common with atheists, but my belief in a Supreme Being does not embrace fear or punishment. I don’t think that God is threatened by atheists because God is not insecure. I relate the most to the Unity church and this one. I go to this UU when I can make the time. Coffee and conversations after the sermon is sometimes the greatest gift and giving.
This interpretation may inflame some of either side of this picture. I reserve my right to my interpretation.
The movies will make you want to think. They will try to expand your perspective. You can probably know that about the UU’s and the movies they will pick.
Debbie
