Our Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism

Rating:
Summary: a readable introduction to Unitarian Universalism
Review: The authors (UU ministers) provide a friendly,approachable guided tour of the ideas and practiceof Unitarian Universalism, mostly through looking at the lives and accomplishments of noted UUs. The reader is left with a good sense of the common threads that bring members of this theologically eclectic denomination together.

Rating:
Summary: Displays both strengths & weaknesses of the UU faith
Review: This older edition gives a solid introduction to the Unitarian Universalist faith. Some portions focus on the historical and doctrinal roots, while others draw on the experiences of the authors (who are both UU ministers) as well as contemporary understandings and practices of the UU faith.
Good: This is an easy read and for a short volume seems to cover all the basics of UU well. The experiences of the authors are particularly helpful. A good example is that of Buehrens' marriage to an Episcopal priest. He says, "The truth is that most of our debates are rather more mundane: the unholy trinity of checkbook, chores, and children, not the holy one."
Bad: The authors sometimes contradict themselves by proclaiming the virtues of being all-inclusive, and then highlighting their perceived inadequacies of orthodox Christian understandings. For example, Church writes that "[James Freeman] Clarke and [Jenkin Lloyd] Jones helped to expand Unitarianism beyond a liberal Christian faith to a faith that might best be described not as non-Christian, but as more than Christian." To most of us in other religions, Christian or otherwise, the UU faith is not "more than" anything but a hodge-podge collection of bits and pieces that fails to embrace the fullness of any of the world's religions. Opinion: A quote from William Schulz in the introduction sums up the essence of Unitarian Universalism: "Born Catholic, Jewish, Protestant, Muslim, or into a secular or 'mixed' household, when it came time for us to affiliate with a religious institution we sought one that fit our own thinking, not one that imposed its thinking on us." To those of us who view religious discipleship as letting go of our own ways of thinking in order to grow closer to God, this view is inadequate. It does not do us well to create a god in our own image.

Rating:
Summary: Seekers of truth and meaning often turn to liberal religion
Review: Unitarian Universalism offers seekers a map to find truth and meaning in their lives. This book helps identify the markers one looks for on this journey. Buehrens and Church discuss in casual, easy to understand terms, the path and markers in Unitarian Universalism, and offers needed language to feelings and matters religious for those in search. This is a difficult religion. It requires commitment and an open mind. This book helps guide the new comer toward becoming more comfortable with the difficult explanations. Highly recommended.