Introduction

by Richard S. Gilbert

Based on the assumption that everyone is their own theologian, this classic Unitarian Universalist adult education program invites participants to develop their own personal credos, the fundamental religious beliefs, values, and convictions that inform and direct the living of their lives. Gilbert poses five developmental tasks in which participants come to terms with human nature, ultimate reality, history, ethics, and religious meaning. Begins with an introduction to our seven UU Principles. 10 sessions.

Genres: Religion, Theology, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn't have an instructor/participant clear division (like separate textbook or pages or guide or what) but otherwise thought-provoking and helped me formulate my credo. Best done in group, or if you can't get that, hey message me, we'll talk it out

[David Glasgow · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book on my own in preparation for a workshop, rather than using it with a group of others as it is intended. I suspect my review would be more favorable if I'd been taking the time to complete all the exercises, and had a group to discuss the readings with. That said, the materials that are here to prompt reflection and discussion are inconsistent at best.

Many of the quoted passages Gilbert includes in the text are spectacular. Gilbert is well-read, and chooses wonderful sources to further his readers’ theological explorations. But Gilbert's own writing is so “preacher-ese”—the kind of writing that reads well aloud, but is hard to make sense of on the page—that I often found myself groaning slightly when a quote ended and I realized we were returning to original material. By the end of the book I was skipping from quote to quote, and only skimming through the explanatory material in between.

NOTE: A few days after writing the above review, I began the second book in the BYOT series. Its writing and/or editing is much more polished, making it much easier to appreciate the author's insights and allusions.

[Leah]

This is the textbook we're using for the build-your-own theology class. I don't like everything the author writes in the book, especially some of the references he uses to historical figures, but it is a thought provoking book that has had me stumped on many a page. I highly recommend it as a way to work through your thoughts about what you believe and what spirituality/religion means to you.

[Ann Clay · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's great if you are a believer or spiritual at all. Not useful for this atheist

[Ward Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Credo

I believe in love, kindness, and optimism.
I practice loyalty and value family and community.
I believe in showing up, doing the work, and finishing what you started.
I solve problems and strive to maintain a beginner’s mind.
I believe in being flexible and agreeable.
I believe in curiosity and creativity, as well as being organized.
I believe that “All Things Must Pass.” George Harrison
I believe in leaving things better than you found them.
I believe in reading, knowledge, and the search for truth.
I believe in “Always Look on the Brightside of Life.” Monty Python
I believe in nature, beauty, and simplicity.
I believe in family.
I believe in risk - “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
I believe in forgiveness.
I believe in fighting the good fight, as well as non-violence.
I strive to channel Buddha in the kitchen,
Jesus in my woodshop,
Michangelo when painting
and Ram Das in the moment - “Be Here Now.”

[Kat872 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Material could use an update to be more currently relatable.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Unitarian Universalist book to assist you in creating your theology in words, belief and values. I learned that my theology is constantly changing, never the same from one year to the next.

[Breeaedwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it for a Unitarian Universalist class. Some parts were not easy reads and over all it did its job on being thought provoking and helped me to look deeper at my beliefs.

[Tara Hawkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite possibly the most poorly conceived book ever. Not the place to go if you are looking to clarify your theological beliefs.