Turning Point: Essays on a New Unitarian Universalism

by Fredric John Muir (Editor)

Outlining a bold vision for the future of Unitarian Universalism, 20 leaders issue a clarion call for change. In inspiring, fresh essays, they implore us to collectively liberate ourselves from patterns that prevent us from becoming a robust faith for a new age. Emerging from a history marred by the errors of individualism, exceptionalism, and anti-authoritarianism, Unitarian Universalism faces a crossroads. Turning Point shows a way forward, by embracing promises shaped from our theology: generosity, pluralism, and imagination. With essays and stories of creative new types of Unitarian Universalist communities across the country, this essential new collection outlines a liberal faith for the twenty-first century. It offers a vision of an inclusive, multicultural Beloved Community and inspires trust that Unitarian Universalism can deepen and grow once again, meeting the aching needs of a new generation.

Genres: Religion, Spirituality

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2016

About the author

Rev. Dr. Fred Muir grew up in Oak Park, Illinois. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary (NY) and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary (DC). He began his parish ministry over thirty years ago by serving a congregation in a small town in Maine. Since 1984, he has served the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis.

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The audience for this collection of essays is mostly UU I'd say, but within that community it's vital reading. It proposes that UUs and the United States are in an uncomfortable period of transition, and that it is time for UUs to overcome the three errors of individualism, exceptionalism, and " the posture of anti-authoritarianism", and build toward Beloved Community by embracing generosity, pluralism, and imagination.

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

New ways to go in Unitarian Universalism to move from iChurch to Beloved Community. Thoughtful discussions of the three errors of UU: individualism, exceptionalism, and anti-authoritarianism. Alternate futures through 3 promises of UU: generosity, pluralism and imagination.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

During the summer, my church read select chapters as we prepared for our developmental minister. Although this book was written in 2016, I feel that the advice and lessons are more important than ever. With the unexpected switch to Zoom and gradual return to in-person services, not all congregants have returned. In addition, Covid-19 has manifested that some of us still maintain an individualistic streak, despite our communal faith. I liked how the writers explored the struggle between humanist Unitarian Universalists and spiritual Unitarian Universalists, which is coming to a head now at the Unitarian Universalists Association. I think anybody can pick up something from this book, not just those in leadership positions.

[Deanna Lack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm reading this after picking it up at 2023 General Assembly and I'm quite astonished at how relevant it is despite all that has happened between 2016 when it was published and the current debate going on at GA about our Principles, Sources, and the way forward in Unitarian Universalism. I agree with the authors that we have fallen too far into individualism. I think the new Article II is really in large degree about taking us out of this limiting mindset and into the Beloved Community we say we are reaching for.

This really should be read by all UUs who are following this pivotal point in our faith.

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks but, no thanks

As a newcomer to UU, I found the framing of the essays in this collection off putting and at odds with my experience in the church. Truly is there anything colder and more callous than labelling a community an iChurch?

That said, there are wonderful stories of UU doing good work in the world in this collection, but I feel as if they are owed an apology by the editor.

[Neil Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a no holds barred look at the current issues and potential of the UU denomination. The collection of writings both pointed out problems and shortcomings and gave a view of positive developments and ways that the denomination could ensure its relevance for the future. Well worth reading and considering what needs to be done to prepare for the future.

[Jennifer Nichols · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s not a bad book necessarily but really doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking or new in UUism.