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Christ For Unitarian Universalists
Christ for Unitarian Universalists is an engaging and thoughtful inquiry into Christianity for Unitarian Universalists and other spiritual seekers--including skeptics, non-religious people, liberal Christians, and those who consider themselves "spiritual but not religious." The book has several purposes. The first is to present Christ in an understandable and compelling way to the increasing number of people who do not consider themselves Christian. The second is to present liberal and progressive Christians with the non-dogmatic way that Unitarian Universalists have viewed Christ through the Bible and personal experience. And the third is to promote active dialogue between non-Christians and the nearly 80% of Americans who identify themselves as Christian.
Christ for Unitarian Universalists addresses frank questions with integrity and intellectual honesty yet also presents a sincere and genuine sense of love as embodied in Jesus that is so heartfelt, so unconditional, and so revolutionary that it will take your breath away.
Christ for Unitarian Universalists addresses frank questions with integrity and intellectual honesty yet also presents a sincere and genuine sense of love as embodied in Jesus that is so heartfelt, so unconditional, and so revolutionary that it will take your breath away.
296 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2016
64 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Scotty McLennan
7 books10 followersThe Reverend William L. McLennan, Jr. — better known as "Scotty McLennan" — was born on November 21, 1948. He is a published author of four books, an ordained minister, a lawyer, and an educator, currently teaching ethics at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He was the University Chaplain at Tufts for sixteen years and Dean for Religious Life at Stanford for fourteen years.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 9, 2019
So this book is really not for me, and the fact that it is not for me I think is evidence of my journey from the Unitarians-Considering-Christ type theology I knew growing up. Knowing that context, and also knowing the difficulty with which actual UUs engage with Christianity, I appreciate this book as a resource for those communities.
That said: this book feels mostly like an annotated bibliography of liberal and UU Christian writers. McLennan does put forth some of his own beliefs, but more in a "here's a few sentences on what I personally believe" kind of way rather than a "and now I'm going to write a chapter of theology" kind of way. Contributing to this feeling is that each chapter is pretty segmented in terms of topic (and can wander a bit) -- which is both useful (for using this book as a reference) and awkward in terms of approaching this book as something that hangs together with anything besides "hey UUs, we can actually get something useful from Christianity."
Again, this is where this book is not for me, and also where consideration of his audience as properly Unitarian is important, but I am not pleased with McLennan's willingness to either set aside elements of Christian theology or to readily "translate" them into language that is more familiar/palatable to UUs. Obviously, I see this as useful for his audience, and I understand how this has been meaningful in his own journey. But in terms of a commitment to grapple with and learn from the tradition as it stands, I feel like he fell short.
That said: this book feels mostly like an annotated bibliography of liberal and UU Christian writers. McLennan does put forth some of his own beliefs, but more in a "here's a few sentences on what I personally believe" kind of way rather than a "and now I'm going to write a chapter of theology" kind of way. Contributing to this feeling is that each chapter is pretty segmented in terms of topic (and can wander a bit) -- which is both useful (for using this book as a reference) and awkward in terms of approaching this book as something that hangs together with anything besides "hey UUs, we can actually get something useful from Christianity."
Again, this is where this book is not for me, and also where consideration of his audience as properly Unitarian is important, but I am not pleased with McLennan's willingness to either set aside elements of Christian theology or to readily "translate" them into language that is more familiar/palatable to UUs. Obviously, I see this as useful for his audience, and I understand how this has been meaningful in his own journey. But in terms of a commitment to grapple with and learn from the tradition as it stands, I feel like he fell short.
October 21, 2016
This book is an extensive resource for anyone interested in the diversity of beliefs and opinions concerning God, Jesus, Christ, [the Holy] Spirit and biblical interpretations. Although the author is primarily focused on Christian convictions—especially the contrasts between evangelical versus the liberal—he frequently includes Hindu, Buddhist, atheist/humanistic viewpoints. McLennan comes across as a bridge-builder who has walked many paths and is open to dialogue with anyone to widen the scope of mutual comprehension.
There are fourteen chapters all of which are in the form of questions such as ‘What significance can we find in crucifixion?’, ‘What does it mean to be saved? (And is salvation universal?), and ‘How can Christ help us in our social justice efforts?’ McLennan takes a broad approach to try to answer each question. The readers who are open to think ‘out of the box’ will feel challenged to find his/her own answers, parallel to or divergent from the examples presented. Although I didn’t find anything radically off course from the author’s intention to find unity in diversity, I sometimes found myself distracted by his determined attempts to make the square pegs fit in the round holes.
Although I am not a UU member I admire their inclusiveness. (From my own experience, however, I find it difficult to have honest and open dialogue with individuals who don’t take a stand on important beliefs and issues but choose rather to flatter me by giving the impression that they are of similar mindset.) I bought this book to see whether modern Christian UUs have formulated specific beliefs about doctrine and theology. The answer I found was a definite ‘no.’ It would appear that Christian UUs prefer to take an open-ended, tenuous and intangible posture about what it means to be a Christian. What keeps their ship on course is their resolute support of compassionate moralism as exemplified by the sayings and actions of the biblical Jesus. I commend them for that.
There are fourteen chapters all of which are in the form of questions such as ‘What significance can we find in crucifixion?’, ‘What does it mean to be saved? (And is salvation universal?), and ‘How can Christ help us in our social justice efforts?’ McLennan takes a broad approach to try to answer each question. The readers who are open to think ‘out of the box’ will feel challenged to find his/her own answers, parallel to or divergent from the examples presented. Although I didn’t find anything radically off course from the author’s intention to find unity in diversity, I sometimes found myself distracted by his determined attempts to make the square pegs fit in the round holes.
Although I am not a UU member I admire their inclusiveness. (From my own experience, however, I find it difficult to have honest and open dialogue with individuals who don’t take a stand on important beliefs and issues but choose rather to flatter me by giving the impression that they are of similar mindset.) I bought this book to see whether modern Christian UUs have formulated specific beliefs about doctrine and theology. The answer I found was a definite ‘no.’ It would appear that Christian UUs prefer to take an open-ended, tenuous and intangible posture about what it means to be a Christian. What keeps their ship on course is their resolute support of compassionate moralism as exemplified by the sayings and actions of the biblical Jesus. I commend them for that.
March 12, 2025
Let me start with a confession: I am not a Unitarian Universalist. I am though a Christian Universalist. The “Christian” part must be qualified with, I am not a traditional Christian. For me, Christianity is primarily about living Christ in the present.
Beyond that, my interest lies in exploring how we might re-imagine Christianity for our metamodern era. It is that, which drew me to reading, Christ for Unitarian Universalists. And I am glad I did.
In Christ for Unitarian Universalists, Rev. Scotty McLennan, reinterprets Christianity through the lens of liberal Unitarian Universalism, drawing from scripture and respected theologians and ministers within and outside of Unitarian Universalism: Carl Scoval, William Ellery Channing, Hosea Ballou, , Harvey Cox, Marcus Borg, Martin Luther King, among others.
McLennan, in Christ for the Unitarian Universalist examines the scriptural account of both the pre- and post-Easter Christ, offers us a Christ that is both historical and present.
The book takes a look at both the historical Jesus and the present Christ in a way that is not only sensitive to Unitarian Universalist sensitivities, but also appealing to those seeking to remain Christian while rejecting (“deconstructing”) from traditional Christianity. While in a strict sense, not a reimagined Christ, for the Christ that McLennan shows us has been a part of the Unitarian Universalist Judeo-Christian roots, long before the merger of the two denominations. Christ for Unitarian Universalists however, is a fresh look at those roots.
As we move through the book, McLennan asks us to consider a series of provocative questions. With his finely honed skills as a pastor and educator, he guides us through the exploration of each question, drawing upon the thinking of others, as well as his own. His exploration is not pedantic, but lively engaging. The more I read, the more I wanted to read. McLennan gives much to absorb, to think about, and perhaps apply to our own spiritual growth.
Toward the end of the book, McLennan asks a question that may sound odd to a Unitarian Universalist, “Could Unitarian Universalist adopt Martin Luther King’s understanding of Christ?” (chap. 11). The question centers around another question, one that King asked himself: “… I wondered whether (religion) could serve as a vehicle to modern thinking, whether religion could be intellectually respectable as well as emotionally satisfying.” Chapter 12, “How can Christ help us in our social justice efforts?” reminds us that social justice is an integral part of the “Kingdom of God.” This thought challenges the response (and lack thereof) of both Unitarian Universalists and Christians in general.
The last two chapters are the dialogue chapters. Chapter 13, “How might we talk to evangelical Christians?” and Chap. 14, “What can we say to people of other religions (or none) about Christ?” I personally did not find much help in the discussion of talking with evangelical Christians, although ironically, perhaps the answer is found in the words of “Saten” who cried out to Jesus in the wilderness, “I know who you are, the Holy one of God.” Whether or not Jesus is God, we can certainly agree that he was Holy. Perhaps, that is where our dialogue needs to begin. The last chapter with its emphasis on pluralism and pilgrimage provides us with a starting point for talking with those of other or no religion. Acknowledging that we are all fellow pilgrims also provides us with other opening for dialogue with Evangelical Christians.
We now come to the “Conclusion.” McLennan writes that it is easy to talk about Christ as an historical character, even to find inspiration in his historical teachings. It is harder to think about Christ in the present. Yet, it is the post-Easter Jesus that changed the lives of the disciples.
McLennan writes,
"I have not spoken of Jesus Christ as the supernatural, or as the bloody atonement for the sins of humankind, or as the one and only way to spiritual truth. I believe we can read the New Testament and two thousand years of Christian experience as testifying to embodied values of rationality, equality, tolerance, freedom and respect. Through Jesus Christ we can come to see clearly the inherent worth and dignity of every person, the role of justice and compassion in human relations, the good of world community and many other values …. Through Jesus Christ we can come to the direct experience of transcending mystery and wonder, openness to the forces that create and uphold life, the love of God and neighbor, and much more that enriches and ennobles our faith.
Later in his concluding remarks, McLennan notes that as a Unitarian Universalist Christian has come to the place where he can call Christ his “Lord and Savior.” I especially appreciate that. I have long struggled with calling Christ, “Savior.” For McLennan calling Christ “Lord” acknowledges him his spiritual leader, as one whose greater insight into spiritual truth that we do. Calling him “Savior,” is not to assert that Christ does to forgive our sins, but rather that Christ provides him (and us) with a vision of how to live fully and abundantly in the here and now."
Wrapping up the review, Christ for Unitarian Universalists needs to be read, not only by Unitarian Universalists Christians and Unitarian Universalists who wonder about UU’s Judeo-Christian roots, but also by every Christian who is struggling with traditional, evangelical, fundamental Christianity. To aid in discussion a companion discussion guide is available.
Although written in 2018, Christ for Unitarian Universalists, is relevant today for Unitarian Universalists and liberal Christianity, and the future of both.
Beyond that, my interest lies in exploring how we might re-imagine Christianity for our metamodern era. It is that, which drew me to reading, Christ for Unitarian Universalists. And I am glad I did.
In Christ for Unitarian Universalists, Rev. Scotty McLennan, reinterprets Christianity through the lens of liberal Unitarian Universalism, drawing from scripture and respected theologians and ministers within and outside of Unitarian Universalism: Carl Scoval, William Ellery Channing, Hosea Ballou, , Harvey Cox, Marcus Borg, Martin Luther King, among others.
McLennan, in Christ for the Unitarian Universalist examines the scriptural account of both the pre- and post-Easter Christ, offers us a Christ that is both historical and present.
The book takes a look at both the historical Jesus and the present Christ in a way that is not only sensitive to Unitarian Universalist sensitivities, but also appealing to those seeking to remain Christian while rejecting (“deconstructing”) from traditional Christianity. While in a strict sense, not a reimagined Christ, for the Christ that McLennan shows us has been a part of the Unitarian Universalist Judeo-Christian roots, long before the merger of the two denominations. Christ for Unitarian Universalists however, is a fresh look at those roots.
As we move through the book, McLennan asks us to consider a series of provocative questions. With his finely honed skills as a pastor and educator, he guides us through the exploration of each question, drawing upon the thinking of others, as well as his own. His exploration is not pedantic, but lively engaging. The more I read, the more I wanted to read. McLennan gives much to absorb, to think about, and perhaps apply to our own spiritual growth.
Toward the end of the book, McLennan asks a question that may sound odd to a Unitarian Universalist, “Could Unitarian Universalist adopt Martin Luther King’s understanding of Christ?” (chap. 11). The question centers around another question, one that King asked himself: “… I wondered whether (religion) could serve as a vehicle to modern thinking, whether religion could be intellectually respectable as well as emotionally satisfying.” Chapter 12, “How can Christ help us in our social justice efforts?” reminds us that social justice is an integral part of the “Kingdom of God.” This thought challenges the response (and lack thereof) of both Unitarian Universalists and Christians in general.
The last two chapters are the dialogue chapters. Chapter 13, “How might we talk to evangelical Christians?” and Chap. 14, “What can we say to people of other religions (or none) about Christ?” I personally did not find much help in the discussion of talking with evangelical Christians, although ironically, perhaps the answer is found in the words of “Saten” who cried out to Jesus in the wilderness, “I know who you are, the Holy one of God.” Whether or not Jesus is God, we can certainly agree that he was Holy. Perhaps, that is where our dialogue needs to begin. The last chapter with its emphasis on pluralism and pilgrimage provides us with a starting point for talking with those of other or no religion. Acknowledging that we are all fellow pilgrims also provides us with other opening for dialogue with Evangelical Christians.
We now come to the “Conclusion.” McLennan writes that it is easy to talk about Christ as an historical character, even to find inspiration in his historical teachings. It is harder to think about Christ in the present. Yet, it is the post-Easter Jesus that changed the lives of the disciples.
McLennan writes,
"I have not spoken of Jesus Christ as the supernatural, or as the bloody atonement for the sins of humankind, or as the one and only way to spiritual truth. I believe we can read the New Testament and two thousand years of Christian experience as testifying to embodied values of rationality, equality, tolerance, freedom and respect. Through Jesus Christ we can come to see clearly the inherent worth and dignity of every person, the role of justice and compassion in human relations, the good of world community and many other values …. Through Jesus Christ we can come to the direct experience of transcending mystery and wonder, openness to the forces that create and uphold life, the love of God and neighbor, and much more that enriches and ennobles our faith.
Later in his concluding remarks, McLennan notes that as a Unitarian Universalist Christian has come to the place where he can call Christ his “Lord and Savior.” I especially appreciate that. I have long struggled with calling Christ, “Savior.” For McLennan calling Christ “Lord” acknowledges him his spiritual leader, as one whose greater insight into spiritual truth that we do. Calling him “Savior,” is not to assert that Christ does to forgive our sins, but rather that Christ provides him (and us) with a vision of how to live fully and abundantly in the here and now."
Wrapping up the review, Christ for Unitarian Universalists needs to be read, not only by Unitarian Universalists Christians and Unitarian Universalists who wonder about UU’s Judeo-Christian roots, but also by every Christian who is struggling with traditional, evangelical, fundamental Christianity. To aid in discussion a companion discussion guide is available.
Although written in 2018, Christ for Unitarian Universalists, is relevant today for Unitarian Universalists and liberal Christianity, and the future of both.
October 28, 2024
Would make a great engaging Bible study and theology study for any group wanting to delve deeply chapter by chapter. Lots of resources for further reading at the end of the book.
July 7, 2016
Yes, of course, if you're not a UU, you're not likely to read this book. It is well written by a self-proclaimed Unitarian Universalist Christian, and should be required reading for anyone who has left a Christian faith with scorn. It might be that it was the politics rather than the faith that pushed them away.
This is certainly a book for anyone of any faith who is interested in interfaith dialog or pluralism. There is much to be learned from Christ that has more to do with loving your neighbor that faith.
If you are interested in religion, pick this one up.
This is certainly a book for anyone of any faith who is interested in interfaith dialog or pluralism. There is much to be learned from Christ that has more to do with loving your neighbor that faith.
If you are interested in religion, pick this one up.
April 9, 2017
Wasn't as enthralled with this book as everyone else in our class was. I found it a little on the preachy side and the author had a tendency to over-state his point. I kept skimming. Yes, yes, I got it, can we move on?
That said, there were some bits that I rather liked and I feel an overwhelming inclination to check out "The Historical Jesus" or Karen Armstron's "the History of God". I think I want a broader view.
The best bits were about divinity, and how not all Christian denominations require it or believe in the divinity of Jesus. How the virgin birth was possibly an inaccurate translation from the ancient Greek text and kept for the poetry. Also, the passage regarding how "my father has many rooms in his mansion" meaning many different views/religions are welcome. There was a sizable amount of information on "mindfulness" that I'd read in Buddhist texts and found worked better from the Buddhist view.
Overall, not a bad read, just slow in places and overly repetitive. Had troubles finishing it.
That said, there were some bits that I rather liked and I feel an overwhelming inclination to check out "The Historical Jesus" or Karen Armstron's "the History of God". I think I want a broader view.
The best bits were about divinity, and how not all Christian denominations require it or believe in the divinity of Jesus. How the virgin birth was possibly an inaccurate translation from the ancient Greek text and kept for the poetry. Also, the passage regarding how "my father has many rooms in his mansion" meaning many different views/religions are welcome. There was a sizable amount of information on "mindfulness" that I'd read in Buddhist texts and found worked better from the Buddhist view.
Overall, not a bad read, just slow in places and overly repetitive. Had troubles finishing it.
January 19, 2018
Excellent Book! Wonderful encompassing ideas of Christ. Highly Recommend.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews