Universalism 101: An Introduction for Leaders of Unitarian Universalist Congregations

by Richard Trudeau

Few Unitarian Universalists (UUs), lay or ordained, know much about Universalist theology. A related problem is that few UUs know much about Universalist history or culture, which is relevant because Universalist theology was shaped by Universalist experience.

With the loss of Universalist perspective, our combined Unitarian Universalist religious movement is being impoverished. Universalism was different from Unitarianism. It originated among laypeople, not clergy. It drew on the experience of a less privileged social class. Its message was more radical, its scope was larger, and its taproot went deeper into the heart.

This book presents all of Universalism’s distinctive ideas and make clear their relationships to each other. It uses a variety of approaches—essays, details from the author’s biography, anecdotes, laments, meditations, excerpts from other writers, even jokes.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

108 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2009

Reviews

[Adrienne Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

An incomplete argument

This book makes three arguments

1) Universalist history is ignored or downplayed as we talk about UU history and theology
2) We should lean into the Universalist focus on Christianity as a source of language, practice, and theology in UU spaces
3) The best UU theology is drawn from the Universalist tradition, rather than the elitist, humanist, detranscendent Unitarian tradition

[MG Stough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and useful place to start a journey

If you are interested in learning about Universalist or Unitarian basic Theology, this is a good place to start. Easy to read and does not try to shove one way of thinking and doing down your throat.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helped clarify the differences between Unitarianism and Universalism. Easy to understand without being childish or condescending. Glad to know more about the denomination, and how accepting it is.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting book for those interested in getting some backstory about the Universalist heritage of Unitarian Universalism. It was very accessible and easy to read!

[Dave Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Universalists for today and tomorrow

Thought provoking and informative. These ideas apply to the larger question of religion’s place in a liberal society. A lot of folks think they can just walk away from their past experience, and just take up golf. It’s not so easy. This book takes an honest look at the larger questions behind moral development I. Society and how to tackle the process more honestly. And more joyously.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed his take on early universalism as, I found the idea class differences fascinating. At times though I feels he detracts from our Unitarian brothers and sisters. I do agree that we as UU people can learn from our Universalist forebears and do a better job of outreaching to people and communities with different SES and who may take a more traditional approach to Jesus in a liberal religious framework.

[Judi Adamo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to help me understand my significant other's church, Unitarian Universalism. This book explains the differences between Unitarianism and Universalism, which used to be two different and separated entities, and eventually merged. It is an excellent book, and well written. His understanding of the Bible is my own.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been a UU for over 10 years, this book explained quite a bit of the confusion about Unitarian and Universalism.

Excellent explanation on Universalism. The kindle version,however, is full of grammatical errors. I'd love to take the time to edit them. Now when member tell me what our congregation needs is more universalism, I understand.