The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide: Sixth Edition

by Susan Frederick-Gray, Melissa Harris-Perry (Foreword)

The most complete introduction to Unitarian Universalism available, covering ministry, worship, religious education, social justice, community, and history. Extensively revised, the sixth edition gives voice to many individual Unitarian Universalists—people of all ages, coming from many backgrounds, and holding many beliefs—as they share their personal and deeply heartfelt testimonies. Contributors include Rosemary Bray McNatt, Erika Hewitt, Cheryl Walker, Jessica York, Elizabeth Nguyen, Aisha Hauser, Dan McKanan, and more. Foreword by lifelong Unitarian Universalist Melissa Harris-Perry.

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy, Nonfiction

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2019

Reviews

[Lauren Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

good intro to UU

I’ve been curious about UU for while, I’m an ex-evangelical and ex Christian. I was first introduced to UU via Colleen Patrick-Goudreau’s podcast. She mentioned it for a moment in a podcast several years ago.
I’ve dabbled in religions and this is one feels most like home. No creed, no required deity, community and social justice centered. It’s truly inclusive. I like that I am welcome as an agnostic/atheist .

The only verse of the bible I’ve ever completely agree with was this: “act justly and love mercy”. Somewhere around Micah 6:8. This book wraps that up, without forcing any deity or dogma down your throat.

I’ll walk into a humanist or secular UU service one day, hopefully it will be welcoming and justice focused.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good at what it sets out to do: providing a short introduction to UU faith, practices, and roots. Provides suggestions for further reading.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book serves as a great introduction to UU. Each chapter starts with an essay explaining a UU concept, and there is a corresponding essay authored by a leader or layperson. There were some essays that were a little dry or explanation-heavy. If you are curious about this faith, or just did not know the history of symbols if you grew up in a UU church, this is the book for you.

[Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having no prior knowledge of Unitarian Universalism, this book served as a good primer on the foundational tenants, practices, and origins. I appreciated the many different voices and perspectives shared throughout. As this mirrors the concepts of inclusivity, diversity, and independent exploration of faith that appear to be at the core of UU, it seems like an appropriate introduction to expectations of the UU faith community in a general sense.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest edition of the Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide is both academic and personal. There are the facts about who we are as faith community. The stories give glimpses of how our faith transforms lives. Together they provide an excellent introduction to our liberal faith.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a well-rounded, easy to read, introduction to Unitarian Universalism. It is written in a way that reaches a large audience, with varying familiarity with Unitarian Universalism, and covers many aspects of the faith and community.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enlightening in some aspects (worshiping what?) but in other aspects, I guess you had to be there (eg, the history of universalism was interesting, but I think it’s a stretch to call anyone from the 1800s UU and I’m not clear and why they dropped creed entirely).

[Beth Taurasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

I studied this book in a group I meet witih, I’m glad i got to know the faith for what it is. This is my chosen faith, and this book was there for the ride.

[Lindsey Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, clear. A little testimonial-heavy, as opposed to straight up explanation, but I think it lays out the basics.

[Mollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very concise, readable overview of the Unitarian Universalist philosophy and practices from its earliest roots to current practice.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informational and inspirational

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro to UU from diverse points of view. Most essays are very short so easy to read in bite-sized pieces.

[Lauren Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such powerful stories!