Unitarian Universalism: A Narrative History

by David E. Bumbaugh

Universalists and Unitarians are so fond of their early history, they often neglect later developments. One of the big advantages of this history is that Professor Bumbaugh brings the history down to the present day. He explains the tensions between the Unitarians and the Universalists before the merger of the denominations in 1961, the latter fearing they would be swallowed up by the stronger partner. After merger, the contest for the hearts and minds of liberals between the theists and humanists continued over into the new denomination. In recent times, a humanistically inclined denomination has found developing within it new interpretations of liberal religion, among them a vague emotion labeled "spirituality." and an earth-centered approach to religion, labeled "pagan." Of course, as one would expect, there is continuing concern over the relation of the denomination to its Christian roots.

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, History, Nonfiction

226 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2000

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those U U s who were not raised in the denomination and want to know more history, this is a fascinating book. It begins in the 3rd century when the Unitarians disagreed with the Trinitarians. It is a good look at the many arguments over the centuries, covering the various splinter groups after the Reformation.

Universalism took root in the 19th century. The history of these two denominations in the 19th century parallel each other--one more Christ centered than the other. The history continues into the merger in the 1960s and further growth.

A good introduction.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting - though the reader needs a basic understanding of Christianity to follow the discussion.
Did you ever really think about the theology of The Holy Trinity? I hadn’t.
I’d no idea that there was so much fundamental debate about the nature of God and the meaning of salvation in the early Christian Church.
This book might inspire you to rethink what you believe.
Not easy to read. It’s dense and detailed.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good enough as an overview, but like any general history it misses opportunities to delve deeper in pertinent places. Could have used less European history, as it is only tangentially related to the development of American liberal religion, in order to place more emphasis on the turmoil of the Civil Rights Era and the rise of both pagan and feminist theologies.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply the best concise history of the Unitarian Universalist heritage.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for beginning UU's like me.

[Carmen]

At first glance, it seems to cover a good deal of ground handled elsewhere. It will be interesting to see what particular perspective or hermeneutic orientation Bumbaugh brings to the task.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry but edifying.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating history of liberal religion. Who knew?