Beliefs

Because it has no creed, the Unitarian faith includes people with a wide range of beliefs. Sometimes Unitarians can identify with more than one belief, or evolve in their thinking.

God

A belief in God is accepted and welcomed but not necessary within the Unitarian faith. Many Unitarians define themselves as Agnostic, Atheist, or Humanist.

What we don't believe

Though the Unitarian faith doesn't tell its members what to believe, not all beliefs are acceptable. "Anything goes" is not an acceptable principle. Beliefs that are hateful or persecute specific groups would be considered out of place in the Unitarian faith. In particular, Unitarians have been at the forefront in issues of justice and compassion concerning inequalities due to race, beliefs, disabilities, gender and sexual orientation.

Heaven and Hell

One question that can arise is the Unitarian view of the afterlife. In times past, many Unitarians believed in Heaven and Hell in a similar way that Christians believe. Currently, some Unitarians believe in Heaven while some believe that there is no afterlife. Some others believe in reincarnation. One phrase you might hear in a Unitarian church is "Deeds, not creeds." The focus is on how one lives one's life today rather than the promise of the afterlife.

Original Sin

More than a century ago, Unitarian thought leaders rejected the theological doctrine of original sin. The belief that pervades Unitarian thought is that people are inherently good, and that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

Theological text

Many people ask how where we learn how to be good Unitarians, and what book guides us. We draw from many sources, from the Bible as well as the religious teachings of other faiths. What is important to understand is that often it is the telling of the story, rather than a literal reading of a text, that guides the Unitarians on their individual spiritual paths. In addition, poetry, music , nature, and the visual arts are often sources of inspiration.

Christianity

Unitarianism grew out of dissenting Protestant Christianity in the UK, but has become broader to include people of many different beliefs. Some Unitarian congregations retain a stronger connection to their Christian roots, while in other congregations it would not be surprising to find celebrations of other faith traditions.