Welcome to Gaia! ::

I'd like to apologize as well... I should try to keep a better tone.

Religion is one of the topics I study most in my spare time... so when I come across something that doesn't compute, I don't usually react well.

I'm fine with you believing whatever you would like to, and agree that no one should force their ideology onto other people.

I think it was already stated that those attempting to convert you, are just showing that they care. To them, you are damning yourself to hell... and they don't want that for you. You may disagree with the idea that people suffer eternally... but they think people do. So when they hear you believe something "different" or "strange" then they must try their hardest to "bring some sense" to you, so you can be "saved" like the rest.


As a side note, you really do mean Universalist. The universalist belief is that all people will be redeemed/saved. The Unitarians just deny the idea of the trinity. I am sorry if I sound rude "correcting" you... but it will help you clarify yourself better in the future.


(I actually consider myself to be Unitarian Universalist, though I've not joined the actual organization)

I've been to the local unitarian church here a few times. as far as churches go, I liked it. I liked the fact that it doesnt focus on one single idea of god. each service talks about the divine from a different perspective, because the idea is that all faiths have a seed of the truth. even atheists like to attend unitarian services. it is a church that truly brings the people together, and disgards the us/them mentality.

that's cool. a lot of wiccans and various other types of pagans go to the unitarian church. a lot of different groups have study groups and discussions after the service. I've been christian, pagan, and atheist. now, there really isnt a label that I would fit comfortably in. all I know is I believe in the duality and energies in nature, all life is sacred, and I dont believe in personal deity.

are you saying judaism, islam, paganism, hinduism are all either satanist or atheists? because they reject christian beliefs and dogma, and none of them are either satanic or atheists.

there are christians that go to unitarian churches.. and jews.. and pagans..and buddhists.. etc. yes, unitarians believe in the divine but they dont adhere to any of the dogmas of other organized religions. they incorporate ALL of them, in a way that says... all gods of the various faiths are the same divine source, just with different names and different cultural attachments.

I'm not calling you a Satanist or trying to insult anyone. I'm only saying that these religions don't reject EVERY chhristian dogma and attempting to better define the unitarian faith. I like unitarianism, I've been to quite a few pagan meetings at our local unitarian church. I was just trying to help out. To be honest I really have no problem with ANY religion. As long as you're not sacrificing kids on bloody alters I could give less of a s**t what religion you affiliate yourself with (and I'm not saying that to be an a**). I understand that one of the teachings of the unitarian church is to accept all religions and to greet the perspective worshippers with open arms, and idea that alot of religions should learn from. I just thought that I'd clarify that the only religion that rejects EVERY christian dogma is satanism. Of course I also believe that you shouldn't hand out religious beliefs in a manner that resembles trying to pick a fight about it, of course if someone intentionaly gives you a hard time about it you should (and do) have every right to stand up for what you believe. I hope that clarifies my post. AND just to cover my own a**, I don't have a problem with satanists either, or athiests, or anyone. These were not "fightin words".

ok, but so do other beliefs..and with the exception of islam today, satanism and athiesm (which isnt even a true religion) are the most frowned upon.

unitarianism does reject the dogma. it rejects the dogma of every organized faith tho, not just that of christianity. what it focuses on are the similarities found in each religion. it's a religions dogma that truly sets it apart from all other religions, and unitarianism is about unity.

unrequitedCat, no worries.. I'm not offended smile

Ok, wsit' I did type belief originaly, I meant ideals. *sheepish grin* I fixed it now. I just really abhor the idea of being made to appear a small minded simplton. And I would never purposfully want to be offensive towards someone because of a religious prefrence. I was raised in a way that has made me extreamly curious about different religions and as such I devote alot of time to learning what I can about them. I thin at times I may get to defensive in this aspect. So I do appologize for that. And I hope I've clarified what I meant to say. sweatdrop