American Unitarian Conference Forum

How much has Judaism, Christianity's parent religion, influenced the shaping of Unitarianism?  It seems from what I've gleaned a fair bit-the Oneness of God and views of Jesus seem to be very similar to their Jewish counterparts.  Also the Norwegian Unitarian church and I believe even an AUC member church (the Unity Restoration Fellowship) practice some Jewish or semi-Jewish rituals.

In many ways I've been deeply impressed with Judaism-I find their theology in some ways more believable than Christianity (especially on the oneness of God, though I have to say that Jesus made God much more approachable), I find their services very moving (I've only been to one but it is a unique experience and one I can only describe as holy) and I've recently developed an interest in Kabbalah mysticism.  On the other hand many of the more ritualistic and legalistic aspects of Judaism are less than appealing and the unconditional support of Israel bit would be a bit difficult.  Nonetheless I feel there is much to learn from going back to the roots of where Unitarianism originally came.  

On a similar note I recently told Rev. Dorris about a professor of mine who feels that Christianity often fails because it doesn't take into account the world in which Christianity was born (just as a few examples he points out that the ancient Jewish religion had little interest in the concept of an afterlife and viewed salvation as a this world matter-things modern Judaism for the most part still teaches).

Finally thought I'd through this quote out there:

"Mohammed teaches a God above us; Moses teaches a God above us yet with us; Jesus teaches God above us, God with us, and God in us."

--James Freeman Clarke (that man was a genius)

In many ways, Unitarians make perfect Noahides...the gentiles who follow the laws proscribed by Noah for them.

http://www.noahide.com/movement.htm
http://www.noahide.org/
http://www.noahidenations.com/content/index.php

Judaism was always a religion for a particular people...which is why it remains small...there was never a great deal of conversion activity. But, I agree the Unitarians historically should find many common ties...if they consider the old testament as having primacy as a religious text.

Reform Judaism and American Unitarianism were both influenced by Enlightenment thinking which I think accounts for some of the similarities.

Noahides...I think in all honesty the Noahide idea is far more conservative than Unitarianism; we aren't as concerned with private sexual conduct, statuary, or dietary choices as the Noahides are.

I have to second Nathan on the Noahides (although a more simple, liberal interpretation wouldn't be so bad I suppose)

I know there is some debate in the orthodox Jewish community about the provisions...if you consider these from the Noahide.org site without all of the specifics...it is pretty consistent with many Unitarian ideals...rather common sense like actually. Certainly, the gentile has an easier time of it!

1. BELIEF IN G-D
Do not worship Idols

2. RESPECT G-D AND PRAISE HIM
Do Not Blaspheme His Name

3. RESPECT HUMAN LIFE
Do Not Murder

4. RESPECT THE FAMILY
Do Not Commit Immoral Sexual Acts

5. RESPECT FOR OTHERS’ RIGHTS AND PROPERTY
Do Not Steal

6. CREATION OF A JUDICIAL SYSTEM
Pursue Justice

7. RESPECT ALL CREATURES
Do not be cruel to animals.

This list I can definitely agree with. I agree-I think I'll take the Gentile route!

You know I was thinking the other day that in a sense Unitarianism is sort of Judaism without...er, the Jewishness. I know that makes no sense but think: If one were to retain basic Jewish theology minus the cultural influences-in other words take the Jewish religion beyond just one people-my guess is you would have a religion very similar to Unitarianism. It is almost impossible to imagine Judaism being stripped of its cultural overcoat but if it were reduced to basic theology I'd imagine it would look much like Unitarianism. I've always found their concept of God to be very similar to ours-and very palatable.

I've often explained Unitarianism as Reform Judaism for Gentiles