American Unitarian Conference Forum

...where it gets hotter than Sheol!

My name is Bill and I live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas. I'm married with 2 grown children and 2 young kids.

My brief religious bio: I was born and raised in upstate New York (Elmira). I accepted Jesus as my savior at the age of 12 at a small Baptist church during VBS and baptized shortly thereafter. During my teens, I became involved in the Pentecostal Holiness movement and, after high school, attend a PH Bible school for 1 year. After that, I returned to my Baptist roots, albeit Southern Baptist after moving to Texas. Then I spent about 10 years in the Bible Church denomination. I currently attend a United Methodist Church.

I'm exploring Unitarian beliefs because, in my own journey, God has led me to be less conservative, fundamentalistic and more progressive, liberal. The breaking point came for me about 12 years ago when a minister assured me that, because of original sin, our two miscarried children were burning in hell. Another church we attended showed my 5-year-old son a picture of a man engulfed in flames and told him that this is what Jesus would do to him if he didn't accept Jesus as his savior.

Since that time, I have been seeking a more grace-filled, love-based interpretation of Chrisitanity. I find some of that in Marcus Borg's writings and some of it in the writings of the Emerging movement. But I still seek a faith in God that is rational, that, while containing mystery, is not rife with contradictions. I've always felt that the doctrine of the Trinity and the doctrine of the incarnation are two tenets of institutional Christianity that are very contradictory. So I am now exploring Unitarian beliefs and enjoying much of what I am reading on the main website. I wish there were a Unitarian congregation in my area but there doesn't seem to be. If anyone here knows of one, please let me know.

I just wanted to say thanks for the wealth of information on the website and this forum where I may get a few questions answered and, hopefully, find some new friends.

Sincerely,
Bill Mc

Thanks for the link, Eruonen. I explored their website quite thoroughly and may, at some point, visit the congregation. I'm not quite ready for UU yet, I don't think. I won't say never, as I believe things in this point of my journey that I would have considered to be heretical 10 years ago. So I remind myself often that I am on a journey.

Right now, though, I am thoroughly enjoying reading the thoughts and opinions of these 19th century Unitarians and wondered why I have not heard of any of them before. Of course, when I was a fundie, I would not have even considered reading their viewpoints. Funny how life takes it's twists and turns.

Anyway, I am glad this website exists to put forth a rational, transformative faith while seeking further truth and enlightenment. I'll probably interact more on this forum when I have a better understanding of the UAC framework from this past writers and current participants on this forum.

God bless all here.

Bill Mc

Thanks, Eruonen. I did visit FJUUC on one Sunday a couple of weeks ago. I found it to be a nice enough place and a welcoming group of people. The pastor seemed to be a good speaker. It's difficult to tell much from a church from just one visit, but compared to my traditional Christian background, the setting seems somewhat empty. I'm not sure if that is because they want to be perceived as welcoming to all faiths or if it is because they are perhaps distancing themselves from traditional Christianity. But, then again, my own journey is in transition so it might just be my perception. Right now, I'm more interested in reinterpreting the ancient symbols and stories of Christianity rather than throwing them out.

Welcome Bill, I hope you enjoy your stay here.