American Unitarian Conference Forum

What is a Unitarian?
This is a very perplexing question.
"What" may not be the proper question and but "who."

A Unitarian may be a person from any nation or race.
He or she is a person with great cares and concerns.
They are people who care about and strive for the good of man.

A Unitarian is a person who believes there is one God.
They do not seek to place labels on the way to worship Him.
They do not seek to restrict how others may relate to Him.

A Unitarian is a person who seeks to live in harmony and peace.
They recognize all of humanity as family and kin.
They seek to love and serve in anyway they can.

A Unitarian seeks to learn and grow in knowledge and wisdom.
They seek out the best instruction in all the world religions.
They seek to live out the unity and principles as best they can.

A Unitarian will accept no limiting doctrine or creed imposed on them.
They listen to the still small voice that they have within.
They follow the guidance of the Spirit wherever it may lead.

A Unitarian has only two great principles to observe.
They will love and serve the one God.
They will love and serve their fellow man.

A Unitarian is a very rare breed in the world today.
They do not seek to control, but to serve others in their journey.
They strive to be worthy to be called Children of the One.

With Love,

Rev Dorris

One of my favorites...thanks for posting it.

I very nice summation....maybe one for the AUC front page.

What is a Unitarian?. is one of the most asked questions that you will encounter when you tell others you are a Unitarian.

I usually respond that Unitarianism is a belief in one God, known by many names. Typically I'll qualify that by saying it can be either non-orthodox Christianity or generic monotheism/deism. Sometimes I'm more succicnt and I'll just say "Oh a heretic".

Other details I usually will add are the rejection of dogma and creed for embracing reason, the mind and personal experience; a different approach to the nature of the world; and a heavy emphasis on personal ethics; and the tremendous potential that all of humanity has.

What are the odd's a future President could be an avowed Unitarian?  Look at the grief Mitt Romney is going through for being a Mormon.  A Unitarian would have one heck of a hard road...be it liberal, moderate or conservative.

Last Thursday, I read this writing at a meeting of the Lamp-lighters.  This is a small group of authors and other writers who are in the process of learning to write and/or have their works published.

Most of the individuals in the room said it was the first time they had ever been given a definition of what a Unitarian is.  All of them said this was what they believed.  Some said they will now look more deeply into Unitarianism and into the doctrines of their own churches.

One person objected to the line that Unitarians are a very rare breed in the world today.  He said almost everyone is truly a Unitarian by this definition.  The only problem seems to be that they do not know that this is what they truly are.  No one has presented them with a clear definition of who or what a Unitarian is. He did give me the names of people in other states that he wanted me to contact and send a copy of this writing to.

One person said that if everyone was a Unitarian, there would be no more need for jails.  (A Utopian thought). If everyone was a Unitarian, there would be no more need for wars. (Another Utopian thought).

They recommended that I put this writing at the beginning of each book that I get published in the future. What do you think?

We have a lot of work too do.

At each meeting of this group that I am able to attend, I have been invited to share one of my published writings and one new writing. This is not a religious group, but has people from many different faiths participating. So far, my writings have been warmly accepted by this group.

With love,

Rev Dorris

I agree...I think every "Unitarian" oriented book you write could have this at the beginning...a stage setter...or on the jacket etc.

Rev. Dorris, I admire and appreciate the work you do for our faith.

Hi Nathan,

I make small contributions as I can. Thank you for appreciating them.  You have been a significant contributor of time, thoughts, and work.

It is the young people, like you, Logan, David, Jason,and Sara that are the future of the AUC.  It is you, the young people, that will be instrumental in the growth of the AUC.   My role will be of minor importance compared to the work and contributions that you all can make, now and in the future.

We, the elder generation, (I won't name names), can provide you with what we have learned through life experiences, etc.  We can help to answer questions, for we have also had the same questions. We can help to stimulate thoughts, discussions, and contemplation. We can provide leadership and guidance when necessary. And, Yes, we can also be stern in our guidance if necessary, but the future is up to you, the young.

Thanks again,

With love,

Rev Dorris