Abstract
This paper argues that religion does not need clear boundaries on who can be included in a religious tradition and who cannot—for example, certain rituals that a member must practice, or certain beliefs they must profess that they hold—in order to function. A definition of religion which might better apply to traditions like Unitarian Universalism would be one that does not focus on common beliefs, but instead on shared values and commitment to shared ways of living. One such definition comes from Paul Tillich, who states that “religion is more than a system of special symbols, rites, and emotions, directed toward a highest being; religion is ultimate concern; it is the state of being grasped by something unconditional, holy, absolute.”[1]
[1] Paul Tillich, “Religion and Secular Culture,” The Journal of Religion 26, no. 2 (1946), 81.
Subject
Religions; Religions -- Philosophy; Religions -- History
Journal
Relics, Remnants, and Religion: an Undergraduate Journal in Religious Studies
Publication Date
12-12-2016
Language
English
Publication Place
Tacoma, Washington
Publisher
The University of Puget Sound
Type
article
Recommended Citation
Christen, Emma
(2016)
"“We Need Not Think Alike to Love Alike”: The Religious Community of Unitarian Universalism,"
Relics, Remnants, and Religion: An Undergraduate Journal in Religious Studies: Vol. 2:
Iss.
1, Article 3.
Available at:
https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/relics/vol2/iss1/3