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What is our chosen faith? What is this tradition that we claim as our own? We know we are Unitarian and Free Christian, but what does this mean? If asked, could we explain in simple terms our faith to others? This task is made more difficult, by our lack of a common and defining creed. A church, which by its very nature, is not a creedal one, will always struggle to get its message across. Our faith is not a simple one. Perhaps, the best place to start is through a brief overview of the Unitarian family. I should also add a word of warning; that the word Unitarian is itself used to define any or all of the groups or currents that follow. Words are funny things, they slip and slide all the time, and this too makes our faith hard to explain. Still, here goes... First we have 'Unitarians' - this has two meanings. Properly, it is those who affirm the unity of God, and as a consequence refers to those who deny the Doctrine of the Trinity. In this Christological sense, the term Unitarian also applies to other groups as well. For example, the Christadelphians, Jevoha Witnesses, and even the Mormons! But, Unitarians can also refer to adherents of a liberal and not-necessarily Christian movement, one that is open to the insights of all faiths. This interpretation of the word, it seems to me, is increasing and it is not helpful, for it generates confusion for both adherents and non-adherents alike. Then we have 'Universalists' - again two meanings have tended to apply. Properly, it refers to those who affirm the Doctrine of universal salvation; that is, the belief that all will in the end, be reconciled with God. That God is good. That God would never create a Hell, or cause any to suffer therein. I am a doctrinal universalist. In the United States, there was even a successful Universalist Church, one that merged with the American Unitarian Association in the 1960's, to form the Unitarian-Universalist Association, the UUA, which is our sister church across the water, in this doctrinal sense, many if not all liberal Christians in many denominations are universalists. Certainly, you'll find them in the Anglican, Methodist, Non-Subscribing Presbyterian and Old (as opposed Roman) Catholic Churches to name but a few! On the other hand, Universalists can also be used in the wrong and unhelpful interpretation of those say that all beliefs, all faiths, have the same goal - are the same. This trend is also increasing, and as with the wrong use of the term Unitarians it is actually unhelpful; especially to those who whilst affirming the doctrine, also stress the importance - to them - of then: own tradition! Then we have 'Free Christians' - here at least, and thankfully, meaning is uncontested. Free Christians are those who are non-creedal Christians, who may or may not be Trinitarians. The key thing, is their belief, that all must be free to interpret scripture according to their own conscience, and that the words of Jesus should take precedence over those of men who came after. Our faith then stands on these three pillars; properly understood. It is Unitarian, Universalist and Free Christian. Our readings too help us to understand who we are, and what we believe. I've taken, in a sense readings from both ends of our tradition. They could be seen as symbolizing the distance between our Biblical roots and - for many - our contemporary religious liberalism. Both readings speak to our faith. Our first reading was taken from "The Golden Treasury of the Bible". This is the nearest our denomination ever came to having its own version of the Bible, although it is based on the authorized King James version. The passage was entitled 'Work out your own salvation', and is based upon Philippians I and II. Here, we heard, St. Paul's exhortation to follow the example of Christ, in a real sense to be Christ-like: "Let your conduct be -worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come to see you or must remain absent from you, and only hear of your affairs, I may note that you are standing fast in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel..." Note here, the word 'conduct'; how we conduct ourselves is a key part of our faith. Our evangelism, out witness, is by example, taking our inspiration from Philippians, but I would contend; still no less valid today. Remember that old saying: 'deeds not creeds defines the Christian', it is still true. Deeds not creeds, defines our faith. The passage then goes on: "If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, any persuasive power in love, any fellowship of the spirit, any tender compassion, make my joy complete - be of one mind, share the same affection, be one in heart and soul." Here, we have an exhortation to community, to unity, in affection and in action. Our faith is one that would encourage both unity and community, but without compromising individual conscience. This emphasis on oneness and in following the example of Jesus is then powerfully stated: "Let nothing be done in faction or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others as better than himself. Let no one look to his awn interests but each of you to the interests of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who though divine in nature, did not regard equality with God as a prize to be seized, but renounced himself, taking the character of a servant....." Again, clear advice is given. Avoid faction. Esteem others more highly than we would ourselves - with it dramatic implications for our understanding of a shared, rather than a set-apart ministry - put others first, have the 'mind' of Jesus, take his example of the suffering-servant, of service fully to heart. Our faith was defined, and still is defined, by such passages. It stresses conduct over creeds, stresses community over faction, stresses service over leadership, over hierarchy and it stresses the example of Jesus. That we should follow that example of the pre-eminent Son of God: living as he lived, rather than worshipping him in some abstract sense. Jesus as the one to be followed, who became divine in the sense that he - amongst all of the children of God - showed the fullest possibility of that divine spark found in all. If our first reading can speak to us still, we need also to acknowledge the impact our second reading, from the Object of our General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches. This too speaks of our faith. The Object, you will recall, states that:
"We, the constituent congregations, societies and individual members, uniting in a spirit of mutual sympathy, tolerance and respect; and recognizing the -worth and dignity of all people and their freedom to believe as their consciences dictates and believing that truth is best served when the mind and the conscience are free, acknowledge that the object of the assembly is: Friends, the Object set out the broader parameters of our faith. First, we are reminded that we affirm sovereignty of conscience in matters of faith; that no-one can be asked to believe what is against their conscience, and therefore as a consequence our church confesses no creeds. Our bonds are those of love and affection and not creedal statements. That truth is best served when the mind and conscience is free.... Second, the Object reminds us that our core-purpose is to worship God. That is our purpose, we gather to worship God, and as a consequence to celebrate life, serve humanity, respect creation and to uphold the liberal Christian tradition. We do not gather as a social club, or a discussion group. We do not gather first and foremost as social or political activists; although these functions may arise from the practice of our faith. We gather, first and foremost to worship God, and to uphold the liberal Christian tradition; from which we have come, and of which we are still part. Third, we are reminded that we are part of a larger human family, and that God may speak with in many accents and through many faiths and traditions. That we seek the wider vision, the liberal and religious heritage of others; that we can learn from others. Our faith is open to the wisdom of others. We believe that God speaks still - and not just within our own tradition - and that we must be attentive to whenever and wherever God speaks, even within and through other faiths. Friends, I set a bold task this morning, to summarize our chosen faith. So much more can and should be said, but here, is the least we are, the least we should be. Our chosen faith is Unitarian, affirming with Jesus that 'God is One', our chosen faith is Universalist, believing that all will be reconciled to God in at the end. Our chosen faith is Free Christian, recognizing that other Christians are our immediate sisters and brothers, but escaping the creedal chains that bind them still. Our chosen faith is Biblically-rooted, affirming still the importance of being Christ-like, of following his model of love to the uttermost, acknowledging all those by whatever name, who walked in his way of peace. Our chosen faith worships God, the highest we know, but allow each person to come to their own understanding of the Divine. Our chosen faith sees revelation as on-going; that God is being bigger than we are; speak through others as well, and as he does, so should we listen. Unitarian, Universalist, Free Christian, Biblically rooted, worshipping God, but open yet to the insights of others, that is our chosen faith. May we all live it, and accept its challenge, and by our example to others, and with God's blessing, may it prosper still. Amen.
The Reverend Christopher Wilson, MA |