A blogger I respect although rarely, of late, agree with writes this:
"What does this mean for humanist UU’s? I think it’s possible for non-theists to accept that some spiritual force greater than ourselves calls us out of our individual concerns to do the work of growing, healing, serving, learning, celebrating, grieving and repenting."
I think it is a huge leap for members of my denomination to expect me to warp my view of both humanism and atheism to accept a "force greater" in our lives. If I were to suggest that they move their idea of God to the realm of fairy tale I think they would be offended. And so these two parties are supposed to gather together each Sunday - a difficult thing indeed.
For those not aware, I grew up Unitarian in Southern California. I was raised by humanists who did not believe in a god. I tried to believe in god for years - to fit in - but that just left me feeling more at odds with myself. In the 60's the Unitarians and the Universalists joined together. My father was never for that joining because he believed that the Universalist influence of heaven and god would water down his position of humanism. His church stayed a Unitarian church because they all felt that way.
I, though, have moved around the country and have experienced our congregations in the West, North & South and they are moving into a new age of spirituality - they are seeking to become a place where seekers covene. Which is fine except when they ask me to change my view... which I feel they would like very much.
During my daughters high school years she was very active in church - and we went every Sunday. Since she started college last year I have for a number of reasons stopped going. I like the people, but I can't get motivated to go. I asked her why we weren't going this summer when she was home and she said, "because they believe in god and we don't."
So, my question to my fellow UU's is why can't there be room for those of us who come from the long tradition of humanists? Why must we change to your needs? I am a second generation UU, my daughter a third and it feels like that might be the end of the line for our family. Is that ok with the UUA? Is that ok with you?
