Exploring Unitarian Universalist Identity

Unitarian Universalists find themselves in the midst of an identity crisis from both internal and external causes. Who are they in relation to their separate histories and their 45 years of life together in the Unitarian Universalist Association? In America not only are they challenged from the radical right but also from a weakness of spiritual focus and vision. How can this liberal religious movement serve the world today from its unique historic emergence, as no other religion around it is positioned to minister to the needs of our times? This book opposes insular retreat in favor of a world embrace, as a "multifaith faith." From Emerson and the transcendentalists forward Richardson traces a grounding in liberal traditions which assists in preparing the religion's capacities for a global consciousness and ministry. Exploring Unitarian Universalist Identity was presented as Minns Lectures, "The Boston Religion: Special Themes," in celebration of the 375th anniversary of the First Church In Boston. Richardson is author of The Boston Religion: Unitarianism In Its Capital City, Four Spiritualities: A Psychology of Contemporary Spiritual Choice and three other books of psychology, history and poetry as well as the forthcoming title: Archetype of the Spirit. Forty years in the UU ministry, he is living in Rockland, ME, with his wife, Eleanor, engaged in research and writing.