Unitarian Universalism: A New Approach to an Old Problem

For someone looking to explore different religions the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church is a moderate way to start. All Souls is a church founded on principles of love and tolerance, a sanctuary free of dogmatism and denomination, a spiritual union of all souls. It seems humanity has stumbled across a solution to the age old problem of warring religions. Unitarian Universalism incorporates liberal Christian and Jewish religions, Pagans and Wiccan, as well as catering to the Eastern religions of Buddhism and Hinduism. While there were no references during the service to any religion in particular, the style and atmosphere –with the exception of standard symbols of Christianity – was reminiscent of Christendom. The service was led by Reverend Lyn Oglesby and the ‘message’ was given by a comparative religions professor from Louisiana Tech, Dr. Richard Hutchinson – a Buddhist. All Souls acts like a bridge for the transition of Christians to alternative religion. Tremendous diversity is not to be witnessed at All Souls; the congregation consisted for the most part of Caucasians with small children and the elderly, most of who upon first meeting would be presumed as Christians.

The Unitarian Universalist Church promotes themselves as a diverse community, open to all who wish to respectfully worship together. The top of their worship bulletin is marked by Thomas Edison, “Nonviolence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages” a quote that defines and describes a peaceful community of acceptance. UU strives to integrate the many truths of religion, culture, heritage and individualism into one defining Truth. A Truth of tolerance, a Truth in their eyes that is a stepping stone toward liberating the world of hatred. Let’s hope it catches on.

www.uua.org
www.allsoulsuushreveport.org

All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church
9449 Ellerbe Road
Shreveport, Louisiana