the holy city, and people and places.

[Ten]

Unitarian Universalism (UUism) is a religion...

Lies.

But really, you should explain to me how it's a religion.


"this one guy would have sacrificed his own kid because he trusted the lord enough and because of that he didn't have to end up doing that."
--
That'd be Abraham, and he's the father of Isaac and Ishmael. Isaac = papa of folks whose descendants are whom we now call Jews. Ishmael = somehow has something to do with Arabs? Not as clear on that. But yes, this does mean ethnic Jews and ethnic Ishmaelites (Arab Muslims, question mark) all come from the same family. And if you say something like, "you would think they would get along better, being related" I will shoot you with a spud gun.

That doesn't mean I wouldn't love to talk about their conflict, though. I've done a little research on it, and they fascinate me. I also have the silly reason of feeling close to them because when my sister and I get into fights, my parents say we're like the Arabs and the Jews. Instead of encouraging me to put up with my sister, that just makes me feel an emotional connection to Arabs and Jews. x)

[Cloud]

...Ten, did you not look at the link I posted? I really wish you'd take me more seriously. xD

Very well, here's a more specific one: www.uua.org/visitors/index.shtml here. I know it's a lil' cheesy, but it should help.

My history teacher said that Ishmael is related to Islam...somehow. It's hard to believe you fight with your sister. xD

I think they'd get along better knowing that both their religions have "thou shalt not kill" in them. It's not taken seriously.

It really bothers me that people think killing is all right if it's done for religious reasons. Not killing means not killing. God said that. So...they think he was wrong if they're doing it to support him? I'm sorry, that's just twisted.

[Ten]

Yeah, I had wikipedia'd UUs before you posted that, but I only skimmed a few things. As for your second link...

We are united by shared values, not by creed or dogma.

I'm not seeing how it can be a religion if there's no shared creed or dogma or really anything for sure other than the whole everyone-can-have-their-own-opinion woo.

I clicked a link from there onto this spiritual topics page and I'm a little amused that they even made such a page considering what it says. Summary/paraphrasing of what that page says:

Do Unitarian Universalists pray?
Well, they can if they wanna.

What do Unitarian Universalists believe about the existence of a higher power?
That depends on the person.

How do Unitarian Universalists understand death?
That depends on the person.

Where do Unitarian Universalists find inspiration and guidance?
That depends on the person.

Does Unitarian Universalism have a sacred text or scripture?
They can find guidance in anything they wanna.

Is there anything these folks have in common besides being Democrats? Or is there not even that?

I say Democrats because of a few things I skim-read on the seven principles page... Let's expand Democrats to liberals so that it can include Republicans.


"It's hard to believe you fight with your sister."
--
o-o How is that hard to believe? It's something so intrinsic to my life.


"Not killing means not killing."
--
Question. Would you consider that commandment to also prohibit killing in self-defense? What about in war?

[duckyaisha]

I like the idea of UUism. It sounds a lot more peaceful and everyone can have their own opinion.
What's wrong with Democrats and liberals?

[moddy]

"That'd be Abraham, and he's the father of Isaac and Ishmael."
yes yes! that's who i was talking about. names slip my mind. xD

[Ten]

Apr 23, 2010 21:01:36 GMT -5 duckyaisha said:

I like the idea of UUism. It sounds a lot more peaceful and everyone can have their own opinion.

It sounds a lot like nothing. o.o Its whole premise is being polite. That's something all religions should have in common. It doesn't form the basis for its own religion. There doesn't have to be anything spiritual or religious about being polite. Beyond a bit of manners, I don't see it taking a stand on anything (besides gay rights? ...and even then I bet they're like, "well, we respect your opinion, but even if you don't want to give equal rights to homosexuals, just be nice to them; all we want is for people to be nice").

Apr 23, 2010 21:01:36 GMT -5 duckyaisha said:

What's wrong with Democrats and liberals?

Again with the "What's wrong with _____?" question.

Are you asking that because when I speculated that they're liberals, you got the impression that I meant the comment to discount their credibility? Or are you taking an earnest interest in my political views and inquiring as to which issues I disagree with them on?

[Cloud]

"It sounds a lot like nothing."

Gee, thanks. I really appreciate my whole religion, everyone in it, and what we do being passed off as nothing. -.-

A little respect, please.

[Ten]

So what is it, Cloud? In your words, what are the major beliefs of your religion, other than respecting the dignity of every human being and such basics?

[Cloud]

...further define "such basics". And its premise isn't just being polite, it's trying to bring people together and help everyone find what they believe in, whatever that is. Just because we don't all believe in God or something doesn't mean we're not a religion.

And we do stand up for gay rights; we have people who are gay and such come and talk to the kids and explain things. I'm sure there's other things done, too.

...please can we just leave it here?

[duckyaisha]

Again with the "What's wrong with _____?" question.

Are you asking that because when I speculated that they're liberals, you got the impression that I meant the comment to discount their credibility? Or are you taking an earnest interest in my political views and inquiring as to which issues I disagree with them on?


---x---

The second.
I would like a debate on something other than religion please.