The Self-Righteousness Problem in Unitarian Universalism

As with other religions, many UUs are self-righteous

“It's not a secret that UU is a magnet for eccentric people and also a magnet for self-righteous people.”— a Unitarian Universalist congregant

“I thought UUs were supposed to be different, but they can be as self-righteous as Mormons.”— a former Unitarian Universalist

Unitarian Universalism (UU) is a belief tradition that prides itself on inclusivity, open-mindedness, and a commitment to social justice. With its roots in classically liberal religious thought and pluralism, UUism presents itself as an alternative to dogmatic, exclusionary religious faiths.

However, despite its emphasis on tolerance and open-mindedness, Unitarian Universalism is not immune to the human tendency toward self-righteousness. In their dedication to justice and progress, some within the UU community develop a sense of moral and intellectual superiority that can alienate those with different backgrounds or who do not fully align with their perspectives. This issue, while not unique to UUs, risks undermining the very values the faith seeks to uphold.

The Nature of UU Self-Righteousness

For some Unitarian Universalists, self-righteousness manifests as a rigid adherence to progressive ideals, an intolerance of differing viewpoints, and a tendency to view ideological opponents as morally deficient. Many UUs see themselves as having transcended the narrow-mindedness of more conservative religious traditions. While their commitment to social justice is commendable, it can sometimes result in an exclusionary mindset in which those who question certain doctrines are dismissed as ignorant, regressive, or even immoral.

This tendency is evident in political and social discussions within UU congregations and forums. Because most congregations lean strongly leftward, more conservative perspectives—whether political, theological, or cultural—are often marginalized or even silenced. While UUism champions the principle of a “free and responsible search for truth and meaning,” in practice, this principle is often applied selectively. Those who express alternative opinions on complex social issues may find themselves ostracized rather than engaged in open dialogue.

Psychological and Social Factors

Several psychological and social factors contribute to this dynamic. One key factor is confirmation bias, where people seek out and reinforce information that aligns with their existing beliefs while dismissing contrary perspectives. In UU communities, this can create an echo chamber effect, where members continuously reaffirm one another’s views without exposure to meaningful dissent.

Another contributing factor is moral absolutism disguised as relativism. While UUs often claim to embrace a plurality of beliefs, there is often an implicit assumption that progressive values are unquestionably correct and morally superior to others.

Additionally, tribalism and group identity play a role. Like all social groups, UU congregations foster a sense of belonging and shared identity. However, this can sometimes result in an “us versus them” mentality, where those outside the group—especially conservatives, traditionalists, or skeptics of certain social justice ideologies—are viewed with suspicion or disdain. This contradicts UUism’s commitment to radical inclusivity and respect for diverse beliefs.

In recent years, Unitarian Universalism has also become increasingly politically narrow, limiting the range of perspectives within its congregations. The influence of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and UU seminaries has further reinforced this narrowing, as many ministers are trained in a doctrinaire form of progressive activism. Ironically, some of the most rigid and dogmatic voices in UU today are activist ministers who embody the very close-mindedness that UU is supposed to challenge.

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The Consequences of Self-Righteousness

The self-righteousness problem in UUism has real consequences for both individual congregations and the broader movement.

• Alienation of Potential Members – People who might otherwise be drawn to UUism—such as moderate liberals, independent thinkers, or spiritual seekers—may feel unwelcome in an environment that appears ideologically and politically rigid. This dynamic can contribute to declining membership and a shrinking diversity of perspectives within UU congregations.

• Intellectual Stagnation – When dissenting voices are discouraged or suppressed, intellectual and spiritual growth suffer. UUs pride themselves on being lifelong learners, but true learning requires engaging with challenging and uncomfortable ideas. If congregations become echo chambers, they risk losing the intellectual humility necessary for real wisdom.

• Erosion of Compassion and Empathy – Self-righteousness can weaken the very compassion and empathy that UUism seeks to embody. When people become convinced of their own moral and intellectual superiority, they may struggle to extend genuine understanding to those with different beliefs.

• Separation from Wider Society and Communities – A culture of ideological purity can isolate UU congregations from the broader society, including communities they seek to support, such as marginalized and minority groups. Many religious, ethnic, and working-class communities hold diverse perspectives, including traditional values that may not fully align with UU progressivism. When UUism takes an approach that implicitly or explicitly dismisses these perspectives, it becomes disconnected from the very people it claims to stand in solidarity with. This insularity weakens UUism’s ability to build meaningful interfaith and intercultural relationships.

Overcoming the Self-Righteousness Problem

Addressing self-righteousness within Unitarian Universalism requires a conscious effort to cultivate true openness and humility.

• Encouraging Ideological Diversity – Congregations should not only tolerate more conservative or moderate viewpoints but actively seek to understand them. Spiritual and intellectual growth and understanding different peoples and cultures require engaging with differing perspectives, not just those that align with progressive ideology.

• Cultivating Intellectual Humility – Recognizing that no one has a monopoly on truth is essential. UUs should model humility by engaging in respectful debate, asking questions rather than making assumptions, and remaining open to changing their minds when presented with compelling evidence.

• Revitalizing the Free and Responsible Search for Truth – This foundational UU principle must be applied consistently across all areas of life, not just those that align with progressive activism. Congregations should create spaces where difficult conversations can happen without fear of judgment or exclusion.