I think UU culture (as an extension of liberal left culture) has created an ugly straw man version of conservatism to hate. Sure, there are some people who self-identify as conservative who are hateful, but the vast majority of people who self-identify as conservative do so for simple cultural reasons that don't fit the broad brush stereotypes of conservatives seen portrayed by many UU's.
this article seems harsh. I think our tendency to be more narrow in our politics may not be entirely the fault of UUs, but is at least partially a reaction to the more and more extreme division in actual national politics. Nonetheless, it is a good warning. Though, I must say that about 30 or 35 years ago, my sister left UUism, claiming it was, "Not a religion, it's a political organization!" While our politics is rooted in our spirituality, perhaps we need to describe how that is more often. Make the connections implicitly in our sermons. I try to do that in my sermons. I wish we were teaching civics in public schools, including explanations of why we are a democracy, not a monarchy. I gave a sermon about the root of democracy being the spiritual ideal of equality. Too many people in this country have abandoned the spiritual idea of equality -- our First Principle. (I am not a minister, my congregation is lay-led, and I get recruited to give a sermon whenever we can't find anyone else.)
I agree with much of what you say. UU and congregations will always be politically left and attract folks from the left, but the danger is when it becomes groupthink unable to listen to, consider and even welcome other viewpoints.
Thank you for this essay. I agree whole-heartedly. I yearn to find a Unitarian, Universalist, or UU congregation that is truly tolerant and embraces my "independent" status politically. I want more spiritual and personal messages, rather than be lectured on political matters. I cannot find any, though of all I've explored, All Souls in Tulsa comes closest. When I was a member at EastShore UU there was a good minister for a few years, then he left.
I think UU culture (as an extension of liberal left culture) has created an ugly straw man version of conservatism to hate. Sure, there are some people who self-identify as conservative who are hateful, but the vast majority of people who self-identify as conservative do so for simple cultural reasons that don't fit the broad brush stereotypes of conservatives seen portrayed by many UU's.
There are also economic conservatives, often libertarians
this article seems harsh. I think our tendency to be more narrow in our politics may not be entirely the fault of UUs, but is at least partially a reaction to the more and more extreme division in actual national politics. Nonetheless, it is a good warning. Though, I must say that about 30 or 35 years ago, my sister left UUism, claiming it was, "Not a religion, it's a political organization!" While our politics is rooted in our spirituality, perhaps we need to describe how that is more often. Make the connections implicitly in our sermons. I try to do that in my sermons. I wish we were teaching civics in public schools, including explanations of why we are a democracy, not a monarchy. I gave a sermon about the root of democracy being the spiritual ideal of equality. Too many people in this country have abandoned the spiritual idea of equality -- our First Principle. (I am not a minister, my congregation is lay-led, and I get recruited to give a sermon whenever we can't find anyone else.)
I agree with much of what you say. UU and congregations will always be politically left and attract folks from the left, but the danger is when it becomes groupthink unable to listen to, consider and even welcome other viewpoints.
FWIW- tax exempt status is more questionable now than ever
Thank you for this essay. I agree whole-heartedly. I yearn to find a Unitarian, Universalist, or UU congregation that is truly tolerant and embraces my "independent" status politically. I want more spiritual and personal messages, rather than be lectured on political matters. I cannot find any, though of all I've explored, All Souls in Tulsa comes closest. When I was a member at EastShore UU there was a good minister for a few years, then he left.