Our Beliefs

About Unitarian Universalism

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion that draws wisdom and inspiration from many sources.  Unitarian Universalists include people who identify themselves as Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Pagans, Agnostics, Atheists, Humanists, GLBT, along with other religious or philosophical traditions. Unitarian Universalism dictates no creed, dogma, or doctrine.  We support and encourage the discovery of personal spiritual beliefs. Learn more about our history.

At General Assembly in 2024, after several years of reviewing Article II (which has housed the 7 Principles), the UUA voted and affirmed a new set of Unitarian Universalist Shared Values.  You can find them here. BSUU is spending the next year or so discussing these new Shared Values and finding ways to fold them into our spiritual lives.  

As Unitarian Universalists, we affirm and promote these Seven Principles:

What do Unitarian Universalists Believe?

We believe in the freedom of religious expression.  All individuals should be encouraged to develop their own personal theologies, and to present openly their religious opinions without fear of censure or reprisal.

We believe in the toleration of religious ideas. All religions, in every age or culture, possess not only intrinsic merit but also potential value for those who have learned the art of listening.

We believe in the authority of reason and conscience.  The ultimate arbiter in religion is not a church, nor a document, nor an official but the personal choice and decision of the individual.

We believe in the never-ending search for Truth.  If the mind and heart are truly free and open, the revelations that appear to the human spirit are infinitely numerous, eternally fruitful, and wonderfully exciting.

We believe in the unity of experience.  There is no fundamental conflict between faith and knowledge, religion and the world, the sacred and the secular, since they all have their source in the same reality.

We believe in the worth and dignity of each human being. All people on earth have an equal claim to life, liberty, and justice – and no idea, ideal, or philosophy is superior to a single human life.

We believe in the ethical application of religion.  Good works are the natural product of good faith, the evidence of an inner grace that finds completion in social or community involvement.

We believe in the motive force of love.  The governing principle in human relationships is the principle of love, which always seeks the welfare of others  and never seeks to hurt or destroy.

We believe in the necessity of the democratic process.  Records are open to scrutiny, elections are open to members, and ideas are open to criticism – so that people might govern themselves.

We believe in the importance of a religious community.  The validation of experience requires the confirmation of peers, who provide a critical platform along with a network of mutual support.     

David O. Rankin (from the Unitarian Universalist Association, Boston, MA)

Sources of Unitarian Universalist Faith

The living tradition we share draws from many sources:

Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;

Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion and the transforming power of love;

Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;

Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;

Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatress of the mind and spirit;

Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision.  As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.

The Big Sky Unitarian Universalist Congregational Covenant

We, the members of Big Sky Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, promise to: