Bold underlining indicate insertion ; [brackets indicate deletion.]
44 Section C-2.3. Inspirations.
45 [As] Unitarian [Universalists, we use, and are] Universalism is a living tradition inspired by[,] sacred and secular understandings
46 that foster learning and help us to live [into] our values. The sources from which we draw inspiration include, but are not limited to:
- Direct experience of wonder and mystery which inspire openness to the forces that create and uphold life;
- Wisdom from Unitarianism and Universalism, their Christian and Jewish roots, and other spiritual traditions which inform and motivate our ethical and spiritual lives;
- Words and deeds of prophetic people that challenge us to confront structures of harm with justice and compassion;
- Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and results of science;
- Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature;
- The creative arts which enable exploration of life’s meaning through emotional connections.
46 We respect the histories, contexts and cultures in which
47 [they] these sources were created and are [currently] practiced. [These sources] They ground us and sustain us in
48 ordinary, difficult, and joyous times. Grateful for the religious ancestries we inherit and the
49 diversity which enriches our faith, we are called to ever deepen and expand our wisdom.
------- Rationale for this amendment -------
- For people learning about UUism, whether just discovering it or long-time members, the listed sources (inspirations) are helpful for understanding what this religion uses for its teachings. It conveys an open-mindedness to a range of teachings and experiences while also subtly conveying that it’s not an anything-goes religion.
- It is important to recognize the range of sources that matter to UUs, from our own and other religious/spiritual teachings to Humanism; from wonder and mystery to science and reason.
- Saying “including, but not limited to” makes clear that this list is not meant to be all inclusive of every possible source an individual UU, congregation or fellowship might use.
------- Note -------
During the May workshops, I participated in conversations with others who wish to have an updated list of sources blended into the proposed Inspirations section. I’m aware that Janet Leavens is submitting a group amendment, and there may be others. There wasn’t time to rationalize them all into one. The delegates from my congregation suggest that there be one “include updated sources in Inspirations” amendment presented at GA and if it passes, take time after GA to consider the range of suggested wording offered through the amendment process and reach consensus on a blending of ideas.