Universist Movement

The Universist Movement is an international movement that is becoming more popular each day - even by many who wouldn't know to call themselves "Universists."

Here is their self-description from their webpage:

Universism is a religious philosophy that celebrates the mystery surrounding us. Universists don't pretend we have the answers, and we celebrate that fact! As Universists we do our best to seek answers, and the first step in our process of discovery is recognizing what we do not know. Our philosophy unites individuals who have held a wide variety of freethought perspectives along with those who consider themselves spiritual. Universists enjoy a vibrant, open-minded community that improves the world we live in.

Most belief systems center on your view of God. Universism breaks through this religious paradigm. It treats the God concept as one of many compelling questions concerning the nature of existence. Universism places emphasis on the attitude and spirit in which you address these religious questions, and the method you use to do so, rather than focusing on the conclusions you make. In other words, it's not what you believe - but how you believe it.

And here are five priciples that Universists share:

I. The most important activity in life is our ongoing search for meaning and purpose, through love, learning, life experience, and so on.

II. There are no absolute truths that apply universally to all people. Both the search and its fruits are inherently personal. We must remain uncertain, curious, and open-minded about our search and cannot rely on other people or documents as the source of our truths. We must judge the meaning of our own lives.

III. In any situation, moral judgments are the sole responsibility of those involved. Every decision and behavior occurs in the context of unique circumstances and relationships, and should never be subjected to universal religious codes or absolute philosophical principles. "Good or evil" is a false choice that belies the complexity of our universe and the people in it.

IV. Governments and other social structures are only useful to the extent that they facilitate flourishing. People must be able to become and remain happy, healthy, educated and able to work toward personal goals without interfering with others' ability to do the same.

V. We are free to flourish, change and create. Only the laws of nature limit our potential.

Did anyone else notice the literary suicide that was committed? After they make the claim that there is "no absolute truth," they then say that "We must remain uncertain, curious, and open-minded about our search."

There are no absolute truths that apply universally to all people. Both the search and its fruits are inherently personal. We must remain uncertain, curious, and open-minded about our search and cannot rely on other people or documents as the source of our truths. We must judge the meaning of our own lives.

Correct me if I'm wrong: isn't this a document written by someone other than myself? So, why should I believe any of it? (Actually, it seems as though their five points of belief are quite similar to a creed. It is at the very least equivalent to a doctrinal statement.)

I have so many comments regarding this movement. I am sure I could write a books-worth of refutations. But I'll let you examine the claims of the movement from their own lips, lest I be accused of misrepresentation.

Nevertheless, Maranatha!!!!