NoelieTREX does a great job of explaining Unitarian Universalism on her YouTube channel, as well as why she, an atheist, chose a UU church. Check out her videos below!

What is Unitarian Universalist?

Atheist and Unitarian Universalist

Read more about NoelieTREX Explains It All on YouTube »

Editor's note: this is another essay in the "Why I Am a UU Humanist" series. What is your story? Contact us and let us share it. (Please note that the essay content deadline is May 26, 2014.)

The question is: "Why are you a Unitarian Universalist Humanist?"

The answer is: not so easy.

I don't know why I am a Humanist. I just am. Rather late in life I learned that "Humanism" defines my personal outlook. (I think "worldview" is just a bit pretentious.) Read more about "Why I Am a UU Humanist", by Richard M. Renfro »

Editor's note: this is another essay in the "Why I Am a UU Humanist" series. What is your story? Contact us and let us share it.

As a new member to HUUmanism (Pronounced "HU-U-manism"), I received a welcome packet including two issues of their journal “Religious Humanism”.  In the Fall 2012 issue, the Editor’s Preface says “Increasingly, we face a choice, framed elsewhere by Mike Werner, [an author of one of the articles] between secular Humanist groups who do a better job of embodying a rational approach to life, and UU congregations who do a better job of providing full-fledged community.”  And several of the articles emphasized the role that “community” plays in UU congregations and also Humanist groups. Read more about Community and UU and Humanism and HUUmanism »

Editor's note: this is another essay in the "Why I Am a UU Humanist" series. What is your story? Contact us and let us share it.

My name is Bob Koches, I am a humanist and this is my journey.  I think of humanism as a kinder, gentler form of atheism. 

Humanist Manifesto III , a successor to the Humanist Manifesto of 1933, defines humanism as a progressive philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity.   “The lifestance of  humanism - guided by reason, inspired by compassion, and informed by experience encourages us to live life willfully and fully.  It evolved through the ages and continues to develop through the efforts of thoughtful people who recognize that values and ideals, however carefully wrought, are subject to change as our knowledge and understanding advances.”  Read more about On Becoming Humanist - My Personal Journey from Catholic Educated to Humanist, by Bob Koches »

Editor's note: this is an entry in a series of essays on this topic. Please, share your story.

FREEDOM DEPENDS ON FREETHINKERS! Read more about "Why I Am a UU Humanist", by Mehl Renner »

Editor's note: this is the first in a series of essays on this topic. Please, share your story.

Why I Am a UU Humanist

In my case, it took thirty-nine years to arrive as a Unitarian Universalist (UU) Humanist. I’m writing this essay just nine years beyond that memorable crossroad. I was raised in Christian culture. Like my Methodist parents and grandparents, I was conditioned from childhood to suspend critical thinking where religion was concerned, and just believe. This message was reinforced in the Lutheran school I attended from fourth, through eighth grade.

The popular God, the “Everything-God”, was the 'face' that personified not only the known, but the vast unknown. Religious systems may help followers meet some of their emotional, psychological, and social needs. However, readily accepting mythical-sounding stories as fact came at a cost. Read more about "Why I Am a UU Humanist", by Brian Lofgren »

Stories help bind people together. We want to know why you, as a Humanist, have found a home in a Unitarian Universalist congregation. For instance, how long have you been a Humanist and how did that happen? How long have you been a UU and why? We want to hear your thoughts on what Humanism has to offer UU congregations and what being a UU can offer Humanists.

Don't limit yourself to these questions, though. Inspire us! Share with us and each other what you get from being a Humanist UU or challenge us with what you think is missing. Does the UU community satisfy your need for friendship, intellectual stimulation, social service, inspiration? How can it be a more welcoming environment for Humanists? Tell us your story. Read more about An essay contest: Why I Am a UU Humanist »