Events

Event Information:

  • What We Believe

    The core of Unitarian Universalist theology has its source in two parallel philosophies: Unitarianism and Universalism. Universalism predates the Common Era, and it is also known that many of the early Christian sects were Universalist. That is, they believed in a loving, forgiving god that would accept all good people, regardless of their religious philosophies, into the kingdom of heaven. Unitarianism, surfaced much later in Europe as part of the Protestant Reformation in the early to mid 16th century. Unitarianism rejected the concept of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) that had been conceived by the leaders of the Holy Roman Empire in CE 325.  Instead, Unitarians declared that there is but one god. Many other Protestant sects remained "Trinitarian".

    Unitarianism and Universalism existed as separate traditions in the US from colonial times until the mid twentieth century.  In 1961 the two churches combined to form the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), and many (but not all) congregations also consolidated. Our own congregation, which was initially formed in 1888 as the "First Unitarian Society of Pomona",  was re-formed as the "Monte Vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation" in 1962.

    While our tradition has its roots in early Christian theology, modern UUs draw inspiration from many religious traditions and sources. We do not require our members to accept any particular creed or belief.  However, most UUs would agree that how we live our lives is more important than what we believe, and that social justice is the ideal toward which we strive.  These concepts were formalized by the UUA in 1985 in the "Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism", as follows:

    "We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote

    • The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
    • Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
    • Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
    • A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
    • The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
    • The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;
    • Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

    The living tradition which 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 idolatries 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."