In exploring Unitarian Universalist use of religious language and metaphor a bit deeper across the internet, I went back to the second Unitarian Universalist Blog Carnival, hosted by Chalice Chick back in August of 2006, which highlighted this remarkable piece by the Happy Feminist.

She explores the traditional language of Genesis 1:27, and how it resonates for her, even though she does not identify as Christian, or even theistic, particularly in the light of the first principle of Unitarian Universalism, “to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person.” The discussion in the comments is also quite thought-provoking.

On Being Created in God’s Image

by The Happy Feminist

So God created humankind in his image,

in the image of God he created them;

male and female he created them.

– Genesis 1:27***

This Bible verse has always had a great deal of resonance for me. You may find that surprising if you are a regular reader of this blog, because I am a Unitarian-Universalist notably lacking in any theistic bent.

But to me, this Bible verse is just a more powerful way of stating one of the key principles of Unitarian-Universalism - that every person has inherent worth and dignity. Somehow the metaphor of all human beings containing and reflecting the qualities of a personal creator-God makes this idea seem less abstract and more compelling to me. That particular wording of being created “in his image” has been something of a mantra for me in dealing with some very difficult personal issues. To me this notion of the inherent worth of all human beings is crucial in terms both of ethics and of inner peace with oneself; and it is made less abstract and more seemingly real by the creation imagery. I am not alone in this; this idea of seeing God in other human beings is found in Judaism, Christianity, and other religions.

(Read on … )

The Rev. Mark Stringer, who serves the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, Iowa, earned himself quite a bit of attention when he performed the first, and only, legal same-sex wedding in the state of Iowa, literally moments before the ruling allowing this wedding was placed under a stay order. You can read his account of the wedding, as presented to his congregation this past week, here.

While performing that wedding ceremony was certainly a headline-grabber, Rev. Stringer’s sermon from almost a year ago, on October 22, 2006, demonstrates it to have been an act of deep faith, of the courage to live in one’s convictions. Unitarian Universalism is at its core a religion that calls us to walk our talk, to covenant with creation itself to live in service and in love.

Please enjoy these words, which, I think, illustrate beautifully the struggle and the commitment this faith shows to our principles.

The Inherent Problem with Inherent Worth and Dignity

by the Rev. Mark Stringer

Today I will consider the first of the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism, as articulated at a General Assembly of our association in 1985: “We the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person.” This first principle is a foundation for all the principles that follow. It is, in my estimation at least, a principle that exemplifies Unitarian Universalism.

But its importance in our religious tradition does not mean that it is revered by all UUs. In fact, I have heard from several people for whom this first principle is a concern, if not a major stumbling block. As one newcomer recently told me [paraphrased], “Mark, I don’t know about this inherent worth and dignity stuff. What about sex offenders…or murderers…or Osama Bin Laden? Do we have to affirm their inherent worth and dignity? I don’t think I can.”

(Read on … )