A Flaming Chalice

     Recently I visited a Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church so to experience a different religion for a class assignment. I wasn’t specifically assigned to attend this service but I choose it because I was curious. I had learned about some of the UU’s beliefs and was surprised that there was a meeting place in the area. Having my limited knowledge I was surprised that there would be enough people in a small southern town in the mountains who held these beliefs to start a UU church. So because of my curiosity of the religion and who would go I scoped it out one Sunday with two of my friends.

     So initials observations told me this was going to be similar but distinctly different from my Christian upbringing. The entire service was made to resemble a church setting with some subtle UU “enhancements”. Having tapestries with religious symbols and sayings is not uncommon and there were many displayed along the walls. As the service started their president made some announcements, called out the visitors to introduce themselves, and lit a candle that was in a chalice by the podium. The choir sang songs that were in a hymn style from a book and the guest speaker, an ordained UU Minister, read a short story for the few children. The Minister introduced himself as a former president that everyone else seemed to recognize and he gave his “sermon”. Afterward the choir sang another song and the floor was opened for those who wished to share joys and sorrows of the past week. So like I said not an altogether unfamiliar style for a Sunday service.

     While it might have appeared as church, the content was extremely different in each part of the service. Let’s start with the tapestries that all displayed a prominent symbol from major world religions with one with UU Flaming Chalice in the center. This is a visual representation of the fundamental belief in religious acceptance and tolerance. The president fills a pastoral position and is a UU Minister. I am curious of what kind of theology one studies to become a UU minister and it is also interesting to note that they allow females to become ministers. Now let’s get to the music. The songs were similar to hymns but were fairly eerie sounding. As a musician I noticed they were all in minor keys and on top of that had strange topics. One song commented on the woes of life and the last verse praised an ambiguous “you” that lead them through. Another song seemed to hint at the belief in reincarnation and mentioned God along with praising ancestors. All around these song were very vague and mysterious. The kids were read a short story about a boy seeing his feet under the covers of his bed that was strange and served no purpose in opinion. Now the minister got up to speak and did so without any notes and more importantly did not draw from any source but his experience. He told us a story of him speaking at a graveside service and went into detail about life events that allowed him to connect with those around him. He wanted to convey to everyone that our lives are made of stories and you can be a part of other’s stories as well as creating your own. Sounded very pantheistic, everything is connected type of stuff. Now what followed was the reports from the congregation. Reminded me of praise and prayer requests that I church would do, but they always said that these were “in their thoughts” not praying. During this time a college aged girl came up and said one of her coworkers was coming out to his parents and the entire congregation erupted in applause in support. Needless to say that wouldn’t happen in a traditional church setting.

     One thing didn’t notice at first, when I did it got me searching for an explanation, was that the vast majority of the congregation was 60 years or older. This surprised me for multiple reasons. I would have thought the idea of tolerance and acceptance would draw a younger crowd. Generally speaking prior generations were raised on strict Christian views. Also you don’t hear or see many people of that age in support for the Gay Rights movement that is obviously a sincere belief to UU members. I know that’s a generalized statement, but it truly shocked my friends and I how old everyone was. With how regimented the service was and how similar the service was compared to Christian services I don’t think it would be a stretch that everyone probably grew up attending a church of some kind. They probably left because they were offended by something or someone. They were used to and wanted a church atmosphere that UU could provide without controversial beliefs (because everything is accepted). Its church without the religious strings attached.

     It was a good experience overall. I think it’s easy to get a negative stereotype about people who are different from you. When you are exposed to different things you can find common ground that wouldn’t be in a normal stereotype. As an educator it is imperative to find common ground with students so a mutual respect can be formed.