"For most of us, our faith did not choose us, we chose it."
– Forrest Church
For group leaders: The first session does not require participants to do any background reading. However, participants could prepare by reading the Foreword, Preface, and Introduction of A Chosen Faith (pp. ix-xvii). Photocopy Handouts 1 and 2 for each participant.
1.Forrest Church begins his preface by stating, "All theology is autobiography," and tells about leaving the Presbyterian Church because he did not believe what he was being taught. Begin this session with a review of your own experiences in finding your way to Unitarian Universalism or choosing to remain an active UU.
By yourself: Open your notebook and list as many of your own experiences with religion as you can remember, including both positives and negatives. Make note of the time when you experienced the most dramatic change in your religious beliefs. Then write a brief statement about why you chose Unitarian Universalism.
With a group: Take a few minutes to go around the circle introducing yourselves and sharing a bit about your various religious journeys and how you found Unitarian Universalism, or why you have stayed an active UU.
2. Compare the seven principles from the UUA Bylaws (Handout 1, pp. xxiv-xxv in text) with David Rankin's list of ten beliefs (Handout 2, pp. xxii-xxiii in text).
By yourself: Note the ideas which appear on both lists. In your notebook, write any personal belief statements which do not appear on either list.
With a group: Display the two lists side by side on newsprint or on a chalkboard and draw lines connecting similar items. Are all ten of Rankin's beliefs included in the seven principles, or are there items unique to each list? Suggest additional beliefs or principles that are important to you, and list them on the newsprint or chalkboard.
3. Do the lists from Rankin and the UUA Principles express your own beliefs? Which beliefs are most important to you?
By yourself: In your notebook, make your own list of beliefs, drawing from both lists in the book and from your own additions. List them in the order of their importance to you.
With a group: Individually, use your notebooks to list your own beliefs, drawing from the items on newsprint or chalkboard, in the order of their importance to you. Go around the circle again, each sharing the belief at the top of your list and saying a few words about why it is important to you.
4. Closing (with a group): Share an appropriate reading with participants.
5. For next session, read Part I, Chapters 1 and 2 (pp. 3-38). If you're leading a group, remind participants of the reading.
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