Unitarian Universalism — What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious movement that combines two distinct theological streams: Unitarianism, which rejects the doctrine of the Trinity, and Universalism, which affirms universal salvation. This belief system emphasizes individual spiritual exploration and rejects many traditional Christian doctrines. While Unitarian Universalism promotes tolerance and inclusivity, its teachings diverge significantly from biblical Christianity on key issues such as the nature of God, the person of Jesus Christ, sin, and salvation. The Bible consistently affirms the deity of Christ (John 1:1–2; 8:58), the reality of human sinfulness (Romans 3:23), and the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Understanding these differences is crucial for Christians engaging with Unitarian Universalist ideas in our pluralistic society.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Deuteronomy 6:4: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." While emphasizing God's oneness, this verse is interpreted in light of New Testament revelation about the Trinity, contrasting with Unitarian views.
• Isaiah 43:10–11: "'You are my witnesses,' declares the LORD, 'and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior.'" This affirms God's uniqueness and role as the only Savior, challenging Unitarian Universalist views on multiple paths to God.
• Ezekiel 18:20: "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself." This verse speaks to individual accountability for sin, contrasting with Universalist ideas of automatic, universal salvation.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• John 1:1, 14: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." These verses affirm Christ's deity and incarnation, contradicting Unitarian views that Jesus was merely a moral teacher.
• Acts 4:12: "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." This verse emphasizes the exclusivity of salvation through Christ, challenging Unitarian Universalist beliefs in multiple paths to spiritual fulfillment.
• Romans 3:23–24: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." This passage highlights universal human sinfulness and the need for redemption through Christ, contrasting with Unitarian Universalist views on human nature and salvation.
• Second Timothy 3:16–17: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." This verse affirms the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, contrary to Unitarian Universalist approaches that view the Bible as merely human wisdom.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

In a pluralistic society where various belief systems coexist, Christians are challenged to deepen their understanding of core biblical truths and articulate them clearly and lovingly. This calls for a commitment to ongoing study of Scripture and theological reflection, enabling believers to "make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). By grounding ourselves in biblical truth, we can engage in meaningful dialogue with those of different beliefs while maintaining the integrity of the gospel message. The Bible clearly teaches that there is one way of salvation: faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9; John 14:6). Not everyone will accept this, and at some point, God’s patience in waiting for people to repent will come to an end (2 Peter 3:9).

UNDERSTAND

• Unitarian Universalism denies the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity.
• Unitarian Universalism promotes the idea of universal salvation.
• Unitarian Universalism emphasizes personal spiritual exploration over absolute truths.

REFLECT

• How do the beliefs of Unitarian Universalism contradicting God's nature and the concept of salvation impact your faith?
• How can you engage with individuals who identify with Unitarian Universalism while maintaining your Christian convictions?
• How do the teachings of the Bible inform your faith and understanding of absolute truth, as opposed to shaping truths to your own desires?

ENGAGE

• What are the implications of rejecting the doctrine of the Trinity on one's understanding of Jesus Christ and His role in salvation?
• How does the concept of universal salvation conflict with biblical teachings on sin and redemption?
• In a pluralistic society, what strategies can Christians employ to effectively communicate their faith to those who have beliefs, like Unitarian Universalism, that contradict the Bible?