Do You “God”?

Among Unitarian Universalists, there is significant theological diversity. Ours is a creedless religion, meaning that we don’t require one another to ascribe to particular dogmas or supernatural beliefs. Many Unitarian Universalists identify as Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, pagan or atheist. One can be a Unitarian Universalist and also belong to another faith tradition. Unitarian Universalist communities are generally guided by the seven principles put forth through the Unitarian Universalist Association.

I believe that the best definition of a Unitarian Universalist is someone who belongs to a Unitarian Universalist community, or who identifies with the ideas and the tradition of Unitarian Universalism.

Because we come from different religious backgrounds, and hold different beliefs, we often use different words to describe the sacred. Over the last several years, there has been much discussion among Unitarian Universalists about “the language of reverence.”

Part of this debate has centered on whether or not particular Unitarian Universalists use the word “God.” For some people, the word “God” is fraught with meanings that are patriarchal and oppressive. The word “God” may be associated with an unpleasant religious upbringing they want to leave behind. For others, “God” is a powerful word that should not be relinquished. They claim the word “God,” even as they may offer new understanding of who God is. And then there are those who do not use the word “God” because they believe in many gods and goddesses, or because they find the divine in nature, or because they do not believe in any divine being.*

The discussion over what word we use is not a discussion about a cosmetic difference. I’ve never been convinced by the argument that even though people use many different words for the sacred, it is all really the same thing. I think this argument ignores the nuances of how different people experience spirituality and religion. The words we use indicate something fundamental about how we believe.

Considering our words helps us better understand what we believe and what we are questioning. So please take a moment before you leave this page to reflect on your own words. Do you “God”? or “Goddess”? What about “Spirit”? Or “Higher Power”? Or “inner force”? How do you talk about your spirituality, to yourself and to other people?

*If you would like to learn more about how Unitarian Universalists and the language we use to talk about the sacred, please read these three pieces: “With Fear and Trembling: Reflections on Faith,” by Rev. Anne Felton Hines; “Talking about Reverence,” by Christopher L. Walton; and “The Invention and Discovery of God,” by Rev. Forrest Church.