Why Spiritual Growth?
Category: Unitarian Universalism - General
One Looking for Faith reader recently asked:
It seems to me that encouraging “spiritual growth” as one of the seven principles states is counter to your statement that some UU’s are atheist. Why would an atheist be concerned with spiritual growth?…
…I don’t think you have to believe in God to be a moral, ethical person – likewise, believing in God does not necessarily make you one either. So why an emphasis on spiritual growth and not moral and ethical growth?
This question gets at the heart of what Unitarian Universalism is all about. Here’s how I understand the importance of spiritual growth within UUism:
First, one needs to define spiritual growth. As I see it, spiritual growth is the development of insight into the “big” questions, such as “Is there a higher power? What is my relationship to that higher power?” “What is my ultimate purpose in life?” “How do I understand and deal with the injustices and tragedies of life?”
The asking of these questions in a context of worship and with an openness to a range of theological answers is part of what makes Unitarian Universalism spiritual. Even though some Unitarian Universalists answer these questions in a way that is theistic, and others in a way that is atheistic. A person can grow spiritually without arriving at a belief in God.
Second, spiritual growth is worth promoting because it is one way that people find peace, understanding, and moral clarity.
Finally, spiritual growth is closely related to moral and ethical growth. The “big” questions (and their answers) have moral implications. Rather than separate out spiritual growth, I believe spiritual growth should be understood holistically, as a process that impacts every facet of a person’s life, including their moral decision-making.
January 16th, 2008 15:40
As an atheist I will say that I have spent my entire life diving into my spiritual growth. I look to many faith traditions to guide me… I believe it is because I am both a UU and an atheist that allows me to continue looking and hopefully growing. I am not stuck or solid (good or bad thing there) on any one idea and always learning.
It is funny that I never thought there would be a conflict or any question that I would be dedicated to spiritual growth even though I don’t believe in god… I never put the two together!
January 16th, 2008 20:30
Rev. Matt Tittle has a great sermon on this very subject that I posted on Best of UU: Why Atheists Go to Church.
Though don’t get me started on the whole “spiritual but not religious” thing. ;-)
January 17th, 2008 14:04
You’re absolutely correct. Atheism is a “A-theology” not “a-spirituality.” Atheism is one kind of an answer to the same spiritual questions of identity, purpose and meaning that everyone asks: “Who am I?” “What should I do?” What is it worth?” Our Unitarian Universalist congregations are places where we ask those questions and encourage people to find their own answers. Atheism being one of dozens of valid, spiritual answers.
January 19th, 2008 00:10
Jacqueline, Jess, Rev. Ricky Hoyt, Thank you so much for responding with these great answers that shed further light on the role of atheism within Unitarian Universalism. The last few days have been very hectic so I haven’t had a chance to post, but my next post will go into more depth about atheism, and will feature your comments.
January 20th, 2008 15:23
[…] In my previous post, I offered an answer to the question “Why would an atheist be concerned with spiritual growth?” […]