UUFSD Fellowship members hold a wide range of belief systems

The UUFSD Fellowship has a diverse membership, spanning a rich set of belief systems. While some members identify closest with Agnosticism and Skepticism of any truth with regard to theological matters, other members express belief in the divine through Theism, Mysticism, and Pantheism.

Also, our beliefs are defined as much by what we be believe as that which we don’t believe. Indeed, we’re often clearer about what are don’t believe over what we do believe.

Members of the Fellowship were asked to rate the degree to which a long list of belief systems do or do not desribe their beliefs. Demonstrating their thoughtful consideration, members used the entire five-point scale, from a low 1 (does not describe me at all) to 5 (describes me perfectly.)

By analyzing the respondents using cluster analysis, which mathematically groups similar answers from dissimilar answers, we were able to see that members of the Fellowship fall into one of four broad groupings of belief systems.

·    Just over a third of the Fellowship identify most closely with Skepticism and Agnosticism, questioning whether any belief system can express a truth or the truth.

·    Approximately one-fourth of members are Atheists or Nontheists, allying most closely with the belief that the concept of a diety is not helpful. This group was clear in not being identified with Ethical Christianity, Theism, Buddhism, Eclectism, Pantheism, or Mysticism.

·    One in six members are Eclectic, including values from many traditions, although less so from Naturalistic Theism, Earth-Centered spirituality, or Atheism.

·    One-quarter of members align more closely with Mysticism, Pantheism, Theism, Earth-Centered spirituality, Judaism, Naturalistic Theism or Buddhism. This grouping identified least with Agnosticism, Skepticism, and Nontheism.

Member of all groupings identified the least with Theological Christianity: that Jesus is a unique revelation of the Divine.

Identification with Many Belief Systems

UUFSD members identify with a wide range of belief systems. Even though the above analysis describes that member’s beliefs fall into 4 groupings, it is not to suggest that members are closed to other belief systems.

Half of the members felt that 7 of the 16 belief systems they were surveyed about described them to some extent, rating them a 4 (describes me somewhat) or 5 (describes me perfectly) on a 5-point scale.

Even the most-focused 25% of the Fellowship identify with as many as 5 belief systems.

There are also several other belief systems mentioned:

• Panentheism
• Secular Humanism
• Love,
• Process theology, Process philosophy
• Tao Te Ching
• Apatheist – don’t really care if there is a God or not
• Do unto others as you would they do unto you
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning in recognition and honor of the inherent worth and dignity of every person

The crucial skills and enthusiasms we want in a minister

Members have voiced a clear message about what they want in a new minister.

We want a minister who will draw together and build the UUFSD community, a minister who will guide and enhance its leadership, and offer uplifting worship.

There’s a saying that if you give someone a fish, they will eat for a day. If you teach them to fish, they will be empowered to eat for the rest of their life. 97% of members said that “building community within the congregation” is a somewhat or very important skill in a minister.  They want someone who will help us see our own talents and strengths, to rally us to effective action, all in a framework of mutual support and trust.

Spiritual leadership was ranked at the top of the list of priorities by 89% of the fellowship, while Administration, Interfaith activities, and Denominational activies were ranked last.

This fellowship wants an articulate, strong preacher with leadership skills, as acclaimed by more than three-fourths of the fellowship. At 84% of the fellowship, they strongly favor a minister with a personality that is ”authentic, genuine, ethical, candid”, in stark contrast to the 18% who prefer “energetic, driving” or 4% preferring “confident, poised.” It’s not about action and energy and motion, it’s about sincerity.

Which five personality traits are most important for a minister?

Although the list of personality traits might sound like a scout’s motto, those more preferred are more towards a warm sincerity than around a matter-of-fact businesslike demeanor.

A minister who will tell it like it is in a kind compassionate way will be more highly valued than a cheerleader or busy, hard worker.