The most important UU Principles

All of the 7 UU Principles are either somewhat or very important to nearly every UUFSD member. The differences in preferences are slight. Two-thirds of all members rated all of the principles as “Very important to me”, giving it a 5 on a 1 to 5 scale. The inherent worth and dignity of every person and justice, equity, and compassion in human relations received the broadest acclaim, with 80% of the fellowship giving these their highest rating.

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

Important skills for a minister

Above all, UUFSD members want a minister who is articulate, strong, and exhibits leadership. This comes up in responses to many survey questions as it also came up in face to face meetings.

Administrative skills or studies scholarship do not rate highly. True, with this highly educated Fellowship, literacy and getting the facts straight will be valued. It’s that lectures are not sought as much as inspiration.

What were the major reasons you first attended UUFSD?

When asked what brought them to UUFSD, two reasons stood out for over half the fellowship: UU beliefs and sense of community. The members of this fellowship believe in the UU principles, and want to share their exploration and expression of those beliefs with others who have that in common. They may or may not agree on other matters: belief systems, politics, child-rearing, foreign policy, global warming, or who makes the best fish taco in San Diego. But, they’re eager to discuss these and other matters with others who have like-minds as to mutual respect and other principles, and at the same time celebrate and honor unique minds with independent perspectives.

Wanting to make a difference in the world is a core interest, from Social Justice activities to seeing that the next generation has a solid foundation.

Although the UUFSD site with its outdoor amptheater is unique, it’s not mentioned as the first draw for members.