Principles as Spiritual Practice — Index Page

Principles as Spiritual Practice is a Celestial Lands Blog Series, begun in February of 2008, that explores how one can live the Unitarian Universalist Principles in daily life.  It is presented through theological and social reflection, as well as providing “skillful means” or methods to aid in the practice. 

It is a continuation of the work begun in the essay “Living the Principles Through the Precepts” found in the book Abiding Questions of Free Congregations (Meadville Lombard Press, 2007).  While initially presented as a Blog series, the work is intended to eventually form the basis for an Adult Religious Education curriculum. 

This is an evolving project, so essays may change, questions may be added, and new additions may be made outside of any sequenced order. 

If the series is of any use to you, please let me know.  Feel free to use it within Unitarian Universalist settings freely, so long as you attribute it to David Pyle and this website.

The numbering sequence of articles is simple.  The first number denotes which of the seven UU Principles the article is working with, and the second number is sequential.  Articles that are denoted with and I are introductory, and articles denoted with a C are conclusionary. 

The principles are presented in the forms of Vows or Commitments to be taken… 

1.  I take up the way of affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

2.  I take up the way of affirming justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.

3.  I take up the way of affirming acceptance of one another, and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.

4.  I take up the way of affirming a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

5. I take up the way of affirming the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process in our congregations and in society at large.

6.  I take up the way of affirming the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.

7.  I take up the way of affirming the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. 

Below are links to the articles of the project, presented in sequential order:

(I.1)   Principles as Spiritual Practice  – Introduction

(I.2) Principles as Spiritual Practice – Introducing the Intent

(1.1)    Principles as Spiritual Practice  – Those Not Known

(1.2)    Principles as Spiritual Practice – Your Own Inherent Worth and Dignity

(1.3)   Principles as Spiritual Practice – Forgiving the Unforgiveable

(1.4)   Principles as Spiritual Practice – Why Inherent?

(2.1)  Principles as Spiritual Practice – Affirming Justice