Unitarianism and Universalism started out as liberal expressions of Christianity but, since the mid 1800s, have increasingly drawn wisdom and inspiration from other religions. From their beginnings, both faiths were non-creedal, encouraging persons to follow their reason and conscience. In 1961, the two movements merged to become Unitarian Universalism.
Unitarianism
The concept that gave rise to Unitarianism was the Jewish belief that God is one. However, after the Council of Nicea in 325, those who held Unitarian theology became religious heretics and enemies of the state. To be guilty resulted in torture and death.
During the Protestant Reformation, Michael Servetus insisted errors had been made in the doctrine of the Trinity. In 1553, Michael Servetus was burned at the stake, “by slow fire.”
The beginning of organized Unitarianism was in Poland in 1565. Because of brutal persecution, Unitarianism survived there only a hundred years. Meanwhile, Unitarianism took root in Transylvania. Almost every Unitarian church in Transylvania still has engraved over its door, “God is One.” In England, Unitarianism started in the 1600s. American Unitarianism has roots reaching to the 1620s. Four famous Unitarians are Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Margaret Fuller, and Susan B. Anthony. By the mid 1900s, Unitarianism was no longer defined by theology. Unitarians were now drawing inspiration from the wells of all religions and philosophies of good will.
Universalism
The concept that gave rise to Universalism was the belief that all persons would be saved. It was not until 553 that Universalism became a heresy.
Universalism in England and America arose in the 1700s as a reaction against the doctrine of the Depravity of Humanity and the hell-fire preaching of that doctrine. Universalist theology was rooted in the conviction that the grace of God was greater than human sin. In 1750, James Relly organized a church in England based on universal salvation, and in 1779, John Murray organized the first Universalist church in America.
In 1863, Universalists ordained Olympia Brown. She was the first woman ordained in America by a denomination. Universalists were opposed to slavery and supported public education, prison reform, and public health. Clara Barton, founder of the Red Cross, was a Universalist.
Unitarian Universalism
In 1961, the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America merged to form the Unitarian Universalist Association.
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