Unitarian Universalism: A Narrative History

Universalists and Unitarians are so fond of their early history, they often neglect later developments. One of the big advantages of this history is that Professor Bumbaugh brings the history down to the present day. He explains the tensions between the Unitarians and the Universalists before the merger of the denominations in 1961, the latter fearing they would be swallowed up by the stronger partner. After merger, the contest for the hearts and minds of liberals between the theists and humanists continued over into the new denomination. In recent times, a humanistically inclined denomination has found developing within it new interpretations of liberal religion, among them a vague emotion labeled "spirituality." and an earth-centered approach to religion, labeled "pagan." Of course, as one would expect, there is continuing concern over the relation of the denomination to its Christian roots.