The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide

by Unitarian Universalist Association

Revised and updated, the Pocket Guide is one of the most complete introductions to Unitarian Universalism available, covering ministry, worship, religious education, social justice, and history. The 2012 edition is the most extensive revision in over a decade. Contributors include Kay Montgomery, John Crestwell, Gail Geisenhainer, Rosemary Bray McNatt, Jane Ranney Rzepka, Mark Belletini, Judith Frediani, Rebecca Parker, and Dan McKanan. Foreword by MSNBC commentator and lifelong Unitarian Universalist Melissa Harris-Perry.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Reference, Inspirational

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is the central organization for the Unitarian Universalist (UU) religious movement in the United States. The UUA’s 1000+ member congregations are committed to Seven Principles that include the worth of each person, the need for justice and compassion, and the right to choose one’s own beliefs. Our congregations and faith communities promote these principles through regular worship, learning and personal growth, shared connection and care, social justice action and service, celebration of life’s transitions, and much more.

Our faith tradition is diverse and inclusive. We grew from the union of two radical Christian groups: the Universalists, who organized in 1793, and the Unitarians, who organized in 1825. They joined to become the UUA in 1961.

Reviews

[Tamra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid introduction to Unitarian Universalism. It's a VERY brief handling of the foundational ways and thoughts and traditions of UU. As someone just learning about the UU church and principles, this was a helpful resource.

And that's the cohort of people this book was written for: the newcomer. I would imagine if you know more than just the most basic ideas of UU, this book won't be very useful to you.

[Danni Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this at my local UU church. It's obviously out of date (the 1999 edition) but it's cute, concise, and clear.

[Kai Fawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the more useful introductions to a religion I’ve ever read.

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good intro to this spiritual path but I was left wanting more. Maybe that was the point?

[Scribblescribe · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an okay read. It was sort of dense on names, dates, and little details without too many pictures to help describe it to the reader. I wish they would've used graphics and images to place it better in the reader's mind's eye. It was a good read though overall, because when I first started the book I thought it was a form of Christianity but Unitarian Universalists, while coming from Christian roots are not Christian. UU is a separate religion based on the concept of social justice and a promise to love religious diversity without creeds.

They have many famous members which worked towards equality and justice for all such as Clara Barton and Susan B. Anthony among many many others. Pretty cool if you ask me.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously a good introduction to Unitarian Universalism, but mostly a repetition of what you will find in many other books such as "A Chosen Faith". I think I would recommend that volume more strongly to someone seriously considering the faith or wanting to truly learn about it. But if you don't want to commit to a week of reading or are more interested in the history, then this is certainly a good little collection of essays and a more in depth timeline and history. Definitely a book to keep on the shelf.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unitarian Universalism is sometimes critiqued by non UU folks for not being clear about its principles or lacking substance. These critiques reflect a misunderstanding of Unitarian Universalism. This book does a great job of illustrating the principles UU members live by, the movement UU members are involved in, and the history of the UU faith. It's an excellent, brief introduction to a profoundly progressive, healing, and inclusive faith.

[AngiJo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was almost too brief. But what can you expect from a "pocket guide?" It was a good overview, with an excellent list of resources in the back for who those who want a little more in-depth information or history.

[Jena · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's short and dry but it provides an excellent overview to the church. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in UU, but if you are just looking for an interesting religious read, I can recommend many that are better.

[Daniel]

With a new introduction by UUA President Sinkford, this edition includes essays on our faith, heritage, worship, religious education, ministry and important dates in UU history. Classic resource for visitors and new members. (Skinner House) 2004. 120pp. 2

[Whit Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books has helped open my mind about Unitarian Universalism. The articles are well-written, the history of the church is properly traced and concisely retold, and the overall premise of the church is best summarized by the following motto: "We are a religion of deeds, not creeds."

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and readable.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to have on hand.

[Norabear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to the UU faith.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative in a Pocket Guide kind of way...
A little dry...especially compared to the energy of the UU meetings I have attended.

[Mariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice basic introduction to Unitarian Universalism. A good thing to hand to friends/family members who are baffled as to this obscure church you've joined.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to Unitarian Universalist thought; highly recommended to anyone interested in Unitarian Universalism.

[Rev. Sharon Wylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick, accessible, and reasonably thorough introduction to many aspects of UUism: faith, ministry, worship, religious education, social justice, evangelism, and history.

[Yaaresse · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short, readable if a bit dry, a basic introduction to the UU doctrine (such as it is.)
Kind of an infomercial in print form.

[C.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to the UU religion.