 Twelve
Reasons for Joining the Universalist Church
1943
1. Because the Universalist Church is a part of the Christian church and the
Christian church is needed today as never before.
2. Because the Universalist Church is liberal, which means, not that it is
lax and easygoing, but that it is open-minded toward new truth, whether of
science or of religion, and that it regards all truth as from God.
3. Because the Universalist Church takes its stand squarely on the teachings
of Jesus:
(a) Trust in a Supreme Being who is so wise and kind that we can call
him "Our Father who art in heaven."
(b) Confidence that we can establish the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, and
that we ought to work for a society where men will act as brothers and help
one another.
(c) Punishment for sin designed to purify and redeem the soul, absolutely
certain, to continue here and hereafter until its purpose is accomplished,
and which is ordained and carried out by Perfect Love.
(d) That there is a Father's House of many mansions, and that life for all
goes on after death.
The Universalist Church recognizes frankly that only faith can bridge the gap
between time and eterpity. Without dogmatism it emphasizes the many grounds for
the conviction that our beloved dead have not passed out of existence but live
on freed from the limitations of the flesh. It invites men to join the
Universalist Church to deepen the springs of faith within themselves and to
build faith in a world that is full of doubt and sorrow.
4. Because in the Universalist Church no one form of words is required as a
condition of membership, but simply acceptance of the principles of Jesus. This
gives to the church a breadth and tolerance that enrich its life. Universalists
are not competing with other churches or attacking them. Universalists endeavor
constantly to look behind the words that men of other churches use to the truths
which those words seek to express, and so Universalists find unity behind
apparent opposition and antagonism.
5. Because without hesitation or apology the Universalist Church has broken
completely with the theology which pictures God as vindictive, man as under his
wrath and curse, Jesus as offered up to buy God off, and endless hell as certain
for the majority.
6. Because in the Universalist Church, as in other socially minded churches,
men lay emphasis on the duty of members to serve the community. In proportion to
its numbers the Universalist Church has an enviable record for Red Cross and
other war relief work, charity organization work, prison reform, and good
government movements.
Men of prophetic insight in its fellowship are making important contributions
to put the spirit of Christainity into all projected change.
7. Because the Universalist Church, however far short it may have fallen, has
held up the ideal of better worship, better church architecture, better church
music, better religious literature, and better religious education.
8. Because the Universalist Church is made up of friendly people, who welcome
strangers and who try to live up to the implications of the golden rule. Not
that everybody in the Universalist Church is friendly or fairminded or informed
about Universalist beliefs or willing to lend a hand, but enough people in the
church are kind and intelligent, and most people in the church are kind and
intelligent enough to create a friendly, helpful atmosphere in which strangers
quickly find themselves at home and happy.
9. Because we are in the midst of World War II, a titanic struggle where the
heaviest of burdens rest upon us and where we need the comfort and strength of
religion. Because the Universalist Church with its message of perfect love that
casts out fear nerves men for the difficult tasks thrown upon them and the
sacrifices that they are called upon to make.
10. Because the era of war must be followed by an era of reconstruction,
where millions will suffer disillusionment, hardship and loss of faith in God
and in fellow man, and where the gospel of God's unfailing love as proclaimed by
the Universalist Church will be a mighty influence for the salvation of both men
and nations.
11. Because a cause of high importance to men everywhere may languish and
suffer without your sup-
port. This does not mean that the Universalist Church is going down. Like all
churches, it has lost numbers in the past few years, but its members believe in
it and love it, and, God willing, will see to it that it goes on. They are
seeking new members that the church may do better work.
12. Because Universalists have a history of which they have a right to be
proud, a beginning in the labors of men who had a true conception of the
goodness of God and who were willing to suffer persecution in order that their
faith might prevail. Because the story of John Murray and Thomas Potter is one
of the most beautiful in religious history, and the life work of men like Hosea
Ballou, Thomas Whittemore, Edwin Hubbel Chapin, John Coleman Adams, and a host
of others is of permanent value to all the churches.
If you who read these words have dropped out of some church because of the
teachings of a harsh theology or for other reasons, consider whether "in these
times that try men's souls" Almighty God may not be counting on you to join
those who believe that it is his will that we should unite to overcome the
forces of evil and establish his Kingdom on earth.
PUBLISHED BY THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH Commission on Literature
16 Beacon Street Boston, Mass.
(6M-2-43)
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