Why should Unitarian Universalists have their own
Holy Days?
Written by
the Senior High RE Class at the
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at
Stony Brook
October 2001
See links at bottom
of page
We chose to have the celebration of these Holy Days in
commemoration of
Michael
Servetus to remind us of our origins and heritage. While most UU's
are knowledgeable about the modern issues that UU's are considering, we
may be less familiar with the long and deep heritage that we have. The
concept of one God, as in Judaism and Islam for example, is ancient. The
Trinity, three gods in one-God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-has been
a part of most Christian's Faith since the Fourth Century. During the
Reformation only a few reformers were willing to question the Trinity.
One of those who did was a brilliant scholar, Michael Servetus, who died
for his beliefs in 1553. His writings and death had a profound effect on
others who continued to develop Unitarianism in Poland, Holland and
especially in Transylvania.
Many UU's have home celebrations for other religions. For
example, Christmas, Chanukah, Passover, and Easter are observed with
Christmas trees, candles, the giving of presents, singing songs, or
special meals. There is no religious holiday for UU's with a time to
celebrate our religion at home. These Holy Days will give people and
families an opportunity to set aside a place and time for lighting the
Chalice, the UU symbol, and exploring each of our Seven UU Principles
for what that principle means to us and how it effects our thoughts and
actions.
In many religions people learn their creeds and dogmas. However,
while many UU's might know the Ten Commandments by heart, few of us know
the Seven Principles by heart. Do you? These Principles were adopted by
the UUA after much discussion and consideration. When we know what they
are and what they mean, then we can discuss whether or how we agree with
them or feel that they appropriately describe our religion.
If we have our own set of Holy Days, it will give us an
opportunity to develop a better understanding of our religion and how it
enriches our lives and serves the wider human society. As our knowledge
grows, we will be more comfortable when discussing our beliefs with
others. This may introduce Unitarian Universalist ideals to those who
are UU's in spirit but do not yet know it.
How will we celebrate? We are suggesting that the holy days begin
on the Sunday before Michael Servetus' death day, October 27th, or on
his death day when it falls on a Sunday.
During the week each day in our homes we ask you to
consider one of the seven Unitarian Universalist
Principles. The home
ceremony would consist of lighting of a chalice, saying together the
principle for that day, and then reading something appropriate. You may
wish to do this before you begin supper letting the Chalice burn in the
middle of the table. At the end of the supper, extinguish the Chalice
with an appropriate saying.
Senior High play "This is yoUUr life
Margaret Fuller!!" October 2005
"Michael Servetus Your Words Lit a
Fire" to tune of "We Didn 't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel October 2003
Senior High Play on "Servetus: The
Question of Evil" October 2002
Senior High Play on "Servetus"
October 2001
Suggested Readings for the UU Holy Days
Power Point presentation
"A Free and Responsible Search for Truth and Meaning: Michael Servetus and The Errors of the Trinity"
Books
written about Michael Servetus
