I just ordered a new book on humanism, our UU theology, and the history of our association, REGAINING BALANCE: THE EVOLUTION OF THE UUA by Michael Werner, published by Religious Humanism Press.

I’m excited for this read as this relates directly to conversations we’ve been having in the UU Growth Lab over the last two years, especially last month.    I haven’t read it yet, so I can’t recommend it yet.  But stay tuned! I’ll let you know what I think.

If this subject is of interest to you, you may order it here.

‘Find out the history of the UUA that no one has told you.  Find out why the UUA is declining.   Find out why there is a rightward theological turn. Find out what can reverse the downward trend.”

“The author details the cultural, philosophical and political history of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) especially in regards to Humanism  and critical thinking.  The evolution of the UUA from a focus on reason in religion to one of radical tolerance is described along with the loss on membership.  Culturally important factors such as postmodernism, process theology, second wave feminism, value theory, new age, theological education, the “religious redefinition” game, population dynamics, and the age of narcissism in religion are brought together to show how multiple interacting forces have led to the UUA to ideological extremes of indiscriminate pluralism.  The secular revolution is then described and possible solutions for the UUA going forward presented.’

“In this book Mike Werner analyzes what is wrong with the UUA and suggests how we can correct our problems and become once again a vital and growing religious movement.  It should be read by every UU who cares about the future of our Association.”  — William R. Murry, Former President and Dean, Meadville Lombard Theological School

The History of Humanism and the Unitarian Universalist Association

Below you may find videos of a lecture by Werner.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4