Universist Movement Enters Stage Left; Religion and Politics Forever Changed

The Universist Movement, a newcomer to the national dialogue, shares response to its recent front page coverage in The Los Angeles Times.

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 26, 2005 -- On November 16, 2005, The Los Angeles Times published a front page, above-the-fold feature article about Universism headlined "Doubt Is Their Co-Pilot." It quickly became the number one most-emailed article on the L.A. Times' website, and was reprinted in several other major papers, including The Chicago Tribune.

The high volume of reader response was overwhelmingly positive, the Universist Movement reports.

"Universism is now one of the world's most well-recognized new religious movements," said Ford Vox, Universism's founder. "This latest national media attention is a sign of the respect and importance Universism has quickly gained alongside the world's other influential ideologies."

What readers are saying:

Finally, an "organized" religion that expresses what I've been espousing for decades. If more of the world said "I don't know, and neither do you," maybe we could live together more peaceably. - Michael Wills, Sebestapol, California

It was a pleasure to read about your attempt to build a new religious movement that I could relate to. I had previously just called myself a "rationalist deist" (or sometimes, if I was nitpicking, a "paradoxical rationalist pantheist") but I like your description of the term "Universist" because it helps to better convey the essential idea of uncertainty that is necessarily embodied in an honest, un-dogmatic, personal search and appreciation of spirituality. It has long been part of my own particular spiritual beliefs that it is the duty of every person to closely examine their opinions and beliefs to see if such are supported by the available evidence. We must then use that information with all of the reason and wisdom that we are capable of to try to do right and act justly towards others. Of course, it often very much helps to determine what is "right" and "just" by talking to other rational persons whose opinions and intelligence you trust. Thank you for starting to build congregations/associations of like-minded people to provide us with the fellowship that may help us in our individual searching. The nobility of that search is at the core of finding the meaning in our own lives. Thanks again. - Donald Farkas, Los Angeles, California

Why didn't I think of that? The answer is: we all did. We were just waiting to hear it from someone else. Simplicity of thought is truth at its most amazing. - Ron Gillentine, Wofford Heights, California

As an atheist, I almost felt ashamed to consider metaphysical questions. Now I have found a way to be a freethinker and spiritual at the same time. This is perfect! - Christopher Zinn, Hamlin, New York

I felt like a great burden had been lifted from my mind when I realized there are so many more people that feel the way I feel about religion. I am not only glad to join the Universist Movement, but would like to help further it in any way I can. - Gregg Brichan, Owosso, Michigan

We are stronger together than we are alone. Thanks for uniting a courageous group of people. - Mary B. White, Longmont, Colorado

When I finished reading the main page, I honestly started shaking, this "religion", if you can call it that, will boost humanity to a new level. The mere thought of what this could do, makes my brain damn near explode. This is truly revolutionary, and for mankind, I hope this will spread, the world would be... amazing. - Craig Defleming, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

I love you guys!!! - Dave Halfhed, Hacienda Heights, California

I have no belief in the existence of any supernatural "God". I live in an uncertain world. The Universist approach seems like a breath of fresh air in what is becoming a fundamentalist Christian theocracy. - Earle Jones, Portola Valley, California

Recently come away from Christianity, considered refereeing to myself as agnostic. Universism seems to fit much better - best thing is my uncertainty is the norm! - Stu Hughes, St. Asaph, Denbighshire, United Kingdom

This is exactly what I have been looking for, and I have been looking for a long time." - Rose McEathron, Forest City, North Carolina

I am a Unitarian Universalist nominally, but sometimes I find it really hard to believe in an all seeing deity who loves all people. This Universist movement says it's okay to doubt, and admit you don't know it all. - Julie LaBomascus, Mayville, Wisconsin

I come from a very religious background. One day, I found I could no longer pretend to be 'saved', nor even engaged by the notion. When I let go and admitted to myself, truly & fully, that I had never had any idea what was really going on, it was the most freeing experience I've ever had- a first real revelation. All I know is that I feel 'it' symbolized in the world around me, and while it is beautiful, I've no idea what it is, & it seems greater, more free & purer this way. I also had no idea until today that there was anyone else out there that could honestly be satisfied with the same conclusion. To see this movement budding gives me great hope for the spiritual future of the human race. Regards! - Brandon S., Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada

Great idea! Let's look forward for a change. - Joe Schnebelen, Kansas City, Missouri

This makes sense, Tom Paine might say "common sense." - Thomas Harris, Downey, California

After listening to, reading about, and witnessing the effects of religious and theological dogmatists, it is a welcome opportunity to come to a community of like-minded and like-concerned people to consider rational concepts. - Tom Pritchard, Milford, New York

About the Universist Movement:

The Universist Movement is an international nonprofit organization focused on individual wellbeing, social progress, personal responsibility and the promotion of existential questioning. The Movement's mission is to evolve religion in a safe direction in light of the events of September 11. It advocates Universism, a rational religious philosophy elevating relative truth at the expense of group authority in metaphysical questions. In Universism truth is nontransferable, and the group collectively celebrates existential mystery, rather than absolute truth.

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