Universalist

Universalist theology is the belief that all religions are different allegories for the same, universal god. Therefore, all religions offer different perspectives and insights on the nature of god and should be seen as analogous and complementary, rather than mutually exclusive.

Pantheism is the theological tradition present in most religions that suggests there is no difference between creator and creation. Therefore god is the self-creating universe, not some being that exists separately from it.

If god is the universe, then it is most likely the case that all religions are simply different ways of describing that same god, not made-up beings with no common reference point. It also makes more sense than a supernatural universalist god that offers distinct, culturally-specific divine interventions to different people at different times. Humans exist in the universe and need to figure out how to cope with that, so they developed religion.

This is Pantheistic Universalism and is basis for the theology of metaculture.

Other Universalist Traditions

There are currently two major universalist movements. Unitarian Universalism is the more western and Christian in origin, and the Baháʼí faith that came from Islamic traditions. Other than their cultural reference points, the major difference between the two is that Unitarianism is more come-as-you-are, while Baháʼí offers a more specific set of beliefs and practices that its followers learn and adhere to.

This author found the structure of Baháʼí more appealing than the Unitarian approach, since their creed includes things like adherence to science that makes their followers a bit more grounded. The Unitarian movement tends to attract and embrace people with some rather outlandish beliefs, and you are more likely to be shunned for calling out false beliefs than you are for having them.

We Are Unitarian Universalists

What is the Baha'i Faith? An Introduction by Rainn Wilson

Pantheistic Universalism a la metaculture

To distinguish metaculture from other Universalist and Pantheist traditions, as well as atheism, here are the key differences:

• Both pantheism and universalism are required, not one or the other.
• Fractals and the rules of logic represent the transcendent aspect of god
• Science is the only source of truth. If a belief disagrees with the evidence, follow the evidence.
• Religion is a source of inspiration, tradition, ritual, and practical wisdom, but not literal truth.
• Nature is a great source of inspiration and connection with the universe, but some self-identified pantheists can take this a bit... far. Love the Earth, but stay grounded.
• Dogma is avoided by making doctrine self-correcting rather than avoiding it.
• Panpsychism is optional. It's probably quantum woo but it doesn't impact your life choices.

It is a dogmatic rejection of all things supernatural or pseudoscientific, while dogmatically embracing the unity of the human endeavor across all times and cultures.

Say It Without All the God Stuff

If you have a secular mindset and thinking about things in terms of god and religion seems backwards to you, remember:

• The whole point is that we have a shared humanity and ethics
• You believe in the universe right? Just think "universe" every time you see "god"
• We are trying to meet people where they are and for billions that means religion

Can Science Prove That Universalism Makes Us Happy?

It should be possible to demonstrate the psychological benefits of universalist theology through experiment. Intuitively, it seems obvious that a belief in the oneness of humanity would have positive emotional benefits that lead to greater happiness and well-being. Belief in the universal in-group should also have many benefits to society in terms of cooperation and altruism.

Uniting the Universalists

metaculture is a call to unite all Universalists, Baháʼí, Pantheists, Spiritual but Secular, Atheists, Agnostics, progressive Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, and members of every Religion who reject Literalism and believe in the unity of god, the universe and the human spirit.

By creating a version of Pantheist Universalist theology that has no ties to pre-existing monotheistic traditions, is fully grounded in science and free of woo, has no cult of personality, and provides a method for doctrine to be self-correcting, we can create a unified movement that is culturally neutral, evolving, and potentially everlasting.

We are one love and one heart. Let's get together and feel alright.

Bob Marley - One Love