A Christian Visits a Unitarian Universalist Church

This is the first video I've ever made where I go and learn about an entirely different religion. Unitarian Universalist isn't Christianity even though it has a few overlapping concepts and some overlapping history. I asked the Rev. Kim Mason of the First Unitarian Church of St. Louis, Missouri to sit down with me and walk me through who they are as a religion and what they believe.

[Witherman]

I think the best part about this is that throughout the video he's basically gone to a month's worth of UU Services. Rev Kim was doing exactly her job in explaining to you what she believes and what she has seen and understands, while also listening to what you know, see, and understand. She is a really impressive speaker and I think this video did a really good job with the broad explanation of Unitarian Universalism.

[redeemedzoomer]

Here's what I like about the Unitarian Universalist church - they're honest about not being historic Christianity. There are many pastors in historic denominations like mine, the PCUSA, or the United Methodist Church or the Episcopal Church, who are basically Unitarian Universalist in their beliefs, but still try to take over these confessional, historic Protestant denominations

[lyterman]

I'm a Catholic who is not particularly attracted to Calvinist theology, but "God is mad and hates everyone" might be the worst strawman of Calvinism I have ever heard! 😂

[ponypublications]

I know some folks are going to be mad, but as a Christian I'm excited to see you visiting different religions!

[tylergraham]

A 2 hour video of 2 vastly different beliefs being discussed civilly? How incredibly counter cultural and maybe even counter to your own success on the internet in some ways.

I LOVE IT.

(Also the San Junipero reference was so great!)

I feel like I understand UU so much more than ever, but I still struggle with grasping how they don't seem to totally account for justice.

[Ninjamime]

I love your prologue to this video, and I greatly value the way you stated you simply want people to be Christian, even if its not your own tradition. In fact, your videos where you visited an LCMS Lutheran church were a great influence for me and helped me to become a Lutheran Christian myself.

[musicvideos]

Great job, Matt. This interview was very different from your others. I learned more about Unitarian Universalism. And you were respectful but still asked some probing questions. Also, thanks to Rev. Kim Mason for taking the time to do this interview. She was very thoughtful in all her answers.

[Jane_]

This was really thoughtful. I’ve never watched your other videos but just with you opening I could tell you were serious and sincere and respectful. The following talk was spectacular! I’m a lifelong UU and I’ve never heard this reverend’s view on sin before. Thank you so much; your free and responsible search for truth and meaning leading you here is delightful! Well done.

[EssenceofPureFlavor]

I was honestly a bit nervous when I saw the notification, but after watching your intro, you alleviated my fears. Your patience and genuine tolerance (as opposed to promotion) of all traditions is a great quality, Matt. Thanks for making this.

[CarinRuff]

Matt, it was fascinating to see how speaking to someone with such dramatically different theology almost immediately made you articulate yours in ways we usually don't hear on the channel. I think this was very productive and I'm glad to have learned more about UUs from someone so articulate.

[delightfulBeverage]

I heard a Unitarian minister shout the name of Jesus Christ during a service. As it turned out, the janitor fell down the stairs.

[BennettM]

I am a UU and I think this conversation was brilliant. I appreciate your desire to know more about a different tradition then put in the energy and time to seek out the knowledge by connecting with an authoritative voice. Your respectful and curious questions were top notch! I wonder what the world would look like if we all approached the larger religious conversation this way..? Cheers!

[realmless]

I love that you opened this up flatly stating this is a different religion.

[ThoinFrostaxe]

Matt, I want you to know, your show has helped me become Catholic. You helped bring me back to Christ after I had walked away for most of my 20s. You’re doing good work Matt, and I thank you.

[maxhess]

As a Jew who's a huge fan of your videos, I just want to suggest if you ever do synagogue visits, make sure you start with an Orthodox synagogue. That's where you'll get the most authentic and integrated representation of the tradition and theology as it's existed for the last two millennia in cultures around the world.

I've been hoping for interfaith visits, hopefully this is the first of many! Personally, I've always wanted to understand what goes on inside a mosque, just like I love learning about churches.

[nicholasshaler]

At 15:59, you mention the Catholic view of Confession. While I understand your analogy, the notion the penance performed after Confession cancels out the sins confessed and absolved is entirely false. No one can atone for his own sins, which is something clear taught in the Bible and which Catholics profess. Rather, the absolution said by the priest applies the saving work of Christ on the Cross to the penitent and completely wipes away the sin, though not all of their effects.

[thesonnyboy]

Matt, I know it’s most likely not the direct point of your work, but there is something very special about the way you conduct yourself that might be just as valuable as anything else. It is such a human thing to have a visceral reaction to claims or statements that are contrary to our own fundamental beliefs. Even without words that reaction is visible, but remarkably you are able to dig deep to find restraint and respect. I’d like to think it’s some kind of understanding that if the things we believe are true, they don’t necessitate the belief of ourselves (let alone others). Regardless of how, it is remarkable and a gift to anyone who watches. Thank you and, please, keep it up.

[christopherwood]

Love your open-mindedness. As a Church-curious, liberal leaning agnostic it’s cool to see people having open minded conversations with people they might not agree with. Helps me try and work it all out.

[bouseuxlatache]

Love you Matt. With all respect to the lady welcoming you to her congregation, you asserted the Bible, you asserted Christ, you asserted Christianity. you were evangelizing. God bless you.

[thomasthecounselor]

A great episode, as usual. As a fellow minister, albeit in a catholic context, I can appreciate how open you are and how you continually search for common ground. Rev. Kim did a great job of representing the UU in general and her congregation specifically. Thanks for always seeking understandings that create unity.