Historical Dictionary of Unitarian Universalism (Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements Series) [Hardcover]

Mark W. Harris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 20, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0810848694 | ISBN-13: 978-0810848696

Small though it may be, Unitarian Universalism has had a big impact not only on its members, but also on the world around it. Rejecting the constraints of other Christian denominations, it sought tolerance for itself and, surprisingly, freely granted tolerance to others. Evolving in its principles and practices over a relatively short lifetime, it shows every sign of developing further, reaching beyond Christianity to embrace what is good in other, more diverse, religions. Unitarian Universalism has also regularly been at the forefront in fighting for social causes, including abolition, temperance, women's suffrage, pacifism, educational reform, environmentalism, and others.

Unitarian Universalism has also spread with time. First developed in present-day Romania and Hungary, its center shifted early to England, but its most successful story is the way it grew and flourished in the United States. This Dictionary covers numerous subjects, both historical and contemporary. There are entries on the places where the church was present, many more on significant leaders, and an impressive number on causes and issues. It thereby provides a comprehensive understanding of the multiple facets of the Unitarian Universalist faith.

All the important people, events and ideas in this religion are included, not forgetting trends and issues up to the present day, so that many living people are included, as well as important, late-20th-century battles, including racism and new principles and purposes.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Harris's history is both concise and encompassing, and he does a good job of highlighting the evolution of the religion into its present-day form. (Reference Reviews )

Unitarianism and Universalism have existed in the U.S. since the 18th century, but the denomination remains enigmatic, which adds to this work's importance…entries are well written…Unitarian principles such as tolerance, social justice, peace, and democracy are carefully covered…To attempt to define the significant issues, events, and beliefs of an organization founded on the tenet that individuals must follow their own paths to find truth in religion is - how should one say? - difficult. Harris's years in the Unitarian ministry undoubtedly allow him to pull it off. Recommended. (Choice )

...absolutely packed with information, and remarkably thorough in its coverage of the subject....unique, admirably complete, and interesting to read. Strongly recommended for public and academic libraries, particularly those concerned with Western religions. (Reference & User Services Quarterly )

A handy reference work…I would wholeheartedly recommend that everyone interested in UU history or culture run out (as far as the internet anyway) and buy the Historical Dictionary of Unitarian Universalism. (Peter Hughes )

About the Author

Mark W. Harris is a parish minister serving the First Parish of Waterown, Massachusetts. He is the author of many denominational pamphlets and is a past president of the Unitarian Universalist Historical Society.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 608 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press (December 20, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810848694
• ISBN-13: 978-0810848696
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #424,741 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #44 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Practices > Unitarian Universalism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an indispensable reference, December 25, 2007

By 

Eric A. Isaacson (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Historical Dictionary of Unitarian Universalism (Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements Series) (Hardcover)

Rev. Mark Harris's "Historical Dictionary" is an indispensable reference for anyone interested in the history of Unitarians, Universalists, and Unitarian Universalists.

Rev. Harris is a parish minister serving one of America's oldest congregations, the First Parish of Watertown, Massachusetts, which traces its history to 1630. He also is a diligent and careful historical scholar.

His book is organized alphabetically, comprising biographical entries for notable Unitarians and Universalists, as well entries for important organizations and institutions that have played a role in the denominations' historical development.

It opens with an entry on the Rev. Francis Ellingwood Abbot, who served the Dover, New Hampshire, Society of Unitarian Christians - until New Hampshire's courts ruled him insufficiently "Christian." John and Abigail Adams are here too. So is John Quincy Adams.

Rev. Abner Kneeland is here too, who served as a Universalist minister before he was prosecuted by the State of Massachusetts, convicted, and imprisoned - for blasphemy.

All round, I think this is the best reference in print for quick references on Unitarian and Universalist biography.

Critical institutions, organizations, and events are covered too. The entry on Harvard College, for example, describes the controversy surrounding the Henry Ware's appointment to the Hollister Divinity Chair in 1805, which divided Congregationalism and contributed to the formation of the Unitarian denomination.

Eric Alan Isaacson

Postscript on the softcover edition: Though I thought Mark Harris's book a bargain even at the original hardcover price, I'm pleased to note that a considerably less expensive softcover edition was published in July 2009, under the title The A to Z of Unitarian Universalism (A to Z Guides)