In Children of the Same God, Susan J. Ritchie makes the groundbreaking historical argument that, long before Unitarianism and Universalism merged in the United States, Unitarianism itself was inherently multireligious. She demonstrates how Unitarians in Eastern Europe claimed a strong affinity with Jews and Muslims from the very beginning and how mutual theological underpinnings and active cooperation underpin Unitarian history but have largely disappeared from the written accounts. With clear implications for the religious identity of Christians, Jews, and Muslims as well as Unitarian Universalists, and especially for interfaith work, Children of the Same God illuminates the intertwining histories and destinies of these traditions.
The Faith Development Office has provided a discussion guide which gives participants an opportunity for to test Ritchie’s ideas and to explore their implications for their own Unitarian Universalist congregations and groups. Questions invite participants to re-examine their own understanding of their faith and to explore the central role “mixing” continues to play in Unitarian Universalism today. Click here for the discussion guide.
Susan Ritchie shares some thoughts about Children of the Same God