The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-08-10
will be services, ut tho same place, by tho
same reverend gentleman, August 10th and

23d.
The Unitarian church occupies a posi-
ton that Ia unique among the religious or
ennlzations OF christendom. To superficial
observers II mny seem negative and de-
structive in Its character, and those who
are familiar with it's spirit and aims will
not assent to this charge. Unitsrianism Is
essentially an exponent OF the modern
method in religion. 1t ID an attempt TO de-
dom and t' aco o i'm 70 Da tss method i'' Of
reason. II has been defined ms
that free n progressive development Of
historic Christianity, which aspires to be
synonymous with universal ethics and uni
versal religion. In this sentence We have
the characteristics Of the Unitarian move
ment. Unitarians value highly historic
Christianity. They believe that the religion
of the future must grow out of that of the
past. But they believe that Christianity ID
not a finished product that can be defined
by a creed or embalmed in a ritual. On
the contrary, they hold that religion is do
veloped according to the same laws which
govern any other human interest. There
fore, while other denominations are exer-
cised over a possible revision OF their
creeds, Unitarians do not bind their
churches TO any formal creed whatever.
Any sincere searcher after truth 10 well
coined to their Fellowship. But though
there is a variety of opinion, experience has
shown that there may b. complete unity OF
spirit in a free church. Unitarians believe
that a church should be like u school-a
school for religious culture. In a school
neither teachers nor. pupils are compelled
to assent to any educational creed. They
are simply required to study diligently the
subjects taken in hand. There is no fear
but that q general agreement will result
among we'll educated persons on questions
capable of demonstration while there may
be wide diversity in questions OF theory.
| f1n I1n ifuri0 p, vNv1tviN IN lo1fsAtod tn the
untrammelled search for truth on all re-
ligious questions. The preacher is expect
ed not to stand As an advocate for this or
that dogma, but as q teacher of the simple
duties and \ student of the problems OF
life. As a result Of this freedom OF
number of the doctrines which tho ortho-
dox churches have deemed essential. Such
doctrines as the Trinity, the vicarious atone
ment, original sin and eternal punishment
they believe do no stand the test OF impair
tiRl investigation. On the other hand, they
simple elements of religion that are eternal,
Though DENYING the Deity of Christ, the!
listen reverently to his teaching and fine
inspiration in his life. The Christianity OF
the sermon on this mount remains when the
Christianity of the church creeds hasfailed
Though not formulating their opinions
in any articles of faith, no one need be in
doubt as to the Unitarian position. The
writings OF the great leaders of the churoi
such as Charming, Parker. Martineau anC
Clark are widely known. The Unitarian
poets Bryant, LonRfellow, Emerson, Lowell
and Holmes lave put the simple faith into
verses and so Unitarian thoughts abou'
God and duty and immortality have be
come familiar to thousands who woul
reject the Unitarian NAME. The spirit o
the Unitarian churches is we'll expressed il
the words which some of them lave adoptet
as their covenant, "In the freedom of tn
truth, and in the spirit of Jesus Christ, W
unite for the worship Of GOO and the ser
vice of man."