5 Smooth Stones of Liberal Religion

The five smooth stones of liberal religion are from a Unitarian Universalist theologian & ethicist, James Luther Adams.

1. Revelation & truth are continuously revealed.

2. We freely choose to be in relationship with one another.

3. We have a moral obligation to create a just & loving community.

4. Good must be consciously given form & power in history.

5. Meaningful change directs us toward an outlook of ultimate optimism.

From these stones, we build our spiritual house of wisdom, thanksgiving, joy, and action.

I’m focusing on them this year instead of the 6 sources or the 7 principles named in the UUA’s covenant among congregations. They are another way to approach the life of liberal religion and the free church, and one of those ideas that continues to shape the life of those trained to Unitarian Universalist professional religious leadership. I felt James Luther Adams’ five smooth stones of liberal religion were too interesting and too rich a source of spiritual reflection and practice not to share them more widely. (& those who’ve studied Adams call him “JLA”.)

James Luther Adams, “Five Smooth Stones”