Person:

McKanan, Daniel

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition with denominational roots in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and theological roots stretching back to the Radical Reformation and the patristic period. Originally two traditions of liberal Christianity, its current non-creedal form includes Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, pagan, mystical, process, and humanist spiritualities.

The article focuses on the theological message of a universalism for the sinful individuals which was expounded by novelist and unionist George Lippard during the 19th century. Topics discussed Lippard's vision of sin and salvation as reflected in his novel "The Quaker City," his views on social justice in the novel "Paul Ardenheim," and his opposition to capitalism in the novel "New York: Its Upper Ten and Lower Million." His relationship with Universalists is discussed.

Unitarian Universalism has a proud history of socially responsible investing, and the inclusion of “generosity,” “equity,” and “justice” in the 2024 Statement of Shared Values reinforces a widespread consensus that Unitarian Universalist faith has much to do with the financial choices of Unitarian Universalists, as individuals, families, congregations, and association. Yet that consensus does not always translate into agreement about specific financial decisions, and the time is ripe for a more open-ended conversation about the best pathway from our shared values to concrete choices about wealth management. There are at least four distinct investment philosophies that Unitarian Universalists of good will might reasonably derive from our shared values. This essay describes each philosophy in some detail, then offers reflections about reparations that cut across the four philosophies.