Building Your Own Theology III

			Building Your Own Theology III

An Exploration in Personal Morality

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Author: Richard S. Gilbert

Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Association

Pub. Date: 1994

Available From: UUA Bookstore

Theme and Description Builds on the format of Building Your Own Theology, Volumes I and II, but can be used independently. The concept of the "Moral Compass" helps identify eight modes of decision-making. Drawing on case studies from literary, historical, and contemporary sources, Volume III shows what processes participants use to make difficult moral and ethical decisions in a Unitarian Universalist context.

Goals for Participants

To identify moral and ethical challenges
To understand the process of moral and ethical decision-making
To look at moral and ethical dilemmas from a liberal religious perspective.

Age Range Adult

Size of Group 12 to 15 ideal

Space Requirements A medium-sized, comfortable, private room with space for dividing into small groups

Number of Sessions

Length of Sessions 2 to 2 1/2 hours

Leader Training No special training is required beyond good group process skills. Can be led by clergy or laity. Cofacilitation or shared leadership is recommended.

Leader Preparation 1 to 2 hours per session

Strengths

Lesson plans are well-organized
Offers a good structure for starting discussions about difficult moral and ethical issues
Offers a selection of case studies for each session
Can be customized to participants' experiences
Includes a worship component (closing circle) á Helps participants connect their religious values and actions.

Limitations

A strongly intellectual, discussion-based approach
Strong male representation in literary and historical sources.

Adaptability

Participants can share leadership responsibilities, facilitating sessions in which they have interest or expertise
Older teens could join adults in this program.

Unitarian Universalist Values UU values are implicit in the program, particularly a free and responsible search for truth and meaning; the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; justice, equity, and cornpassion in human relations; the inherent worth and dignity of every person; and acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.