10) We're based on principles rather than personalities. Ours is one of
the few religions not based on a people or a person. (Examples
including Lutheranism, Calvinism, obviously all of Christianity,
Buddhism, and even Judaism is based on the name of the Kingdom of
Judah.) This has wide-ranging implications... but you didn't ask for a
sermon, much less a treatise.
9) Affinity with promoters of the common good and practitioners of the
perennial philosophy (tendencies toward the good, the true, the
just) in every place & time. [These'll get less esoteric after this.]
8) Encouragement to believe what we really believe and become who we are called to become.
7) A place where all generations meet openly and connect. This is a rare thing and should not be taken for granted.
6) The encouragement to "Test everything and hold on to what is good."
We get cranky with those who remind us of our sacred cows, but slaughter
& digest them we must (metaphorically speaking, of course).
5) Accepting, just, compassionate community, what MLK called "Beloved
Community," the intentional gathering of diverse people in pursuit of the common good that I don't mind calling "God."
4) Our Universalism demands that we struggle to walk together with people we don't like. Whether we
ultimately ever like them or not, our compassion makes us stronger, more human, and more just.
3) The ability to explore wisdom from whatever source. Some call this "ongoing revelation."
2) Emphasis on actions rather than beliefs.
1) Unlimited spiritual nourishment, the basis of all the above.
