A lot of Unitarian Universalists grew up in the Catholic church, but less common are those who maintain Catholic practice while also regularly attending and engaging with UU communities. In a refresh to a sermon given in 2014, Jon King explores his Catholic upbringing, current practicing status in both the Catholic church and UU community, and ways in which the two can overlap in Catholic UU harmony. Read the full text of this sermon at https://harmonyuu.org/the-sermons/catholic-uu/

1. Why Would a Practicing
Catholic Attend UU Services
Every Other Week?
-Jon King

2. What are we doing here today?What are we doing here today?
What this WILL be:
Personal experience
Lighthearted
comparison of faiths
Contradictions of
modern Catholicism
What this WON’T be:
Detailed theology
discussion
Catechism refresher
◦ <records deleted>
Unassailable truth

3. St. Aloysius Church, ca 2001St. Aloysius Church, ca 2001

8. “Catholics…
…which I was until I reached the
age of reason.”
-George Carlin, 1996

9. The Ten Commandments
1. I am the Lord, your God. Thou shall
bring no false idols before me.
2. Do not take the name of the Lord in
vain.
3. Remember the Sabbath and keep it
holy.
4. Honor thy father and thy mother.
5. Thou shall not kill/murder.
6. Thou shall not commit adultery.
7. Thou shall not steal.
8. Thou shall not bear false witness
against your neighbor
9. Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's
wife.
10. Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's
possessions.
The Seven UU Principles
At Harmony we believe:
1. In the worth and dignity of every
person;
2. That we should treat all people fairly
and kindly;
3. That we should accept one another
and encourage spiritual growth;
4. In a free and responsible search for
truth and meaning;
5. That all people should have a say in
the things that concern them;
6. In working to achieve peace and
freedom;
7. And in caring for planet Earth, the
home we share with all living things.

10. 1. Love the Lord your God with all your
heart.
2. Love your neighbor as yourself.
UU Equivalent: Principles 1 - 7
UU Equivalent: Sure, if that’s your thing.

13. Discussion
1)Have you ever had an “epiphany moment” with regards to your personal
beliefs? Did it come from an unexpected source?
2)Is it possible to accept multiple spiritual beliefs as personal truth? Or is to
make the attempt diluting and compromising one set or the other?
3)Comparing the Ten Commandments and the UU Principles can be a
dangerous undertaking. Would you make connections? How?
4)For those that came to UU after being part of another religion, can you
describe the acceptance of this fact (or lack thereof) by your family? Has your
embracing of UU principles made an impact on the beliefs of anyone in your
family?
5)Do you view Francis’ words as a true shift in the Church’s teachings toward a
more progressive stance, or just the same stuff with a “cool dad” delivery?
Are you excited, concerned, or indifferent about the possible changes to come?
6)Is the literal definition of Catholic as “universal” validated by its actions in
modern society? Why or why not?

14. Closing Quote
"There are elements within the church
who say that if you are at odds with any
of the teachings of the church, you are
at odds with the church. I think the
church is bigger than that.”
-- Joe Biden