The Principles I (or We) Hold True

  • Nature’s Continuing Creation is not a religion; it is a practice, a discipline, and a spiritual path.

  • I recognize the Continuing Natural Creation of the Cosmos – star by star, creature by creature, invention by invention, book by book.

  • I am a Participant and Co-creator in Continuing Creation’s dynamic patterns of Growth, Organization, and Development (GOD).

  • Continuing Creation is the Set of Interlocking Creative Processes at work within the Universe; and for us, particularly here on Earth.  These processes include formations of the chemical elements, molecules, living things, consciousness, culture, science, and technology.

  • Nothing is designed by a God who stands outside, above, or before. 
    — Natural energy flows can empower components to self-organize into greater wholes. 
    — The sun’s energy, flowing into green leaves, photosynthesizes the construction of trees. — Energy in the nectar of flowers flows through bees to create hives, honey, & baby bees. — Jet fuel and oxygen combine in combustions that can propel airplanes.

  • I recognize the evolution of nature, creatures, species, ecosystems, civilization, and myself.  Similar evolutions may also be happening on thousands of other planets and moons in the Milky Way Galaxy.

  • I seek and find Life’s Meaning and Purpose by engaging with Nature, Reason, & Science. 

  • I experience awe and gratitude; but I do not recognize supernatural beings, supernatural powers, prayer, original sin, or an afterlife.

  • The only real miracle is the miracle of Continuing Creation itself.  Continuing Creation creates wholes that are greater than, and different from, the sum of their parts.

  • Humans are born having a mix of competition and cooperation.  There is no “original sin.”  I recognize and follow morals and ethics that have evolved over millennia. 

  • I am not more valuable than an ecosystem.  I seek sustainable living.

  • My Purpose in Life is to contribute to constructive progress in my relationships, culture, science, and technology.

  • A Fulfilled and Happy Life positively and creatively contributes to family, community, progress, and justice. 

For comparison, below are Christianity’s Apostles Creed, The Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism, the Six Sources Unitarian Universalism’s “Living Tradition,” and Reverend Michael Dowd’s “Eco-Credo.”

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
Born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried;
He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven.
He is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism

  1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
  2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
  3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
  4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
  5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
  6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
  7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The Six Sources of Unitarian Universalism’s “Living Tradition” 

  • Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
  • Words and deeds of prophetic people which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
  • Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
  • Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
  • Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
  • Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Reverend Michael Dowd’s Eco-Credo*:

     “Your ‘God’ is whatever you put your faith or trust in – i.e., your ultimate concern.”                          — Paul Johannes Tillich, Christian Existentialist Theologian. (1886-1965)

  • Reality is My God
  • Evidence is My Scripture
  • The Epic of Evolution is My Creation Story
  • Ecology Is My Theology
  • Integrity Is MY Spiritual Path
  • Fostering Fidelity to Our Future Is Our Mission

    * Michael Dowd is the author of the 2008 book, Thank God for Evolution: How the Marriage of         Science and Evolution Will Transform Your Life and Our World.