Spring 2009
Children of the Same God: Unitarianism in Kinship with Judaism and Islam
The Early Unitarian Theology of Relationship to Judaism and Islam
Rev. Dr. Susan Ritchie
Date: April 21, 2009
Location: UUA, Boston
European Unitarianism was formed in large part through the desire to honor Christianity’s close kinship with Judaism and Islam. Convinced that Christians, Muslims, and Jews were a part of the same religious family, Unitarians emerged as Christians who resisted theologies of God that could not be freely shared across traditions. This lecture explores the earliest theological expressions of this multi- religious vision.
The Rev. Dr. Susan Ritchie has served as the minister of the North Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Lewis Center, Ohio, since September 1996. During that time, the congregation has more than doubled in size, purchased not only its first building but a religious education center, and added three professional staff positions.
Rev. Ritchie holds a Ph.D in cultural studies from the Ohio State University, and a divinity degree from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Ritchie is published widely on the topic of Unitarian Universalist history and identity, and also religious cultural studies. She has held many district and UUA positions, most recently as chair of the Midwest Regional Subcommittee on Candidacy. Ritchie is proud to have grown up as a third generation Unitarian. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her partner Donna and English Springer Valentino.