ADD:

I support this type of group because their beliefs in being equal is great, but to call it a religion isn't something I'm as open or supporting of.

they believe that you work out your own religion. Most would say they have Christian leanings but they have no formal doctrine or statement of faith.

It just gave me some really strange vibes.. Didn't feel quite right. But I want to allow him the freedom to choose what's right for him, but at the same time want him to be safe.

Not sure how to say this and by the way I'm new here. I went through a phase where christians I'd been brought up with were too too too strict, I went toward Unitarian Universalists, because I thought I'd be accepted there, not so many rules. I also found out there is a social heirarchary like there is everywhere else. You might try to find out where your son is with the Jesus or God you've brought him up with, what has happened with him at christian churches before? I'd start some dialogue--easier said than done! Anyway in my experience, I ended up years later going back to christian church because God was more present to me at that time there. Snowden

I've never been an avid church goer and in my adult years not at all. In fact the last time I was in a church was when my son was 3 or 4 and in a Christmas play. He had gone a few times with my mom (who also isn't a church goer). So he hasn't really been brought up around any avid church goers or die hard Christians. It's always been his choice to go to church or to the vacation church things in the summer. He's gone to several different denominations. I don't know why this one seems to have grabbed his attention at the moment. I just get really bad vibes. I guess the paperwork just rubbed me the wrong way or something. Then he told me that when the service first starts they light something and say something and that it's done at every meeting. It just sounded too strange to me. All I can picture is chanting in my head. I'm hoping like all the other churches he liked this one gets less interesting to him and stops going. He's only gone once so maybe I'm overreacting.

A lot of young people, especially guys seem to have a problem with traditional religion. It could be a good thing for him. You know if he is the type that could be taken in by a cult. That takes a certain personality type.
I agree with openly talking with him about it.

We talked about it Sunday, he couldn't offer any concrete reason why he liked it other then they were accepting of all others, but then he explained some things and it didn't really sound as accepting as he had let on at first. I told him I could just picture the chanting at the start of the service and he said "Mom don't worry I won't kill myself if they ask us to"... He is very in tune with my thoughts, because I didn't say the word cult anytime at all, but it is what I pictured. I guess I'll see what this Sunday brings about. We may start going to my SO's church. Run by his family, has neat activities for adults and kids alike. I know his family fairly well and they are very nice folks, so I know this might be a church I would feel comfortable in.

I have to strongly disagree with the comment that there is a "certain personality" for those who get tangled up in cults. This is so completely untrue and a very dangerous line of thought.

People are brainwashed in cults. It only takes one seed of thought to get that progression going. ANYONE is at risk in the right situation.

That said, why not go to the church with your son and see what it is all about. That way he feels validated that you are accepting your choice but you also will have more influence over things he may be learning. If something hokey comes up, you could comment on it in the form of conversation with him. Get him to think but subtly manipulate his idea.

your choice should read HIS choice

I was a very active member of a Unitarian Universalist Church and became one of its leaders. It was my favorite church when it was "lay lead" meaning that each week, a member led the service, sharing their perspective on the theme of their choice.

I grew up a Christian, involved in churches of several denominations including Roman Catholic. I left the UU church when the congregation chose a minister who was previously strongly opposed to Christianity, but ran the church services with an authoritarian hand in the format of a conventional Christian church. I have since attended other UU churches and found a variety of formats; some closely resembling Christian churches, and some more heterogenous. The one I liked best is too far from home to attend regularly.

I encountered certain beliefs, like the ones tshudyb described, in the Catholic Church, born-again churches and new age ideas, not the UU church.

If you are having bad vibes and other fears, attend a UU church service. Ask your son if you can sit with him or if he'd rather that you sit separately.

I believe in my children experiencing a variety of religions. jody0385, I support your supporting your son to experience a variety of religions.

I was raised "christian". We went to Sunday school for a while, but never attended that often.

When I was older I went to Unitarian Universalists. It's just a blending of all the different service types. Jews, Muslims, Catholics and Protestants were all welcome. It seemed to me that there were alot of people who were searching there. There was good fellowship and no strict "we own the truth here" type of thinking.

I would definitely not call it a cult. You aren't subjected to any type of brainwashing, nor are you forced to believe anything you don't want to. It's all very open and relaxed. There was no pressure at all where I went.

Kids in their teens are experimental. They look for something that resonates with them. UU simply offers a bit of everything, so it may seem less rigid than the "standard" religions.

In doubt? Go and see for yourself. Talk to people and find out about it. There is a definite humanist element about it. A belief in people over one set type of worship.

Hope this allayed your fears to some degree. PM me if you have any questions.

there comes a point in each young person's life where they decide what they want to believe religion wise. My daughter went to church (Christian) from the time she was 4 until she made the decision at 10 not to go. She decided she wanted to figure out what she wants to believe. I trying not to be a hypocrite stood behind her decision. I don't believe in Christianity and there fore it didn't bother me. It also didn't bother me that she doesn't believe what I do. Religion is a personal choice. As long as she/he has good morals, and makes good choices otherwise, religion shouldn't matter, what they choose.
Morgaine

If you believe the Bible the only way to the God is through Jesus.
If you don't believe in that anything goes.
The God of the Bible made it everone's decision.
If you decide to make up your own religion you will probably end up separated from the God of the Bible. Your choice.
Jesus has done amazing thing in my life. I would sugest following Him. Your Choice

I really wasn't looking for this post to be about what I or anyone else believes in, moreso to get info on the UUA and how someone would handle their kids going to a service that just seems strange. It's true I shouldn't base my feelings on it until I've attended a service I suppose.. Much like I wouldn't go to a service at a regular Christian church I find it hard to attend a service at this place as well.. Maybe even harder since it just seems so strange to me..

At any rate what I believe or don't believe about the Bible or any other part of my religious beliefs aren't going to be aired here for discussion or debate.

I as well believe that my God has done amazing things in my life (My son is one of the biggest amazing things for sooo many reasons)...

It sounds like the UUA is an actual real program and not "cultish" at all. I will keep my eyes open though just to be safe. I don't think my son would fall victim to a cult but I'm sure that's what everyone's family said about the one's that have fallen victim..

Thanks everyone for your information, input and responses.