The Gift of Truth: Anchoring Traditions in Enduring Principles

Honoring Timeless Values in the Face of Modern Challenges

Christmas is a season of light and renewal, where tradition shines like the steady glow of a candle, guiding us through the darkness. It’s a time to reflect on what anchors us, bringing both joy and meaning. Amid these days of ideological overreach, we must carefully distinguish between changes that honor our values and those that erode foundational truths. Inspired by Rev. Todd Eklof’s Reflections on the Loss of the 7 Principles and 6 Sources and the enduring wisdom of the 1944 Unitarian Working Principles, this reflection considers how we can uphold the foundations of truth and freedom in a world increasingly drawn to fleeting and superficial narratives.

Unitarian traditions have long valued freedom of thought and a commitment to advancing truth and individuality. Ministers and members alike are not bound by a single doctrine, reflecting an openness intended to foster exploration and inquiry. However, the rise of ideological conformity threatens this legacy. This shift was exemplified by a recent resolution emphasizing gender diversity affirmation and activism as central to Unitarian Universalist principles—a move that sacrifices clarity and thoughtful inquiry in favor of conformity.

This struggle is not unique to Unitarian Universalism. Institutions like the Catholic Church also face the challenge of balancing tradition with modern ideologies. The question for all faiths—and for each of us—is: Do we honor traditions as sources of meaning or let them be co-opted and hollowed out? True progress builds on foundations, not fads. Rev. Eklof urges us to “go deeper into the past,” not out of nostalgia, but to anchor ourselves in truths tested by history.

Traditions, like old oak trees, thrive when their roots are deep in enduring truths. The 1944 Unitarian Working Principles underscore this balance, calling for a faith that grows with intellectual freedom, reason, and love. Preserving such principles means resisting trends that suppress dialogue and instead embracing values that foster inquiry, individuality, and connection. It doesn’t mean rejecting change—it means ensuring that change is thoughtful, principled, and rooted in what truly matters.

So, as we gather around the tree and light candles this season, let’s remember what makes our traditions meaningful. Whether you celebrate Christmas as a person of faith or simply as a time of reflection, traditions matter because they root us in meaning and illuminate the way forward. Let’s take this opportunity to embrace values that unite us, allowing the wisdom of the past to guide us toward a brighter, truer future. 🎄✨