Unitarian Universalism and Jane Addams

I'd like to take some time to draw what I think are similarities between the beliefs of Unitarianism and those of Quakers. Most specifically, those beliefs that are embodied in Jane Addams' actions in her childhood and adulthood. Unitarians, as far as I know, are all accepting. A Unitarian church welcomes people of many different religions, ethnicities, backgrounds and sexual orientations. The only condition of religions invited into Unitarian churches is that you believe in one God. Their teachings rely on a core set of values. The national website of Unitarian Universalism describes their belief system as follows...

"Unitarian Universalists search for truth along many paths. Instead of centering our religion on specific beliefs, we gather around shared moral values that include the inherent worth and dignity of every person."

In my last post, I talked about how moral background and values are more important to a child's upbringing and personal identity than belief in a specific reason. Particularly because these values cross over so many different religions. The system of moral values can unite different religions with one another, much like the Unitarian Universalits do in their church.

To me, this seems similar to the way Jane Addams was raised and the Quaker beliefs and values that she held as a child and through her adulthood. Take for example the instance when she had a new cloak that was beautiful and expensive. It was of much nicer quality than any of the other children at her school. Her father advised her not to wear it so as not to make the other girls jealous, and Jane Addams obliged. This is a value that her father taught her: not to make others feel less fortunate and not to flaunt your wealth and possessions.

When Jane Addams founded her Settlement House, she sought to give education and help to others who were less fortunate than herself. Obviously, her father's advice and morality wore off on her. Much like a Unitarian, Jane Addams did not try to force her religious beliefs upon other people, she merely focused on teaching them life skills and sharing her moral values. She certainly believed in the worth of every human being like the Unitarians did. By giving others an education, she was allowing them to explore their own path to religion and life. I wonder if today Jane Addams would be an active participant in the Unitarian Universalist faith.