Existing traditional emblems tend to reference particular faiths; the Universal Faith Symbol represents what is common in life-affirming spirituality, humanism, and positive science-based and philosophical systems— an abiding reverence for creation or being, and our ability to share it.

Throughout history variations in belief have contributed to the spawning of countless wars— the Universal Faith Symbol represents that while cultural and other differences are acknowledged, contrasting viewpoints can be respected and similarities discovered, and such advancements in understanding can be a foundation for tolerance and world peace.

Things are moving in this direction. A recent nationwide survey by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life confirmed that Americans are becoming more ecumenical. Most no longer feel their religion is the only way even if their tradition teaches otherwise, evidenced by the fact that they are switching religious affiliations with increasing frequency.

Hasn’t this been done before?

While there have been earlier designs, a few aesthetically quite pleasing, they are generally in more complex forms combining visual elements of traditional religious emblems. The Universal Faith Symbol uses basic, familiar shapes— triangle, circle, heart— and is easy to remember and draw.

Since neither the triangle, circle, or heart shapes are by themselves associated with any particular faith or group, together they can be shared by all, rather than having to decide which symbols representative of particular beliefs or values to include or exclude in an overall design.

Why not invert the triangle in the design?

This was tried in an early version (see right). While it follows the shape of the heart, it is overall less successful. The triangle pointing up has a more accurate symbolic meaning, evidencing solidarity and strength, than a downward-pointing one. The present design also has the emblematic tree form at top.

I’m a Christian. Can I use the symbol?

Persons of all faiths and philosophies, to the extent they acknowledge that their own belief system, while perhaps best for them at the time, may not necessarily be best for others, can show this understanding and regard with the symbol.

It’s not us and them, just us.

I’m an atheist. What use is it to me?

Humanists and naturalists often have as great an appreciation for the mystery and wonder of being as their more religious fellows. Though generally not believers in life after death, such a view can render the adherent even more appreciative of life and love due to cognizance of its brevity. The symbol is as much theirs as anyones.

Is there anyone then who shouldn’t use the symbol?

Those who find life meaningless rather than meaningful, not worth living rather than too short, who are trapped in past bitternesses to the exclusion of forgiveness and seeing what the future offers, who find every day an endless grind, the rest of humanity out to get them, seeing nothing new under the sun, etc.— may want to change their attitude.

The symbol is for everyone.

So is one faith as good as another?

Not necessarily. Religions, philosophies, and sects can be judged by their long-term positive verses negative effects on their adherents and on society. Some groups might seem beneficial at first but end up being traps, spirit-reducing rather than enhancing— e.g. one wouldn’t support those that condoned suicide bombings, much less encouraged them.

Life is expanded not constrained by the best faith.

What is the connection to unitheism?

A unitheist approach— that faiths of the world, as well as many positive non-religious philosophies, while differing due to cultural disparity and other reasons, all point ultimately to the same truths— was the impetus for design of the symbol, which is used as the logo of the Unitheist Fellowship.

Who designed the symbol?

The symbol was designed by Warren Farr, an artist currently residing in Kentucky, with a little aid from friend Kathryn Graham, who helped select the best rendering of the design.

Because it represents all faiths, as well as beliefs sometimes not even considered faiths, can I vote to have it displayed near, inside, or on a public building or other government facility?