"Unity says that true religious growth is a ‘do-it-yourself’
project ... One might describe Unity as a religious philosophy with
an ‘open end’, seeking to find God's truth in all of life."
- Charles R. Fillmore, grandson of co-founders Charles and Myrtle Filmore.
How
Did Unity Begin?
The Unity movement was founded in 1889 in Kansas City, Missouri, by
Charles and Myrtle Fillmore. After
Mrs. Fillmore's remarkable healing using prayer and affirmations, many
friends became interested in how she accomplished this healing. Both
Charles and Myrtle went on to become accomplished healers and teachers.
Unity grew from small interdenominational prayer circles in living rooms
into a ministry of prayer and publishing, and ultimately over 1,000
churches and study groups.
What is the relationship
of Unity to other churches?
Unity continues to puts into practice a truly ecumenical approach. Unity
sees itself as a vehicle for instruction, inspiration and prayer support
for spiritual seekers, regardless of their religious affiliation, Christian
or other. Rather than a denomination, locked in tight parameters that
restrict, Unity views itself as an ever-expanding expression of God’s
love, life, and peace. Unity believes in the oneness of all people and
places emphasis on similarities rather than differences.
What are Unity's basic
teachings?
We encourage you to explore and apply Unity teachings based on your
own spiritual understanding. We believe this spiritual understanding
is enhanced through reflective prayer and meditation. The five basic
ideas that make up the Unity belief system are:
God is spiritual
in nature and is source and creator of all. God is loving, good and
present everywhere. There is no other power aside from God.
We are spiritual
beings, created in God’s image. The spirit of God lives within
each person; therefore, all people are inherently spiritual and good.
Being spiritual
in nature, we too are creative. Our life experiences are created through
our ways of thinking and believing.
Through
Prayer and Meditation we reawaken to our natural state of communication
with God. Affirmative prayer and denials are tools we use to bring
our thoughts into greater alignment with God.
Knowledge
of spiritual principles is not enough. We must actively incorporate
them into our daily lives.
Is Unity a denomination?
Some aspects of the Unity movement are denominational and some are not.
For example, there are more than 1,000 Unity churches and study groups
affiliated with the Association of Unity Churches. This is a denominational
aspect of Unity. In addition, the Unity Institute at Unity Village,
Missouri trains approximately 60 students every two years to be Unity
ministers. This is also denominational. However, the majority of the
work done by Unity at Unity Village involves prayer, publishing, and
education services to people of all faiths. These nondenominational
aspects include the prayer ministry, Silent Unity, Daily Word (Unity's
nondenominational inspirational monthly magazine), retreats, and continuing
education classes that are open to everyone and teach Unity principles
in nondenominational settings.
What is the place of
the Bible in Unity?
The Bible is Unity's basic textbook. It is accepted as a body of history,
as a moral and ethical teaching, and as a great literary work. Beyond
this, Unity finds deep significance in the Bible through its metaphysical
interpretation, wherein names of places and people and their experiences
are viewed as symbolizing the unfolding of human consciousness. In Unity
you are invited to see the Bible as the story of your spiritual awakening.
We believe that the Bible reveals the spirit of Truth and the word of
God. The Holy Spirit, working individually through those who study Scripture
and listen within, is the final authority in spiritual awakening.
Does Unity believe
in the divinity of Jesus Christ?
Yes, Unity teaches that the spirit of God dwelt in Jesus, just as it
dwells in every person; and that every person has the potential to express
the perfection of Christ, as Jesus did, to become Christ-like in everyday
life.
Does Unity practice
baptism and communion?
Unity views these symbolically. Baptism by water represents the cleansing
of the consciousness and spiritual baptism signifies the inflow of the
Holy Spirit. Baptism, as a mental and spiritual process takes place
within the individual as he or she aligns with the spirit of God.
Spiritual communion takes place through prayer and meditation in the
silence. The word of Truth is symbolized by the bread or body of Jesus
Christ. The conscious realization of God-life is symbolized by the wine
or blood of Jesus Christ. Unity practices communion by appropriating,
or partaking, of the spiritual energy represented by these elements.
In Unity services, ritual is generally de-emphasized so that full
attention may be devoted to spiritual teaching and practical application.
What about the Crucifixion?
Unity teaches that the cross symbolizes the crossing out of all false
and limiting belief. The teaching of the crucifixion is that we can
transcend even the most fearful and painful experiences. We are able
to and be reborn as we allow our false sense of self to “die”
and are reborn into the awareness of our true spiritual nature.
Does Unity look for
the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?
Unity understands the Second Coming as the individual experience of
the Christ consciousness. This is not an event to be anticipated in
the future. It is happening here and now, through prayer, meditation,
study, and application.
How does Unity regard
the Trinity?
Unity interprets the religious terms Father, Son, and Holy Spirit metaphysically,
as three aspects of mind action: mind, idea, and expression. This is
the process through which all manifestation takes place.
What does Unity teach
about sin and salvation, heaven and hell?
Sin is our separation from God, the Good, in consciousness. Salvation
is now–not something that occurs after death. It happens whenever
we turn our thoughts from separation, fear, anxiety, worry, and doubt
to thoughts of love, harmony, joy, and peace. The “fall”
takes place in consciousness whenever we fall into negative habits of
thinking. Heaven and hell are states of consciousness, not geographical
locations. We make our own heaven or hell here and now by our thoughts,
words, and deeds.
The
mission of Unity Church in Albany is to
