FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Unity?
Unity is positive, practical Christianity. We teach the effective daily application of the principles of Truth taught and exemplified by Jesus Christ. We promote a way of life that leads to health, prosperity, happiness, and peace of mind. Unity has established centers of study and worship throughout the world where people discover and practice the Unity way of life. We address physical, mental, and emotional needs through affirmative prayer and spiritual education. We serve those who seek inspiration and prayer support as well as those who use Unity teachings as their primary path of spiritual growth. We believe that all people are created with sacred worth, and we strive to reach out to all who seek support and spiritual growth. Therefore, we recognize the importance of serving all people in spiritually and emotionally caring ways. Our ministries and outreaches are free of discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical disability, and sexual orientation. Our sincere desire is to create spiritually aware organizations that are nondiscriminatory and support diversity.
What is the role of the Bible in Unity?
The Bible is Unity's basic textbook. Scripture comes alive when it is understood as a clear and helpful guide for today's experiences. 21st Century Christianity in Unity focuses on the historical/metaphorical (some people say allegorical) approach to the Scripture. In the historical approach, we seek to discover what the writers actually wrote, to whom they wrote and why they wrote. From this base of understanding the true literal interpretation, we can then look at the writing as application in our real life situations today.
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 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.
Does Unity practice baptism and communion?
Yes, symbolically. Whereas baptism by water represents the cleansing of the consciousness, spiritual baptism signifies the inflow of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a mental and spiritual process that 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.
What is the relationship of Unity to other churches?
Unity is a vehicle for instruction, inspiration, and prayer support for spiritual seekers, regardless of their religious affiliation. Unity freely shares its teachings with all..
Is Unity a cult?
The word cult has many definitions. In its most negative connotation, a cult is a group of people who submit their lives and possessions to an apocalyptic leader. In a cult information is limited and held to an inner circle only. Unity is a community of communities with no main “apocalyptic leader.” There is no hierarchy. Ministers are considered Spiritual Leaders selected by local boards of directors who lead and teach the Unity’s Theology based on 5 guiding principles which participants are welcome to follow or not. The entire philosophy/theology of Unity is available on the worldwide web.
Within the context of Christianity, a Christian cult is defined as any group of Christians that interpret scripture differently than the ones labeling them as a cult. In that definition, there are Christian denominations that label Unity as a cult. However, in that same definition, the first century followers of the way, the earliest followers of Jesus, were members of a cult. Unity acknowledges and respects all beliefs and would not judge or criticize another’s religion.
Is Unity New Age?
There is a difference between New Age and New Thought. Unity is New Thought Christianity, a movement committed to practicing positive teachings of living from the consciousness of God. . New Age is a broad term for a wide range of modern practices that include such things as crystal healing, zodiac astrology, the Taroh, channeling, extra-terrestrials, etc. People tend to feel safe and accepted at Unity. Hence, some drawn to Unity also have New Age interests.
Does Unity teach A Course In Miracles?
Many Unity centers support A Course In Miracle (ACIM) groups. And often congregants participate in ACIM meetings. ACIM is not a formal Unity teaching.
Does Unity believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ?
Yes, Unity teaches that the spirit of God lived in Jesus, just as it lives in every person. Every person has the potential to express the perfection of Christ as Jesus did, by being more Christlike in everyday life.
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: 1) God is the source and creator of all. There is no other enduring power. God is good and present everywhere. 2) We are spiritual beings, created in God's image. The spirit of God lives within each person; therefore, all people are inherently good. 3) We create our life experiences through our way of thinking. 4) There is power in affirmative prayer, which we believe increases our connection to God. 5) Knowledge of these spiritual principles is not enough. We must live them.
These Questions and Answers can also be found at the Unity Website
What is Unity?
Unity is positive, practical Christianity. We teach the effective daily application of the principles of Truth taught and exemplified by Jesus Christ. We promote a way of life that leads to health, prosperity, happiness, and peace of mind. Unity has established centers of study and worship throughout the world where people discover and practice the Unity way of life. We address physical, mental, and emotional needs through affirmative prayer and spiritual education. We serve those who seek inspiration and prayer support as well as those who use Unity teachings as their primary path of spiritual growth. We believe that all people are created with sacred worth, and we strive to reach out to all who seek support and spiritual growth. Therefore, we recognize the importance of serving all people in spiritually and emotionally caring ways. Our ministries and outreaches are free of discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical disability, and sexual orientation. Our sincere desire is to create spiritually aware organizations that are nondiscriminatory and support diversity.
What is the role of the Bible in Unity?
The Bible is Unity's basic textbook. Scripture comes alive when it is understood as a clear and helpful guide for today's experiences. 21st Century Christianity in Unity focuses on the historical/metaphorical (some people say allegorical) approach to the Scripture. In the historical approach, we seek to discover what the writers actually wrote, to whom they wrote and why they wrote. From this base of understanding the true literal interpretation, we can then look at the writing as application in our real life situations today.
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 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.
Does Unity practice baptism and communion?
Yes, symbolically. Whereas baptism by water represents the cleansing of the consciousness, spiritual baptism signifies the inflow of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a mental and spiritual process that 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.
What is the relationship of Unity to other churches?
Unity is a vehicle for instruction, inspiration, and prayer support for spiritual seekers, regardless of their religious affiliation. Unity freely shares its teachings with all..
Is Unity a cult?
The word cult has many definitions. In its most negative connotation, a cult is a group of people who submit their lives and possessions to an apocalyptic leader. In a cult information is limited and held to an inner circle only. Unity is a community of communities with no main “apocalyptic leader.” There is no hierarchy. Ministers are considered Spiritual Leaders selected by local boards of directors who lead and teach the Unity’s Theology based on 5 guiding principles which participants are welcome to follow or not. The entire philosophy/theology of Unity is available on the worldwide web.
Within the context of Christianity, a Christian cult is defined as any group of Christians that interpret scripture differently than the ones labeling them as a cult. In that definition, there are Christian denominations that label Unity as a cult. However, in that same definition, the first century followers of the way, the earliest followers of Jesus, were members of a cult. Unity acknowledges and respects all beliefs and would not judge or criticize another’s religion.
Is Unity New Age?
There is a difference between New Age and New Thought. Unity is New Thought Christianity, a movement committed to practicing positive teachings of living from the consciousness of God. . New Age is a broad term for a wide range of modern practices that include such things as crystal healing, zodiac astrology, the Taroh, channeling, extra-terrestrials, etc. People tend to feel safe and accepted at Unity. Hence, some drawn to Unity also have New Age interests.
Does Unity teach A Course In Miracles?
Many Unity centers support A Course In Miracle (ACIM) groups. And often congregants participate in ACIM meetings. ACIM is not a formal Unity teaching.
Does Unity believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ?
Yes, Unity teaches that the spirit of God lived in Jesus, just as it lives in every person. Every person has the potential to express the perfection of Christ as Jesus did, by being more Christlike in everyday life.
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: 1) God is the source and creator of all. There is no other enduring power. God is good and present everywhere. 2) We are spiritual beings, created in God's image. The spirit of God lives within each person; therefore, all people are inherently good. 3) We create our life experiences through our way of thinking. 4) There is power in affirmative prayer, which we believe increases our connection to God. 5) Knowledge of these spiritual principles is not enough. We must live them.
These Questions and Answers can also be found at the Unity Website