What Does Unity Teach?

Lotus Flower

"Focus on spirituality rather than religion..."

Those who attend a Unity Spiritual Center and participate in Unity teachings think of Unity not as a religion, but as a Spiritual way of life…

At the time of its founding, Unity was not intended to be a new religion. When Charles Fillmore began sharing his experience and understanding of Spirituality, he set out to establish something that would help all people, no matter what their nationality, language or religious beliefs. The Unity teachings were drafted to be a help to everyone in their day-to-day life. We hope the materials we share provide a path to personal spiritual unfolding. They are available to and can be used by anyone.

What Does Unity Teach?

The Unity teachings have a broad appeal to people of all faiths. Unity recognizes that the core values of all of the world’s great religions or spiritual teachings are similar. It celebrates the richness of diverse beliefs and expressions that honor the sacred Truth of God. Our spiritual centers attract people of many denominations and traditions. It is not unusual to find Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, Sufis, people of the Jewish faith and more joining together to deepen their spiritual connection.

Unity is a spiritual philosophy based on a different understanding of the teachings of Jesus - that humanity is inseparable from the Spirit of God within, and that through prayerful or mindful connection with Spirit, one may obtain healing, wholeness and prosperity in mind, body, and affairs. Its emphasis is on spirituality rather than religion.

The inclusiveness and acceptance of diverse spiritual thought is responsible for the growth of the Unity movement worldwide over the last 100 plus years. Unity has no creedal requirements or dogma. It allows you the freedom to grow spiritually at your own pace and to evolve your own working philosophy of ideas and beliefs. We feel that spirituality should be an open-ended search for Truth, where people of all races, religions, sexual orientation, social and economic backgrounds are welcomed with love and dignity.

Unity focuses on individual responsibility for growth. It is a positive, affirmative approach to life. Unity believes we are here on this planet to love and to serve one another in a spirit of equality and compassion. Unity emphasizes that the connection between you and God is direct. The communion between you and God awaits your discovery, a personal relationship with the God of your being. We believe that God in you is seeking to express through you in ways that promote health, well-being, joy and fulfillment.

Unity does not preach, sermonize or argue theology. Instead, we strive to offer workable ideas and techniques to bring about personal transformation. Unity adds the most important dimension of successful living – the spiritual dimension. Developing spiritually will bring greater awareness of God’s presence in your life and in the world.

Unity explores the Bible as a basic textbook. It interprets the Bible and its lessons as they relate to spiritual and psychological growth and to life experiences. Unity accepts and respects the spiritual values that have been handed down and proven throughout the ages in various forms of ancient wisdom traditions and by worldwide mysticism. It is our belief that God is too great to be contained in just one book, or one concept or philosophy.

We believe that God is absolute good and that God, Divine Pure Being, is present in and as all creation. Unity proclaims the divinity of Jesus; but assures you that, like Jesus, you also are a child or expression of God/Universal Creation. Unity acknowledges Jesus as master teacher and “wayshower,” but we worship the Christ Consciousness, God’s Spirit in humankind, rather than the man, Jesus. Unity agrees with the apostle Paul when he said: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 2:5

The word Unity means the condition of being one, a totality of parts, a state of harmony. Our spiritual center is a place of freedom, acceptance, faith and joy--a place where all are welcome.

Statement of Peace

Unity World Headquarters and Unity Worldwide Ministries stand for peace in the presence of conflict; for love in the presence of hatred; for forgiveness in the presence of injury.

Unity honors the many names for God, the many paths to God, and the many ways to worship God, for there is only one power and presence of God and that God loves each one of us equally.

It is therefore the position of Unity World Headquarters and Unity Worldwide Ministries to urge all nations, their leaders, and their people to turn to God by whatever the name, for guidance during these challenging times and pursue peace, not war, for this is what honors the God of all our faith traditions.

Unity stands for peace in our lifetime.