Frequently Asked Questions
Is Unity Christian?
Unity is a nondenominational Christian church based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. While it began as an organized religious movement over one hundred years ago, it's beliefs, which are considered "new thought" are not new at all. The idea that we are not simply human beings but also spiritual beings with a divine nature is well documented and has been around since the first centuries. The concept of "Unity", which means oneness, we are all one, all emanating from the One Source (God, Mind, Creative Intelligence) is quite commonly accepted. Unity's cofounder, Charles Fillmore, once wrote that Unity was a return to "first century Christianity." In the time of the disciples Christianity was far less concerned with its theology and dogma than they were with the practical use of prayer and the results it could bring about in their lives from having a personal experience of God's presence.
Unity breaks with traditional Christianity believing that Jesus is not the one and only son of God, but that we are all children of God. Every person has within them the same power and potential to live, love and create our abundant life -- we call it the "Christ" or the "Christ Mind" or "Christ Potential". Jesus said that the works that he did we can do and even greater works shall we do. His instructions to us were to "follow me" not to "worship me". This is why we say that Jesus is the great example not the great exception.
Does Unity believe in the Bible?
Yes, Unity is a bible based movement interpreting its meaning metaphysically not literally. The Bible is a combination of stories, allegories, parables and precepts of Truth. It is not just a story of the children of Israel and their struggle and journey to the Promised Land. It is a story of each of our struggles on our own spiritual journey back to our own Promised Land (a complete awareness of our oneness with God). Each character, place and each experience describes some aspect that exists within us that is intended to guide us along our path.
Do you accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior?
Yes, but the perspective is different than the traditional view. We see Jesus as the Master Teacher who came to help teach us how to save ourselves. As with any good teacher you do not help a student by doing it for them but teaching the student how to do it for themselves. Jesus did not come to "save us" but to teach us how to live so we can save ourselves from our own destructive and negative thoughts and actions. Jesus told us that it is the Father's good pleasure to give us the Kingdom and that the Kingdom of heaven is within us. God does not withhold our good nor can other people keep our good from us -- there is no one to blame for the situations in our lives. It is our responsibility to create our own abundant lives by transforming our minds.
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