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Unity Q & A
What are Unity’s distinctive characteristics?
Unity people are encouraged to align with the spirit of the Christ within for personal guidance and direction that will best enhance their spiritual growth. Unity affirms the freedom of each individual to advance spiritually according to his or her own level of understanding.
What is the relationship of Unity in other churches?
Unity puts into practice of true ecumenical approach. Unity sees itself as a vehicle for instruction, inspiration, and prayer support for spiritual seekers, regardless of their religious affiliation. Rather than a denomination, locked by tight parameters, Unity views itself as an ever expanding expression of love, light, and peace. Unity believes in the oneness and freedom of all people.
Is there any connection between Unity and Unitarianism?
No, there is no connection; though there are many beliefs that are held in common, including the importance of individual freedom in the quest for Truth.
Is Unity an offshoot of Christian Science?
No. Unity and Christian Science, along with other New Thought groups, had their beginnings in the latter part of the 1800’s and studied under the same teachers. The applications of principles, the methods of teaching, and the organization of Unity and Christian Science are quite different.
Is Unity a cult?
No. Derived from the Latin cultus, meaning adoration, cult has for hundreds of years been a synonym for religion. Until recently, the word did not have an unfavorable meaning.
Unity is an approach to Christianity that interprets Jesus Christ’s teachings in a way slightly different than that of some religions that have been around longer. We like to say that we are not so much the religion about Jesus as the religion of Jesus. We do not require you to leave your way of belief or unbelief. We do not require you to subscribe to a creed or join a church.
The most important question to ask of any religion is, “Are you a life-affirming or life-denying religion?” A religion should have beliefs that you can accept without denying your intelligence; it should motivate you to create beauty and revere joy; it should inspire you to be energetic and creative; enable you to find peace of mind and to live well; it should teach you to be kind and tolerate toward all you fellow human beings, even to those who are not like you, even to those who do not like you. (reprinted from Unity Magazine)
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