Unity has no dogmatic statement of faith with which we insist followers to agree. Rather, we invite people to lift their consciousness to a higher level. We offer a deeper knowledge of spiritual things. A statement concerning God or our spiritual nature is valid only in proportion to its agreement with universal spiritual principles. Spiritual principle is embodied in the sacred books of the world’s living religions. Unity teachings are based on the Bible. Some of our teachings are in accord with orthodoxy; some are different. Unity does not claim that our interpretation of biblical statements is infallible or that it is final. We believe that as our spiritual consciousness expands, we will receive ever-increasing revelations of Truth. It is our desire that our teachings offer additional light to those who are seeking God and enable us to be more receptive to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who is the Great Teacher.
In defining God, Jesus said, "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). Spirit is the life principle, the breath of the Almighty, animating all forms of life and the universe itself. God is the sole Creator, the source of all good. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). "And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). So in all situations, we follow Jesus’ advice to, "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33).
We advocate identifying ourselves with the good in all situations. Every affirmation aims at bringing the mind into harmony with God and God’s good. Our higher self is the true self, is divine and spiritual. It is this self that is Divine Mind’s perfect idea, the same self that in Genesis is spoken of as the image and likeness of God. We are all children of God, and the qualities of God are inherent and available to us. When we recognize and acknowledge this truth, we can experience God as peace of mind, health of body, and love that inspires prosperity.
We may turn to Spirit and draw upon infinite resources of peace, strength, courage, joy, and wisdom When we do, life is purified and Spirit is expressed. The Mind of Christ never changes; it always has been and always will be the perfection that God created. As our soul makes conscious at-one-ment with Spirit, the body takes on new life and strength. Every prayer is for the purpose of bringing to our consciousness the realization that spirit, soul, and body are one, and that life should and can express the wholeness of the divine self.
We believe in the creative power of thoughts and words. "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7 KJV). If the current conditions are not to our liking, there is no possibility of a change unless we are willing to change our thoughts. All progress has its birth in an enlightened idea. Manifestation is the result of the action of mind, idea, and expression. We have a mind, God-given. It is constantly producing thoughts, constructive or destructive, depending on the focus of our attention.
When our attention is directed toward the spiritual realm, our thoughts partake of the nature of the divine and are constructive, making for healthful and happy conditions. When our attention is focused on the world, or when we permit ourselves to enter into the negative beliefs and our thoughts are of a destructive nature. So we remember, Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil. 4:8 (NIV).
We know the prayer of faith is powerful. "Whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith" (Matthew 21:22). Prayer is as necessary to successful living as breathing is to physical living. We are apt to pray when we are in trouble and need help that we cannot secure through human channels. We stress the necessity of daily prayer and communing with God so that we may know God’s will. Prayer is not primarily for the purpose of receiving. Its highest aim is to enable us to give of ourselves to God Ideas in complete surrender. "Into thy hands I commit my spirit!" (Luke 23:46). Through prayer we invite the highest qualities of God to lead us in the way of holiness—wholeness.
Above all Unity believes in the love of God for all people. We welcome everyone to worship with us. We believe God’s love never fails. It is steadfast, constant, everlasting, and in it right now "we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). Thank you for being a part of our church.
[Source: WHAT UNITY TEACHES by Elizabeth Sand Turner (edited)]
