The Basics
Unity is positive, practical, progressive Christianity. As such, it strives to be nondogmatic, open, and accepting.
- Unity's teachings are based on the teachings of Jesus.
- Unity honors the universal truths in all religions.
- Unity respects each individual's right to choose a spiritual path.
Unity services are rather open and relatively unstructured. The ideas of original sin, fires of hell, and the wrath of God are not discussed. Unity does not follow dogma or creeds and relies very little upon ritual.
“The emphasis is definitely on our divinity, not on our sinfulness,” says Richard Mekdeci, licensed Unity teacher and Sacred Music Resources Coordinator for the Association of Unity Churches International. “We're loved, we're not damned, and we call that ‘the Original Blessing.' ”
The Common Elements
Unity churches operate autonomously, so what you find in one may not be what you would find in another. There are, however, some notable common elements:
- A minister-led meditation time, which allows congregants time to become quiet and centered.
- Readings from the Bible or other spiritual literature.
- Metaphysical interpretations of the Bible.
- Lessons that typically provide some practical guidance on how to live a better life or how to address a particular life issue.
- Contemporary, upbeat music—sometimes played or sung by live musicians. “Let There Be Peace on Earth” is often played as a closing song.
- First-time visitors are often welcomed during the service.
- Some churches include a meet-and-greet time during the service to give attendees a chance to say hello to one another.
During services, the teachings of Jesus are often evoked and metaphysically interpreted, but not in every church. The Lord's Prayer is recited at many Unity churches, but not at all of them. Mekdeci, who has visited hundreds of Unity churches for the Association, says that while some services have a definitive Christian slant, others offer a more interfaith approach.
A Prime Example
Unity Church of Christianity in Houston, led by Senior Minister Howard Caesar, blends teachings based on Christian principles with an acceptance and openness that is characteristic of interfaith.
“In the opening prayer, I always include a blessing of all churches, all religions, and all spiritual paths, in the Spirit of unity, love, and oneness,” he says. “We might supplement the lesson with quotes and references from other spiritual paths, masters, mystics, or teachers, but it is always clear the main emphasis is on Jesus Christ's teachings with a metaphysical undertone.”
Unity Minister Duke Tufty, who is also Chair of the Unity School of Christianity Board of Directors, says those who attend a Unity church regularly can expect an increase in their sense of well-being through empowerment, upliftment, and liberation from negative thought.
Key Takeaway Messages
Each person has:
- A direct connection to the divine through affirmative prayer and meditation.
- The freedom to cultivate and live his/her own spiritual truth.
- The opportunity to create life experiences by choosing what to think and believe.
To find a Unity church in your area, click here.
