Commonly Asked Questions about Unity

What Is Unity?

Unity is an inter-denominational Christian church based on the practical teachings of Jesus Christ. Unity is often referred to as “Positive Practical Christianity.”

Our main focus is not on “original sin,” but on the “original blessing” of being children of God. We are created in the image and likeness of God, here to live life, and live it more abundantly. It all centers around the two greatest commandments:
1) To love God with your whole mind, heart, strength and soul; and
2) To love others as you love yourself.

Is Unity a Denomination?

Some aspects of the Unity movement are denominational and some are not. For example, there are more than 900 Unity churches and study groups affiliated with Unity's sister organization, the Association of Unity Churches. This is a denominational aspect of Unity. In addition, the Unity Institute at Unity Village trains approximately 60 students every two years to be Unity ministers. This is also denominational. However, the majority of the work done by Unity at Unity Village involves prayer, publishing, and education services to people of all faiths. These nondenominational aspects include the prayer ministry, Silent Unity, Daily Word (Unity's nondenominational inspirational monthly magazine), retreats, and continuing education classes that are open to everyone and teach Unity principles in non-denominational settings.

What Is the Role of the Bible in Unity?

The Bible is Unity’s basic textbook. Scripture comes alive when it is understood as a clear and helpful guide for today’s experiences.

Does Unity Believe in the Divinity of Jesus Christ?

Yes, Unity teaches that the spirit of God lived in Jesus, just as it lives in every person. Every person has the potential to express the perfection of Christ, as Jesus did, by being more Christ-like in everyday life.

What Is the Relationship of Unity to Other Churches?

Unity is a vehicle for instruction, inspiration, and prayer support for spiritual seekers, regardless of their religious affiliation. Unity freely shares its teachings with all churches.

What Does Unity Teach about Sin and Salvation, Heaven and Hell?

Sin is our separation from God, the Good, in consciousness. Salvation is now, not something that occurs after death. It happens whenever we turn our thoughts from fear, anxiety, worry, and doubt to thoughts of love, harmony, joy, and peace. The “fall” takes place in consciousness whenever we fall into negative habits of thinking. Heaven and hell are states of consciousness, not geographical locations. We make our own heaven or hell here and now by our thoughts, words, and deeds.

Does Unity Look for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?

Members of the Association of Unity Churches understand the Second Coming as the individual expression of the Christ consciousness. This is not an event to be anticipated in the future. It is happening here and now, through prayer, meditation, study, and application.

Does Unity Believe in Reincarnation?

Many Unity students accept the concept of reincarnation (reembodiment after a period of soul rest). This allows us to attain new understandings in a new life experience, so that we can eventually express perfection and demonstrate eternal life. This is our ultimate goal. Unity's real emphasis is on regeneration, not reincarnation. When we achieve this goal, as Jesus did, it will no longer be necessary to reincarnate. The belief that we could ever be re-embodied into a lower form of life is not accepted by Unity.

How Does Unity Regard the Trinity?

Unity interprets the religious terms Father, Son, and Holy Spirit metaphysically, as three aspects of mind action: mind, idea, and expression. This is the process through which all manifestation takes place.

Does Unity Practice Baptism and Communion?

Yes, symbolically. Whereas baptism by water represents the cleansing of the consciousness, spiritual baptism signifies the inflow of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a mental and spiritual process that takes place within the individual as he or she aligns with the spirit of God.

Spiritual communion takes place through prayer and meditation in the silence. The word of Truth is symbolized by the bread or body of Jesus Christ. The conscious realization of God-life is symbolized by the wine or blood of Jesus Christ. Unity practices communion by appropriating, or partaking, of the spiritual energy represented by these elements