Frequently Asked Questions about unity

From unity.org

What are Unity’s basic teachings? 
We encourage you to explore and apply Unity teachings based on your own spiritual understanding. We believe this spiritual understanding is enhanced through reflective prayer and meditation. The five basic ideas that make up the Unity belief system are: 
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1. God is the source and creator of all. There is no other enduring power. God is good and present everywhere.
2. We are spiritual beings, created in God’s image. The spirit of God lives within each person; therefore, all people are inherently good. 
3. We create our life experiences through our way of thinking. 
4. There is power in affirmative prayer, which we believe increases our connection to God. 
5. Knowledge of these spiritual principles is not enough. We must live them. 

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, Unity Worldwide Ministries.  This is a denominational aspect of Unity. In addition, the Unity Institute and Seminary 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 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 spiritual enrichment and education classes that are open to everyone and teach Unity principles in nondenominational settings. 

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 Christlike in everyday life. 

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 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.

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. 

Is there any connection between Unity and Unitarianism? 
No, there is no connection, although there is sometimes confusion because of the similarity of the names. Each is a distinct organization with its own set of beliefs and practices.  

Is Unity an offshoot of Christian Science? 
No. Unity and Christian Science, as well as many other New Thought groups, had their beginnings in the latter part of the 19th century. The application of principles, the methods of teaching, and the organization of the two movements are quite different. 

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.

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Unity Spiritual Center
​of Panama City
PO Box 105
Panama City, FL 32402
309 W 5th St.
Panama City, FL 32401
850.769.7481
www.unityofpanamacity.org

Unity Spiritual Center of Panama City is a member of Unity Worldwide Ministries