UNITY... one of the FOREMOST ORGANIZATIONS in raising the SPIRITUAL CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE WORLD TODAY.

UNITY chooses to believe that there is good in every religion. Millions of people have been introduced to UNITY through it's periodicals, Daily Word, and Unity Magazine.
Silent Unity has come to be known as "The Prayer Place," where someone
is always praying, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
SILENT UNITY, has maintained an around-the-clock
prayer vigil for more than 100 years.

........................

PETE'S JOURNAL, FEBRUARY 2005

Unity is one of the foremost organizations in raising the spiritual consciousness of the world today. I cannot say enough in their praise. Continual prayer and eloquent writing.

WHAT IS UNITY AND WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?

UNITY is a worldwide Christian organization founded in 1889 by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore.

Because of similarity in names, UNITY has occasionally been confused with other organizations. However, there is no connection between UNITY and Unitarianism or The Unification Church.

Millions of people have been introduced to UNITY through its periodicals, Daily Word, [with a short uplifting message on each page, which takes you 2 or 3 minutes to read and stays with you all day] and Unity Magazine, published at Unity World Headquarters (Unity Village) in Lee's Summit, Missouri.

[Juanita and I have subscribed to, Daily Word, for years and have enjoyed and been uplifted every day by it's inspirational messages. You can subscribe to, Daily Word, online at: http://www.dailyword.org or write to them at: Daily Word, 1901 NW Blue Parkway, Unity Village, MO 64065-0001, USA.]

Millions of others are familiar with UNITY through its prayer ministry known as SILENT UNITY, which has maintained an around-the-clock prayer vigil for more than 100 years. Thousands of people around the world call Silent Unity to receive prayer support at 816-969-2000. If you have no means of paying for the call, you may call toll-free at 800-669-7729.You can also ask for prayer support through our web site under "Prayer Request either from Unity Church of Light Prayer Ministry or Silent Unity." http://www.unityworldhq.org/

UNITY is an extremely positive approach to life, seeking to accept the good of people and all of life. God is seen as having many attributes, but, most importantly, God is LOVE.

2-1-05 Day #32 of fasting. Feeling very spaced-out this morning. I felt a little better by evening.

What is Unity?

Unity is an adventure that arouses interest in our spiritual nature. Unity sparks our desire to find our true relationship with God. It poses questions to which we seek understandable answers.

Unity tells us that our mind is our connecting link with God, and if we are to control our spiritual growth and enfoldment, we must control our thinking.

Unity affirms the bold statement:

"We know that all things work together for good, for those
who love God, who are called according to His purpose." (Rom 8:28).

To some this may seem implausible, but it makes one curious to find out the basis on which such a statement can be made.

Unity says that other spiritually illumined people--ministers, priests, teachers--can help us get started on the right path for finding God but, ultimately, each person must find God for themselves. True religion is a "do-it-yourself project" and, while other people, books and classes may point you in the right direction, if you truly want to know God, you must seek God within yourself.

Unity does not emphasize formal membership and is not preoccupied with gaining converts merely for the sake of numbers. In fact, you may join Unity and still retain membership in any other church... there need be no conflict between religious beliefs. There is good in every religion and we should be open to finding that good when the opportunity is presented.

Unity has no strict creed and is not dogmatic about its teachings. Unity could be described as an "open-ended" religious philosophy, seeking to find God's truth in all of life, wherever it may be.

Unity was founded as the "School of Practical Christianity" in 1889 by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore. Today it is a thriving, vital educational movement. Non-sectarian in its approach to religion, international in it's outreach, Unity teachings and services are offered to all.

"Unity is a link in the great educational movement inaugurated by Jesus Christ; our objective is to discern the truth in Christianity and prove it. The truth that we teach is not new, neither do we claim special revelations or discovery of new religious principles. Our purpose is to help and teach mankind to use and prove the eternal Truth taught by the Master." Quote from: Charles Fillmore, co-founder of Unity

My Faith:

I do not believe in evil, I believe in God.
I do not believe in sin, I believe in Truth.
I do not believe in want, I believe in abundance.
I do not believe in ignorance, I believe in intelligence.
There are no discords in my being. Being is peace.
My faith, understanding, and love are one.
"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."

Quote from: Myrtle Fillmore, co-founder of Unity, dated 1897

Silent Unity

When Charles and Myrtle Fillmore began their work in 1889, publishing and prayer were primary interests. The "Society of Silent Help" has become a worldwide prayer ministry, now known as "Silent Unity." Millions of prayer requests are received every year. Over the years, innumerable prayers have been answered. Testimonials arrive abundantly in the daily mail. There is never a charge. No one ever asks if a caller is a member. Unity believes that we are all one, and that all have equal access to God.

Statement by Unity Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan

2-2-05 Day #33 of fasting. Feeling fairly well this morning. Slept well for short periods of 1 1/2 to 2 hours. I feel rested. I felt worse as day continued.

Unity is a worldwide cross denominational organization with a Christian base.
It is nearly a century old. Because of similarity in names, Unity has on occasion been confused with other organizations.

Views on God

Unity is an extremely positive approach to life, seeking to accept the good in people and all of life. God is seen as having many attributes, but most importantly, God is LOVE. Unity stresses that God is not a physical man in the sky, for this limits Him. God is Spirit, everywhere present, the one and only Spirit behind, in and through all things, visible and invisible.

Views on Evil

Unity denies the existence of any power or presence opposed to God. It sees that there are evil appearances and suffering in the world, but ascribes these to man's ignorance and erroneous use of God's laws of life.

Views on the Divinity of Jesus and Salvation

Unity proclaims the divinity of Jesus, but goes further and assures that you, too, are a child of God and, therefore, divine in nature. Jesus expressed His divine potential and sought to show us how to express ours as well. Salvation is then the expanding understanding of one's innate divinity and perfectibility through living the life demonstrated by Jesus. Unity explains the mind as your connecting link with God or Divine Mind and shows how the action of your mind affects your body and circumstances.

Views on the Importance of Prayer

Much emphasis is placed on the effective power that every thought, feeling, word, and act has upon your life. Prayer is not seen as a technique for changing God, but for expanding and transforming your mind, and thus changing you. Unity seeks to relate religion to daily needs, affirming that for every need there is God's perfect answer. Its main textbook is the Bible and it relates its lessons to your life and everyday experiences.

Views on Other Religions

UNITY DOES break from tradition some in that it has no creedal requirements, dogma, ritual, or ecclesiastical garb. Unity chooses to believe that there is good in every religion and many paths to God. Different religions are like spokes on a wheel with the hub being God. They may be set apart by a variance of beliefs and approaches, but they are all seeking the one God as the hub of all life. Consequently, Unity does not deny anyone the right to have their own beliefs.

The Bottom Line!

Unity sees worship as serving God by uplifting and glorifying God's spirit expressing through humanity, in positive, joyous ways. It seeks not to emphasize one's sins of the past, but instead gives attention to the good that exists in every person and to what can be done with the now to transform one's self and one's life. Its main concern is not so much with a "future life", but with teaching people how to live fully in the present, seeing the good in all things.

Unity also believes in eternal life and views the present moment as part of eternal life.

Unity does not impose specific financial burdens or pressure on its adherents. It believes the desire for giving should be initiated from within the giver to reap the joys of sharing. Consequently, all support is by freewill offerings.

Unity welcomes in dignity and love, people of all races, colors, religions, social backgrounds, and economic levels. In summation, Unity emphasizes the divine potential within every child of God and teaches that through a practical understanding and application of what Jesus taught, every person can realize and express his or her divine potential for a happier, fuller and more successful life.

A Bit of History...

The Unity Movement began in 1889 with the publication of "Modern Thought" magazine by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore of Kansas City, Missouri. The Fillmores founded Unity as a prayer group and center of teaching. Later, they established a publishing house for metaphysical and self-help literature.

The movement has since grown into a world-wide educational organization with over 1000 churches and study groups. The heart of Unity is prayer, and continuous prayer is the purpose of the ministry called Silent Unity. Positive prayer help is offered to the thousands who contact Silent Unity every day. Unity Literature now reaches millions of readers. Daily Word magazine carries the message of Unity to the hearts and minds of people around the world.

Statement by Unity Church of North Idaho

2-3-05 Day #34 of fasting. I feel sick... flu-like symptoms. Continued to feel ill all day.

March, 2005

Dear Daily Word Family,

The Easter season is a wonderful reminder
of the renewal of life that Jesus taught by
word and example. This is a holy season that
calls us to look within to the Christ of our
being and know the truth of our own spirituality,
and to honor the sacredness of everyone.

For eighty-one years, Daily Word has been
offering people a daily message of hope and
inspiration based on the teachings of Jesus
Christ. And this month will mark La Palabra
Diana's fiftieth year of reaching out to our
Spanish-speaking family with this same
message of hope and inspiration.

Thousands of letters, e-mails, and calls
come in every month in which people tell us
that Daily Word and La Palabra Diaria seem
written especially for them. When and issue
arrives, it is as if they are receiving faith filled
messages that affirm the very best about and
for them by someone who cares deeply about
them. All this, dear family, is true.

Blessings,

Calleen

2-4-05 Day #35 of fasting. I am feeling well this morning... mind is clear, and no aches or pains. Felt good most of the day.

In the May 1997 Unity Magazine, pp. 57-58, Silent Unity directors, at that time, Richard and Mary-Alice Jafolla say:

At our current growth rate, Silent Unity is doubling every six years! We are presently receiving over 3,000 telephone calls and about 3,000 letters each day asking for prayer. . . . Over two million prayer requests each year cover the entire range of human emotions and desires.

In Silent Unity, we never counsel or give advice, but we always meet people where they are as we pray with them, helping them to feel the peace of God and the presence of God in the midst of their situations. We believe this is the most effective way we can help them. In doing this, however, it is imperative that we remain mindful that we are not "intercessors" between the person calling or writing and God. We continually remind ourselves that it is not our prayers that make the difference, that God is in charge and that we are acting merely as channels through which God can work. In fact, there is an expression we use in the Telephone Prayer Ministry if a particularly difficult call comes in and we begin feeling responsible for a good outcome: "God answers prayer, I answer the phone."

Our work in Silent Unity is so much more than simply answering a phone or a letter. What we do is clearly and unwaveringly acknowledge the presence of God in the person calling or writing, and, through our prayers, we help that person discover the presence of God in himself or herself. This unequivocal act of faith on our part allows the person more easily to experience God in all of life and to know that there is a divine plan at work.

UNIVERSITY OF HEALING
1101 Far Valley Road
Campo CA 91906-3213

Phone: 1-619-478-5111 Toll-Free: 1-888-463-8654
Fax: 1-619-478-5013 Dial Healing Words: 1-888-254-8793
E-mail: unihealing@goduni.org
URL: http://www.university-of-healing.edu

2-5-05 Day #36 of fasting. I am feeling fairly well this morning. Went to town shopping (90 miles r.t.) later today. Shopping went well... but I was completely beat by the time I got home.

5 Basic Unity Principles (From children's poster)

1. God is all good and active in everything, everywhere.

2. I am naturally good because God's Divinity is in me and in everyone.

3. I create my experiences by what I choose to think and what I feel and believe.

4. Through affirmative prayer and meditation, I connect with God and bring out the good in my life.

5. I do and give my best by living the Truth I know. I make a difference!

(From the Adult Version Poster)

1. There is only one Presence and one Power active as the universe and as my life, God the Good.

2. Our essence is of God; therefore, we are inherently good. This God essence was fully expressed in Jesus, the Christ.

3. We are co-creators with God, creating reality through thoughts held in mind.

4. Through prayer and meditation, we align our heart-mind with god. Denials and affirmations are tools we use.

5. Through thoughts, words and actions, we live the Truth we know.

2-6-05 Day #37 of fasting. I am feeling a bit rough this morning. I felt,"under the weather," all day.

Dear Seeker,

Are you, like most of us, seeking happiness and fulfillment as you walk this journey of life? If so, we invite you to join us at Unity Church of Light as we learn the Truth about who we really are. We are spiritual beings having a human experience, and we are here to experience good.

We are created in God's image and likeness, and we have a very special and divine purpose here on earth. We are here to connect with Spirit, the One Presence and the One Power, and to let that Presence guide and direct our every thought, word and action.

As we join together in spiritual community, we are inspired and uplifted and move from the darkness of limitation to the light of possibilities for good for ourselves and for the world.

We look forward to having you join us. You will be blessed and will be a blessing.

Love and blessings,

Rev. Karen

2-7-05 Day #38 of fasting. I am feeling better this morning. Still taking herbs for bladder infection... getting some relief because I am now sleeping 3 and 4 hour stretches. I have no inspiration to write.

The Unity School of Christianity

I. Group Profile

1. Name: The Unity School of Christianity

2. Founders: Charles and Mary Caroline "Myrtle" Fillmore

3. Date of Birth: Charles was born August 22, 1854, and Myrtle was born August 6, 1845.

4. Birth Place: Charles was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and Myrtle was born in Pagetown, Ohio.

5. Year Founded:1887 in Kansas City, Missouri

6. History: The son of a seamstress and an Indian trader, Charles Fillmore was born into a poor family. He was raised primarily by his Episcopalian mother, receiving very little formal education. He passed his time by reading material on occultism, Eastern Religions, metaphysics, and spiritualism. These were his main interests. In 1874, he left home and moved to Caddo, Oklahoma. He did not remain there long, and moved again to Dennison, Texas where he became a railroad clerk. It was in Texas that he first met his future wife, "Myrtle" Page. She quit her job as a school teacher and the two moved to Gunnison, Colorado in 1879, where he went into mining and real estate. In 1881 the two got married and settled in Pueblo where they went into business with his brother-in-law, Nona Brooks. Nona later founded the Divine Science Church (Melton:86-89).

In 1884, the couple moved to Kansas City. Two years later, they attended a lecture on Christian Science and its teachings given by E. B. Weeks. A spiritual breakthrough came for Myrtle Fillmore when she attended this lecture. A noted metaphysician, Weeks made a statement that would change Myrtle Fillmore's understanding of herself and set her on a new course of spiritual development. At the time, Mrs. Fillmore was in a state of mental and physical illness and had come to a point where she was not helped by either medicine or physicians. It was Dr. Weeks's statement that day that brought her the healing she sought.

She long cherished each word of the phrase "I am a child of God and therefore I do not inherit sickness." Myrtle Fillmore believed that she had discovered a great "spiritual truth" regarding healing. By repeating this phrase as a positive affirmation, Fillmore believed she would be healed. Myrtle Fillmore began offering her services to others and soon developed a following of those seeking divine healing. Over the course of the next year, she was completely cured of her tuberculosis.

Myrtle Fillmore was convinced of the teachings. Charles Fillmore was more skeptical and not so eager to jump into this new practice. Over an extended period of time, and only after he had a chance to study metaphysics did he become convinced of the truth of the teachings of Christian Science.

Charles Fillmore then threw himself into spreading the message of Christian Science. In 1889, the couple founded a magazine called Modern Thought. This publication followed the Christian Science principles and reflected the interests of the Fillmores in the occult, Eastern Religions, and Spiritualism.

The founding of the Unity School of Christianity began slowly. In 1890, the couple started the Society of Silent Help as a healing prayer group. In 1891, Unity was begun as the official magazine of this society. According to Charles Fillmore the name Unity was adopted in 1895, denoting that Unity was devoted to the spiritualization of all humanity and took the best from all religions. He said the following regarding the eclectic belief system of Unity:

We have studied many isms, many cults. People of every religion under the sun claim that we either belong to them or have borrowed the best part of our teaching from them. We have borrowed the best from all religions, that is the reason we are called Unity.... Unity is not a sect, not a separation of people into an exclusive group of know-it-alls. Unity is the Truth that is taught in all religions, simplified...so that anyone can understand and apply it. Students of Unity do not find it necessary to sever their church affiliations.

A movement began from these original publications and prayer efforts, and in 1903, it became known as The Unity School of Practical Christianity. The present day name was adopted by the group in 1914. In 1909, another magazine called Weekly Unity was added, and Charles Fillmore published his first book, Christian Healing. Coming from a background of teaching where she interacted with children, Mrs. Fillmore realized the need to do something for the children. She founded a Sunday school, and in 1893 started Wee Wisdom, which is the oldest children's magazine in America.

[Charles Fillmore, the founder of Unity, did not copyright his works, since he felt the truth should be free to all. His ideas have benefitted countless lives over the last 100 years.]

In the 1920's, their work was greatly expanded, including the founding of a vegetarian restaurant called the Unity Inn. In 1922, Charles Fillmore began radio broadcasts on WOQ in Kansas City and two years later purchased the station.

In 1924, the present day official publication, Unity Daily Word was begun. Because of the spreading influence of the group, many other groups began meeting and using Unity literature as teaching and discussion aids. People who attended prayer groups and lectures led by the Fillmores established themselves as teachers.

The Fillmores became concerned that others were using their materials to delve into areas and subjects they did not intend or approve. In order to control what others were teaching, in 1925 they formed the Unity Annual conference. This was an organization of recognized ministers and teachers who would oversee Unity Centers.

Two years after Myrtle Fillmore's death in 1931, Charles Fillmore remarried Copra G. Dedrick. He also published his second book, The Metaphysical Bible Dictionary.

7. Cult or Sect:

Negative sentiments are typically implied when the concepts "cult" and "sect" are employed in popular discourse. Since the Religious Movements Homepage seeks to promote religious tolerance and appreciation of the positive benefits of pluralism and religious diversity in human cultures, we encourage the use of alternative concepts that do not carry implicit negative stereotypes. For a more detailed discussion of both scholarly and popular usage of the concepts "cult" and "sect," please visit our Conceptualizing "Cult" and "Sect" page, where you will find additional links to related issues.

8. Size of Group:

The Unity School of Christianity has established several congregations in every section of the United States. In 1992, the Association of Unity Churches had 70,000 members with 547 congregations (Melton: 1017-1019) and 116 study groups in North America. They also had 55 congregations and 50 study groups in 15 different countries, mostly in Europe (Lewis: 505-508).

II. Beliefs of the Group

The Association of Unity Churches is the largest of the several metaphysical organizations. It is part of the New Thought Movement. It offers a liberal degree of freedom of belief among its members. Unity teaches what it terms "practical Christianity." This is defined as "what is believed to be the primitive Christianity of Jesus and the Apostles" (Melton: 1015).

Unity School of Christianity denies the Trinity, the deity of Jesus, the personality of the Holy Spirit, the necessity of the atonement of Jesus for our sins, heaven, hell, sin, and the existence of the devil. It teaches the belief in one God and in Christ, the Son of God who is made manifest in Jesus of Nazareth.

Unity teaches that Jesus is divine, but that divinity, in itself, is not confined to Jesus alone. All people are able to achieve divinity. The logic is that since all people are created in the image of God, all people have the potential to be divine. The great example of divinity for all people is Jesus himself. Jesus created an "at-one-ment" between God and humanity and, through Jesus, each person can regain their estate as a son of God (Melton:1015).

The principal texts include the Bible, but Unity follows a metaphysical interpretation. This is exhibited especially in the texts of Charles Fillmore, mainly his Metaphysical Bible Dictionary which offers an allegorical approach to the scriptures. One example of this is his interpretation of the twelve apostles. He sees them as "twelve powers in humans which can be used for the salvation of the world. The kingdom of God is seen as the harmony within each individual" (Melton: 1015). People also criticized their use and interpretation of the 23rd Psalm. They are accused of denying basic Christian distinctions between an Omnipotent God and his creatures, and the reality of sin and the nature of salvation (Lewis: 506). Other important Unity texts include Primary Lessons in Christian Living and Healing, Both Riches and Honor, and Lessons in Truth. It teaches that experience, if you are 'in tune' with God, is more accurate and reliable than the Bible.

Unity teaches reincarnation as a step towards immorality and Fillmore himself taught the possibility of eventual physical immortality though a union with Jesus.

The second birth is that in which we 'put on Christ.' It is a process of mental adjustment and body transmutation that takes place right here on earth.

Some practices that are recommended to achieve this include vegetarianism and chastity. There are several practices within the New Thought tradition that have become synonymous with Unity. For example, Unity has long emphasized the form of prayer termed "entering the silence" (Melton:1017) which starts as a form of quiet inwardness. Charles Fillmore said:

Set aside a time every day...and pray whether you believe or not...If you will persistently find Truth, even though you do not believe it at first, you will find that your prayers have power. Faith is like a mustard seed, and it will grow. Pray, pray, and keep praying; affirm, and yet affirm once more. Your persistent prayers will succeed (Fillmore: 85).

As Unity developed, the Fillmores instituted a free-will offering plan for those in need. This free-of-charge plan set them apart from other metaphysical groups whose practitioners charged a fee for healing assistance work (Lewis: 506). Unity also emphasizes the use of affirmations, or the repetition of positive statements which affirm the presence of a condition hoped for but not yet attained. One of these affirmations, termed the Sevenfold Affirmation is recited as such:

I am a child of the living God.
I have within me the all-creating power of the Christ.
It radiates from me and blesses all whom I contact.
It is my life, my strength, my courage,
My patience, my peace, my poise,
My power, my wisdom, my understanding,
My joy, my inspiration, and my abundant supply.
Unto this great power I entrust all my problems,
Knowing they will be solved in love and justice.
O Lord Christ! I have laid all my desires upon
Thine altar, and I rest on Thy graciousness.

Unity has dropped several traditional rituals and sacraments even though some rituals have been created to mark special occasions, such as Christmas and the birth of babies. Unity also teaches prosperity consciousness which is a belief according to which just as a relationship with God handles the problems of sin and sickness, it can also handle the problems of poverty, which is a matter of consciousness and success. It manifests itself when one realizes that God is all abundance. In 1924, Unity began a periodical, The Daily Word, a daily devotional magazine, that today has become its most widely circulated periodical. It has readers far beyond the bounds of the Unity and New Thought Movements.

Today the Unity movement is centered in Unity Village, a 1,400 acre tract adjacent to Lee's Summit, Missouri. Headed by Connie Fillmore, the granddaughter of Charles and Myrtle, it was permanently located here in 1949. It is not only the headquarters of the Unity School of Christianity, but also for the Association of Unity Churches. The grounds include Silent Unity, the Unity School for Religious Studies, the Village Chapel, the Unity School Library and Heritage Rooms and a publishing concern that produces books, cassette tapes, and radio and television programs. The program called Silent Unity offers a 24-hour a day prayer service, and in the Silent Unity building, a prayer vigil is kept without interruption.

III. Links to Unity Web Sites

The Unity World Headquarters
This is the official page for the Unity Church. Here you can find a "Spiritual Resource for Daily Living." The site tells you what Unity is, including the history, mission, and services of Unity School of Christianity. It also lists international information and upcoming events. It features current news and events and confidential personal prayer help anytime for people of all faiths.
http://www.unityworldhq.org

Association of Unity Churches
This is the official site for the Association of Unity Churches. It includes information on the Association, a calendar, a chat room, a list of all the churches on-line, frequently asked questions, other helpful sites, inspiration, products for sale and anything else you need to know about the Association.
http://www.unity.org

Unitics Online
This is a site termed by the site itself as "The one stop shopping for Unity on the Internet." It includes hundred of links for any kind of "unity" you are looking for. It includes inspiration for the ears (sounds and lessons you can download and hear on your computer), inspiration quotes, prayers and songs, affirmations, newsletters, lessons and classes, humor, prosperity, inspirational stories, poems, short Charles and Myrtle Fillmore stories, labyrinths, daily word stories, Unity Magazine, and biblical inspiration.
http://members.tripod.com/%7Euniticsonline/index.html

Unity School of Christianity - a history
This site offers a comprehensive description of the church. It includes the history, and beliefs, including a complete outline of all the points of the teachings. It includes detailed descriptions of God, Jesus, reincarnation, and affirmations. This is a scholarly page that is very informative and complete.
http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/unity.html

New Thought Traditions
This page gives information about the New Thought Movement in general. It mentions the Unity School as part of this. It, too, is brief, yet informative for someone who does not have much information already.
http://divinescience.com/links/links_newthought.htm

Watchman Fellowship Profile of Unity
This counter-cult organization presents basically accurate information about Unity interpreted through the prism of conservative evangelical Christianity. Unity is found to have strayed from sound doctrinal teachings.
http://www.watchman.org/profile/unitypro.htm

Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry
This is a another counter-cult page that lacks the tedious commitment to accurately presenting the views of Unity we find in The Watchman site. The author of this page assumes the reader will be able to discern the points where Unity departs from conservative Evangelical Christianity. In identifying Unity as "a dangerous non-Christian cult" the page scores high on our index of intolerance. http://www.carm.org/

IV. Bibliography

Bach, Marcus. 1972.
The Unity Way of Life. Unity Village, MO: Unity Books.

Braden, Charles S. 1967.
These Also Believe: A Study of Modern American Cults and Minority Religious Movements. New York: The Macmillan Co.

D'Andrade, Hugh. 1974.
Charles Fillmore: Herald of the New Age. New York: Harper and Row.

Fillmore, Lowell. 1956.
The Unity Treasure Chest: A Selection of the Best Unity Writing. New York: Hawthorn Books, Inc.

Freeman, James Dillet. 1978.
The Story of Unity. Unity Village, MO: Unity Books.

Lewis, James R. 1998.
The Encyclopedia of Cults and Sects and New Religions. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books.

Melton, Gordon J. 1986.
Biographical Dictionary of American Cult and Sect Leaders. New York: Garland Publishing Inc.

Melton, Gordon J. 1996.
"Unity School of Christianity," Encyclopedia of American Religions, 5th ed. Detroit: Gale Research Inc. 637-38.

Simmons, John K. 1998.
"The Forgotten Contribution of Annie Rix Miltiz to the Unity School of Christianity," Novo Religio Vol 2, No 1. On line at http://www.novareligio.com/simmons.html.

Witherspoon, Thomas F. 1977.
Myrtle Filmore, Mother of Unity. Unity Village, MO: Unity Books.

Contact Unity:

Unity School of Christianity
1901 NW Blue Parkway
Unity Village, Mo. 64065-0001
Phone -- (816) 969-2000 or 1-800-669-7729
URL -- http://www.unityonline.org

Contact Us
OFFICE: 401 SW Oldham Parkway, Lee's Summit, MO 64081
MAIL: Association of Unity Churches, PO Box 610, Lee's Summit, MO 64063
PHONE: 816-524-7414, FAX: 816-525-4020
TECHNICAL CONTACT: 816-524-7414 ext 343 Susan Velasquez
EMAIL: info@mail.unity.org

Created by Caroline Farmer
For Sociology 257, Fall, 1998
Last updated: 07/25/01 [Revised 2-28-05, Pete]

2-8-05 Day #39 of fasting. I am feeling very rough this morning. We are going to town to do laundry. A big laundry. Trip to town went OK.

Lent has long symbolized the forty days Jesus
spent fasting in the wilderness in preparation to begin
His ministry. Today we celebrate these forty days as a
time for soul-searching—for reflection and transformation.
To encourage you during this special time of spiritual
renewal, we have prepared this special booklet,
Rising Anew! Spiritual Preparation for Easter 2005.

The daily messages in this booklet are from a
variety of Unity writers, with two weeks comprised
of favorite Silent Unity messages from past Lenten
booklets. Each week's theme guides you through a
transformation: awaken, examine, release, claim, rest,
unite, overcome, and arise.

Also featured are "special messages from God" each
Sunday. As you read them, you'll better envision how
it would sound if God were talking directly to you. At
the end of each week, you'll find space for you to journal
your personal thoughts and experiences during this
sacred activity.

Now is the time for your innermost soul- searching.
Remember that God's presence is with you—constantly
guiding and loving you throughout your journey.

And we are here to support you in prayer during
this time too. Call Silent Unity 24 hours a day at
1-800-NOW-PRAY or visit our Web site at
http://www.unityonline.org. Or write to: Silent Unity, 1901
NW Blue Parkway, Unity Village, MO 64065-0001.

Rise anew as you prepare your mind and heart
for a glorious Easter experience.

Your friends at Unity

2-9-05 Day #40 of fasting. I am very ill this morning. Bad day... I feel much worse this evening.

1st Day Of Lent... Ash Wednesday

Wednesday, February 9, 2005

"Sleeper, awake
Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."
—Ephesians 5:14

As I awaken to my Christ nature during this season of
Lent, I see that I am living in a realm of possibility previously
unknown to myself. In my unawakened state, I am not alive
to the infinite possibility of the present moment, but rather I
live from the limitation of past conditioning. I am fully alive
only when I am fully free to express the infinite potential that
lies within me.

Mystics and sages throughout the ages have taught that
humankind, in its ordinary state of awareness, is asleep to
its true nature. My purpose on earth is to awaken from this
slumber and to awaken to the light of my own divinity.

The Christ light within is waiting for me to awaken. As I
become more aware of this inner presence, I am guided in all
my ways. Just as it is the nature of the sun to give its light, so
it is the nature of the Christ within to illumine my consciousness
with the light of truth. I gratefully accept this light into my life,
right now.

I now awaken to the presence of the Christ within,
and I am guided in all ways.

2-10-05 Day #41 of fasting. I am still very ill this morning. I seem to be overwhelmed with mucus coming out.

2nd Day of Lent

Thursday, February 10, 2005

"Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said,
Surely the Lord is in this place." Genesis 28:16

Having awakened to my divine nature, I now see that
God is present in this very place. Wherever I am, God is,
because I now see God in every place and in every
circumstance. I have awakened from the "sleep" of my
own human condition, and I see God's presence wherever I look.

This journey of awakening takes patience and persistence.
I hold fast to the truth of God's presence even though
my limited human mind may not perceive the good in some
particular situation. Through the practice of prayer and the
application of spiritual principles in my life, I open my eyes
to God, who is within all beings everywhere.

By blessing every person and every situation in my life,
I begin to awaken to the holy presence of the Lord all about
me. My life takes on new purpose and new meaning. I see
that I am here to awaken to the presence of the Lord wherever
I go. I now see that "the Lord is in this place" wherever
I am.

I now awaken to the presence of the Christ within,
and I am guided in all ways.

2-11-05 Day #42 of fasting. I am feeling pretty bad this morning. Took Juanita to town to see a lady that does acupuncture. She is treating her for arthritis. Broke my fast this evening with a small garden salad and avocado.
Later this evening I felt I needed something more substantial to eat so I had a baked potato. All the food tasted really good.

3rd Day of Lent

Friday, February 11, 2005

"Then he touched their eyes and said, 'According to your faith
let it be done to you.' And their eyes were opened." Matthew 9:29-30

Through faith, my eyes are opened to unlimited possibilities.
As my spiritual eyes are touched by the Christ within, I
begin to see life in a new way. No longer am I the victim of
circumstances nor am I limited by past mistakes. I have the
power to create a new world for myself through the limitless
power of faith.

According to my faith, my life unfolds before me. All
things are possible when I see with eyes open to Spirit. I now
let go of all fear and doubt as I am renewed by the power of
faith. The creative power of Christ is my birthright, and it is
given to me in accordance with my willingness to believe.

I choose to create a world that nurtures my unfolding
spiritual growth.

I choose to create a world that is filled with love and
compassion.

I choose to create a world that fills my heart's deepest desire.

I give thanks for the creative power of faith, active in my life right now.

I now awaken to the presence of the Christ within, and I am guided in all ways.

2-12-05 I am feeling fine this morning.

4th Day of Lent

Saturday, February 12, 2005

"Awake, awake, utter a song!" Judges 5:12

Joy is a clear sign of the presence of God. As I awaken to
my true nature, I am filled with joy! Life becomes a song to
be sung rather than a task to be performed. Like the bird that
sings purely as an expression of its own nature, it's my nature
to sing the song of my soul.

As I release any concerns or attachments to results, I can
begin to live life in each moment. I experience a lightness in
my being, and a creative impulse emerges from my soul. My
greatest satisfaction is to simply express the light and love
within me. I bless all others simply by my presence, for my
light radiates to all of those in my life.

My song is a song of joy as I celebrate the inherent goodness
of life. As I awaken to God's presence, I hear the entire
universe sing its song of joy. All creation is a joyful expression
of its Creator.

I now awaken to the presence of the Christ within,
and I am guided in all ways.

2-13-05

1st Sunday, February 13, 2005

Listen, My Beloved,

I see you as no one else does.

I see you as I created you to be:

Whole
Strong
Peaceful
Free
Joyous.

I see the truth in you—My spirit within you, perfect in
every way.

Beloved, look at yourself the way I see you and know
that you are made in My image. You are created to be
healthy, to live up to your full potential. I see you this way
every moment of every day.

My life flows through you.
My light shines in you.
My love upholds you.

If you forget this from time to time, turn to Me. I am
here for you. I will not let you forget the truth about
yourself. You are a reflection of Me.

2-14-05 Computer went down. Took it in to the shop.

5th Day of Lent

Monday, February 14, 2005

"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths."—Isaiah 2:3.4

During this time of spiritual preparation, I rededicate
and reconsecrate myself to the Jesus Christ way of life.

I remind myself that whenever I pray, thousands of
others also will be praying. A great spiritual power will be
generated during Lent that will back me up in my desire to
grow.

So I faithfully spend some time each day in prayer, even
if just for a few minutes. I am committed to releasing the
negative, which is destructive, and embracing the positive,
which is constructive.

I am open and receptive to the inspiration and guidance
of Spirit. I am teachable and flexible. And with each passing
day I put on more of the Christ nature, more of the Christ
likeness.

I look to the presence of God within and behold
the sacred in myself.

2-15-05

6th Day of Lent

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

"Give us this day our daily bread." —Matthew 6:11

Perhaps when I have prayed, "Give us this day our daily
bread," I have been asking for prosperity and for the
material needs of each day to be met. But today as I think
about "daily bread," I realize that it is more than food
for the physical body. It is more than material supply.

When I ask for "daily bread," I am asking also for spiritual
ideas to provide nourishment for my soul. I need daily
nourishment for my body, but 1 also need daily spiritual
nourishment in the form of Truth in order to grow spiritually.

Today as I pray the Lord's Prayer, it has new meaning
for me. I pray it with more feeling, with more understanding.

My understanding of Truth does not come in full maturity,
but each day it grows and increases. My awareness of
God's presence deepens. I know that the light, guidance,
and inspiration I need for each day is given to me.

Thank You, God, for my "daily bread."

I look to the presence of God within and behold
the sacred in myself.

2-16-05

7th Day of Lent

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

"But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,
so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your
Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret
will reward you."—Matthew 6:17, 18

During Lent, I will fast from being self-centered and take
an interest in others.

I will fast from fear and will trust in God.
I will fast from expressing irritability and be calm and
poised.
I will fast from rigidity and practice adaptability.
I will fast from selfishness and greed, and I will give and
share.
I will fast from hate and express love.
I will fast from self-indulgence and accept discipline.
I will fast from gloom and radiate joy.
I will fast from passing judgment and practice seeing all
persons through the eyes of love.
I will fast from beholding the worst and make it a point
to see the good, praise the good, rejoice in the good.

This Lenten season, I will diligently, conscientiously, and
faithfully desist from all that is unloving and un-Christlike.

I look to the presence of God within and behold
the sacred in myself.

2-17-05

8th Day of Lent

Thursday, February 17, 2005

"My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth."—Psalm 121:2

I don't need to go to the Rockies, the Alps, or any other
mountain range in order to lift my eyes to the hills. The
Psalmist is saying:

Trust! Believe!

Look away from the disturbing situation at hand. Look to God!
Never mind what others say; never mind what the
appearances are.

Look away. Look up. Look to the hills of a new perspective.
Stand back. See things clearly, logically, truly.

No matter what my personal challenges or problems may
be, I look away from them; I look to God. I trust. I believe.
There is an answer to every problem; there is a way out of
every challenge.

If a seemingly unsolvable situation confronts me, I
change my awareness, my attitude. Looking to God I
now see new ideas ... new viewpoints ... new perspectives.

I cannot alter or control all circumstances or situations,
but I can look to God for unfailing help.

I look to the presence of God within and behold
the sacred in myself.

2-18-05

9th Day of Lent

Friday, February 18, 2005

"You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies."
—Psalm 23:5

How many times have I read or heard the 23rd Psalm?
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Just this line seems
to cover every need I could possibly have. I shall not want
for strength. I shall not want for health and wisdom, for
supply and peace. I shall not want for contentment and
happiness.

Today I consider another line from the 23rd Psalm: You
prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

It comes as a surprise to realize that my enemies are not
separate from myself. They are not other persons. They
are not outer things. My "enemies" dwell within me.

My enemies are my negative thoughts. They are my
destructive emotions. They are my lack of faith. They are my
ignorance. They are my misconceptions. They are my fears.

The table prepared for me is the table of communion
in my inner temple. I approach it in prayer, and I draw
strength, sustenance, and understanding when any
negativity presses.

I look to the presence of God within and behold
the sacred in myself.

2-19-05

10th Day of Lent

Saturday, February 19, 2005

"Faith, hope, and love abide, these three, and the greatest of
these is love."—1 Corinthians 13:13

Moment by moment, day by day, I am learning to express
God's love more fully. As I seek to express this love in
everything I do, I can feel my capacity to love expanding.
My heart sings with the melody of love that flows outward
from my heart to include my human family and the world
around me.

Deep in my heart, I know that my spiritual nature is love.
Divine love lifts me out of thoughts of self and encourages
me to find happiness in helping others, in expressing compassion
and acceptance, and in serving God. Divine love asks me to live
for something more than myself, to fulfill my destiny as a beloved
child of God.

I am blessed with renewed hope and strengthened faith
as I allow God's love to live through me. As I sing my song
of love, I am open to experiencing more harmony, joy, and
peace each day.

With complete trust in the love of God that fills me, I
let go of doubt and fear to become more than I ever thought
possible. Joining the chorus of God's love, I realize that I am
part of something far greater than myself. I am attuned to
divine love, and I live in harmony with the universe.

I look to the presence of God within and behold
the sacred in myself.

2-20-05

2nd Sunday, February 20, 2005

Listen, My Beloved,

Do you hear Me? Mine is the soft whisper within you
that speaks to your soul, lovingly assuring you of My
presence. Listen to My sweet words of encouragement
and hope reminding you that you are deeply loved,
just as you are.

Do you know that I am there? Since even before you
graced this world, you and I have been one. With My
guidance and your discernment, you are able to continue a
closer walk with Me. If something or someone seems to
distance you from Me, know that I am with you and will give
you the strength to move beyond any seeming challenges.

I am with you, dear one. Draw upon My strength as you
release the situations in your life that cause you worry or
concern. As you let go, I will fill the void with joy, peace,
and love.

Soon you will recognize the blessed relief that comes
with letting go and letting Me guide your life. I have blessed
you with divine gifts of freedom, grace, inner peace, and
so much more. As you learn to work together with Me, you
will find these divine qualities working through you to
bless yourself and others.

I am love, and we are one.

Together.

2-21-05

11th Day of Lent

Monday, February 21, 2005

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life ... nor anything
else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the
love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."—Romans 8:38, 39

When I really believe that God loves me unconditionally,
I am able to release any thoughts of guilt. Here is God accepting
me just as I am—mistakes as well as successes. And yet sometimes
I can be hard on myself.

I may feel guilty because I have listened to what others tell
me is bad. But if I really believe that God loves me
unconditionally, these memories fade, and I can release any
guilt I may feel for past mistakes.

In fact, it is through the process of making mistakes that
I learn some of the most important lessons in life. I remind
myself that there are many people who are successful today
who have failed in earlier attempts. Through each mistake,
I learn more and more until success is achieved. So I release
any feelings of guilt or failure and allow the newer, wiser me
to emerge.

I let go and let God express divine qualities through me.

2-22-05

12th Day of Lent

Tuesday, February 22, 2005

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear
has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached
perfection in love."—1 John 4:18

Once I have released the guilt that may keep me from
trying new approaches to life, I have another emotion to
face—fear. Being afraid may cause me to stop short of trying
something new.

To move beyond fear, I seek the peace of God by naming
and facing those things for which I have the greatest fear. As
I consider each situation, I view it from a divine perspective.
God is the only power in my life. Any influence I may have
inadvertently given this particular fear in the past now fades
in the light of God's truth and understanding.

There may be times when my fears may confuse my
important relationships. I may be hesitant to speak candidly
about my innermost feelings with my loved ones because I
fear their reactions. Yet, when I live my life from the light
of God's truth, I can more easily express the feelings of
my heart. I am one with divine love, and I am that love in
expression.

I let go and let God express divine qualities through me.

2-23-05

13th Day Of Lent

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

"Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love."—Joel 2:13

Growing up, I may have been reminded, "Watch your
temper!" Even if I am slow to anger, there can be times when
someone "pushes my buttons," and I feel the stirrings of
anger. If I allow it to, this anger can last for months or years,
causing separation from a friend or family member.

That's not to say it just takes another person to raise my
ire. Sometimes my anger may be self-directed when I
disappoint myself.

Today I pray for release of any anger, whether self directed
or toward someone else. When I consider the focus
and energy this anger requires, I realize that there is little
room for the positive and loving thoughts I have for my
loved ones and others.

I let go and refuse to allow anger to consume me. As I
release any anger, I break the hold it has over my state of
mind, while I make room for forgiving, loving thoughts.

I let go and let God express divine qualities through me.

2-24-05

14th Day of Lent

Thursday, February 24, 2005

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid,
for the Lord God is my strength and my might."—Isaiah 12:2

If my loved ones are experiencing challenges, my desire
to be of assistance and my concern may create control issues
within our relationships. As I continue my closer walk with
God, my spiritual awakening and understanding continue to
grow. I can now recognize that I have no control over others,
nor would I want to be responsible for controlling them.

Rather, I release their well-being into God's hands. I
embrace my loved ones as the children of God that they
are—guided and directed by the same omniscient power that
guides and directs me. I readily recognize that the best thing
I can do for them during any situation or challenge is to pray
for them.

Any differences or control issues we may have been experiencing
cease. God is in charge. I accept and celebrate the unique talents
and interests of my loved ones. I let go of my need to control or
advise and welcome the opportunity to embrace my loved ones
with my prayers.

I let go and let God express divine qualities through me.

2-25-05

15th Day of Lent

Friday, February 25, 2005

"This is my commandment, that you love one another
as I have loved you."—John 15:12

I have a variety of relationships—family and friends,
love and work. But not all relationships are beneficial to
me. There are some that may wind up causing me grief and
unhappiness. Change is a constant in the world around me;
and with that change, friendships can fade and relationships
may come to an end.

Releasing a relationship and moving on with my life
experience without that person is not always easy to do,
especially with family or friends whom I have known for
many years.

God within provides me with the strength I need to make
any necessary changes and the courage to follow through on
them. With God's presence to guide me, I can be assured that
I'm imitating divine nature and acting in love.

From this place of love and acceptance, I bless the other
person in my thoughts and prayers. As I move on with my
life, I rest in the knowledge that God wants only good things
for both of us.

I let go and let God express divine qualities through me.

2-26-05 Computer finally fixed... brought it home today.

16th Day of Lent

Saturday, February 26, 2005

"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your
good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."—Matthew 5:16

Each day this week, I've been guided to consider areas
of my life experience that I may need to release—guilt,
fear, anger, control, relationships. Today I take a closer look
inside myself and reflect on my habits.

A negative habit can blind me from what is before my
eyes. In order to free myself from such a habit, I release it
into God's care and keeping.

God's love for me is limitless, and through that love I learn
to tap into my unlimited resource of self-forgive-ness for
any negative habit that I seem unable to control.

Retreating into the silence of my being, I silently remind
myself that God is in charge and divine love is greater than
any habit or circumstance. This habit does not control me.
God and I have power over it.

Having released any negativity, I am free to love and live
the full and abundant life that God provides for me.

I let go and let God express divine qualities through me.

2-27-05

3rd Sunday, February 27, 2005

Listen, My Beloved,

Miracles are your birthright. All of the good that you
could ever imagine and more are available to you.

I am the breathtaking possibilities you envision,
the infinite opportunity you hope for,
the unbounded love you dream of,
the enlivening vitality that abides at
the center of your, being.

Empty yourself of every shred of doubt and breathe
faith into your fondest hopes and highest dreams. Embrace
the possibilities that make your heart sing, and let them
play their sweet music in your quiet moments.

Invest yourself in My abundance and watch the miracles.
Watch your spirit rise—renewed, revitalized, and restored.

2-28-05

17th Day of Lent

Monday, February 28, 2005

"But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins." —Luke 5:38

Like a boundless two-year-old, my mind seems to be
forever busy, tireless, running on automatic and driven by all
that attracts it. And just like most two-year-olds, my mind
has no interest in a nap. Yet rest is essential to good health
and contented demeanor.

Today I take time to rest my mind in the mind of God. I
breathe deeply of the fragrance of God and embrace the peace
that begins to suffuse my being. I open my whole being to
the pristine quiet that is pulsating with the invigorating spirit
of God.

My mind is alert.

My heart is open.

I am ready now to receive all that God has to give.

In my emptiness, I am enfolded and filled with God's
goodness. In the fertile ground of my emptiness, the
seeds of God's will for my life are sown, each one ripe
with the treasures of heaven. I rest and let these seeds
begin to take root and then rise into new life.

I say "yes" to God in every area of my life,
and every area of my life thrives in miracles.