What is Unity?
Unity is a New Thought spiritual movement that blends ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding and a practical understanding of Christianity that produces health, prosperity, happiness and peace of mind.
Our metaphysical teachings emphasize the transformative power of consciousness, guiding seekers toward inner awakening and meaningful spiritual connection.
At Unity of Charlotte, we are a loving spiritual community. We honor the universal truths present in all religions, celebrate the uniqueness of each individual and respect their right to choose their own spiritual path.
What is Unity’s understanding of God?
At Unity of Charlotte, we understand God as the ever-present, loving source of all creation. We exist and transform our lives by recognizing GOD WITHIN that brings peace and healing to ourselves and the world. In this divine presence, we live, move and have our being.
Does Unity believe in Jesus?
We honor Jesus as a master teacher and way-shower who fully expressed divine potential and embodied the Christ—the innate holiness within all. His teachings of love, forgiveness, and unity guide our spiritual practice, while we also recognize other enlightened teachers who reflect universal truth and the many paths to the Divine.
Does Unity teach the Bible?
At Unity, we honor the Bible as a rich, symbolic text offering insight into divine principles and the spiritual journey of humankind. Interpreted metaphysically and contextually, it serves as a tool for personal growth and awakening but we are not limited by doctrine. We value its historical depth and evolving wisdom, recognizing it as one of many sacred resources that illuminate universal truth.
What is the Nature of Humankind?
We believe each person is a unique and eternal expression of God, inherently good and capable of embodying divine truth. As we awaken to this inner nature, we allow God to be more fully expressed through our lives.
Does Unity believe/teach the doctrine of Original Sin?
We do not teach Original Sin. Instead, we affirm Original Blessing, viewing “sin” as error thinking—a misalignment with our true nature. God has no need to forgive because God never condemned. Our focus is on awakening to innate divinity and living from that truth.
Does Unity believe in heaven and hell?
Unity teaches heaven is not a destination but a state of consciousness in which the soul and the body are in harmony with Divine Mind.
We do not view hell as a place of punishment, but as a state of mind marked by disconnection from our divine nature. This is the source of all suffering. This experience can be transformed through conscious alignment with love, peace, and inner truth.
Does Unity teach reincarnation?
While not a central doctrine, many in Unity are open to reincarnation as part of the soul’s ongoing journey. Our emphasis remains on living fully in the present and expressing our highest spiritual potential now.
Why do innocents suffer in the world?
Unity does not view suffering as divine punishment, but as a consequence of misaligned human consciousness. Each soul’s journey is unique, and even hardship can awaken compassion and deeper spiritual awareness. Healing begins with prayer, presence, and conscious alignment with truth.
Where does Unity stand on diversity, inclusivity and equity?
We affirm the dignity and rights of all individuals regardless of gender, sexual orientation (LGBTQ+), age, race, ableness and ethnicity. We embrace each person as a unique expression of divine love. Our community is inclusive, respectful, and committed to equality for all.
5 Core Principles of Unity
Unity’s five core principles provide a spiritual framework that emphasizes the inherent goodness of individuals, the creative power of thoughts, and the importance of prayer and meditation.
- God Is: There is only One Presence and One Power active as the universe and in our lives, which is God the Good. This principle emphasizes that God is omnipresent and the source of all life and goodness.
- I Am: We are created in the likeness and image of our Divine Source. Our essence is of God; therefore, we are inherently good. This principle teaches that every individual is of this divine essence, which is often referred to as the Christ within. It encourages self-acceptance and recognition of one's inherent worth.
- I Think It: We are co-creators with God, creating our reality through our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. This principle highlights the power of our thoughts in shaping our experiences and encourages us to think positively and constructively aligned with spiritual principles.
- I Pray It: Through prayer and meditation, we connect with God and align ourselves with divine guidance. This principle emphasizes the importance of spiritual practices in fostering a deeper connection with the divine and manifesting a life that express our most authentic self.
- I Live It: We express our understanding of these principles through our thoughts, words, and actions. This principle calls for living in accordance with the spiritual truths we know, making a positive difference in our lives and the lives of others.
These principles serve as a guide for personal and spiritual growth, encouraging individuals to recognize their divine nature and the power of their thoughts and actions in creating a fulfilling life.