Principles of Unity & Frequently Asked Questions
We welcome you to learn about our movement & church’s philosophy. Below is a list of questions and answers that may help you learn.
How long has Atlanta Unity Church been in existence?
Does Unity believe in Jesus as savior?
Does Unity recognize and use the Bible?
What is Unity’s view of God as creator?
Does Unity recognize the presence of evil or the devil?
What is Unity’s creed or belief?
How does Unity define the love of God?
Since Unity does not put an emphasis on sin or symbolism, what is the focus of its activity?
Is this oneness reflected in Unity services and activities?
How long has Atlanta Unity Church been in existence?
Atlanta Unity Church, founded in 1924, is an inter-denominational church. Atlanta Unity is a member of the Association of Unity Churches and is spiritually affiliated with Unity School of Christianity, famous for its continuous prayer vigil of over 100 years and for the publication of the devotional Daily Word, whose subscribers span a broad spectrum of Christianity. Unity as a religious movement dates to 1889. Atlanta Unity Church’s grounds have a rich history.
Does Unity believe in Jesus as savior?
Unity follows the example and teaching of Jesus. As we often put it: not only do we believe in Jesus we also believe Him. Our belief is that He is the one person who brought into full expression His divine nature, which is the Christ. We interpret His statement, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” to mean that we are to follow the example of His life and that indeed, His life is the model for all human activity.
Does Unity recognize and use the Bible?
Yes – the basic text for Unity is the Bible. Many of our teachings are in accord with traditional theology, some are not. We make no claim to infallibility in our interpretations. We do believe that as the consciousness of humankind expands that ever greater realizations of Truth will come forth. It is our goal and desire that the teachings afford additional light to those who are seeking, so that they may be ever more receptive to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, which is the great Teacher.
What is Unity’s view of God as creator?
Our belief about God follows that of Jesus, particularly the statement by Jesus that “God is Spirit; and they that worship him must worship Him in spirit and truth.” For us Spirit is the principle of life, the breath of the Almighty that animates all forms of life and in fact the Universe itself. As the sole creator, God brought about only good.
Does Unity recognize the presence of evil or the devil?
Our belief is that anything that is opposed to God, evil as it is called in the scriptures, is transient and not enduring. Evil is not an entity of itself but rather comes about as a result of the misuse of the laws of God. As for the word “devil,” most religions agree this in the scriptures is a symbol for evil, and Unity concurs.
What is Unity’s creed or belief?
Although Unity has no formal statement of belief or creed as found in many traditional denominations, basic tenets taught by Unity include:
- There is only one presence and one power in the Universe and that presence is God, the Good Omnipotent.
- This God presence is expressed as the Christ through each individual. As Paul wrote, this presence was the secret hidden for ages: “Christ in you, your hope of glory.”
- Thoughts held in mind produce after their kind, which is the law of mind action. In other words, whatever we concentrate on or devote our attention to is expressed in our lives. We are responsible and accountable to higher aspiration and action.
- Prayer and meditation, the foundation of our spiritual practices, include the use of denials and affirmations which serve as tools of the law of mind action.
- Service is the action step of prayer, a way to express gratitude and to celebrate the Presence of God in all.
How does Unity define the love of God?
Unity believes that Gods’ love permeates all creation which includes each one of us. It is Divine Love that never fails, regardless of what we have done or what we have failed to do. God’s love is steadfast, constant, and everlasting, and in it “we live, and move, and have our being.”
Since Unity does not put an emphasis on sin or symbolism, what is the focus of its activity?
It is through remembering our oneness with the Divine that we are aware of our oneness with each other. It is impossible for us to live in peace and harmony with our brothers and sisters on the planet when we feel separate from God. Part of our mission is to help re-establish an awareness of our Source, God.
Is this oneness reflected in Unity services and activities?
Yes, Atlanta Unity Church is dedicated to empowering people to realize their indwelling Divinity by following the teachings and the example of Jesus Christ; therefore, we honor all people, all faiths, and all lifestyles. We celebrate the Divine process through worship, joyful service to God, prayer, meditation, music and education. Through our “Love In Action” volunteer groups as well as our seminars, workshops and classes, we find a variety of ways to serve within the church and community.
Visitors are always welcome!
We have a Regular Orientation Session especially for newcomers.
