Five Spiritual Principles Taught by Unity
These ancient universal principles taught by Unity offer foundational guidance for living abundantly and staying in tune with your own divine nature. They are used in Unity churches throughout the world.
- God is everywhere and always present in every circumstance. This divine energy underlies and animates all of existence.
- Human beings are innately good because they are connected to and an expression of Spirit.
- Our thoughts have creative power to influence events and determine our experiences.
- Prayer and meditation connect and align us to our own spiritual nature within God.
- It is not enough to understand spiritual teachings. We must apply our learning in all areas of life, incorporating them into our thoughts, words, and actions.
The History of the Five Principles
Unity was founded in 1889 by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore in Kansas City, Missouri. While Unity has a Christian base, the Fillmores drew from many of the world’s religions as they explored metaphysics and physical healing. They began to share their spiritual wisdom through their publications, prayer, and teachings.
A century later, their great-granddaughter, Connie Fillmore, an ordained Unity minister and then president of Unity School of Christianity, was asked to summarize the Unity teachings in an article for Daily Word® magazine. She then condensed the teachings into five essential points.
Within the Unity movement, the Five Principles caught on and are used in most churches. They are handed to visitors and new members as a short explanation of Unity teachings, and they are the basis of sermons, classes, debate, and discussion.
The Five Principles: Additional Resources
The Five Principles by Ellen Debenport—Longtime minister Ellen Debenport has written a book exploring the Five Principles and how they can be used as tools for daily living. These universal principles also suggest answers to the great questions humans have been asking since they became consciously aware.
- Five Principles for Spiritual Living—In this Unity booklet, Unity ministers and New Thought writers discuss how they understand and practice these principles.
- Finding the Five Unity Principles in Buddhism—Rev. Paul John Roach explores how the Unity principles show up in Buddhism in this excerpt from Unity and World Religions.
- Using Spiritual Principles in Grief—Rev. Therese Lee discusses how she has used the Five Principles in facing the unexpected death of her spouse.
- Living the First Principle—Ben Jamison explores what life would be like if we approached everything knowing God is all there is.