What Is Unity

Unity is part of the New Thought movement which began over 100 years ago. Rooted in the belief that our thoughts and attitudes directly influence how we experience our reality, we teach that we can free ourselves from old patterns and limiting beliefs, creating true transformation and joy.

At Unity of Houston, we are a spiritual community that honors all spiritual paths and celebrates the uniqueness of each individual, regardless of race, color, gender, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical disability or sexual orientation. We are a diverse and inclusive congregation that nurtures and empowers each other. Our services and programs help people discover and express the light they are. Rather than offering you dogma and restrictive beliefs, we encourage you to ask questions and explore. We offer spiritual practices you can integrate into your daily experiences to create a life of freedom and fulfillment.

If you are looking for a new spiritual home, you will find a warm welcome here. And if perhaps you feel disenchanted with church and religion, we invite you to visit and see how we are different.

Questions You Might Have About Unity

1. Do you believe in Jesus?

Answer:

We consider Jesus to be a master teacher and a way-shower. We view Jesus as an example of the Christ potential that exists in all of us. We focus on his teachings of love, forgiveness, and inclusivity.  Jesus embodied non-dual consciousness, fully realizing his unity with God and life itself. While Jesus is central to our spiritual practice, we also honor and recognize other self-realized avatars and spiritual teachers who have embodied divine truth and wisdom, understanding that there are many paths to the divine.

2. Do you teach the Bible?

Answer: Yes, although we teach it in a way that will likely be different than what you may have experienced if you have attended a traditional Christian church. We interpret it both metaphysically and through a broader lens that includes cultural context, metaphor, and a personal interpretation for practical application. We explore the deeper, symbolic meanings of the stories, viewing them as reflections of our inner journey and as tools for personal and spiritual growth. The Bible is one of many sacred texts that can offer insight into the divine principles that guide our lives.

3. Do you believe/teach the doctrine of Original Sin?

Answer: No. We do not believe in the doctrine of Original Sin. Instead, we affirm Original Blessing, recognizing that every person is inherently good and divine. We see each individual as an expression of God, born with infinite potential. We do not believe that humans need salvation from sin, as we understand “sin” to mean “missing the mark” or error thinking—simply a misalignment with our true nature. Our focus is on correcting this error by awakening to our innate divinity and living from that truth, embracing our inherent worth and spiritual potential.

4. Do you believe in hell?

Answer:  We do not believe in hell as a physical place of eternal punishment. We understand hell as a state of consciousness—a mental or emotional experience of separation from God, often characterized by fear, guilt, or suffering. This state is self-imposed and can be transcended by aligning with the divine presence within us and embracing thoughts and actions that reflect love, peace, and wholeness.

5. Do you teach reincarnation?

Answer: Many people in Unity are open to the concept of reincarnation, seeing it as a possibility within the broader understanding of the soul’s journey and evolution. However, it is not a central doctrine. The focus in our teachings is on the eternal nature of the soul and the infinite opportunities for growth and expression, whether that occurs in one lifetime or many. The key is how we live in the present moment, embodying our highest potential now.

6. Why do innocents suffer in the world?

Answer: The suffering of innocents is a deeply challenging issue. In Unity, we understand that suffering is not a punishment from God but often a result of collective human consciousness, beliefs, and actions that are not aligned with spiritual truth. We also recognize that every soul has a unique journey, and sometimes suffering can lead to growth, compassion, and a greater awareness of the divine within ourselves and others. We believe in the power of prayer and positive thought to bring about healing and transformation in the world.

7. Do you take political positions?

Answer: As a spiritual community, our primary focus is on spiritual growth and the application of universal principles in daily life. While we do not endorse specific political candidates or parties, we do take stands on issues that reflect our values, such as social justice, equality, and peace. Our goal is to support the highest good for all people and to encourage our members to make informed, conscious choices that align with their spiritual beliefs. We encourage active engagement in the world from a place of love and compassion.

8. Where do you stand on LGBTQ+ rights?

Answer: We fully support LGBTQ+ rights and affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Our spiritual community is inclusive and welcoming to all, embracing diversity as a reflection of the divine. We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with love, respect, and equality, and we actively stand for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. Love is at the core of our teachings, and we celebrate the uniqueness of every person as a beautiful expression of that love.