Release the Imprisoned Splendor! Unity: A Quest for Truth

 

In the Introduction to Unity: A Quest for Truth (UQT), Eric Butterworth (EB) invites us to "take a look in a mirror and ask what your life would be like if you released your 'imprisoned splendor.'"  Let's take a look into UQT, and see what imprisoned splendor it holds.

UQT introduces Unity's message with an approach that answers the question: "What makes Unity unique?" from the perspective of a Unity minister who was asked the same questions so many times that the demand for this information in printed form became clear.  Those of us in Unity often find ourselves faced with the question, "What is Unity?," knowing that there is no simple answer.  A good look at EB's main themes should give us a solid basis so that we can be conversant with people of all faiths on what we believe.

EB emphasizes that Unity teaches a firsthand experience of God.  According to EB, "God is not only the God of history ... God is also the God of today."  (p. 4) In the Introduction, he states his theme that revelation is ongoing.  Because Truth is ever unfolding, we need a faith that focuses on what God is revealing to us today.  God is Life, Love, Substance, Mind, and you are an expression of God, a child of God. (p. 34)

Since we are teaching of a present-day God, our religion must reflect modern thought in order to be influential.  (While I am aware of few religions that have done this, Unity continues to evolve as evidenced by the recent publication of Heart-Centered Metaphysics by Paul Hasselbeck which introduces the language of Oneness, reflecting our current interpretation of traditional languaging with the understanding that there is no separation between us and the presence of God.)

EB's ecclesiology, or his view of the church's role in an individual's life and the individual's role in the church, is another primary theme in UQT.  EB states that movements such as Unity have formed in reaction to the failure of traditional Christian churches to realize that "Christianity is yet to be discovered." (p. 14)  Unity has been called "a return to first-century Christianity" because its focus is on Practical Christianity, which implies that Jesus intended us to practice his teachings.  Unity is unique from other organizations in the New Thought movement because its teachings are centered on the interpretation and articulation of Jesus' teachings.  Unity places Jesus as its true authority, and calls itself a Christian movement.

EB’s Christology (his view of Jesus Christ) presents a differentiation between Jesus Christ and the Christ consciousness.  In Unity, we see Jesus as our Way-Shower.  Jesus taught that “the kingdom of God is within you,” and he placed the emphasis on you, your unfoldment.  “Christ is the perfect idea of God for us,” (p. 29) and Jesus Christ was the perfect human demonstration of that idea.  

The Bible is Unity’s primary textbook: "essentially a record of human experiences in the quest for God and for Truth."  (p. 39)  EB’s most frequent reference source is the Bible, and his metaphysical interpretations of the Bible give authority to his concepts.   

Unity presents "a new science of prayer." (p. 5)  The possible overriding theme of EB’s theology is “you can change your life by altering your thoughts.” (p. 1) Prayer is our tool for altering our thoughts to get into alignment with the creative energy of the Universe.  Prayer is used to change ourselves, not God.  We do not stop thinking, we experience “high-level, creative thinking.” Unity uses affirmative prayer, “claiming and accepting” (p. 51) our good through the power of the I AM (i.e. I AM strong.) It requires disciplined effort to practice the presence of God, and we are “saved” when we choose to think positively and pray constantly.  EB’s soteriology (study of salvation) is expressed in his belief that we are saved by the power within. Most wisdom lies locked in the depths of our mental potential. "We are incurably religious" by nature and are "born to inquire after Truth." (p. 10)

Sickness is never God’s will, but is the result of an idea of limitation held in consciousness. Unity recognizes the value of medical science, but teaches that true health comes from within.  

We may believe we are limited to our physical existence, but EB shares that “we are spiritual beings living in a spiritual world governed by spiritual law.” (p. 71) EB introduces Unity’s theory of reincarnation as our answer to the question of how we can fully demonstrate the Christ life, but it is not the object of our study.

Unity teaches the prosperity law, that God is our Source,  and “within you is the “unborn possibility of opulence and fulfillment.” (p. 62)  

One theme of EB’s that I have questioned is his concept of the forgiveness of God.  He says that in reincarnation, we are given a second chance “through the forgiveness of God.” (p. 74)  To me, this statement implies that if we do not achieve perfection in this lifetime, we have sinned or done something that requires forgiveness.  He also gives a prayer treatment on pages 80-81 for accepting the forgiveness of God.  I will be interested to see if this concept of forgiveness continues in the same manner in his other works.

I also question his statement that “the entire Unity teaching might well be summed up under the headings of ‘prayer’ and ‘right thinking.’” (p. 52)  I believe what is missing here is expression, or action.  

While this book is small, it is densely populated with the main tenets of Unity.  When I first read this book, I was awed by its many revelations, and believe it continues to hold much of the splendor that is Unity.  I will be using the themes I have presented in this posting as the basis for evaluating how EB develops these ideas in his subsequent books.