RevRuss's blog

Leaning In

I love the opening lines from the 1859 novel A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens:

Black Lives Matter On July 7, Unity Worldwide Ministries (UWM) posted on its Facebook page a meme that had the words: "What is your commitment to being a more active ally in the movement for Black lives?" Included were the hastags #BlackLivesMatter and #PrayerToAction.

Guest Blogger Rev. Dr. Rick Belous: Miracles, Unity,and Black Swans

Does Unity believe in miracles? Well, that all depends on what you mean by miracles. If by the word ‘miracles’ you mean “hocus pocus” and “abracadabra” magic tricks, then most leading thinkers in Unity would suggest that you are watching a “slight of hand” vaudeville show. No, it is a trick that you are watching. Enjoy it because there is nothing like a good magic show right in between the dog act and the dancing siamese twins.

Higher Laws

Guest Blogger Ron Karstetter: Why doesn’t Unity believe in original sin?

Original Sin or Original Blessing? Hiking is a big part of my spiritual practice. Being on a trail in the woods, helps me to relax, clear my mind and refocus; along with the gift of connecting with creation, and my place in the creative process. Some trails are clearly defined, others not so much; and on those occasional strays from the path, there are inevitably, wonderful surprises along the way, with opportunities to course correct, and to redirect my energy as needed.

This or Something Better

I have been noticing lately that I hear myself referencing 2 Corinthians 5:7, a little line that says, "for we walk by faith, not by sight." I don't know about you, but I much prefer walking by sight - deciding where I want to go and, with eyes wide open, going there. It just seems much easier to walk by sight and not by faith. My needs for comfort, security and clarity are met when I have all the facts in front of me (walking by sight). But if, as we say in Unity, "the nature of God is altogether good," then maybe walking by faith isn't such a bad thing.

Interfaith and Intra-faith

Thoroughout our Unity and New Thought communities, a key idea that is taught is "oneness" - the state or condition of being at one with our Creator, however we understand that Creator to be, and all other people. To that end, many of our communities engage in interfaith services and projects in which we pray with others or engage in service projects that serve the general good. A recent example at Unity of Fairfax was our hosting a program on behalf of Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions on April 2. In June, Unity of Fairfax will once again be hosting the "Ramadan Tent" on behalf of the American-Turkish Friendship Association in which not only local Muslims, but church and community groups are invited to join in breaking the Ramadan fast.

Repel Fewer Newcomers

I'm going to depart from my addressing a spiritual question in this blog and address a spiritual community question. That quetion is this: why does membership in faith communities remain static over years when we have so many visitors?

Is Everything the Work of God

I was once asked if everything that happens is the work of God. The answer to that question depends on one's concept of God. Had I been asked if I personally think that everything that happens is the work of God, I would say "no," and here's why.

Guest Blogger Lisa Colburn: Do We Need to be “Saved”?

In December 2014, my father’s sister, a devout Pentecostal, came to visit him in the hospital as he lay dying.

Success!

Success... we all want it, right? But the word means many things to many people. To some is means a lot of money, a big house, a fancy car and big title at work. To others it might mean perfect hair, an athletic body and a gold medal. To others it might mean sobriety, self-acceptance or freedom from disease. It's up to you. How you define success is directly related to your personal core values and mission in life.

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