Lessons in Truth by H. Emilie Cady

Our metaphysics class found plenty to talk about in this Unity classic written in 1894-5. Cady's theology is very much the same as that of Unity churches today, starting with God as one with all creation. Her language, however, is dated, particularly in using "Father" as reference to the divine. Sometimes she tosses in "Father/Mother," but either way she seems to be talking about God as a separate entity; and this gave me stong urges to edit what is really a well written book. I doubt I would have read this book had I not had a group with which to discuss it. The discussion draws out the aspects that can change your thinking and living.

Celebrate Yourself! by Eric Butterworth

This book of short essays led to hours of lively discussion in our metaphysics group at Unity Church. Butterworth was a prominent Unity minister who had a knack for explaining Unity principles from the practical ("You don't have to make a nuisance of yourself by criticizing negative people." p. 28) to the transcendent ("...it is wisdom to turn from appearances and know the Truth, to see through all limitation to the cosmic vision of wholeness." p. 185). Part of the fun of discussing Butterworth was that we sometimes disagreed with him, e.g. when he describes God as a Mother-Father figure with the mother part being the heart and the father part being wisdom. Apart from what we regard as sexism, this approach is entirely too anthropomorphic for our group.

The Five Principles by Ellen Debenport

Ellen Debenport, a Unity minister in Texas elucidates the basic principles upon which Unity Church is founded. The adult version of them is a little wordy, but at the end of the book she presents a version for children and teens which clarifies them:

1. God is all good and active in everything, everywhere.
2. I am naturally good because God's divinity is in me and in everyone.
3. I create my experiences by what I choose to think and and what I feel and believe.
4. Through affirmative prayer and meditation, I connect with God and bring out the good in my life.
5. I do and give my best by living the Truth I know. I make a difference!