What it looks and feels like to be…
Spiritually Progressive
Some of our NEWEST responses
“A Spiritually progressive community eliminates barriers, provides a platform of ‘good listeners’, and model an energy of joy, gratitude, and grace. It is a community of heart principles, rather than dogma, doctrine, and rules. It provides a space of understanding, love, and guidance for enhancing the mind, body, and Spirit. “
— Deb P.
“A progressive spiritual Unity Center would grow with the changing times. It would incorporate new spiritual outlooks that will openly and courageously address social and political issues in an expansive manner. This would result in lasting change within each individual for the betterment of our community and the world at large. It would engender a shift in perspective that will reach deep down into the hearts and minds of its members.
It would also not cease from mentioning the acceptance and understanding of individuals from the LGBTQ community, of the underserved and underprivileged, or of varying ethnic and religious groups. It would continue to create opportunities for service to people in need in San Diego and beyond.
A spiritually progressive Unity Center would also continue its outreach to people that are not presently in attendance in our Church such as participants who are younger, non-Caucasian, and those who come from non-Christian religious backgrounds. It would utilize current and evolving technologies to publicize our mission and to recruit new members. Embracing diversity would result in the growth and the strength of the Unity Center.
— Nancy S.
“Open to change as when new situations, thoughts and ideas present themselves. Embracing scientific evidence as God talking to us, e.g. scripture for today. We listen to climate, glaciers. An I:Thou relationship with our planet where God's living presence is the living biosphere and we have a sacred responsibility to be its steward (for our own good!). Vs I:It relationship where the earth is meant to be exploited. Mystery is real and we are open to learning and contemplating mystical teachings.”
— Bob L.
It would continue to invite speakers, musicians, and ministers from spiritual communities who can provide a fresh look at contemporary local and world problems with compassion and love.
— Nancy S.
“The facility would look less like a 1990-era church and more like a place for enrichment and full sensory experiences…no pews, no endless rows of chairs. The space could have small clusters of comfortable seating, warm lighting, and soft music. Small groups could interact with one another and not just sit facing forward in a straight line. The atmosphere would be relaxed and welcoming. In this way, newcomers and those who aren't a part of an established group could feel more connected to other members of the spiritual community.”
— Marti R.
“A spiritually progressive community would have some physical signs of embracing people from different cultures. It may not have a diverse population because of demographics, but it would display physical signs of other cultures. It would feel welcoming to those who wandered in and did not look like the regular attendees.
As an African American, if I walked into a Spiritual Community and they had an adrinka symbol incorporated into their spiritual symbols, I would feel welcomed. I would know that someone knew I existed and thought enough to have something there that represented me.”
— Ahmondra M.
“A spiritually progressive community honors the rich traditions of faiths other than their own. Not through cultural appropriation of sacred practices, but through a deep understanding of those traditions and the cultural practices behind them. Spiritually progressive congregations are welcoming of questions and opposing views without shaming or gaslighting. Even the act of questioning their own community traditions and beliefs would be welcomed. Is this ritual still valid for us? Does it do harm to others in the process? Do our members feel connected to whichever source they draw from? Do people feel safe in questioning what they hear on Sunday morning? Do they have space to mourn, celebrate, and exist in a brave and safe environment?”
— Elaine N.
“It would recognize that we are all members of the same planet. We all were born here and will die here. Therefore there is no them and we all need to care and protect all of us”us.”
— Jo Ann P
“Overall Unity is much more progressive than any other church I know. Today I find my generation is all about deconstructing the "Matrix". Questioning what reality is and how it is defined. Looking at the old way, honoring its place and purpose, being aware of the current ways and moving into the new ways. Gender inclusivity beyond the binary and the amplification of voices from many backgrounds, specifically those of the minority.”
— Kayla W.
“A community which is spiritually progressive is one where we are all equally free to express ourselves as individuals, learning to open our minds and living our life more cooperatively with others… It would recognize that we are all members of the same planet. We all were born here and will die here. Therefore there is no “them” and we all need to care and protect all of us”us.”
— Lynne H.
“…one that honors all paths. In order to do that this community would follow their own precepts in lessons. But they would invite individuals from other philosophies and theologies to offer classes or book studies to educate and to share. This offering of other philosophies would be actively endorsed by the leadership team. This type of spiritual center might seem threatening to some. But it would be very broadening to every individual who participates. It would be an opportunity to learn the great truth that we all honor God, Universal Spirit and could learn how much we can be alike in our beliefs.”
— M.W.
“In being spiritually progressive, we do not have the hard and fast rules and regulations of what you have to do to be "a good Christian" (I think the teachings of sin and punishment deter a lot of people). We encourage self growth, self awareness, and exploration.””
— Denise W.
“To me it means we are not spiritually prejudiced against others' religious beliefs. Everyone should seek to understand others and get along with them. No prejudice!”
— Barbara J.
“I can say that I enjoy hearing about the true nature of all religions. I was Cultural Anthropology major in college, and find diversity fascinating – and necessary. You can’t have the whole picture if you are missing pieces.”
— Kate G.
“…salute the youth, teens, even children…give them the platform to speak on a book they've written, a company that they've founded, a profound idea that they desire to bring into form, as examples. The future and progression of church can be inspired by what young people have brought forth already; whether they're in your congregation or another. ”
— Debra F.
“…mention one of Unity’s five principles in each of your lessons…State one specific principle each Sunday and speak to how this relates to your message. That way the membership and especially new people would become more aware of what our principle Unity beliefs are.”
— David N.
“To me, a spiritual, progressive community is one based on the universal concept of loving kindness, which is embedded in so many of the different religions of the world. The progressive aspect is that there is not a hierarchical structure of leadership. There would be an openness to all spiritual perspectives based on loving kindness.”
— Rob I.
“Simplicity comes to mind. Always keep it simple.”
— Bobbie B.
“…there are a variety of backgrounds and personalities…you are non-dogmatic. All free-thinkers are welcome.”
— Lucy M.