For many spiritual seekers, the Bible is a cornerstone of religious education and understanding. At Unity, we also use the Bible as an important part of our spiritual education, but we view it differently than traditional or literal interpretations might suggest.
We explore the Bible through a metaphysical lens, seeking the deeper spiritual truths and symbolism beneath the surface of its stories.
Unity sees the Bible not just as a sacred book, but as a profound spiritual roadmap that reflects the evolution of human consciousness. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible chronicles our journey of consciousness from a sense of separation from the Divine to the realization of our Oneness with God. It captures the internal struggle, the triumphs, the fears, the faith, and the ultimate awakening that each soul experiences on the spiritual path.
Metaphysical Interpretation: Looking Beyond the Literal
At the heart of Unity’s approach is metaphysical interpretation. This means we look beyond the literal words and events and seek to understand the spiritual meaning behind them. For example, instead of viewing the Garden of Eden story as a historical account of the first humans, Unity sees it as a powerful allegory for the moment humanity began to perceive itself as separate from God. The “fall” is not about punishment, but about the journey into duality and human awareness.
Characters in the Bible—like Moses, David, Mary, and Jesus—can be seen as archetypes, representing different aspects of the human psyche and stages of spiritual development. Stories of battles, miracles, and parables serve as metaphors for the inner conflicts and revelations we encounter on our path to spiritual awakening.
This perspective allows the Bible to become deeply personal. It’s not just about what happened to these characters thousands of years ago—it’s about what’s happening in us, right now. Each verse offers insight into our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and Divine potential.
The Bible as a Spiritual Guide
Many in the Unity movement find the Bible to be a daily source of inspiration, guidance, and wisdom. What changes is how we engage with it. We ask questions like: “What does this story say about my spiritual journey?” “How does this verse help me better understand my relationship with God?” “What is the metaphysical meaning behind this symbol?”
We also recognize that the Bible was written by many people over centuries, each bringing their own perspective, cultural context, and level of spiritual understanding. As a result, the Bible contains a rich tapestry of ideas—some deeply inspired, others reflective of the times in which they were written.
This interpretive freedom allows us to approach the Bible with both reverence and openness. We do not see it as a closed book of rules, but as a living document—one that can continue to evolve in meaning as we grow in spiritual awareness.
Returning to Oneness
Ultimately, Unity teaches that the Bible points us toward the rediscovery of our Oneness with God. It tells the story of humanity’s perceived separation from the Divine—a separation born not of reality, but of mistaken identity. We are not flawed, fallen, or forsaken. We are, and always have been, expressions of the Divine.
In Unity, we affirm that God is within us, around us, and expressing through us. The Bible, when interpreted metaphysically, affirms this Truth. Jesus’ life and teachings serve as a model for spiritual awakening, not as something only he could attain, but as a potential within us all.
So, when we read the Bible in Unity, we do so with open hearts and curious minds. We invite the Spirit to speak to us through the stories, symbols, and wisdom woven throughout its pages. And we remember that beneath the words lies a deeper mystical Truth—one that leads us home to the awareness of our unity with God, with each other, and with all creation.