Rev. Dr. Jonathan Zenz
Suzanne Marlatt Stewart
Unity describes itself as having no creed, set dogma, or required ritual. It maintains that there is good in every approach to God and holds that one only focuses on the potential good in all—that the essence of every human is divine regardless of current behavior. Unity teaches that each person is a unique expression of God and is sacred and worthy. It emphasizes the creative power of thought and encourages choosing life-affirming thoughts, words, and actions to experience a more fulfilling and abundant life. Prayer is an essential part of Unity, it is not asking for a situation to be a certain way, but rather a shift in perception affirming the best outcome for all concerned.
The five basic ideas of Unity teachings reflect the universal spiritual principles taught in most of the world’s religions.
1. God is everywhere and always present in every circumstance. This divine energy underlies and animates all of existence.
2. Human beings are innately good because they are connected to and an expression of Spirit.
3. Our thoughts have creative power to influence events and determine our experiences.
4. Prayer and meditation connect and align us to our own spiritual nature and to God.
5. It is not enough to understand spiritual teachings. We must apply our learning in all areas of life, incorporating them into our thoughts, words, and actions.
I affirm I am the human essence of the divine, I am a light. When I truly believe this about myself, my thoughts and actions reflect that. Simplifying the teaching of Jesus is three phrases we say each week. Love only. Forgive everything. Remember who you are. Truly believing in these statements is a moment to moment choice in living my daily life.
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Zenz, senior minister of Unity of Tucson states the following: “We have narrowly packed away our understanding of God to make it something manageable in our own mind. In packing it away, we’ve separated ourselves from the deepest understanding that has been taught by sages and mystics through the ages. We are not separate from this thing called God; we are OF God. It’s time we unboxed God.”
Jonathan blends his background in musical theater acting and television production to bring a fresh spin on New Thought teachings and presents them in forward-thinking ways. Join us the fourth Sunday of the month at the DesertView Performing Arts Center in SaddleBrooke at 4 p.m. The next service is Feb. 22. The celebration is uplifting, loving, fun, and offers lots of music.
Other ways to stay connected between SaddleBrooke services are viewing the services on the Unity of Tucson website at 9:15 a.m. Sunday mornings (time will change the second week in February to 10 a.m.) or viewing current Sunday morning past services on YouTube. Unity of Tucson is a vibrant community offering a weekly variety of events.
Your donation is appreciated, to help cover theater rental and other expenses and is tax deductible.