An Introduction to Unionism

by BrJason on Mon Dec 29, 2008 1:22 pm

The Union Faith is a monotheistic religion founded by Jason Wilkins and Johnnie Arnold in
America at the end of 2008, emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind, religion, and God.
Union teachings emphasize the underlying unity of the major world religions. Religious history
is seen to have unfolded through a series of divine messengers, each of whom established a
religion that was suited to the needs of the time and the capacity of the people. These messengers
have included Krishna, Lao Tzu, Abraham, the Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad and others. Humanity
is understood to be involved in a process of collective evolution, and the need of the present time
is for the gradual establishment of peace, justice, and unity on a global scale.

Three core principles establish a basis for Union teachings and doctrine: the unity of God, the
unity of religion, and the unity of humankind. From these postulates stems the belief that God
reveals Truth through divine messengers, whose purpose is to transform the character of
humankind and develop within those who respond pure spiritual qualities. Religion is thus seen
as evolving and interrelated though shadowed by the limitations of human natural tendencies
toward prejudice and elitism.

Union describes a single, personal, accessible, omniscient, omnipresent, imperishable, and

almighty God who is the creator of all things in the universe as well as the created universe itself.
The existence of God and the universe is thought to be eternal, without a beginning or end. God
is directly accessible through meditation and prayer and is seen as conscious of creation, with a
will and purpose that is expressed through messengers termed Pathfinders of God.

Union teachings state that while God is too great for humans to fully comprehend, or to create a
complete and accurate image by themselves, human understanding of God can directly touch
upon and interact with the revelation of Truth via personal reflection upon the discernable
common teachings of all Pathfinders of God. In the Union religion God is often referred to by
titles and attributes (e.g. the Supreme Identity, Creator, Creation, or simply, God)

According to the Union teachings the human purpose is to learn to know and love God through
such methods as prayer, meditation, and reflection. Through recognition and obedience, service
to humanity and regular prayer and spiritual practice, the Union teachings state that the soul
becomes closer to God, the spiritual ideal in Union belief. When a human body dies, the soul
consciousness is released and passes into the realm of Truth, where spiritual development and
experience in the physical world becomes a basis for determining further incarnations. Heaven
and Hell are taught to be spiritual states of nearness or distance from knowledge of God that
describe relationships in this world and the next, and not physical places of reward and
punishment achieved after death.
The Union teachings emphasize the essential equality of human beings, and the abolition of
prejudice. Humanity is seen as essentially one, though highly varied; its diversity of race and
culture are seen as worthy of appreciation and acceptance. Doctrines of racism, sexism,
nationalism, caste, social class and gender or age-based hierarchy are seen as artificial
impediments to Unity. The Union teachings state that the Unification of humankind is the
paramount issue in the religious and political conditions of the present world.
At local, regional, and national levels, Union Sanctuaries elect members to clerical offices,
which run the affairs of each sanctuary. While some members may serve in these seemingly
higher corporate functions, every member of the faith is viewed as equal in all respects and the
terms brother or sister are the most commonly used forms of address. As an identity to the
outside world, all members are known as Union Clerics, in recognition that they are all
responsible for the work of the sanctuary and the sharing of the message of Union with their
community.

Union marriage is seen as a binding affirmation of love between two or more consenting adults
of any gender. Its purpose is mainly to foster spiritual harmony, fellowship, and unity between
the partners and their community and to provide a stable and loving environment for the rearing
of children.
While monasticism is allowed, it is not required or seen as a superior path to Truth. Performing
useful work is also considered a form of worship when it is motivated by the desire to
accomplish a service to humanity and not solely the generation of wealth.

Most Union meetings occur in individuals' homes, local Union Sanctuaries, or rented facilities.
Worldwide, there are two such sanctuaries. One is seated in the US city of Atlanta, Georgia, and
the other is located in Doncaster, UK.