Tenants

If you have a choice in your actions, choose the action that is loving, kind and compassionate above all else. Do no harm. It is understood that sometimes it is necessary to harm in order to live. In this religion we value self over others. Therefore, it is important to consider self preservation first. This is not to be confused with being selfish, self centered, narcissistic, or to take advantage of others. One must put their own “oxygen mask on first '' and prioritize self in order to best care for others. 

We believe that “Clear is kind.” Clear, honest communication is how we show love to each other. Kindness is not niceness. 

We are compassionate and without judgment. We observe without assigning meaning, value, or action.

We are grateful for the vessels we were born into. We are grateful for the vessels we have become. Humans are allowed to decorate, alter, and enjoy their vessel. No other human may touch, alter, decorate, or interfere with one’s vessel without one’s explicit and enthusiastic consent.

We encourage a  mastery of boundaries. It is important for each human to recognize their own earthly  limitations and respect them. Boundaries are not just for the physical body, but also for the mental and emotional states that are a part of every vessel. Maintaining your vessel is best done through the use of healthy, firm boundaries

This religion believes every vessel comes into this world as intended. Different shapes, sizes and abilities are honored and accepted. We do not believe vessels are “disabled”, but we do understand that earthly living may be more difficult for some than others. Therefore, we support and honor any reasonable accommodation to support vessels of all shapes, sizes, and abilities to participate in services and leadership. 

In this religion, we do not believe in good vs evil. We adamitely reject the idea of “original sin”. There is no black and white. Every rule has an exception and every tenant has shades of gray. We honor that this is an earthly form of categorization, but we never refer to other humans, animals, plants, or any other living entity as “bad”. Behaviors can be harmful/healthy. Actions can be helpful/unhelpful. 

If enough information is not available when making an assumption–as it is human to assume–choose the more generous path. For example, if an item goes missing and you do not know where it went. Do not assume someone has stolen it. Assume you have misplaced it and it is findable. Ask people if they have knowledge about your item, do not make accusations of theft. Not only to humans rarely respond well to accusations, but should you not ever find the answer it will bring a vessel more peace to assume it was an unfortunate event rather than believe they were slighted by a loved one. 

Treat everyone as they wish to be treated. As we honor every vessel as it comes to earth, we honor the difference among us. We understand that every preference of one human is similar to one’s personal preferences. Therefore, we do not teach “do unto others as they would do unto you”. We encourage asking for preferences and honoring them. 

If a preference cannot be obtained, then you may use your own preferences as an example. Or you can go with the obvious route. For example, in general every living thing values it’s own life. Do not take that life unless it is necessary for sustaining one’s own life.

Leave people, places, things, etc better than you found them. This rule lends to the general respect for people, places and things in the world around us. If you make a mess, clean it up. If you see a mess that is not yours and you have the ability to clean it up, do so. If you made a mess you cannot clean up, go in search of a mess you can clean up. These statements are as metaphorical as they are literal. 

Be kind. Be respectful. Right any wrongs within your power and ability. Pay it forward. Honor your fellow vessels, their earthly property and Mother Earth. 

#1 - Yourself
#2 - Your Partner (if you have them)
#3 - Your children (if you have them)
#4 - Those that you value most after yourself
#5 - Those who are in your circle of influence
#6 - Society as a whole (I recommend growing your circle geographically from here)

The idea of prioritization of self  is discussed in many of the other tenants. However, it is imperative to extend that priority after one’s own self if possible. Some vessels come to this earth only capable of caring for themselves, should you be born privileged enough to care for others it is your duty to do so, as long as you are physically, mentally and emotionally able. We consider caring for others and our communities as a privilege and seek opportunities to do activities that serve, care for, and build others. 

As one grows, so does the whole. As the whole grows, so does each individual. 

Do the best you can in everything you try. We value failure and learning opportunities. Therefore, if you tried your best and still failed, your efforts are still valuable from the knowledge you gain for the collective. Share your failures and keep trying to better yourself. 

This religion rests upon the premise that as each individual achieves greater enlightenment, the whole continues to ascend towards enlightenment. We do not believe in “try harder” as it is our way to try our best. We believe in the scientific method and “try different”. Failure is one of our earthly vessels most valuable tools. 

Additionally, not everything that does not turn out as expected is a failure. Be creative. Be innovative. Keep moving forward. 

In order to be your best, you must maintain your vessel and keep it in good working order. It is understood that not every vessel operates the same. Nor do all vessels share the same abilities or construction. 

The vessel is the best to understand what the individual vessel needs. 

Yet, there are some general rules that can be applied with keeping the mind, body, spirit, and emotional self stable, healthy, and whole. Should something in your vessel malfunction, seek help from those who are qualified to help. 

Should your vessel be in good working condition and you have the skills and ability to help others, do so. If you recognize that someone is in need of help, help them if you are able. 

As you expand your priorities–based on your abilities–outward, seek those with less privilege and power to support. We believe in equity and justice. It is our duty to work towards equity so that the Greater Entity can thrive.

Failure is human. Accepting accountability for failures, missteps, disrespect or other offensive actions is imperative. 

Apologizing and forgiveness is an important tenant. We believe that the words “Sorry” are meant to be used to convey an acknowledgement of a slight to another living entity or vessel. As well, as the actions necessary to correct that slight. Accidents happen, but looking at the root cause and accepting accountability is a way we can move towards forgiveness. 

Forgiveness can also be a one-sided we use to release our vessels from anger or hurt. Forgiveness does not equal second chances or trust. 

Our religion is based upon the bettering of one’s own self in order to increase the capacity and enlightenment of the group as a whole. 

A large part of the sacrament ritual is the experience of opening one’s mind. We encourage exploration, experimentation, travel, learning, and connection. 

Humans are storytellers. Tell your story and seek the stories of others.

Part of the first steps in your journey as a Unitivist is to uncover your purpose. Our purpose is often identifiable through our values and our passions. The goal is to maintain alignment with your values, your purpose, and your passion. These things should be the north star that you look towards any time you need to make a big life decision.

Body autonomy means not only maintaining control over your personal self, but it also means we do not attempt to coerce or control the actions of others. We strive to focus only on controlling one's own personal behaviors. 

Not only can we not control others, but we can not often control our environment. Natural disasters, death, accidents, ect. are outside of our ability to control. We believe in being prepared, but not spending an excessive amount of time worrying about uncontrollable events. 

We focus on the present time and manage our thoughts and behaviors in a way that offers a comfortable existence. We accept that our own human emotions are not something we can control, but understand that by modifying our thoughts we can influence our emotional selves. We understand that while we cannot control our emotions, we can control the behaviors we exhibit when experiencing those emotions. We strive for self mastery and acceptance of all other things outside of our control

Everything in nature requires balance. There is an exception to every rule and several shades of gray. Black and white thinking leads to thinking errors and extreme behaviors. We believe in finding the right amount of everything that works for you. 

Eat the right amount of food for your body type. Eat the types of foods that make your body feel good. 

Drink the right amount of water for your body weight and size. 

Enjoy a balance of recreation, rest, and activity. 

Develop the shadow side of your strengths. 

If life changes and things are out of alignment, take action to keep your life in balance.