Seventh-day Adventist

The Unity School of Christianity, founded by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, has a deep historical foundation in spiritual vegetarianism. The Fillmores believed that all life is sacred and that true spiritual maturity requires a commitment to non-violence toward all living beings. They taught that the 'Golden Rule' of harmlessness and lovingkindness should extend beyond human interactions to include the animal kingdom.

For over forty years, Charles Fillmore wrote passionately about the physical, mental, and spiritual harm caused by consuming animal products. He viewed the body as a temple and a 'harmonious instrument for the soul,' which he believed could not be fully refined while consuming the cells of slaughtered animals. This tradition emphasizes that universal peace on earth is inextricably linked to how we treat our 'little sisters and brothers' in the animal world.

Today, the Interfaith Vegan Coalition seeks to bring these founding ideals back into alignment with everyday church practices. By revisiting the original 'Thirty-Two Statements of Faith' and the metaphysical considerations of food, Unity members are encouraged to see plant-based living as a path toward world peace, personal health, and deeper spiritual at-one-ment with the Divine.

Charles Fillmore, the co-founder of Unity, was a conscientious vegetarian who included a specific statement on animal welfare in his original 'Thirty-Two Statements of Faith.' This statement explicitly linked human war and wanton destruction to the destruction of animals. Although this statement was removed from official church teaching in 1939, it remains a cornerstone of the tradition's original spiritual vision.

Fillmore’s writings, many of which are preserved at Unity Village in Missouri, argue that spiritual aspirants must adopt a plant-based diet to contribute to world peace. He believed that the 'lust for blood' permeates race thought and must be overcome to achieve a higher state of consciousness.

In Unity metaphysics, food is more than just matter; it carries the vibrations of the consciousness from which it came. Fillmore taught that animals experience terror and anger during slaughter, and these 'mental currents' permeate their flesh.

When humans consume these products, they take in elements of fear and violence that unsettle the physical and spiritual body. Unity teaches that many 'unidentified mental complexes' and 'vague fears of impending danger' may actually be echoes of the psychic terrors experienced by slaughtered animals.

The historical 'Unity Inn' was established specifically to demonstrate that humans can live well and healthfully on a meatless diet. This practical application of faith shows that the transition to veganism is not just a theory but a livable reality.

Modern Unity leaders, such as Reverend Carolyn J. Michael Riley, have continued this tradition by declaring church spaces as 'fur-free zones' and advocating for a consciousness that recognizes the 'Spirit' more clearly when vibrations of death are removed from the environment.

In Unity tradition, the physical body is viewed as a temple for the soul, and the quality of that temple is influenced by the vibrations we introduce into it. Charles Fillmore taught that the mental state of an animal at the time of its death remains within the cells of its flesh. When we consume these products, we are not just taking in physical matter, but also the 'vibrations of terror' and fear that the animal experienced. This can create a sense of internal discord, making it more difficult for a spiritual aspirant to achieve a state of peace and clear meditation.

By choosing plant-based foods, we align ourselves with the 'Love Universal.' This practice is seen as a way to refine the body into a harmonious instrument for the Spirit. Fillmore suggested that as one's spiritual consciousness develops, a natural discrimination in food choices often follows, leading away from anything that involves the suffering of innocent creatures.

Unity teachings emphasize that universal peace on earth is inextricably linked to how we treat all living beings. The 'lust for blood' in human history is seen as a cycle that will only be broken when we extend the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' to the animal kingdom. This perspective suggests that war and human cruelty are outward manifestations of the same lack of reverence for life that allows for the slaughter of animals.

True spiritual maturity involves recognizing the right of every creature to live out the full measure of its years. When we protect the helpless, we are practicing a quality of mercy and justice that opens the mind toward God. This is not just a dietary choice, but a commitment to a life of harmlessness that contributes to the collective peace of the world.

Early Unity writings proposed a fascinating link between the consumption of animal products and the craving for stimulants like alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. Fillmore observed that the 'fever' caused by digesting meat often led to an unnatural thirst, which in turn drove people toward strong drink. He suggested that a transition to a vegetarian diet could serve as a natural remedy for intemperance.

By moving toward a diet of cereals, vegetables, nuts, and oils, the body finds all necessary sustenance without the inflammatory effects of animal products. This shift supports a clear mind and a steady temperament, allowing the individual to remain focused on spiritual growth rather than physical cravings.

Modern Unity leaders, such as Reverend Carolyn J. Michael Riley, have expanded these historical teachings into contemporary actions, such as declaring church spaces 'fur-free zones.' This reflects the belief that removing products associated with death and suffering allows the Spirit to be felt more purely within the community. It is an invitation to raise the collective consciousness regarding the animal kingdom.

When discussing these topics within the congregation, the focus remains on 'Love Universal' rather than judgment. The goal is to encourage members to see the 'flash of wild birds’ wings' and the 'smallest wind-blown flower' as expressions of the Divine. By framing plant-based living as an act of affirmative prayer, the community visualizes a world where all needs are met through kindness.

Unity’s approach to the environment is rooted in the understanding that the world is 'athrill to the wakening of spring' and every leafing limb is kin to Divinity. Protecting the earth from human-caused destruction is seen as a spiritual necessity. A plant-based diet is a practical application of this stewardship, reducing the burden on the planet's resources.

Using affirmative prayer, Unity members can give thanks in advance for a world where humanity lives in harmony with nature. This involves visualizing the restoration of the earth and making personal commitments to do no harm, trusting that the Universe provides abundant plant-based sustenance for all.