Minister's Message
Morgan's Top Five Metaphysical "Must Reads"

Unity Church of Christianity Appleton, Wisconsin

May 2005

Dear Friends,

A member of our congregation recently asked me what are my all time favorite metaphysical books. As I am a lover of history, I asked the person, did they mean my favorite volumes that teach truth ideas or volumes that document the history of the New Thought movement. For this brief article, I will share some of my favorites that I think most clearly state Unity and New Thought ideas.

Discover The Power Within You by Eric Butterworth is a Unity classic. Rev. Butterworth was a legend in the New Thought movement. Large crowds in New York City gathered in Lincoln Center to hear him each Sunday. For over 50 years he taught "Practical Christianity," to thousands of people. Butterworth possessed the unique ability to render the most complex metaphysical teachings in simple sound bytes of awareness. He has mastered the art of the brief "essayette," of which he has written thousands and is often described as "The twentieth century Emerson." He recently made his transition. All his other volumes are powerful as well.

Lessons In Truth by Emilie Cady is the unofficial "textbook" of Unity, along with the Bible. Myrtle Fillmore discovered a pamphlet written by Cady and she showed it to Charles Fillmore. Cady's articles were featured in early Unity publications. Cady was a healer and a doctor of homeopathy. The twelve lessons that make up her popular work are fundamental ideas for all those who study New Thought.

Prosperity by Charles Fillmore was one of only two volumes he wrote as books. All his other publications were transcriptions of talks that were edited into books form. This work was written in the middle of the depression probably shocked many, as he taught that we all can be prosperous.

One way to more fully understand the deep thinking of Charles Fillmore is to read The Essential Charles Fillmore. Jim Gather, who taught at Unity School, selected Fillmore's most important essays and provided introductions to each of the group of essays. This volume is a powerful tool for studying Fillmore's complex ideas.

The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes is the text book of Science of Mind and Religious Science. Ernest Holmes and Charles Fillmore had much in common. Both were self taught and they read most of the world's great sacred writings. Both men effectively captured the essential truths of the message of Jesus and both were taught by Emma Curtis Hopkins. Holmes was one generation later than Fillmore and he wrote primarily during the1930s and 1940s. Holmes had the advantage of incorporating ideas from modern psychology into his writings. The text book outlines most New Thought concepts with clarity. Holmes other works are "must reads" as well.

Well we got through Morgan's top five; maybe we will explore some more titles next month to round out the top 10. Several of the books can be found in our library, and the Book Nook will order volumes you request.

Blessings,

Reverend Morgan
minister@unityofappleton.org