The Theme for April 2026:
"You are an eternal expression of the universal flow"
Eric Butterworth (1916-2003), Unity Author, Minister & Teacher
Eric Butterworth was among the leading spokespersons in modern times on "practical mysticism." Eric was considered a legend and spiritual icon in the Unity movement. The author of 16 best-selling books on metaphysical spirituality, a gifted theologian, philosopher, and lecturer, and for over 50 years a teacher of "practical Christianity," helping thousands of people to help themselves to a more abundant life by the study and application of Truth. He possessed a unique ability to render the most complex metaphysical teachings in simple sound bytes of awareness. He mastered the art of the brief "essayette," of which he has written thousands and is often described as "The twentieth century Emerson."
Born in Winnipeg, Canada in 1916, Eric attended Fresno State University and Capital University in Ohio, where he studied music. He began training for the ministry at Unity Village in Missouri during WWII. He left to join the army and as a lieutenant in the Medical Corps, trained medical personnel and also served as chaplain and counselor. After the war, he returned to his ministerial studies and graduated from Unity Ministerial School.
A scholar and educator, Eric established three powerful Unity ministries. The first was in Pittsburgh. He then moved to Detroit, where his teaching resulted in the building of the Detroit Unity Temple, the largest Unity church at that time, where more that 2, 000 people attended his Sunday Services each week. While in Detroit, he authored his first book, Unity: A Quest for Truth. In 1961, Eric began his ministry in New York City. He lectured every Sunday at Carnegie Hall, then Town Hall, and since 1976, Avery Fisher Hall, where the weekly attendance grew to several thousand.
His devotees include people from all walks and stations of life, all of whom state that his teachings helped to change their lives. Eric was the first Unity minister to appear on Oprah , and speaking about his book Discover the Power Within You she said, "This book changed my perspective on life and religion. Eric Butterworth teaches that God isn't "up there." He exists inside each one of us, and it's up to us to seek the divine within."
Eric reminds us, "Prosperity is one of God's greatest gifts to us. A loving Father/Mother God would not want Its children to be in poverty, and it is an axiomatic universal law that prosperity will occur when we do put spiritual practices into business!" Eric Butterworth passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 17, 2003.
Born in Winnipeg, Canada in 1916, Eric attended Fresno State University and Capital University in Ohio, where he studied music. He began training for the ministry at Unity Village in Missouri during WWII. He left to join the army and as a lieutenant in the Medical Corps, trained medical personnel and also served as chaplain and counselor. After the war, he returned to his ministerial studies and graduated from Unity Ministerial School.
A scholar and educator, Eric established three powerful Unity ministries. The first was in Pittsburgh. He then moved to Detroit, where his teaching resulted in the building of the Detroit Unity Temple, the largest Unity church at that time, where more that 2, 000 people attended his Sunday Services each week. While in Detroit, he authored his first book, Unity: A Quest for Truth. In 1961, Eric began his ministry in New York City. He lectured every Sunday at Carnegie Hall, then Town Hall, and since 1976, Avery Fisher Hall, where the weekly attendance grew to several thousand.
His devotees include people from all walks and stations of life, all of whom state that his teachings helped to change their lives. Eric was the first Unity minister to appear on Oprah , and speaking about his book Discover the Power Within You she said, "This book changed my perspective on life and religion. Eric Butterworth teaches that God isn't "up there." He exists inside each one of us, and it's up to us to seek the divine within."
Eric reminds us, "Prosperity is one of God's greatest gifts to us. A loving Father/Mother God would not want Its children to be in poverty, and it is an axiomatic universal law that prosperity will occur when we do put spiritual practices into business!" Eric Butterworth passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 17, 2003.