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[The Five Principles: A Guide to Practical Spirituality] [By: Debenport, Ellen] [June, 2009]
The Five Principles was written to provide tools for daily living and suggests answers to the great questions of existence that humans have been asking since the dawn of conscious awareness.What is this greater Presence that we sense around us?Who and what are we?Why do things happen in our lives the way they do?How can we communicate with this Presence?What are we here to do?
Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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About the author
Ellen Debenport
4 books7 followersI was 8 years old when I whined to my mother, “I’m bored!” Schoolteacher that she was, she sat me down at the kitchen table and told me to write a poem. I wrote a dozen before bedtime. I’ve been writing ever since.
When I went to college, I was told writers majored in English or journalism. I wasn’t entirely sure what journalism was, but Journalism 101 was the class that clicked. After working on the campus newspaper at Baylor University and earning a journalism degree, I wrote and wrote and wrote, on deadline, starting with the police beat in Beaumont, Texas, and ending with the morass in Washington, D.C. Along the way, I covered everything from weather to high school basketball to hog markets for United Press International and focused mostly on politics at the Tampa Bay Times, covering campaigns for president and governor.
No one was more surprised than I when “the call” came for ministry. I’d always heard that term — he was “called” to ministry — and never believed it until it happened to me. It is a call, a voice within, a pull toward a life I never imagined from the press plane. Even after I began to hunger for spiritual connection in my 40s, I never expected it to yield a new career. But my spiritual path literally became my full-time job.
I was ordained in the Unity church in 1999, served as associate and senior minister at Unity of Dallas and now have a small church full of smart, delightfully wacky people in Wimberley, Texas, in the Hill Country outside Austin. They support me in writing and speaking about the power of the human spirit.
My work is intended to awaken people to their innate possibilities, inner resources and divine abilities, lighting their way through life’s difficulties and joys.
When I went to college, I was told writers majored in English or journalism. I wasn’t entirely sure what journalism was, but Journalism 101 was the class that clicked. After working on the campus newspaper at Baylor University and earning a journalism degree, I wrote and wrote and wrote, on deadline, starting with the police beat in Beaumont, Texas, and ending with the morass in Washington, D.C. Along the way, I covered everything from weather to high school basketball to hog markets for United Press International and focused mostly on politics at the Tampa Bay Times, covering campaigns for president and governor.
No one was more surprised than I when “the call” came for ministry. I’d always heard that term — he was “called” to ministry — and never believed it until it happened to me. It is a call, a voice within, a pull toward a life I never imagined from the press plane. Even after I began to hunger for spiritual connection in my 40s, I never expected it to yield a new career. But my spiritual path literally became my full-time job.
I was ordained in the Unity church in 1999, served as associate and senior minister at Unity of Dallas and now have a small church full of smart, delightfully wacky people in Wimberley, Texas, in the Hill Country outside Austin. They support me in writing and speaking about the power of the human spirit.
My work is intended to awaken people to their innate possibilities, inner resources and divine abilities, lighting their way through life’s difficulties and joys.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 1, 2011
A well written treatise that can be seen only as an explanation of the five principles that Unity (unity.org) is built upon, or as a remarkably clear "how-to" manual for conducting our lives as the manifestation of pure Spirit that we are. I am recommending this book to all who have expressed an interest in attaining higher consciousness and awareness of their innate spirituality. I have followed Ellen's podcast, Absolute Living, on unity.fm for over two years now, enjoying the short insights into how she perceives the world as a minister and spiritual being. This book was the concentrated, concise compendium of those vignettes that I was hoping for.
June 17, 2016
This was a required reading for membership in a Unity church. If you are looking for a very concise and well-organized introduction to beliefs of Unity, look no further. While it does not go into stuff like history of Unity or how churches are run, it gives a great overview of the Unity way of approaching common everyday problems in life.
April 22, 2013
I have sought the help of New Thought (NT) authors and organizations numerous times. They have offered valuable principles to live by, especially to gain confidence in myself and to overcome some oppressive and narrow fundamentalist theology. NT advertises itself as "practical spirituality" and it continues to be a positive influence in my life. But I must confess that I have never found NT being able to completely satisfy my quest for divine inspiration or give me answers to ethereal quandaries. The NT God is an impersonal pantheistic God, a Force, a Law (like the law of gravity), as much present in a rock and in our pinkie as in the Ebola virus. "Well, God is as personal as you wish to make Him/It/Her," is the typical NT retort. We make Him up. OK, so I'll make my pet rock personal? Maybe we can have some good conversations?
"God is Absolute Good, everywhere present," is an NT mantra. "This principle seemed obvious to our animistic forbears, who perceived the action of Spirit in all forms of life," states Debenport (p 20). This is not true. All aboriginal religions had pantheons or hierarchies of gods which were both good and not so good. That is, the divine was multidimensional and communicated with mankind in myriad of ways--to guide and teach and to reward and punish. Eastern religions perceive the divine powers as creative, sustaining and destroying. Yes, biblically, we can rightly refer to God as loving, as good, as just, and merciful, but He is not a one-sidedly Absolute Good as NT would have it. The universe demands balance to be functional. Wherever there is imbalance (e.g. only an Absolute Good) opposite forces will rush in to keep a balanced tension. By free will we can choose which force we follow and hold as our ideal but we should always keep in mind that other forces are constantly in play. Our mantra should rather be that "harmonic balance will always win over chaotic imbalance" and that our consciousness will ultimately seek its home in harmony. We are capable of communing with a god, God (i.e. the inner Higher/Christ consciousness) or members of the divine hierarchy, such as Masters of wisdom (e.g. Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, Brahman, etc) to seek harmony, but in order to grow in wisdom and develop experience we will encounter hardship. "Bad things" are part of existence in the school of life. Our karmic influences and legacies are given short shrift by most NT teachers which to me leave huge gaps in the credibility of their teachings.
NT pretty well teaches that everything is up to us. "You are the only one who creates in your experience--no one else. Everything that comes to you comes by the power of your thought," writes Abraham of Abraham-Hicks. Consequently, if our situation is dire we can thank--or rather blame--ourselves, and only we can change our predicament by our thought. That isn't much comfort to the starving, the destitute, the crippled, the dying. Yes, it is generally true that positive thinking and constructive attitudes are essential to living happy and productive lives. But there are other forces at play also, competing or complementary. Could our ecosystem survive if every day had sunshine? No. The contrasts, the nuances, the unpredictability, the sorrows as well as joys, the successes as well as failures, are what make life worth the experience. For me NT tries to make our experiences one-dimensional by constantly urging us to conjure up "great wonderfulness." This can take the form of mental magic. But the faith element referred to as "the will of God," encompassing the concepts of destiny and karma is swept aside. The will of God is taught by NT teachers to be our own will since "we are God." Debenport states: "A great many people believe that our duty as human beings is to discover and surrender to God's will for our lives. Implicit in this belief is the assumption that God demands something contrary to our own desires." (p 79) Logically it follows that God's desires are ours and our desires are God's, which, cynically, could make an excellent mantra for Jihadist assassins.
In NT theology Jesus is seen as a do-gooder who willed himself through thought to become saint-like. He died on the cross because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. "Redemption means to repair for the better, to restore. It is the alchemy of turning metal to gold, bad to good, lemons to lemonade.... The Easter metaphor of crucifixion, tomb and resurrection reflects our lives as they play out over and over." (p 54) His crucifixion and resurrection are metaphors. His so-called miracles are either myths or have only allegorical explanations. His references to sin, evil, judgment and Satan are considered purely symbolic.
In my later years I have come to the realization that NT tends to be a fair weather philosophy, cosmically unbalanced, self-presumptive and often fraught with practitioner's guilt of failure and eventual disillusionment. Yes, NT can assist with healing, it can give courage and it can provide hope. It justly calls the bluff on wrathful, fear-mongering, exclusivistic religions. Except for rampant elements of personal greed and pride among successful NTers (also found among evangelical Christians), NT is generally benign and well-intentioned.
There are many inspiring books on NT. I found this one largely uninspiring, including the cover art. Debenport seems to be writing defensively, expecting critics of NT to pounce on her ideas so she is frequently trying to justify her logic. In spite of what she says she comes across as uncomfortable, not totally convinced. The material presented in 120 pages could easily have been condensed into a pamphlet of a several pages. I still admire many aspects of NT but would not recommend this book.
For a broader insight into NT's worship of successful practical spirituality, see the Abraham-Hicks website.
"God is Absolute Good, everywhere present," is an NT mantra. "This principle seemed obvious to our animistic forbears, who perceived the action of Spirit in all forms of life," states Debenport (p 20). This is not true. All aboriginal religions had pantheons or hierarchies of gods which were both good and not so good. That is, the divine was multidimensional and communicated with mankind in myriad of ways--to guide and teach and to reward and punish. Eastern religions perceive the divine powers as creative, sustaining and destroying. Yes, biblically, we can rightly refer to God as loving, as good, as just, and merciful, but He is not a one-sidedly Absolute Good as NT would have it. The universe demands balance to be functional. Wherever there is imbalance (e.g. only an Absolute Good) opposite forces will rush in to keep a balanced tension. By free will we can choose which force we follow and hold as our ideal but we should always keep in mind that other forces are constantly in play. Our mantra should rather be that "harmonic balance will always win over chaotic imbalance" and that our consciousness will ultimately seek its home in harmony. We are capable of communing with a god, God (i.e. the inner Higher/Christ consciousness) or members of the divine hierarchy, such as Masters of wisdom (e.g. Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, Brahman, etc) to seek harmony, but in order to grow in wisdom and develop experience we will encounter hardship. "Bad things" are part of existence in the school of life. Our karmic influences and legacies are given short shrift by most NT teachers which to me leave huge gaps in the credibility of their teachings.
NT pretty well teaches that everything is up to us. "You are the only one who creates in your experience--no one else. Everything that comes to you comes by the power of your thought," writes Abraham of Abraham-Hicks. Consequently, if our situation is dire we can thank--or rather blame--ourselves, and only we can change our predicament by our thought. That isn't much comfort to the starving, the destitute, the crippled, the dying. Yes, it is generally true that positive thinking and constructive attitudes are essential to living happy and productive lives. But there are other forces at play also, competing or complementary. Could our ecosystem survive if every day had sunshine? No. The contrasts, the nuances, the unpredictability, the sorrows as well as joys, the successes as well as failures, are what make life worth the experience. For me NT tries to make our experiences one-dimensional by constantly urging us to conjure up "great wonderfulness." This can take the form of mental magic. But the faith element referred to as "the will of God," encompassing the concepts of destiny and karma is swept aside. The will of God is taught by NT teachers to be our own will since "we are God." Debenport states: "A great many people believe that our duty as human beings is to discover and surrender to God's will for our lives. Implicit in this belief is the assumption that God demands something contrary to our own desires." (p 79) Logically it follows that God's desires are ours and our desires are God's, which, cynically, could make an excellent mantra for Jihadist assassins.
In NT theology Jesus is seen as a do-gooder who willed himself through thought to become saint-like. He died on the cross because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. "Redemption means to repair for the better, to restore. It is the alchemy of turning metal to gold, bad to good, lemons to lemonade.... The Easter metaphor of crucifixion, tomb and resurrection reflects our lives as they play out over and over." (p 54) His crucifixion and resurrection are metaphors. His so-called miracles are either myths or have only allegorical explanations. His references to sin, evil, judgment and Satan are considered purely symbolic.
In my later years I have come to the realization that NT tends to be a fair weather philosophy, cosmically unbalanced, self-presumptive and often fraught with practitioner's guilt of failure and eventual disillusionment. Yes, NT can assist with healing, it can give courage and it can provide hope. It justly calls the bluff on wrathful, fear-mongering, exclusivistic religions. Except for rampant elements of personal greed and pride among successful NTers (also found among evangelical Christians), NT is generally benign and well-intentioned.
There are many inspiring books on NT. I found this one largely uninspiring, including the cover art. Debenport seems to be writing defensively, expecting critics of NT to pounce on her ideas so she is frequently trying to justify her logic. In spite of what she says she comes across as uncomfortable, not totally convinced. The material presented in 120 pages could easily have been condensed into a pamphlet of a several pages. I still admire many aspects of NT but would not recommend this book.
For a broader insight into NT's worship of successful practical spirituality, see the Abraham-Hicks website.
May 18, 2017
This is an attempt to explain the 5 principles of the Unity church. One and two- easy to wrap your brain around. The other 3- not so much. The author claims these are spiritual principles akin to gravity- true whether you believe them or understand them or not. The claim might stand philosophically, observationally, logically, historically through human development for 1 and 2, but the other 3 ideas still stand in "belief" as far as Im concerned. Whether this is a shortcoming in the writing and support or, more likely, an evolutionarily new concept for humans, I don't know.
August 2, 2013
I recently started attending a unity church and so far my experience has been positive. I have no objection to these principles but it seemed like the author was trying to sell me something and it felt a little hollow. It read more like a self-help book rather than a theological treatise.
July 23, 2025
This is my first time reading NT literature - it’s part of the new membership reading for my local church.
I was literally raised with the family mantra •always expect the worst so you’ll never be disappointed” which is awful. They meant well as a way to teach me to brace myself of hardships and when things don’t work out but OMG… Living and waiting for the other shoe to drop for 40 years is exhausting.
This is a relatively good book but growing up with that mentality, it definitely works best to read this with someone like my local Reverend to explain all the questions I have.
I do enjoy going in this direction and I look forward to further shifting my daily outlook on life.
I was literally raised with the family mantra •always expect the worst so you’ll never be disappointed” which is awful. They meant well as a way to teach me to brace myself of hardships and when things don’t work out but OMG… Living and waiting for the other shoe to drop for 40 years is exhausting.
This is a relatively good book but growing up with that mentality, it definitely works best to read this with someone like my local Reverend to explain all the questions I have.
I do enjoy going in this direction and I look forward to further shifting my daily outlook on life.
September 1, 2020
Stabilizing and gifted
There are so many way to approach learning and understanding metaphysics, from the ridiculous to the sublime. And often so much more complicated than necessary. This is an excellent look at the principles that govern living a spiritual life in this very challenging physical environment. I have been a student of metaphysics for decades and yet I find this book to be the excellent basic book we can all learn from. This is not a religious book and relies on the principles that are the basis for all world religions. Give it a try!
There are so many way to approach learning and understanding metaphysics, from the ridiculous to the sublime. And often so much more complicated than necessary. This is an excellent look at the principles that govern living a spiritual life in this very challenging physical environment. I have been a student of metaphysics for decades and yet I find this book to be the excellent basic book we can all learn from. This is not a religious book and relies on the principles that are the basis for all world religions. Give it a try!
February 22, 2018
Very uplifting
As I read this book, I thought back to a few instances in my life and these principles fit perfectly with what I was thinking and feeling at the time.
I am very happy to have this book as part of my library.
As I read this book, I thought back to a few instances in my life and these principles fit perfectly with what I was thinking and feeling at the time.
I am very happy to have this book as part of my library.
October 15, 2020
Clear, well written explication of the Unity spiritual movement. As we are coming to understand quantum physics, so we are coming to understand the expression of those laws in spiritual terms. This book does a masterful job of this emerging understanding.
November 19, 2020
Great
This book was clearly written and the ideas very helpful in exposing the five principles. Particularly helpful in explaining prayer. Have lots of underlines and will return to it in sure.
This book was clearly written and the ideas very helpful in exposing the five principles. Particularly helpful in explaining prayer. Have lots of underlines and will return to it in sure.
February 28, 2023
A good foundational book
This is an easy read to understand the 5 principals that make the Unity movement the success it is today. These principles are the foundation of any well respected spiritual practice!
This is an easy read to understand the 5 principals that make the Unity movement the success it is today. These principles are the foundation of any well respected spiritual practice!
June 17, 2017
This is a wonderful book to clarify The Five Principles that reflect the laws of the universe. I highly recommend this book. It is easy to read and understand.
July 27, 2018
Straightforward guide
Well organized and clear guide to Unity principles. Great examples and references for further contemplation and investigation. Will be rereading and sharing.
Well organized and clear guide to Unity principles. Great examples and references for further contemplation and investigation. Will be rereading and sharing.
November 6, 2019
Ways to live.
June 9, 2021
Concise. Clear. On point.
Great read.
Consciously elevating to pick it up and read any chapter.
Great read.
Consciously elevating to pick it up and read any chapter.
January 17, 2013
Five basic beliefs of the Christian denomination known as “Unity." God is all in all, human beings have a spark of divinity within them, we all create our environment by the thoughts and attitudes we hold in mind, prayer as communion with God, and people must put into action the truth they know.
July 20, 2013
I think Ellen is a great writer and speaker. I keep this book near my bed as a reference when I get a little lost in life.
I thumb open the page and it always brings me back to a great place..
I thumb open the page and it always brings me back to a great place..
July 23, 2013
Great book explaining Unity Principles in clear and understandable way.
June 19, 2015
A little too new-agey for me...
April 30, 2016
Easy to hear. Easy to read. Hard to do.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews