Exploring our Foundation

Folx with Faith finds its roots in the Unity movement, a spiritual tradition that emerged in the late 19th century with a vision of practical, affirmative spirituality. Unity was founded by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore as part of the broader New Thought movement, which sought to explore the connection between consciousness, the divine, and the power of thought. It emphasized a practical approach to spirituality, one that could transform daily lives by aligning with divine principles.

Charles Fillmore, the author of Talks on Truth, was one of the cofounders of Unity, and this book was written during a time when the New Thought movement was still evolving—a reflection of a spiritual awakening that was just beginning to take shape. Since the time of Talks on Truth, our understanding of New Thought has grown and evolved, incorporating more diverse perspectives and expanding our awareness of the interconnectedness of all people and all forms of spirituality.

While there is no single dogma, doctrine, or theology universally agreed upon within the Unity movement, there are key principles that are broadly embraced—principles such as the inherent goodness of each individual, the power of affirmative prayer, and the understanding that each of us can tap into an inner connection with the divine. Folx with Faith reflects these same principles, recognizing that we are all participants in the evolution of spiritual consciousness on this planet.

The purpose of this blog is to honor the foundations that have brought us to where we are today while recognizing that we continue to evolve beyond them. Charles Fillmore did not have “all the information,” but we can still glean valuable wisdom from his teachings. By engaging with his work thoughtfully, we honor our foundation and our role in the ongoing transformation of spiritual understanding.

A Queer Perspective on Charles Fillmore’s Talks on Truth

Reading Talks on Truth from a queer lens can be both illuminating and challenging. Fillmore’s emphasis on finding the “Kingdom of God” within ourselves, the power of affirmations, and the idea that divine love is a transformative force can be deeply affirming for LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking spiritual empowerment. However, other parts of the text reflect rigid views on sexuality, gender, and the body that feel dissonant to a modern queer reader.

The Kingdom Within: Finding Power Beyond External Judgments

One of the recurring themes in Talks on Truth is the concept of the “Kingdom of Heaven” existing within each person. (1) This message resonates deeply with the queer community, particularly those who have struggled with rejection or exclusion from traditional religious spaces. Fillmore describes this inner kingdom as a source of wisdom, strength, and love that transcends external circumstances and societal norms. (2) For many queer individuals, whose identities have often been marginalized or invalidated by traditional religion, the idea that true peace and fulfillment come from connecting to an inherent inner divinity can be both healing and empowering.

In traditional religious spaces it can feel as though worth and value are defined by conformity to rigid norms, however, Talks on Truth offers a framework for reconnecting with one’s own inherent dignity and worth. (3) For LGBTQIA+ individuals, this book is a source of validation that they are inherently good and worthy, irrespective of external validation or condemnation. This teaching encourages readers to look within for the answers, rather than seeking approval from religious institutions or society. (4)

Another prominent New Thought author, Louise Hay, also emphasized the concept of co-creating reality through our thoughts and beliefs. While her work offered significant support for queer individuals, she understood the broader implications of shifting the collective consciousness. Hay recognized that it wasn’t enough for marginalized people to simply “affirm” their way into self-acceptance and safety. She actively engaged with heterosexual and cisgendered individuals to help them release their prejudices and biases, transforming the very spaces that perpetuated harm. When asked why she dedicated herself to this work, she responded, “Because I know what kind of world I want to live in.”

This holistic approach goes beyond the idea of “affirm it and it is so” by addressing both individual and systemic change. It acknowledges that while personal affirmations can be powerful, transforming the external environment is done through proactive engagement with the world. For queer individuals, this means that affirmations are not about passively accepting challenging circumstances, but about reclaiming one’s power and working towards a world that truly reflects love and justice.

The Universality of Love: An Affirmation Beyond Limitations

Fillmore speaks of divine love as a powerful force that transcends human limitations and judgments. (11) He often writes that love is the key to healing all wounds and that it is the very nature of God expressed in the world. This concept of love as expansive, inclusive, and transformative can be particularly affirming for queer individuals who have faced rejection or condemnation based on their identities. It offers a counter-narrative to exclusionary interpretations of religion that have been used to harm the LGBTQIA+ community.

This view of love, which goes beyond mere tolerance to a recognition of the sacredness of each person, aligns well with many contemporary affirming theologies. Fillmore’s concept of divine love as all-encompassing is a source of comfort and a reminder that their identity does not exclude them from God’s love but is, in fact, a unique expression of it.

Challenging Societal Norms: A Call for Liberation

Another theme that can be empowering for LGBTQIA+ readers is Fillmore’s emphasis on looking beyond societal standards to find truth. He writes, “That there is something wrong in the present standard of good is evidenced by the variety of opinions in the world as to what is good and what is evil. There should be no question on such vitally important points, and there would not be if the intellect would relinquish its claim to a knowledge of good and evil.” (12)

This statement can be seen as an invitation to question rigid social norms and definitions of morality. Fillmore’s encouragement to seek a deeper truth beyond societal conditioning can be liberating. It invites readers to see beyond the limitations of religious institutions that at times pathologize their identities and to claim their own moral and spiritual authority.

Navigating the Problematic Elements: Releasing What No Longer Serves

While there is much in Talks on Truth that can be empowering, there are also elements that may feel alienating or unhelpful, particularly around the topics of sexuality and gender. In his book The Twelve Powers Fillmore describes expressions of human sexuality as something that drains life energy. This reflects the limited understanding of his time. (13) He saw sex as a purely physical act that hindered spiritual growth, a view that can feel oppressive or shaming to those who see their sexuality as a healthy and integral part of their identity.

Additionally, Fillmore’s language is deeply gendered, often presenting masculine and feminine qualities as distinct and oppositional. (14) This archaic binary approach to gender identity is a limiting perspective. It negates the experience of many people that identify outside the gender binary or who experience gender as a fluid and multifaceted aspect of self.

It’s crucial to approach these teachings with a critical lens, recognizing that Fillmore’s understanding of sexuality and gender was shaped by the cultural context of the early 20th century. For modern readers, particularly queer readers, these views should be seen as reflections of a bygone era rather than spiritual truths.

Engaging with Discernment: Finding the Sacred Amidst the Imperfect

Ultimately, a queer reader can engage with Talks on Truth in much the same way as Jesus engaged with the Hebrew Scriptures—taking what resonates and releasing what doesn’t. On more than one occasion in the gospels, Jesus would quote something from the Hebrew scriptures and then provide an interpretation that fit the evolutionary consciousness of his time. An example is, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you: Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also, and if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, give your coat as well, and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.” Matthew 5:38-42 (NRSVue)

In this passage, Jesus was quoting Exodus 21, but then reinterprets it for the people of his time. This is a demonstration from the Gospel accounts that our understanding of life evolves and that it is important to let go of the things that do not serve.

There is value in Fillmore’s emphasis on the inner divinity, on the power of thought, and on the transformative potential of love. These teachings can be reinterpreted and applied in ways that affirm LGBTQIA+ experiences. But it’s equally important to reject teachings that no longer serve, particularly those that reinforce shame, limit self-expression, or deny the sacredness of our embodied selves. By approaching Talks on Truth with discernment, queer readers can honor Fillmore’s contributions while also creating space for new insights that reflect the diversity and beauty of contemporary spiritual life.

Folx with Faith: Expressions of Divine Love

Folx with Faith is a community dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ individuals in exploring their authentic spiritual selves. We provide a safe and affirming space where queer people can engage in spiritual growth, connect with others, and discover the sacred within themselves. It is our mission to create safe spaces to explore and experience spiritual wholeness. Folx with Faith supports the queer community, fostering a celebration of our authentic beings and empowering us to make a difference in the world.

As we continue our spiritual journey, we recognize that each of us plays a role in the evolution of consciousness on this planet. Charles Fillmore’s Talks on Truth provides a foundation from which we can draw inspiration, while also inviting us to question, reinterpret, and grow beyond it. The path toward spiritual wholeness is an ongoing process—one that embraces the wisdom of the past, the needs of the present, and the possibilities of the future.

At Folx with Faith, we honor the uniqueness of each person’s spiritual journey, and we invite you to join us in creating spaces of love, authenticity, and empowerment. Whether you’re interested in starting a group, joining our community, or exploring more about your spiritual path, we are here to support you.