The principles set in place by the Fillmores that garnered religious commitment
Read chapters 8, 10, 12 and 14 of The Story of Unity
This lesson will focus on how the Fillmores were able to garner sufficient religious commitment to drive the development of the Unity movement.
We will conclude with a discussion of how "the movement was able to provide significant religious benefits without requiring substantial secular costs, organizational control or social status."
Factors of Religious Commitment (Stark and Finke)
- Exclusion of Free Riders (protection of the collective consciousness)
- Social Attachments
- Others express confidence in the teachings and practices
- Others participate in rituals
- One's experience of prayer
- Miracles attributed to practices
- People have mystical experience
- Ministers display commitment
- Stability of the congregation
