Beyond the Literal: Christian Scripture & Metaphysical Interpretation

Fridays, July 17 – Aug 14
6:00pm – 8:00pm CST

Most Unity students are familiar with metaphysical interpretation. We know the language of consciousness, symbolism, and the search for deeper meaning beneath the surface of scripture. But where did this approach come from?

Did Charles Fillmore invent it? Or was he part of a much older stream of Jewish, Christian, and mystical thought?

In this class, we will trace the fascinating history of symbolic and metaphysical interpretation from Philo of Alexandria and the early church through the Desert Mothers and Fathers, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, and contemporary approaches to reading scripture. Along the way, we will discover how different interpretive lenses reveal different dimensions of a text—and of ourselves.

Together we will explore historical, metaphysical, mystical, liberation, and maieutic approaches to scripture, asking not only what a passage means, but what it asks of us.

This is not a class about memorizing metaphysical correspondences.

It is an invitation to engage scripture with greater depth, curiosity, and spiritual maturity.

Through discussion, reflection, journaling, small-group exploration, and practical application, participants will learn how symbolic interpretation emerged, what it offers, where its limitations lie, and how it can be integrated with other approaches to create a richer encounter with sacred text.

Whether you are new to metaphysical interpretation or have been studying Unity teachings for years, this course will deepen your understanding of how sacred stories continue to speak across centuries—and why they still matter today.

In This Course You Will:

• Discover the historical roots of metaphysical interpretation
• Learn how symbolic readings developed within Judaism and Christianity
• Explore the contributions of Philo, Origen, the Desert tradition, Charles Fillmore, and Myrtle Fillmore
• Compare historical, metaphysical, mystical, liberation, and maieutic approaches to scripture
• Practice reading biblical texts through multiple interpretive lenses
• Reflect on how interpretation shapes spiritual growth and understanding
• Develop a more expansive and nuanced relationship with scripture

No prior biblical scholarship is required.

Bring your curiosity, your questions, and your willingness to see familiar stories in a new way.

“The Bible is not just a book people read. It is a book people read themselves through.”