I mentioned in another post, and just looked up to get the exact name
and details.
This is a report of his "passing" and something about him and his
life.
Our beloved minister/teacher and spiritual guide, Eric Butterworth,
made a peaceful transition into the Flow of Eternal Life on Thursday,
April 17, 2003, at Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, Connecticut. Eric
was considered a legend and spiritual icon in the Unity movement.
Charles Fillmore, grandson of the founder of Unity, has described him
as "Unity's leading spokesman." We will never know the countless
number of lives that have been changed by applying the Spiritual
Principles taught by Eric Butterworth.
The author of 16 best-selling books on metaphysical spirituality, a
gifted theologian, philosopher, and lecturer, Eric was a highly
respected New Age pioneer and innovator of New Thought, whose life
was dedicated to helping people to help themselves. His teaching was
focused on the Divinity of all people and his desire was that
everyone would know their Oneness with God. He began his daily radio
broadcasts, which at times went around the world, with the words: "
You can change your life by altering your thoughts." A gentle voice
with a powerful message, he inspired hundreds of thousands of people
for over fifty years. His vital radio messages, most needed in our
time, will continue.
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.
In 1968, Eric wrote his first bestseller, Discover the Power Within
You, which is considered a classic in the New Thought Spiritual
Movement. His other popular books include Spiritual Economics, The
Universe
Is Calling, and Life Is for Loving. His latest book, The Creative
Life: 7 Keys to Your Inner Genius, has received widespread
recommendation and praise. Eric's books have been translated into
several languages, and he has often been referred to as a "Twentieth
Century Emerson." A visionary and an innovator, he originated the
Spiritual Therapy Workshops, which he conducted for over 35 years.
His devotees include people from all walks and stations of life, all
of whom state that his teachings helped to change their lives. In the
premier issue of "O" Magazine, Oprah Winfrey identified Discover the
Power Within You as one of the books that changed her perspective on
life and religion. It is on her list of "classics" that she will
recommend in her new book club. Oprah states: "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." Her favorite quote by
Eric is: "The greatest mistake is believing that we are 'only human.'
We are human by expression but Divine in creation and limitless in
potentiality." Dr. Maya Angelou, beloved by millions, has stated of
Eric: "He has been, is now, and shall forever be my teacher." The
unique spiritual bond that existed between Eric and Maya is evident
to all who know them. Noted composer, Marvin Hamlish, another
admirer, said: "All who heard him were truly inspired. He led them
home to themselves. Eric was a true prophet."
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.
Eric Butterworth was scheduled to deliver his much-anticipated Easter
message at Avery Fisher Hall. The lecture he had written was
delivered instead by Olga Butterworth, whose meditations have
complimented Eric's Sunday messages since their marriage in 1972.
In addition to Olga, Eric is survived by his sons, Tom of New Canaan,
Connecticut; Alan of St. Louis; and Charles of Baltimore; and eight
grandchildren.
Gifts, specifically designated: "To the Memory of Eric Butterworth,"
may be sent to The Unity Center, Box 1501, Greenwich, CT 06836.
Eric was 86 years old but was always fond of saying: "My age is none
of my business." and "I am as old as God and as young as the
morning." We say to him in love and gratitude: "Good morning, Eric!
We bless you in this new beginning on your eternal journey in the
Light of Love."
The Unity Center of Practical Christianity
213 West 58th Street
New York, NY 10019
unitycenter@...
Phone (212) 582-1300
Fax (212) 582-2158
