Druids

Druids

Depends on where you look and as well where your minds eye takes you. There are those who will tell you there is little known of the Ancients Druids. Caesar himself only spoke of them in general. We know that they were Celtic people or where they. Could it be that they as ancient Egyptians and the lost civilizations of the Myna been from Atlantis.

These individuals who were one with nature priest and priestess they were, Each with knowledge of the ages and wisdom to know the very nature of us the upright creature of mystery and legend ,were to be the ones that would mold the existence of ourselves and that of others.

Yes when one dies according to Ancient Druid the spirits passes on to another. They believe that the knowledge of one would flow within the mind of another and as well that new knowledge one would receive worked with the others spirit to build character and ones mind. It is believed Merlin was a druid with many a past life to draw from in his dealings with King Arthur. Where a Druid comes to a story the world which existed is filled with wanders of peace and joy and 'O' yes war. But you do not see the Druid as the war Mongol yet they stood on the side of right and peace among those they served.

They use the powers of mother earth and mother nature as if they were given the permission to do so. They Conner up visions of beauty and of future . Then just as they appeared they seem to drop back into oblivion of which they came . Or did they?

It is a known fact that they exist today throughout the world as a brotherhood of priest and priestess. Are these the descendents of those ancients Druids who build Stonehenge so they could learn the knowledge of the universe.

Do they meet in secret to reveal their rituals to one another in the oral fashion as the Ancient Druids did. Or have they somehow found the written manuscript of an Ancient Druids knowledge and brought out the wisdom of their words in the faith they process.

As for Druid being the beginning of Wicca, I believe not. As with all thought and belief they begin with a separation or one saw and they have taken which they say and designed it into something that has become a faith and a wiliness to know. Could one of the Romans seen a Druid talk to the wind or see one bring life to flower or witness the change of seasons come and go as a Druid my of commanded,

No one knows for sure since the secrets of both are forbidden to one who processes not the spirit even tho ancient as they are no spirit pasted on the wisdom and knowledge the Druids professes.

Pastor Pat

I'm Amy with the Universal Life Church and it's Seminary. I've been a member of ULC for many years and my site has created a terrific ULC Forum. We are also members of the ULC Minister's Association and have the most extensive catalog of Universal Life Church materials.

Christian History

By Patrick Schwab

The Beginning

Since the beginning of time we have searched the heavens and within ourselves for answers to that which surrounds us. The mysteriousness of it all draws us to seek out answers that seem to be just out of our gasp as we attempt to understand the dawning of our existent. Some of us have come to the belief that religion, as we know it today is of man and in no way that of a God or gods. However from time to time there are those who come forth with an inner knowledge. People who we know as priests, ministers, Shamans, or Holy men and women who have been instrumental in aiding us in finding our way as we journey on our path of trying to understand this thing we call faith. Some of these men and women have touched the world with their beliefs and their understanding of religion. One such man steps out of the pages of our Christian Bible. We will explore Judaism through his eyes within the Laws Of Moses.

His name is Saul as we entry his story. He is a Jew of the Roman colony of Israel. He was known as Saul of Tarsus chief persecutor of the early Christians.

Shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and his resurrection those who live the Laws of Moses declared war on those who profess Jesus as the messiah. Saul was an enthusiastic member of the Pharisees. A sect within the Jewish faith that promoted purity and fidelity to the Laws of Moses. He meant his means as a tent maker. Saul entries the biblical account as a silent witness to the stoning of Stephen and his blasphemy to the Law. Those who stoned Stephen laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. (Acts 8:1) According to Luke, Saul was not actual member of the Sanhedrin that condemned Stephen. But as a member of the Synagogue he may of taken part in the original dispute, and Luke suggest he gave moral consent to the execution which carried as much as the actual deed itself. After this incident Saul begins to participate in the campaign against Christians. Strange as it may sound the wakes of Moses, of Buddha, of Confucius, gave a greater influences over humanity today, than when these men were pondering over faith and happiness.

After Stephen’s stoning those of the Christians sect of Judaism were dispersed throughout the land. They were homeless and driven from Jerusalem. One of the cities where the Christians came was Damascus. A city today consider to be the oldest in existence as well as the oldest continued inhabited and now the capital of Syria. It was a main trade route between the east and west.

Saul knowing this as his reputation grew, as persecutor of Christians, went to the leaders of the synagogue the Sanhedrin and made a case to go to Damascus and bring the Christians bound to Jerusalem.

Now the Apostles (Greek apostolos [person sent]) were in Damascus. These were who Saul sought as he prepared to go.

Now most likely he was given about 20 men from the synagogue guard and they set off for Damascus. Set in their mission they had no idea what laid ahead. As they came upon a rise overlooking the city a bright light appeared. Saul was knocked down and from the light which none had saw brighter a voice came

(Acts 9: 4-9 KJV) 4. and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul why persecute thou me.

5. and he said who art thou Lord? And the Lord said I am Jesus who thou persecuted; it is hard for thee to kick against the picks.

6. and he trembling and astonished said Lord, what wilt thou have me do? And the Lord said unto him, arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

7. and the men, which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.

8. and Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were open he saw no man; but they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus.

9. and he was three days without sight and neither did eat or drink.

Within Damascus was a certain follower of Christ named Ananias. Ananias was a common man and when the Lord in a vision called Ananias, Behold I am the Lord (acts 9:10)

(Acts 9:11-15) [Paraphrased] arise and go to the street, which is called Straight. Now this street was like any street in our cities of the world today where the wine women and desires were plenty. One of those streets where if you wanted it and asked no question for a price it was yours. Ananias wasn’t sure of what he heard let alone of what was to come. The Lord spoke saying Ananias I want you to go to the house of Judas for one called Saul, of tarsus; for behold he prays. He knows from a vision you are coming and you shall lay hands on him and restore his sight.

Ananias wasn’t sure of what he heard. “Lord I have heard of this man how must evil he has brought against the saints in Jerusalem. I know that he has authority to bound all who call upon your name.”

The Lord spoke again to him: Go thy way; for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings; and the children of Israel.

Now in the story of Saul, Ananias is overlooked and cast aside in Paul’s shadow. Yet he played a very important part in what was to become the beginning of the church and spread of Christianity. Ananias was the link from the bright light on the road overlooking Damascus and the journeys to Asia Minor, Greece and into Rome.

Ananias interpreter the experience Saul had happen to him. It was he who translated the blinding light and the directions and duties, which were to come to Saul. He was far a lesser man in terms of worldwide happing but throughout our history a lesser one has launched the greater one. Who in the long run can actually say who is the lesser or the greater?

So reluctantly Ananias went to Straight Street and found the house of Judas. As the story goes he laid hands on Saul and scales fill from his eyes (Acts 9: 18). Then Saul arose and Ananias baptized him. As Saul received food and gained strength he spent days with the disciples.

The other disciples were persecuted men by the Jewish faith. Considered a sect to be destroyed. For they preached this new Messiah message of forgiveness and faith. Interesting is the fact that the Jews believed that Jesus wasn’t the messiah for they expected a warrior like god to lead them out of the roman rule. Now from the very seem ones, who persecuted them, comes into their life a man they all knew to be an enemy of their faith let alone each of them.

So Ananias introduction to them and Saul’s story of his conversion fell on deaf ears. Plus there is some conflict in Saul’s account and that of Luke in Acts.

First lets look at how Saul became Paul. Most likely Saul was his Jewish name and Paul was the name of his Roman citizenship. His Roman citizenship most likely came by mercenary services of his family within the roman army in one or more wars of the empire.

So for his own protection of the persecution he was under with the Jews as well as those of the Christian faith he took on his Roman name for it offered him protection under Roman law.

Paul in Gal. 1:17 claims that right after his conversion he went away to Arabia. But Luke’s account in Acts is historically interesting that he went to the synagogues and immediately proclaimed Jesus. Even tho if the authorities in Damascus had authority to hand over Christians to an emissary from Jerusalem most likely they would of not let him preach the faith they persecuted.

Paul as well had physical handicaps and spiritual weakness. It is not the vessel that counts but the contents, which it holds. The vessels may crack; leak, and sometimes breaks and Paul’s handicaps seem to work against him in his new ministry. Paul as well wasn’t an eloquent speaker either as he struggled to proclaim his message. Yet these very things became his greatest strength.

Of course the first obstacle he had to overcome was his past. All those who knew him or of him held this against him. Just like today when we do wrong no one forgets and when we do right no one remembers. Just a few days before he was the Christians greatest enemy. Then as now it was know a leopard does not change his spots. Nor does a man or women change overnight.

Because of all this the Jews of Damascus plotted to do away with him. Paul having a few faithful friends among the disciples in Damascus and know this managed to get him safely out of the city. His first attempt to preach was a total failure. No one believed him because they knew his past. From Damascus he went to Jerusalem. He found that Jesus new vessel when he found the disciples there did not open their arms for him. For they had not forgotten Stephen and Paul’s part in his stoning for they believed him to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Paul knew all of this, and the Jews watched the gates of Damascus day and night waiting to kill him. So with a few faithful follows they lower him over the wall in a basket and he escaped their gasp and went to Jerusalem. Acts 9:25

We will end here and pick up the story in Jerusalem.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

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Spirit-Quest

Spirit Quest Opened Doors for me

Coming into the ULC Seminary course, I was full of self-pity and felt very disillusioned by life. I was really empty. There were no answers to choose from. This was the last house on the street for me. Although I have always felt that I have had a strong connection to God, I have always had a difficult time figuring out how he worked. This course has started me on the right path in figuring it out.

I began using the tools right away. Every suggestion in every lesson I tried. For me, these saved my life. From creating roses, to clearing chakras, to creating my own reality. I have tried sending energy to myself and others, and have actually seen results.

Seeing in writing how Spirit Communicates was especially helpful to me. When I was younger, I always felt that the universe was speaking to me through music and color; especially music. But over the years, my ego has changed my mind. And, although I still listen for clues though music, my ego is still winning the battle at this point. I pray regularly for God to restore me to the innocence I had when I was young. The faith I had. This section of the course helped me to do that.

Learning about Karma is something every human being should know about. Being a Catholic, and studying the bible awhile with the Jehovah's witnesses; I have

always been acutely aware that NO ONE seems to be able to just not sin to save their lives. Literally. From what I have seen of human behavior, the theory of Karma is the only solution to sin in this world. The only way I won't do something bad to someone else is to stop that same bad thing from happening to me.

But, the most important concept I am taking from this course is the concept that I am made in perfection, for perfection. And that I create my own reality...as long as I have faith. I even did create my own reality. For a little while I had everything I ever wanted. But soon, fear crept in, and everything changed in an instant. Maybe its an underlying belief that I don't deserve it. Or maybe I just let it go because I thought I could do better. I haven't quite figured that out yet. Time will tell.

Thank you very much for the course.

Jennifer Hagar

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As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

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Wicca

Good afternoon Amy,

As part of the Master of Wiccan studies program, Lord Starwalker has asked that I send this assignment to you. Specifically, the assignment in Lesson 15 is to send in all of the completed assignments. Not all lessons had assignments and some required drawings etc. that I will describe rather than include here.

The first assignment was in Lesson 2 - Consequences. This is one of the basic building blocks of Paganism. Responsibility. Responsibility for your own choices, responsibility for your actions and, responsibility for your inactions. The assignment asked that I write down in a column every decision I make and in the other, note the consequences. I do this as part of my job, so it was relatively easy to carry it over to everything I do. It was an interesting assignment and it brings to light that everyday decisions can have long term consequences. I hole heartily agree that, as a society, we should take responsibility for our actions, which we are doing less and less of, especially here in North America.

The assignment in lesson 2 was to choose my altar tools and directions. I chose My Alter Directions as

North = Air (Spirit) - Reason: North is considered "up", spirit is synonymous with air, East = Water - Reason - I live in the North East. The closest large bodies of water are east of me. South = Fire - Reason - The south is hot - heat is fire and West = Earth - The prairies - millions of acres of grasslands. My altar tools are my Book of Shadows Representing Spirit and, it has the pentagram on the cover , a Photo of a goddess Representing the earth, a Goblet Representing water and a lighter Representing fire and a Knife in lieu of a sword.

Lessons 6 & 7 involved Dousing. I studied these chapters closely but, at the present time, I'm not able to fully focus my energies to achieve the results that can be expected. I plan on going back to this in the spring and summer when times are less stressful for me.

Lesson 10 covers the holidays. The Assignment was to explain what each holiday means to me.

Samhain starts at sunset October 31 and goes to Sunset November 1st (Hallow'een). This is my favorite holiday. I love the fall especially harvest time as I grew-up on a farm. It is the most spiritual time of year for me in all respects.

Yule or Midwinter, Winter Solstice usually falls on December 20 - 22. This is not my favorite time of year. In the north east, winter is only 6 weeks old but it already seems endless. I grew-up a Catholic but I never really liked the whole Christmas season.

Ostara - Spring equinox, March 21. I enjoy spring but we are usually overanxious for winter to be over by mid March. In the North East we can still have big snow storms right into early April.

Litha Midsummer, June 21. I love the heat of summer and when I read about this, I thought about the Playboy Mansion Midsummer Nights Dream party. A joyful and sexy time.

Lesson 12's assignment was to describe in what ways expressing these holidays feels comfortable to you. Personally, I enjoy observing people. When I was young I was very shy and, to a certain extent, I still am. Therefore, I get most enjoyment from observing.

Lesson 13's assignment was to pick a myth and analyze it as if you were listening to a myth of another culture for the first time. I am fascinated by this stuff. I had a difficult time choosing only one that would be unique. The lesson here is to analyze myths so that we can see the true context (in my opinion). A small modern example: On the TV program "Las Vegas", Ed Deline, the GM of the Montesito Casino is usually referred to as "Big Ed Deline", not because of his stature, which isn't that big, but because he has a demanding and powerful personality. At one point, upon meeting him for the first time, this ex convict says: "You're Big Ed Deline? You're not so big" to which Ed Deline responds: "Big enough". It makes you wonder about some of the mythical creatures of the past. Food for thought.

Lesson 15 covers rituals. The assignment is to write a ritual for the consecration/dedication of a child (who is still an infant) sometimes called a Wiccanning, just after they are born. Here goes:

Preparation: Set up the Altar and lay out the tools for easy use.

Consecration: Bless and prepare the space for use. Ritually cleanse the Circle of any negative influences, seal the Circle by "casting" it, bless the participants in the rite, and bless the area.

Invocation: Invite the deities to join the Circle, and bless it with their presence.

Working:

Celebrant: Welcome one and all. We are gathered here today to welcome this child of (name the parents) into our plane of existence. Are you (name the parents) the lawful and legal guardians of this child?

Father and Mother: We are.

Celebrant: Who bears witness to this fact?

Witnesses: We do.

Celebrant: What name do you propose for this child to be known as from this day forward?

Father and Mother: Erica Lynn

Celebrant: Do the witnesses concur that this name is acceptable?

Witnesses: We do.

Celebrant addressing the child: From this day forward you will be know as Erica Lynn. Erica Lynn, I present you to the Deities present, to your Mother and Father and to all others present.

At this stage, each person presents themselves to the child as follows: "Erica Lynn, I am (Name). As long as you are a minor, I will protect you from all that is evil to the best of my ability."

Celebrant: To all present (both physical and nonphysical), we appreciate the time you have taken to participate in this ceremony. As a small token of our appreciation, please partake of the food and drink we have prepared for you to your hearts content.

At this stage we open the Circle, say good-bye to everyone invited (both physical and nonphysical) and go our merry way.

Amy I hope I have covered all the basics. I tried to keep the e-mail as short as possible without leaving anything important out. I skipped the details of the ritual since they form part of the lesson and I thought it best to keep the e-mail as short as possible. If you want more detail, please let me know and I can provide it to you.

Best regards

Robert Pelot

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest

Grounding

For my essay portion of the Spirit Quest Masters of Metaphysics, I am going to touch on the discourse that affected me the most. Through the long 30 plus week course, I have read on many topics ranging form Karma and Chakras to Telepathy and Reincarnation.

While many topics covered in the course seem very “1960’s psycho-babble” or a mixed bag of religious beliefs to me, the one topic that has actually given me the most benefit is also one of the earliest discourse. Discourse number three, “Grounding and Centering your Head” has proven to be a valuable tool. You see, my “real job” is that of a Network Administrator and Resource (Money) Advisor for my Squadron in the military. 

As one can imagine with little effort both jobs have a tendency to be high stress due to dealing we computer illiterate personnel and trying to maintain a multi-million dollar budget will staying within the limits set by the congress for spending. I have always had a slight, okay large issue with dealing with people that just have no clue what they are talking about. This coupled with some anger management issues has often landed me in positions that, if I were not 100% correct, I would have been stripped of my rank on several occasions.

Grounding has actually greatly helped me deal with people and control my anger by allowing me to channel that energy out back to the earth much as a ground wire of an electrical circuit. Without getting in to the discourse details grounding allows me to be a better professional by granting me the ability to get rid of the negative portions and only present the more positive to my customers. While it is true the do need me and I do not need them, I still like to provide superior service be it fixing their computer or adjusting their account balance.

While the rest of the course does not really appeal to me, this one discourse was tell worth the time invested in the either course since several of the immediately following discourses build upon the “Grounding” technique. If for just this discourse, alone I would highly recommend this course to anyone that has an interest in learning.

v/r

Joshua D. Copeland

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit-Quest

This is a short essay from a minister who has completed the Spirit-Quest:

Wow!!! What have I learned? Let me start from my beginning:

Well, there is so much that I have learned. So much practice and so much growth in the last six months. I feel that I am in a constant mode of change and evolution.

My own personal experience may explain what I mean by changes. After taking my discourses, I realized that I was receiving information about people and their need for healing. Names of people would come to my head. When I would contact them, they indeed needed some type of physical or emotional healing. I also saw colors, and was directed through colors to where I should work on someone or myself.

I started working with people by facilitating sessions for them, the changes that occurred in some of these people was amazing, however I want to make sure that you the reader understand that these people were the ones wanting this healing and I was just a channel that facilitated that healing, it was not me doing the work it was the Source, the Creator of all things.

I found that I could no longer eat certain types of foods. My body

only wanted those things that were good for me, this please me immensely. It also

provided me with more energy than I had ever had before. Meats were no longer

appealing to me, where before I enjoyed meats like everyone else. Wine had

always been a problem for me. I found it better to stay away from wine all together.

My allergies were a year round happening. I lived on allergy pills. This

new lifestyle really helped as I no longer had to take allergy pills, or

ibuprofen for headaches as these went away as well. I now only take allergy

pills every once in a while when allergy season is at its highest.

The most wonderful and beneficial thing for me was to be able to make a

connection with the Divine. This is something that was so special for

me that I would never regret having gone through this course; on the contrary

it made me whole. Once undergoing the process, if you are committed to your

spiritual enfoldment, it will rock your world. Nothing will ever be the same.

Life will be much richer and fuller, you will be happy within yourself. You will

no longer look at external means for happiness. Your husband will become

a companion, yet not your source of happiness. You will love your

children, family, friends, yet they are no longer your only source of happiness.

Happiness will lie within you, and that is what I found. I will not

tell you that I have no challenges, I find that now I can cope with them much

easier. I see them in a different light. To be able to take the tools that I

have learned in the last year and apply them to life is what has made a huge difference.

I came to the realization that I am the best chocolate cake out there.

There is no chocolate cake better than me. Everything else is frosting added to

the cake as one of the ladies I know stated.

My life continues to evolve and I find that I see life through

different eyes. My evolution started over seven years ago, however I know that I have been connected all my life. This discourse has fine tuned all that I have

learned throughout the years. The practice of mastery is what has made the

difference. Being able to take a concept and practice it for a week or however

long is necessary is what I have found makes the difference

Life is a wonderful thing and to understand your role in life you need

to look within yourself, understand your soul purpose and search within for

answers. No one can do this for you, only you can do this for you. Everyone is

born with a purpose, something you are here to learn during this lifetime,

or you are meant to do. Have you thought of what your purpose is? Have you

looked within to figure out how you can be happy within yourself? (This is a

challenge that only you can figure out for yourself.

No matter what your religion or set of beliefs are, Spirit-Quest may enrich your life and experience, if you are willing to look within yourself to discover your life purpose. First of all, you will need quiet time for yourself. To look within yourself, you will need time to meditate.

There are many ways of accomplishing this; spirit quest may not be for everyone, however it was for me. It did enrich my life. I was able to experience something very rich, how it is related to every aspect of our being,

from emotional happiness to emotional difficulty, physical illnesses, relationships,programming and more.

This is what this experience has done for me. It has made me more aware of my body, my mind, my soul and it has connected me to the Divine Source, the creator of all things. I now find life to be richer, fuller and

something that I truly can enjoy on a moment-by-moment basis.

By staying in the now I can ensure forward movement of my life. I can co-create with the Universe. I can plan my day every morning and work with the Universal life force to manifest those things that I need in my life.

That is the power of the work we have down and I would recommend it to

anyone that is looking to practice mastery.

Maria Herrera

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church - The Four Gospels

Essay for The Four Gospels Course, By Stuart J. Malkin, D.D., Ph.D.

So much of the story of Jesus and Christianity is known to the world

that it is difficult to write a short essay. Mostly, it is a matter of

detail, and there is plenty of detail in the Four Gospels. And I had

never read them in their entirety, and doing so created in my mind some

“camera angles” which I relate here. Some of this is material that I

captured from earlier studies and resources.

Jesus only had a three year ministry. He was baptized at 30 and died

at 33. Women held an unconventionally high place in his following, and

not all of them were very respectable. His disciples only dimly

understood him. He was tried on a charge of blasphemy and executed by

crucifixion, the barbaric method reserved for slaves and rebels. On his

death, the belief was that Jesus made the sacrifice and the system of

animal sacrifice was no longer necessary.

The Christian faith is directly descended from the religion of the

Jews. The following are the original characteristics: Belief in the

existence of one God, human beings are made in the image of God, God is

gracious and merciful, God revealed himself to the nation of Israel,

God would someday establish His rule in a sinful world, and, the

practice of a moral life.

The earliest church, for about 40 years, was essentially a Jewish sect.

The church is a school for sinners rather than a club for saints. One

of the strengths of the church has been the capacity for repeated

renewal and revival.

The doctrines of the Trinity and the incarnation have caused

difficulty. The nature of God lies beyond the scope of our finite

understanding. This leads to a variety of attempts to simplify the

doctrine of God by restricting full divinity to the Father or by

regarding the three persons simply as three different aspects of one

God.

Christian history is full of religious tribalism. Because people were

unwilling to believe anything good about other faiths all sorts of

inaccuracies and distortions became accepted as fact. The depletion of

financial resources available to churches has diminished because of the

growth of parachurch organizations. The loss of church members in many

Western nations is also causing financial pressure.

I will add that the current difficulties in the Catholic church over

the conduct of priests with sexual perversions has caused both

administrative and spiritual questions. And documentaries such as the

“Magdalene Sisters” reveal that the church has had some practices which

were contrary to the Teachings, if not actually criminal. The

Inquisition is well known as a black time in the church’s history, but

there have been other events as well. It is not surprising that New Age

religions flourish in this environment.

I'm Amy with the Universal Life Church and it's Seminary. I've been a member of ULC for many years and my site has created a terrific ULC Forum. We have the most extensive catalog of Universal Life Church materials on the web.

Four Gospels

Four Gospels Essay

Differing visions of Jesus by Luke and Matthew

By Rev. Peggy

In the discussion of the works of Luke the point is made that Matthew and Luke differed somewhat in their perspectives of Jesus. The difference discussed in one lesson states that Matthew who apparently had real time contact with Jesus saw Him acting and or reacting as most of us would. In other words he shows signs of losing his temper, suffering pangs of hunger as well as appreciating things of beauty.

Luke on the other hand did not see this regular human side of Jesus. He apparently has a differing view of the nature of Christ. He seems to believe that Jesus acted in a less human but more godlike manner in his dealings with people and situations.

This is understandable if one agrees with the idea that people want to see their heroes as Superheroes and their villains as really vile and terrible entities. And because this is so, this may explain why Luke did not want to see Jesus with any foibles or flaws. So perhaps he tried to erase any quirks or mannerisms that he felt did not suit his vision of Jesus Christ. Did he do this deliberately? Perhaps. Perhaps not.

History has been written and rewritten so many times that we do not know the truth of what really happened, when it happened, why it happened or where it happened. This seems a logical explanation of Luke’s vision of Christ. It appears that Luke may have needed a more spiritual, less human type of Savior.

Again, we must remember that the human psyche does play a role in how one accepts Jesus; how one tends to envision his

personality and how we then use that acceptance, that vision in our daily life and how we use it in the practice of our spiritual life.

Therefore whether we want a more earthy type of Savior or a more angelic, ethereal personage will influence which of these two gospels we are more apt to believe and in which we put our faith .

So does it really matter to each of us in our quest for salvation that there seems to be differences of opinion among those earlier followers of Jesus of Nazareth? If it really does matter, then does that not tell us more about our own beliefs and our own needs for understanding Jesus according to those needs? No, it does not matter one iota. What really matters is that we do believe in Jesus Christ the Savior.

By Peggy

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

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Essay by Mara Fonseca

‘Love is the Answer’

As I have meditated deeply on what captured my soul’s and heart’s interest in the twenty lessons in a Course in Metaphysics – Everyday Miracles, I recall one particular question and response that I asked and received from Dr. Loretta Siani:

Dear Loretta:

In a weekly sermon from Brother Daniel on Beliefs, he says:

“…I really don’t want to deal with you or your situation because unfortunately like many thousands of instant ministers they labor under the delusion that miracles happen…”

I found the above statement to be a quite thought-provoking quagmire, especially after reading (and enjoying I might add) your various lessons on the medium of miracles.

His comment made me reflect deeply on who I am and what my belief

system is. I am the vessel of ‘change to prosperity’ through acquiring

inner peace and understanding of the laws of the universe. I also believe

in the power of prayer, for it focuses me on the concept of ‘Prosperity

Programming.’ (Prosperity Programming – a term used in Shakti Gawain’s

book ‘Creative Visualization’ that means having the understanding, or

consciously taking the point of view, that the universe is totally

abundant. Everything you need or want is here for the asking; you only need

to believe that it is so, to truly desire it, and to be willing to

accept it, in order to have whatever you wish.

My question to you is thus:

Is it our belief in miracles that makes them happen, or is it our shift

in perception when ‘miracles’ happen that changes our belief system?”

Dr. Siani’s response to my question was:

“It isn’t our belief in miracles that makes them happen. It’s our

belief in Love and our ongoing faith that Love will prevail…”

Dr. Siani’s response not only answered my question, it also provided me

with the tool for continued inner reflection, transformation, and

confirmed resolution:

~ Love is the Answer.

~ When we believe in Love, anything is possible.

I have also experienced in my life that the greatest miracles occur

when there has been a change in heart. When I love unconditionally and

pray for that which will change my perception and bring more compassion,

understanding and patience into my heart, a ‘miracle’ happens.

The ‘miracle’ that occurs is that when I open up my heart and believe

that Love will prevail a true healing occurs. I no longer carry fear in

my heart, for I know that I am a vessel of ‘prosperity’. I am a child

of God. I no longer ask for circumstances to be changed in my life,

but rather to ask that my perception of my circumstances change. I look

at each challenge as a blessing in disguise, and to pray that I will

become a better person in the end. I pray for forgiveness and that

others may forgive any trespasses I have committed against them. I do not

look behind me at what has happened or before me at what has yet to

happen. I live in the moment, trusting that Love will prevail.

In summation, this to me is at the core of how miracles happen: When

we believe in Love, anything is possible. Love is the Answer. All we

need to do is BELIEVE. Ask in LOVE and thou Shall Receive in LOVE.

This has been the greatest challenge, lesson, and teaching that I have

received in this course and the course of my life. For this, I am

eternally grateful.

In closing, I would like to share a poem that expresses my essay ‘in a

nutshell’. I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I do:

Essential Love

You have come here to remember love,

and as you heal,

you come to be a light that

others see and follow.

They see, reflected in you,

the light of their own forgotten self,

and in seeing this,

they too can heal and be healed.

When you join with the universe.

you see yourself in all things

and all things in yourself.

This is love in its highest form --

pure and unconditional.

It has no motive,

and it seeks nothing.

This is the Essential Love,

awaiting eternally for you to

embrace it so that

you might be embraced.

Love is the guiding light,

Love is You.

--Patricia Easton Graves

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar