Spirit Quest

Dissertation- a formal written discourse or thesis, especially one submitted for a doctorate. noun. From the webster's Pocket Dictionary.

Essay Name: Metaphysics

Metaphysics Dissertation

I found myself in life having walked eight months spiritually, mentally, the direction for my soul-keep. And in the process of learning spirit, I was fortunate to accept responsibility. Responsibility is a very adult word. To me, its meaning implies that I take charge for my Spirit-Self. Life moved rapidly and the outer creation that, I or the world help create did break away. This was the same outer most crust that hurt my success to taking on a life all its own. Figuring out what those responsible 'others' true intentions were, made more sense to me in my present life. Spirit-Quest help me to understand that I am not a foundling on my way around the tugging disappointments in a straight line, just for me. I Either just begun facing the current or freely ride along this desired path.

I can live with the fact I was not suppose follow the exact future those before me bestowed on top of my life. One, every time while receiving a new discourse, a significant change rose out from the ashes and started another ruckus. I have witnessed many changes and I have proof, such as leaving my old job. It's exciting every time I think about this change in my life. To better tell the story, nearly having to meditate, and tell the story. I am a professional psychic and the learning experience through Spirit-Quest made people take in what it is what I needed to tell them.

After one huge 'hello!', I was given a position that I did not have to test. In fact, I ask how and why. My current manager said that he did not know why, but he could just trust me. I wanted to test and warned him I do better in true situations rather than passing the two major tests. Thus, the two dreaded tests all psychics wanting to advance his or her career in the telecommunications industry. Now, I have a job and I did write my instructor, explaining how would I find a job, the President Rev. Amy Long. There shortly, I received knowledge from the infinite wisdom the universe offered. Of course, didn't I not want to make a wealth amount of money? I do want to make a living and I am not ashamed of this.

The point being made is that I decided to be a student of Spirit-Quest to perfect on my skills to helping others. Then the other very true fact, that I obtained a Metaphysical degree accredited through the American Accrediting Association (AAA), to make a living. I am a professional metaphysician and I am doing what both, the universe and I are loving. We are Ministering to others and using psychic ability to being insightful with a purpose in mind, that influences so many peoples lives.

I had to work out the differences in my own life before bringing on such a challenge. I thought that I would be finished and prayed that I might find other interests. I realized I'm at the starting blocks ready to run a journey. I am also sure that I will be taking up other discourses. I decided to take up a spiritual profession called, a life long student.

For instance, I could not have published my book with out taking an eight month time out designated to bringing about this secret project. I worked on it and have published my first metaphysical book called 'Healing in Life and Goals'. It is the first of more to come, because I get calls from spiritually gifted 'others' needing to know how I pick up on them well enough, as they haven't ever talked with me in this life. One of my discourses explained to me why that is and that there was a conversation in the other side. In fact, we discussed it already and it's recorded in the Akisha records. I thought to being favored to leaving behind the teachings and the books for those building both, his or her life and career. We can begin to imagine stepping in, taking charge in someone else life until we do this for ourselves.

My dream is extended into the physical plane. The responsibility of working in this life for others around the world has opened my concept of opportunity. I have been invited to speak all others around the world. This is the kind of honor that is in my visual screen. Though I feel this streaming through my entire being, I would not want to do anything unprepared.

Another great feats I accomplished is having poetry published and now will have the opportunity to seeing my work at an international level. This is validating to me because it plays an important part in me reaching clients all over and is expressed in the art of poetry. The other wonder is the response I get from the universe, which I interpreted as blessings. Meditations were complicated for me then, and now it's simple. I believe Universal Life Church Seminary and I were destined to meet up in this life. It feeling like I was protected and while I didn't have to be affected by the woes for living on planet Earth, I searched out freedom and expression. There are views for me to share and the knowledge has to come from an international source. The ULC Seminary is that source where I can gather my information because I choose to literally go out into the world to teach metaphysics.

Responsibly moving to another world will take endurance for the Spirit-Self, and the teachings is more than its worth. I have the one goal to take care of the expectations in place. I have even started a prayer chain and suddenly I don't see the word 'alone' blanketed away in mind. I see lively inter relative actions acting out in accordance to the universe. This is my experience making the crossings between lives and recommend without metaphysical degrees to never trend out.

Isaiah D. Reed, M.M.

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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.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program 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.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Religious Philosophy

RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY

I found this to be an extremely fascinating subject. It has opened my eyes to different concepts and educated me in facts that I was unaware of. The course was written in a way that educate rather than dictate to someone. I found that very helpful in that father then telling me what I was to think you simply gave me the facts and allowed me to determine what I felt was relevant.

I discovered that there are more then 5,000 religions in the world according to the United Nations. I was unaware that that many religions existed on the planet.

I discovered the 5 elements that are used to differentiate a cult from a religion.

(a) Does the group have a charismatic, powerful leader(s)?

(b) Does it display a group mentality that denies individuality and personal, independent thoughts?

(c) Is there a denial of intimacy by excluding or alienating friends or relatives?

(d) Do they apply financial pressure and abuse for the welfare of the group, even at the personal expense of the adherent?

(e) Is there a separation and isolation from the surrounding community?

I never knew the guidelines that were utilized to determine the difference between cults and religions. I found them very interesting

I found the investigation into the study of man and religion dating back to the Neanderthal to modern man very interesting. The rituals that were practiced seemed compelling that indeed man has had a belief in religion for quite some time.

I was amazed to learn that there were in fact four faiths, Individualistic faith, Communal faith, Shamanistic faith and Ecclesiastical faith. As do most individuals I presumed that faith and religion were as one. With the examples that were given it made more of an impact and thus educated me into thinking in a different way.

I found it fascinating how different religions viewed each other. Between the Christians, Hinduism, Buddhism and so on. For example the fact that other religions view Christians as believing in more then one god was fascinating to me. I had always thought of one God. However in viewing the example given that it could easily be viewed as; the father, the son and the holy ghost. I can see how other religions could come to those conclusions.

I thought that the 5 A’s of religions was interesting, Awareness, Acknowledgment, Acceptance and Amalgamation. I had not though of other religions in that way but when it is broken down it make sense. Between those and the four religious expressions, Myth, Doctrine, Scripture and Sacred Space they make for very interesting reading.

I found it difficult to decipher the code in chapter 11. I can now see the difficulty in not only deciphering the writing but how a simply grammatical error could change the entire context.

One of the most interesting facts that I learned and am still in awe over is that the story of Noah was in fact told by the Sumerians nearly 2000 years before the Hebrews ever wrote it. This does through an interest though into the study of the bible. If you read the bible and except it at face value without the knowledge that there may be different interpretations are you truly getting the facts?

After studying this course I was I came away from it with a different outlook on religion. My beliefs have changed and as someone once said once a mind has been opened it can never be closed.

I thank you for the education and knowledge that you have given me.

Sincerely,

Rev. Ronald D. Lance

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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 handfasting 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

Comparative Religion

Comparative Religion, Final Essay

Rev. Ken Ayotte

This is the course that I was most interested in taking. To learn the history of various religions and to see the varying mythologies, connections and similarities between them has been enlightening and fascinating.

I truly enjoyed this course. It is amazing how people can ask so many questions that require answers that are just not possible to answer with the reference to the world that we have. It is in our nature as human beings to answer all questions asked of us. That is why science, religion and superstition exist. Why does the setting sun turn the sky red sometimes? What is a falling star? Any question that can be asked can be answered in many ways. Does the sky sometimes turn red while the sun is setting because of tiny particles in the atmosphere, like science teaches us? Or is it a gift from God, like religion teaches us? Or maybe a red sky is a good or a bad omen foretelling a great battle, like superstition teaches us. Then again, maybe it is something entirely out of our realm of understanding, something so far removed from us that we don't even have the capability to fathom a concept, let alone ask the appropriate questions. Our frame of reference or our limited understandings can not allow us to do so. And maybe it's just as well.

If we could answer every question with accurate certainty, would we even be human any more? What would be the point of living? We are not really here to have answers, we are here to have questions, and lots of them. A small child does not go around telling people everything he or she knows. The child will ask, "Why, why?", over and over again. And will probably continue to ask for the rest of its life. That is what makes people so different from all other forms of life we know of... the ability to ask and attempt to answer, no matter what.

It is also why we have so many different religions. Different regions, different beliefs. But as we examine these differing beliefs more closely, we find that maybe we aren't so different after all. There most certainly are differences, but there are also many similarities. The teachings of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, all teach us that there are common wrongs in life. The philosophies of ancient peoples as well as modern also teach us the same things. I find it fascinating and marvel at the complexity and wonder in what we call belief.

No matter how different people are, we are still people, and because of this, so are our beliefs. No culture believes that murder, or theft, or most of our laws are all right to break. Most of these laws were handed down from distant religious laws. All sacred scripts and enduring philosophies have given to us what we have today, no matter what part of the world they came from.

I strongly encourage everyone interested in comparative religion to watch "The Power of Myth". It is a series of six one hour conversations between mythologist Joseph Campbell and journalist Bill Moyers. This is an incredibly rich source of knowledge in the fields of mythology, philosophy and comparative religion and a real treasure trove of information. Just as this course was.

Dr. Ken Ayotte

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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 handfasting 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

Comparative Religion

Greetings,

This letter is to act as my affirmation of completion of the Master of Comparative Religion Course as offered by the Universal Life Church and authored by

the Reverend Kythera Ann.

It is my pleasure to state that this course has opened my eyes to a great deal I wasn’t aware of as it pertained to the interactions and effects different religions and faiths have had upon each other in the history of human development. The appreciation of man’s development as a social animal awakening to his spiritual and collectively religious stance and place in his personal and group consciousness was very specifically pointed out for my better understanding. Specifically I found the understanding of rites and rituals to be of utmost importance.

It was an extreme pleasure to have things explained in a manner to be described as adult and scholarly. At no time was it the author’s stance or need to “talk down” or patronize the reader/student during the presentation of a complex and multi-directional format of instruction. Rev. Kythera Ann’s ability to draw close correlations to a point of understanding allowed for the ability to chronologically map the development of different religions and their interactions leading to the reality of faith as a course of society’s forward movement. This in turn allows the reader/student to better choose their own definitions and parameters when setting boundaries in the course of their worship.

The only matters I found to be of consequence appeared to be mechanical/ programming issues. It was noticed throughout the course that my computer was unable to assimilate and/or process the exact layout of the text offered. There were offsets and occasional placement issues on the page and its construction. This made it difficult to PRINT on my screen or computer. I feel I lost some of the information because of the PC format.

All other matters were of top quality and the selection of graphics was excellent.  It would seem the above stated issue and its correction would be the best format of forward movement. The placement of graphics and the translation was very good though occasionally “off the page”. It was my choice to use the landscape mode to overcome some of my problems but in general the core of the course was beyond reproach and quite worthy of praise.

The Reverend Kythera Ann’s presentation was excellent in its humanistic approach as well as maintaining an organic approach to the subject matter that couldn’t be ignored or failed to be appreciated. It was a masterful presentation allowing me to expand on some already heavily thought out and questioned historical

matters. It’s always been this student’s belief people are the basis of their experiences. Not to rule out the effects of others outside their social group, but the placement of religion and/or faith into the group dynamic as well as the reality of experiential function helps the individual to better blend with all his/her brothers and sisters on the planet. Through all of this it’s possible to develop a better appreciation and respect for other’s belief systems, especially in this time of world conflict showcasing serious socio/religious biases and misperceptions.

Maybe through courses of this sort better understanding could lead to fewer conflicts and wars. It would be with great pleasure and anticipation that I’d welcome the chance to study new offerings from Reverend Kythera Ann. It’s through her excellent research abilities as well as the clarity of her presentation I look forward to future efforts.

I remain your friend and colleague.

Respectfully,

Rev. Richard J. Garwood

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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.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program 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.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Master of Religion

Universal Life Church Seminary

RE: Final Essay for Class Course by Rev. Tracey Loper

Bible Basics

Master of Religion

Dearest Friends,

I appreciate the basics that I learned, as it is helpful in dealing with the varied and diverse spiritual beliefs among my clients and friends. The understanding will help me in my service to All humanity.

Thank you for an excellent bible basics course. This course brought me enlightenment about the bible. There was clarity given as well as validations to support the Bible as the Word of God. I was able to view the Bible itself as tangible evidence of the Word of God.

There was focus on prophets and prophecies of the Bible. The course encouraged study of the Bible vs. just referencing it or simply reading the Bible. Through this Course, I learned about different beliefs of the different faiths. The format of the class outlined al the information needed to study the bible from explaining it as a study guide of the Word of God. The 39 books of the old testament have so much information and profound wisdom.

There were many inspiring verses from the bible. I challenged myself to learn a verse that I could repeat when times were tough for me, as I have been suffering the grief of losing seven close family members in the past year. The verse I chose to memorize is quite simple and easy to remember and yet so powerful. It is found in Psalms 46:10. The verse states ‘Be Still and Know that I am God’. I have said it repeatedly as I deal with my grief and face worries in my life. I am reminded to remember that God has brought me victory, the ability to overcome, many problems that held me in bondage. The important thing for me is to seek God through prayer and meditation, so that I can develop confidence in God, and be in touch with his unfailing love for me, remembering that He will be my Guide and Strength, and Comfort as I face the struggles and grieves of life.

This course kept me focused as the format just flowed eloquently. I read the bible from cover to cover, in order, without skipping or moving ahead, and at my own pace and it has taken me sometime. Thus, I learned gradually, line by line, how to use the bible as a study tool.

The course suggested taking part in some form of worship. I began attending a praise and worship session once a week. The music uplifted me, raised my energy and vibrations, and brought me closer to God.

Peace be with you.

Sincerely,

Rev. Tracey

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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.

Sermon on the Mount

Christian Studies

The sermon on the mount

From a different point of view concerning the sermon on the mount it must be described as the story of a great and powerful king, a strong, from of an all loving father and His children. His children that he loved more than it was possible for humanity to yet have experience while still remaining in unrestricted shells called bodies.

The sermon was the message of a loving and devoted father to those children of his that he had created out of love and a strong desire to share his life in this awesome creation of His, known as the heavens. How easy for us humans to understand the concept of this love, yet being only human we could never fully understand the debts that he The Father could indeed have felt concerning His beloved children.

His message had come at a time of great despair for human kind. Times of great confusion and a strong sense of loss, that can only be described as the great void. Our sin had created such a chasm so deep, so unimaginable that they might have felt such loneliness and great desperation of ever touching the heart of their God ever again. Without hope, there would be only blackness, without hope why would we want to continue to ever long to escape into the light ever again. In that light we would find great piece and all those answers we now seek of him as humans. The desire of His children to be with their father again.

God so loved the world, his humanity that he gave his only begotten Son. How much more could he have loved His own Son that he loved humanity. A sacrifice that broke His heart but nevertheless His Son choose of his own free will out of Love for his father and his beloved children called man.

He gave us the most wonderful greeting to say when we gave of ourselves to talk with the father. He gave us a guide to greet him out of Love and respect. Of whom He was. And what He meant to us. To Humble ourselves before Him in honour of all that he have given us is so many ways. To give thanks in private, to open ourselves in fullness to him as not to hide anything from Him, to have total faith in all that we shared with him. For to love and honour Him for the Holy awesomeness of the parent, protector that he is.

In return He asked us to pay an expensive price. A price with an exact and calculated amount. To love one another as we would love ourselves. To believe that His son is the Christ Jesus, To give Him your heart totally. And to always remember there is no other name under the heavens for salvation, no other but this Jesus Christ. To believe upon Him.

Jesus gave us the will and the hope to go on in very uncertain times of great turmoil and hopelessness, this time of great despair had beaten us down to a state of total surrender. The will to fight anymore had been lost for a great many years. Till this message shown forth a ray of hope, a light shine through the blackness and the void. Something had changed in the heavens that day, that moment had changed mankind forever more.

I would have loved to have been there that day, and to have heard Him speak in great clarity and as one with great authority. To have heard his voice proclaim to all those there that today was the beginning of something quite good. To have seen the sparkle in His eyes when he spoke of all that was to come. To feel in the air all around Him the energy that came forth from him, that declared that he was The Christ that was promised so long ago. That the profits had been fulfilled that very day.

The sermon on the mount study two

Sermon on the Mount

In the Sermon on the mount is were the Word was made in human form to reiterate God’s plane for mankind.( in this point of human history) all the words would now come together to explain wonderfully the plan God had for His Mankind.( His beloved Children). A plan designed by the Father to be carried out by the Son, The decision had to be of the Son's own free will. To continue the Fathers plan of the salvation of humanity or not. He had a choice. He has chosen us.

He spoke as one with authority. His message was one of hope and conviction. He had a plan for the salvation of humanity. And it was here at this time Jesus had chosen to proclaim to all humanity His Fathers plan. The seed had been planted, it was up to humanity to see if it would be nurtured and left to grow. This would be our choice. (free will choice) But with this (free will) it carried even newer implications. For Jesus had not come to change the law but to make it even more binding. That to murder was a sin but know to even contemplate murder was now a sin in the face of God Also. To lust after a woman, even in thought would now be just a sinful as acting upon such a thought.

Jesus told us of a way to pray to the Father with respected to Him for He was the father of all of us. Jesus gave them the example of the (lords Prayer) as a guide.. So in this way they would not be as the pagan who made chants and repeats of a many words that served no purpose but to entertain family and friends of how pious they were. Or even to go as far as to cover their faces with ash and disguises themselves to look like they have been fasting and praying for long periods of time. In a since they had become professional Christians who in face were perfect children of God yet like white washed tombs on the out side all clean and radiant, but on the inside were full of filth and dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Jesus talked of how the builder who is wise and decide to build his house on a rock foundation, ( in this case the truth of the word of God) will overcome many disastrous, as that of a man that builds his home on sand, first good rain (tribulation) and everything will be washed away. There was no foundation of stone to hold the house on the sand, (knowledge of the word) The foundation on rock is a faith built on studding the word of God and living that word everyday for the rest of your life. and not to serve two masters one the world, the sand and one the rock, the father.

It was also taught that to let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and to glorify God, your father. This all an example of what we gain when he is in us and we grow in him in the inside as well as the outside.

Then there began the beatitudes, which we call the blessed are! For they are the light of the world, the salt of the earth.

The beginnings of all is right and good with that of the children of God and all the good blessings that He God had blessed us as His children have received. There is so much wisdom to be learned from these words. So full and rock solid in the truth that they are based in. Jesus had truly come to full fill the Law. Blessed ere those whom seek the word and to someday have the law written upon there hearts. I look forward to that day when the veil of knowledge has been opened to God's children and we shall both see Him and His law and truly understand how great and beneficial it all is for His creation.

Always remember the seeker finds, the asked always gets, whoever knocks is admitted. How is it that these words these concepts so simple are so feared and rejected by the world, it is so simple to understand only because Jesus has given to me His Holy Spirit, this same spirit has made it so simple for me to understand such an idea, yet the world does not see, does not understand even what a child can?

The sermon on the mount is Jesus greatest sermon ever given to humanity in the personage in the flesh of the Son of God ever given in the history of creation. He spoke of one with authority. His message was one of hope and conviction. Follow the road that He has now shown us and we will grow as children do and follow in His footsteps. He gave us free will and a promise never to leave us. He will not fail to live up to His promise. This father would not. Let your light shine as a beacon to others that you belong to Him. He has come to give us hope, and through this sermon gave us so much more. Praise the father, Praise the Son.

Rev. Carl Coglianese

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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 handfasting 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

A Course In Miracles

Dr. of Metaphysics

Dr. Ken Ayotte

I haven't believed in miracles in a very long time. When I was very young, I went to church and learned about the miracles performed by those in the Bible. As I grew older, I saw fewer and fewer miracles and more and more strife. Or, as some would refer to it, the "real world." Miracles were replaced by news stories and doubts about life in general. I think it would probably have been less depressing if I had not learned about miracles in the first place. After all, you don't miss what you never had, do you?

After I became an adult, I began to notice the word "miracle" again. It was as though it was in fashion all of a sudden but it didn't seem to have the same wonderous meaning as it once did. It seems the the word "miracle" has been thrown around and its meaning cheapened and blurred in recent times. "It's a miracle that I didn't get hurt playing that game" or "I won the lottery, it's a miracle!". I always thought that a miracle was when God intervened to either made something happen or prevented something from happening. When miracles are performed, they typically have an unexpected result to what most people would expect or could even be contrary to what one would expect in physics or nature.

I am happy that this course has opened my eyes to miracles once more. I am not, of course, referring to the parting of the Red Sea or reviving the dead. I am referring to the every day miracles in our own lives. It is good that there are those with the wisdom to recognize the extraordinary for what it is and not just shrug it off as either strange or coincidence. To be able to recognize a miracle for what it really is is almost like learning to see all over again.

I have a new awareness and appreciation of the world around me. The universe is full of wonders and miracles. Most of these we will never comprehend and that's a good thing. Without wonder, there would be no purpose, and we all need purpose, don't we?

Let others live in the same peace you would want for the one you love most.

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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 handfasting 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

Paganism

Universal Life Church Seminary

RE: Final Essay for Class Course

Paganism for a New Age

Dearest Friends,

I have completed the paganism elective course and have found it to be very informative and richly interesting and stimulating. I learned much about paganism traditions that I did not know before the course. There was valuable knowledge gained from learning about the beliefs, traditions and practices of paganism beginning from the Ancient times and through modern times.

I really enjoyed learning about and studying the hierarchy if you will of the gods, goddesses, and other pagan beings, the magickal beings, especially about the Angels and Spirit Guides, Elementals. There was a part of the course that was dedicated to reincarnation and the concept of life after death that particularly caught my attention and challenged me to consider my beliefs about life after death. I was able to really look within my belief system in meditation and see new insights that Spirit was revealing to me through the materials regarding life after death. This was a truly rewarding spiritual experience and higher learning for me.

I also was intrigued and interested in the Akashic record section, though I wish it would have been a little longer or included more information though I also realize this is an introductory course to paganism so perhaps it will be discussed further into the curriculum under an advanced course at a later time. There is a chapter on personal responsibility I find to be very true of most spiritual beliefs, principles and laws. I particularly enjoyed the pagan view on accepting personal responsibility for choices, actions and inactions.

The pagans made community and social interactions with one another a focal part of the pagan life and I feel the herd concept has benefits for all religions and spiritual belief systems, as it is important to gather in harmony for in so doing there is more power collectively. When we tend to think, we do not need Spirit or one another we have a tendency to die a certain slow, yet deep and profound spiritual death. I find it is true that we need time of fellowship with one another as when one of us seems to fall down the others can pick us up and help us to get on our feet again.

Thank you for offering this course as it enriched my overall knowledge of paganism for which I knew very little about as I embarked upon the course study.

Love and Light,

Rev. Tracey

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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.

Four Gospels

ULC Seminary

Re: Class Completion Essay

Four Gospels Course

Dearest Sirs:

Thank you for offering this very spiritually enriching course on the Four Gospels. I took my time studying the course materials as well as the study book; The Unvarnished Gospels because I wanted to not only read and learn more about the words and deeds of our Ascended Master, Christ Jesus, but could also experience these, vision them and begin consciously applying the wise teachings to my everyday life. As I went through the gospels, I had many revelations and spiritual experiences in meditation and in my communion time with Spirit for which I will be eternally grateful.

One particular place in the book of Thomas talked about how Jesus said that he was one who comes from what is whole and that that entire he has is from his father. He says I am your disciple. This particularly touched me for I feel as though I am a disciple of Spirit, and it made me realize as such I am to follow the path of the great Masters before me so that I can be more Spirit-like, God-like, whole. It goes onto say that if you are whole then you are filled with light, but if you are divided, you are filled with darkness. I have found this to be true in my life. When I am consumed with fear, doubt, confused, and divided it is because I am not one with God, I am seeking to do things on my own, wandering around aimlessly in the dark. As soon as I let go and seek God’s instruction and guidance, God sheds light on what was appearing dark, confusing and uncertain. He shows me all the mysteries of the world if I seek his lead and follow his guidance.

If I had to pick my favorite gospel, it would be Matthew. From the time I was a girl, given my first bible at confirmation, I read Matthew many times over. I have done so many times over the course of my life, especially when I find myself in a time of crisis or grief as I find it is so fully of love and hope, and it brings me peace and security, as I feel so near the Creator as I read Matthew.

There are so many beautiful messages in Matthew. It is hard to pick one that stands out as my favorite but what is most speaking to me after studying this course is Matthew 11:28-29. I will not quote all of it, but one part says and takes my yoke upon you, let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. I wondered what was meant by take my yoke.

I pondered this and looked at study references. I realized that the yoke represented being united to another so that you can work together. I am reminded that when you work together you can accomplish so much more than you can individually because then you are going in the same direction, are in harmony with each other, helping each other, and so, the work is easier. I thought also the meaning would be that if I choose to turn my will and my life over to God’s care and direction then my burdens are easier to endure, manage and so my soul stops being so weary and I find peace. God has that type of strength.

I was able to share the life lessons as they related to my personal life as well as the lives of my dear clients and friends. Of particular interest was the Sermon on the Mount for as I read this I was able to recognize some very old and familiar concepts from the Sermon on the Mount from my years of Christian studies and experiences. Particularly rewarding was finding how the simple everyday wisdom applied to my own personal Spiritual Journey and life. I was able to experience the meanings of Christ’s teachings on a soul level and in relationship to my life and circumstances.

I experienced a deeper connection to the Divine because of this course. I believe it gave me valuable training of how to be Spirit-like in nature, compassionate, loving, accepting, guiding, teaching, understanding, comforting, and so much more. I truly gave this careful thought as I read the information for the class as well as read the scriptures, chapter by chapter, line-by-line, discovering many things that I never saw before even though I have read those many, many times over in the course of my lifetime.

I went on an extended vacation in the winter months and I brought the materials, book and bible with me. I spent time in the mornings by the fireplace, snuggled up in my robe, with my little lovely pup at my feet, long before anyone else arose for the day, looking out onto the peaceful and serene Smokey mountains of Tennessee and it was there that I really felt Christ’s presence within me. It was during those two weeks that I really opened to the Divinity within me and could see the work of Spirit in everything, nature, animals, the landscapes, babbling brooks, forests, and all living things, people. Even if a person is not a Christian, I know that this course will enrich their connection to Spirit, as well as a deeper understanding of Christ’s teachings, of God, and themselves, others, and all the inhabitants of the Earth plane.

Again, thank you for allowing me to experience the teachings of Christ soulfully, as a part of me, within me, just as God is a part of me, within me.

In Divine Love and Service,

Rev. Tracey

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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 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.

Comparative Religion

I must admit that I finished this course some time ago, but really didn’t know what to write in my final essay. I have never been good at essays and to write something other than “I really liked the course and gained a lot from it”, is difficult for me. But, I’ll do my best.

I really did enjoy the course material. I love learning about different religions, or as I prefer to put it, Spiritual Paths. I truly believe that if more people took the time to investigate and learn about the different spiritual paths, we might have less of a problem in this world and more understanding and tolerance for others. I gained a world of knowledge about different religions that I never even new existed. These include, but are not limited to, Jainism and Zoasterism. Who knew? I knew of approximately 80% of the listed religions, have even studied a few, and have had some misconceptions cleared up. I have to thank Kythera for that.

Frankly, when I first read the topic title of Jainism and Zoasterism, I fully expected them to be some sort of new age religion. I was quite amazed to find out that they are old religions. The content of this course has really sparked my interest in delving deeper into each of the religions discussed. I am currently reading the Qur’an and am finding out that Islam is not what it is portrayed to be by the fanatics. It’s a religion of love and peace. That doesn’t mean that I agree with all of it, or that I am converting. It means that I can respect and appreciate those who follow the teachings of the Qur’an. Plus, I can take parts of it to incorporate into my own eclectic spirituality and thus, hopefully, become further enlightened.

What this course validated for me is that all religions, or spiritual paths, worship Deity. Whether one calls this Deity God, Allah, or whatever, it doesn’t really matter. They are all the same Deity, just given a different name. Of course this does not include Satanism. Old Lucifer was never a Deity so is discounted from the above statement.

What I didn’t like about this course is that we were asked to print out the packets which were approximately 40 pages, give or take. The cost of ink alone would have devastated my pocket book. But, I could see that a lot of research and thought went into each and every lesson so we, as students, would be given as much of a base knowledge as possible. It definitely sparked an interest in me to learn more.

Here I get on my soap box because I am so tired of people bashing other spiritual paths, especially when they know nothing about it. We are all a piece of the Divine spark, which in essence, makes us all Divine. Why would anyone want to destroy the Divine? People should be allowed to practice their religion, faith, spiritual path, whatever you want to call it, without persecution as long as it harms none. If you worship a God that tells you to kill people and do it unquestioningly, that should be the time that you question. What kind of parent (God) would demand that his children (us) kill his other children? If we are supposed to have free will, and will be judged accordingly in the after life, why is judgment carried out before then, by those who are unqualified to do so?

I don’t give myself a religious label. We have too many labels as it is and that’s what separates us as human beings. The more labels we give ourselves or others, the more we are separated. I am a spiritual person. I don’t believe in God the Father and Creator, I know God the Father and Creator. I don’t believe in Goddess the Mother and Creator, I know Goddess the Mother and Creator. To believe in something, is to leave room for doubt. To know, removes that doubt. Let’s take ourselves out of the box and unite as brothers and sisters, as children of the Divine, the way we were meant to be.

See, listen and feel with that Divine spark that resides in us all. If we have not love, we have nothing. If we can not love, we are nothing!

Rev. Kathy Bailey

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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 handfasting 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

What have I learned through the Spirit Quest course?

I must say that I have enjoyed this course. It enlightened my mind in several ways, although there were parts I had trouble with. Overall, I greatly appreciated having taken it.

I was very interested in the meditation lessons. I have been meditating for several years now, and the techniques explained throughout the course were a breath of fresh air. They were clever and eye opening. I enjoyed utilizing them. They did help me a great deal to get rid of negative energy at times and to learn to let things go before they fester, so to speak.

I also liked the fact that the course seemed to pull from many different belief systems, instead of simply focusing on one. It truly made it a course that most people should feel comfortable in taking, even if some of the content doesn’t follow what they believe in. I have to say that there were parts I didn’t really agree with, but surprisingly enough, there was a great deal of it that fit right into the thoughts and feelings I’ve had for several years.

Of all of the lessons, I think the ones I found most interesting were the ones on the spirit and how it communicates, the karma lesson, and the reincarnation one. The spirit communication lessons seemed accurate according to my own experiences. The way it all was explained though, is what interested me the most. It was put in terms that made it easy to understand how and why spirits communicate in the way they do. It gave meaning to those experiences I have had. The karma lesson hit home as well. I’ve experienced it first hand, as I’m sure most everyone has at one point or another. Although, they may not have realized it was karma working. I never used to think that there was much to the karma thing, but the last few years have opened up my eyes to that. I believe it exists. I believe it works the way it was described in the lesson. It’s simply a matter of applying the principles to your life to experience the changes that believing in karma can create. Now, let’s move on to the reincarnation lesson. Again, this was a case of many years ago I don’t think I really believed in reincarnation. I’m not sure what I believed then. Over time I’ve experienced things in my life that make me believe that spirits do indeed “come back”. I’ve always thought it was a pointless theory that once we die that is it for our spirit. I believe that we continue to learn throughout our lives, but there are usually things you won’t have learned by the end of your life that are necessary for your spirit to grow and move in the path that it needs to move. And so, reincarnation gives the spirit that extra chance or time to continue to learn what it is that life is all about for them.

Please note, that this is simply my opinion. Everyone has one and I am not meaning to step on anyone’s toes here, but simply to state my own thoughts and feelings on the subject. Much as I feel this whole course did. It was put together with many different beliefs mixed in and no one lesson was meant to upset anyone, simply to teach a different opinion to think about. I think most people who take this discourse would have an open enough mind that they could get through it without feeling insulted. I know, that though I didn’t complete agree with everything, I still found the whole discourse to be interesting and well put together.

In conclusion, I just want to say that I am glad I took the discourse and I feel I came away with some tools that will help me better my life and understand my life a little more. I’ve greatly enjoyed being given the chance to experience what I have due to taking this discourse. Thanks Amy.

Rev. Tracy Wilson

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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 handfasting 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

A Course In Miracles

Metaphysics and Miracles Final Essay

Thank you Amy for all your hard work. And I would especially thank Reverend Loretta M. Siani, Ph.D. for this wonderful, and well-written, course.

I learned a lot about myself in this course. It made me do a lot of deep thinking about my life’s journey. The practice of meditation leads you out of the realm of chaos into the realm of peace. In meditation you will sink fathoms below the storm of your life, to a place of rest and quiet beneath where you can dissociate from fear and false self. Alone, in the silence of meditation, you will feel the peace and hear the answers you seek. In meditation your true self will be revealed to you. It will well up from within you. There, in the stillness, your mind will become unclouded. Instead of sitting in dismay before your life, in meditation you will come to know that you are on a spiritual journey being guided back to who you really are. In meditation, you will come to know your connectedness with all of life and everyone else. In the quiet of your meditation your solemn promises to yourself will be redeemed for you. I used to meditate every morning (I’d get up two hours earlier than anyone else in the house just to have the total quietness). I was a relaxed and calm person.

Then several months ago things or errands kept getting in the way of my meditation time. I hadn’t really noticed how much I was changing, like getting stressed out. This course brought me back to my true self. It took away my problems and brought me back to God. I was slipping away from my spiritual life. I gained that back. The meditation stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which produces the relaxation response and returns the body to a state of balance. It is also said prayer is asking God and meditation is listening to him. I am now back to meditation on a regular schedule. Enjoying my spiritual time.

I just want to say a little about the three minds, which I found interesting. When all three minds (conscious, unconscious and higher mind) are in alignment we feel comfortable and capable of handling whatever comes our way. We feel inner peace.

When the three minds are out of alignment we feel blocked, fearful and caught in an endless loop of continually trying and failing to solve our problems. Our inner peace is disturbed. The conscious mind can easily overload and is the realm in which all problems exist. The unconscious mind is like the hard drive of our computer. It stores our habits, memories and emotions. The unconscious mind is the part of us that is attending to everything outside the present moment awareness. (The conscious mind only pays attention to the present moment awareness). Now, finally, the higher mind has the nature of being unobstructive and subtle. It never forces itself upon us or interferes with our free will. It is love and love never forces anything.

Examine the basic nature of the mind and spirit and you will start to explore how we can summon the power of this mind and spirit to manifest the everyday miracles.

Grace to all,

Rev. Nancy Rutledge

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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.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program 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.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar