Christian Studies

THE FOUR GOSPELS In simplest terms, the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, describe the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. But in a more deeper sense they provide an allegory of human life and how we should live or lives by the principles of God's law and through the teachings of our savior, Jesus Christ. Before the written Gospels, the stories of Jesus were transmitted orally. They were eventually written down to preserve the accounts of his words and deeds for future generations, in order to strengthen the faith of specific Christian communities, to help better understand the meaning of Jesus' ministry, and to assist in bringing the good news (the meaning of "Gospel") to unbelievers. The first three Gospels are considered the "Synoptics", meaning they share the same or common view. The Gospel of Matthew, while probably not written first, according to most biblical scholars, appears first due to his connection to the Old testament. Matthew emphasizes the links between Jesus' ministry and the Old Testament. In terms of geneology, Matthew directly connects Jesus with Abraham and David, which would indicate that he is demonstrating the relevance of Jesus to Jews. One of Matthew's major themes is the "Kingdom of Heaven" and emphasizes Jesus' teachings about what it means to be a citizen of that kingdom. The first four chapters of Matthews Gospel describes how Jesus' (Messiah) kingdom is prepared. He provides accounts of Jesus' birth; his early life life including the escape from Egypt and his return to Nazareth; his baptism by John the Baptist; and his overcoming of temptation in the desert by the devil. In chapters four to sixteen Matthew descriptively identifies many teachings and miracles of Jesus. These essentially announce the kingdom and provide the principles by which Christians should lead their lives. The teachings gives us insights on what faith truly means and what is possible when we turn to God. In chapters sixteen through 20, Matthew describes Jesus' preparation of the disciples for the coming kingdom. Jesus provides his teachings to them in the form of parables so that they may form a deeper understanding of the moral principles he is attemtping to convey unto them. Jesus also predicts his own betrayal and death. In his last eight chapters, 21-28, Matthew describes how Jesus offers his kingdom to all believers through his rejection, crucifixion, and resurrection (the ultimate triumph). Matthew's gospel terminates with his description of The Great Commission; Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him: but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."      Matthew 28:16-20 The Gospel of Mark is commonly viewed as the "memoirs" of the apostle Peter, and is a more condensed version of Matthew. It should be of note that some biblical scholars believe that Mark was a key source for Matthew and Luke. Unlike Matthew, Mark does not provide accounts of Jesus' birth and early life, but rather begins immediately with Jesus' entry into public life and his ministry. Mark does not mention Jewish laws or covenants as found found in the Old Testament, and alluded to by Matthew. He elevates Jesus as the servant of God for all people. Mark emphasizes that there is good news in Jesus Christ and refers to him as the Son of God and the Son of Man. Mark protrayed Jesus as the suffering servant who came to die, and as the Saviour for the entire world. During the time of Mark's writings the Roman Empire, as the dominant world power, had begun to harshly persecute Christians. It is believed that Mark wanted to encourage these suffering believers. In the first thirteen chapters of Mark's gospel he introduces the great Servant and provides accounts of the teachings and miracles of his ministry. While Mark does not provide the depth of description as found in the other gospels, he provides succinct highlights of Jesus' teachings. In chapters fourteen to twenty Mark describes the sacrificial death and resurrection of the great Servant. Fully forty percent of Marks gospel focuses on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Clearly demonstrating Mark's perception of Jesus as the suffering servant who ultimately rises to the right hand of God. This is can be witnessed by his last entry; After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.  Mark 16:19-20 Of the first three gospels, the Gospel of Luke provides us with the widest variety of Jesus' teachings in the form of parables and events from the life of Jesus. Luke also provides his personal perspective of these events. Additionally, Luke emphasizes Jesus' focus on the poor and suffering. Essentially, Luke is the longest and most comprehensive gospel. In chapters one to three, Luke describes the birth, baptism, and early life of Jesus. However he provides a deeper breadth of description and perspective than does Matthew. For example, he goes into great detail of the infant Jesus' presentation in the temple, and the boy Jesus staying behind in the temple when Mary and Joseph were returning home: After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them.  Luke 2:46-50 In chapters four to twenty-one Luke, like Matthew and Mark, gives accounts of Jesus' activities and ministry. He does so in a similar manner by describing parables and miracles, but does so in a more explicative fashion, thus providing us with a deeper perspective of the accounts. In Luke's last chapters, twenty-two to twenty-four, he eloquently describes Jesus' last days on earth beginning with Judas' agreement to betray Jesus and ending with Jesus' ascension to heaven; When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.  Luke 24:50-53 The Gospel of John is quite different from the Synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. During a time when people worshiped different Gods, John reveals that there is only one faith that worships a personal God who has sacrificial love. John's story identifies this God in the person of Jesus Christ. John explains the goal of his gospel very succinctly; But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.  John 20:31 John captures our attention from the very beginning, demonstrating how something very simple can also be extremely profound; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.  John 1:1-2 John's gospel is distinguished from the other gospels by extensive looks at several characters; including Lazarus, Mary, and Martha; long speeches provided by Jesus; and lengthy conversations such as Jesus' discussion with Nicodemus, teaching at the last supper, and Jesus' interaction with Peter at the Sea of Galilee. In chapter one, as previously alluded to, John gives a detailed explanation of the "Word". In chapters two to twelve he provides clear accounts of jesus' public ministry including miraculous signs, the woman at the well, and triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  Chapters thirteen to seventeen focus on Jesus' private ministry, specifically his teachings with the disciples during the last week before his death. Chapters eighteen to twenty describes Jesus' public trial, execution, and resurrection. Some argue that this is an evangelical hallmark as it clearly illustrates God's sacrificial love for mankind and forms the foundation of faith that Jesus Christ gave his life freely that so that all who believe in him shall also have everlasting life in the kingdom of heaven. The final entry in John reflects the writer's reverence for Jesus; Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.                                                                                                                                                                &nbs p;                                                                          John 21:25 In summation, I would like to use an excerpt written by Michael Redding in his A Survey of the New Testament, 2006: "That we have records of the history of important people - great men and women, political, military, and religious figures - does not surprise us. That we have many records of the life of Jesus of Nazareth should be expected from the ripples that have kept moving through history since he walked on the Sea of Galilee. What may surprise us is that we have four linked-together accounts believed to be authoritative." The four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John introduce and form the foundation for the New Testament. The New Testament is the basis which guides the principles of Christianity, and more importantly provides innumerable lessons by which to live our lives and spread the Word of Jesus. Rev. Ron Baams ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. 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. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Celestine Prophecy

Insights into Awareness Final Exam

by Rev. Jean Pagano

The rise of the middle class and the accumulation of wealth made possible by the Industrial Revolution slowly but surely moved man out of the fear of religion that categorized the Middle Ages and into the waiting arms of materialism. As people gathered more and more goods, man turned less and less towards his spiritual nature. As a result, man became disconnected, disconcerted, and closed to the spiritual world around him/her.

      Interestingly enough, at some indeterminate point, strange events and coincidences began to occur to individuals. Many of these people kept these coincidences to themselves, fearing the label of "strange" or "bizarre". Yet others, unafraid of the stigma of being different, began to speak to other people about their experiences and they discovered a remarkable thing – others were having the same experience!

            This awareness that "we are not alone in this" gave rise to the fact that the petty local and regional "possession" issues that ruled mankind from the Iron Age forward were secondary to a more global awareness. This awareness is a realization that we have a global or cosmic responsibility and destiny to fulfill. When a person talks about global warming, for example, this is the awareness of a cosmic or global issue. The energy that we direct towards these cosmic goals is something that has not been seen in a long time, if ever. With the advent of particle physics we see that there is much more to matter than just substance, there is also energy entering the equation. The world is made up of energetic particles so, by the use of our will and our desire, we believe that we can move the world, if ever so slightly, by the use of intent. Since we have begun speaking to our friends, neighbours, and confidants about our esoteric issues, it now occurs to people that if one person's energy may make a difference, then many peoples' energies will make an even bigger difference! Now, as enlightened and connected individuals, we can use energy to accomplish wonderful things. Interestingly enough, people using energy for positive purposes should work; however, people working for negative ends may also be able to manipulate energy.

            These negative ends are basically employed for a number of reasons; however, they have been the source of conflict from the beginning of time. The coveting of energy is essentially the same as the coveting of property since we have established that substance can be reduced down to energy. Because of the descent into interests surround substance or material things, we, as a people, have become adrift and seemingly disconnected from the Divine, the divinities, or perhaps the Source. By reconnecting ourselves to the energy flow that pulses within us, we also approximate a connection to the mystical and the Divine. The Second Coming, as I see it, is the realization that what we have been looking for all along is to be found within ourselves – we only need to look.

    Once we understand that the source bubbles up from within ourselves, we can begin to reintegrate our own energy flow into our need for energy, thereby freeing us from having to take energy from others. This is not a short-term project, but will take some time to deprogram within ourselves. Knowing and understanding control dramas helps the individual to learn how to avoid the dramas all together and rely on ourselves and the universal source(s) for the energy we need.

            Somewhere along in this process of reintegrating ourselves with ourselves, we come to understand that we are given this source of energy for a reason, not just for-the-heck-of-it. There is a mission and a goal to which we apply this energy. This is the hardest task of all. Deep inside, we all fear that there is no reason and that there is no purpose for our journey through the wheel. Yet, we strive to discover this for it feels as though we are being pulled along, drawn to the centre. What we find there, of course, is one of the Great Mysteries. 

            We discover, in the company of like-minded-energetic-beings, that we resonate, not only with ourselves, but with the pulsations that arise when such energy bodies come together. As part of the process of making this world a better and more vibrant place, we pass along the things we have learned and experienced to those who we sense are ready to learn and understand. Here too, one must use their intuition to find the right person for such an approach.

            Finally, with such a tapping-into the energy source, one may find that the entire cosmic physic shifts as more and more people become aware of their energetic potential. The ultimate (perhaps Utopian) goal is that everyone is moving towards the same energetic potential. When and if this happens, the entire paradigm of life-as-it-is will shift and change. A new world will have arise, from within the individual to form something even more remarkable. It is a dream and a possibility.

            This was a very enjoyable course. There is a lot of reading in the lessons but they are very much worth the time. The journey through the insights is well presented and then the ensuing discussion does focus on peripheral topics that are relevant to the whole. I found the course wholly enjoyable and well worth the large amount of time required for completion.

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A Course in Miracles

WHO AM I In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. These words are from the King James Bible in the passage of John 1. When I was young I went this way and that way playing in life. As I grew older I learned responsibility, and hither and yon became quests of learning and establishing beliefs I would live by. One of these quests led me to the point of my very substance. My root of roots, of the Metaphysical side of the human and who I am. The spiritual side of the Physics that makes us all whole as it were. I will in this text try to keep it simple as life itself is but a simple vapor, but also to go in depth to the degree of understanding as we are a very unique and complex being. Stay with me now. This will be I hope for you one of the most important bits of information that a person can find. As I had said before I was on a quest in my life. I had enough of Preachers who didn't know their job,. Preachers who were in the catagory of total hypocrite. Those that would answer my questions with " It's a mystery or you'll have to wait to ask God about that one sonny". Then smile and walk away not even one bit concerned that I was bleeding inside. I wanted answers. Did I get saved and that's it? Was that all there was. Wait till I die and go to some Mansion in the sky? What's up with that? Is being a Christian the same as I was before but with a new title? I had to find out for myself. Years went by I joined the military, did my hitch and then went back to work as a truck driver. 23 years later I was still asking Preachers the same questions. Who actually is God. Why does it say he knew me before I was born. Why did he love me? What is the real meaning of life. Come on already......doesn't anybody know? Am I to just grow up learn to work and then die? There's got to be more to life than this. Just gotta be. I read books, asked questions, surfed the net. Then one day an amazing truth hit me. How could I have been so blind? Why, if God is the God of everything, couldn't I just ask God. No, that would be too simple and besides if God is a God of everything think of the time on hold just waiting for an answer. lol I quit with my foolish thinking and got down on my knees, humbling myself before the almighty. God, I said, I know your there and I know what your word says as I have read it over the years and searched for these answers. I know you are the great I AM. Can you help me now and answer my questions? Then I added, I know your probably busy handling world hunger and wars and such, but if you could take just a minute of your time and just tell me what I am really here for I would appreciate it. Well I didn't get hit by a lightning bolt or anything but I did get a picture in my mind and these words. "seek and you'll find" Ok, now was I just told the same thing that the preachers had said or was there a deeper meaning to what I heard? Maybe I imagined it. Maybe it was just me hearing what I thought I would hear. Then it happened. "Be still and know that I Am God" A still, small voice said that inside my head? heart? soul? Well, where ever it was, I heard it..............more years went by and I learned to pray and ask questions in the same manner as before. but as time went on I saw a pattern that never failed. I would praise God for who he was, thank him for what I had and then tell him where I was in my situations. Then I would wait and the answers would come.That's right ...the answers. What answers? All answers. Well at the risk of being a bit shallow and vague I will leave this all as it is written. If you want answers I have given you the formula for life. If your too blind then maybe you just shouldn't see anyhow. But the answers are in the writing above if you'll just ponder and realise the answer to WHo Am I is actually I AM. Thank you and my your voyage be safe and full of Love. REF: John 3:16 --Rev. Michael ********************** Ordination with 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 Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Life of St. Paul

The Life of St. Paul interested me in many different levels.  First I wanted to know who he was beyond what the Bible says.  Then I wanted to know his suffering in relation to Jesus and how the two have parallel lives. While reading on his life, I find that I have shared some of those struggles as well.  With God by my side, I knew that I would overcome all adversaries and be used as His instrument of teaching, like St. Paul.   I also found his travels to be of interest as well, how he had use of the roads and knew the Greek language and was able to make East meet West.  No small feat by any means!  I learned that Paul was a very educated person, highly intelligent, great use of logic, creative and had clear thinking of what his subject was.  He was meticulous about Laws and keeping them.     I found Paul's time of conversion to more than humbling.  To stand before Christ "trembling and astonished", would be such a blessing today, even if blinded by the light of the Lord.  When Paul finds "his work" you almost feel a great sigh of relief and cant wait to see what happens next, which of course if his first missionary journey.  Paul to me is an extraordinary man and suffered and was blessed beyond most comprehensions.  Being stoned to near death and overcoming it to still spread the word of the Lord. This is a man I want to spend time with, almost as much as I want to spend in the presence of Jesus Christ.  The power that Paul had even in writing, to move the people of cities and inspire in his sermons, a man truly touched by God.  Paul's voyage to Rome must have been a pivotal point in his life, knowing how dangerous the trip would be and yet he pushed on.  Its a shame there are not more people in the world like Paul!  Our world already has enough chiefs, and not enough great chiefs to lead the peoples of the world back to the word of Christ and bring peace upon the world once more. By Rev. Michael Belair ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. 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. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Christian Studies

Thank you so much for an eye-opening course and a great book. The first part of the book that I read was the glossary. This was an education all in of it self. For example Baptism (baptisma) and Baptize (baptizein) means dunking, cleaning, washing or bathing. The word Church (ecclesia) means assembly, meeting ,or" calling everybody out to meeting". Gaus comments that "here essentially is the great struggle in reading the new testament, not to view earlier events in light of later developments." Other words that I  found interesting were Diciple (mathetes) and Master (didaskalos).  Mathetes means student and didaskalos means teacher. Finally I should also mention repent (metanoein) and repentance (metanoia). "The literal significance of the words is " changing your mind or a change of heart". Amazing. When I started reading the book,This christian was in for quite a surprise especially with all the different words used. Whenever I read a new book I always underline sentences or words that are meaningful for me. One sentence I underlined was " It's enough for the student to become like his teacher and the slave like his master". Amazing!. What this means to me that with a bit of patience and effort we can all become Christlike Jesus. Now that's good news. Here's another one I underlined "And they went out and called on the people to have a change of heart, and threw out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and cured them".Now isn't that a simple version of salvation just to have a change of heart. Finally I can't end this essay without mentioning this sentence I underlined. "In the beginning was the Word,and the Word was toward God,and God was what the word was.Now all the bible translations I have ever read ,it reads"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,and the Word was God".In Gaus's translations there is a seperation of Word from God. Wow! that really made me stop and think. If this translation is true then some traditional doctrine Christians have always taken for granted would have to change. Anyway, I will be thinking about and meditating on this for a long time to come. God Bless Rev. Terry G. Rempel ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. 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. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Shamanism

     The first thing that I learned is that the word Shaman is so loosely used. I was surprised to find many attributes such as herbs and healing were not part of Shamanism. I now know a Shaman is not a healer, but a healer is not a Shaman, without studying both.

   Although I am familiar with many of the definitions, your explanations help me understand on a higher spiritual level. I felt a wonderful connection when I got that "aha" moment. I had an experience a couple of years ago. My uncle was on his death bed. I meditated and talked to him to help him with his transition. It was very beautiful and I felt that he heard me and I could see him looking at me although I was there ethereally. A couple of weeks after his transition, I had a reading from a mentor. She told me that part of my soul transitioned with my uncle but did not come back. We did a soul retrieval meditation and recovered that fragment. I found it very interesting how I felt because I had been out of sorts, but did not know why.  

     Another thing I found interesting is the ceremony and rituals. I am constantly reminded that preparation is the key to success in working in the upper realms. I have a habit of rushing or skipping some of my preparation for meditation and energy work. I know when I do prepare well; the experience is for spiritually profound and the energy level is very high. Also I am reminded that keeping your space and accessories sacred for ritual and ceremony is important. I tried doubling up on the use of space and the energy changed immediately. I am already familiar with hypnosis so that lesson was an excellent review. I like the Shamanic journey, but I am sure it would be much better to have recorded it and then use that as a guide with my eyes closed. You see things much differently and on a higher level with your physical eyes closed.  May be in your next class you can create a MP3 for your students to download, or recommend a CD to buy at the bookstore.

     I just loved the lesson on the Mayas! I find them and their beliefs very fascinating. I have read other books but this has reignited my passion to learn more. I think that they were so in tune with their intuition and had a deep awareness and connection with the world.

     What I liked most about the lessons were the practical exercises. Each time I practice a technique, I felt that I achieved a better outcome.  

I found this course very informative.  

Thank you,

Karen Dullnig

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

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 since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

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The Miracle of Prayer

Dr. of Spirituality – The Miracle of Prayer

Rev. Ernest Kayorie

I would like to thank the Reverend Loretta Siani for putting together the materials that have comprised the course on Spirituality and the Miracle of Prayer.  The work that this course required is perhaps the most important curriculum that anyone could engage in during their lifetime. It was an interesting journey into one's own definition of what spirituality can mean and how important it is to apply that to your life.  The conclusion that this writer has achieved did not come without its own brand of pain.

After reading the course faithfully for about six sessions, I came to the conclusion that it was not for me.  The materials were well written and presented in an excellent format, but it didn't make sense to me.  Here was another "do it and you'll feel better" program  and also this one based on the Course of Miracles materials with Jesus as the prime teacher.  Get serious, I thought, I have better things to do then waste my time on this again.  The last time I tried to delve into the Course of Miracles, it didn't make sense.  It was too wordy and convoluted in a lot of ways.  It wasn't me…… on and on and on……

After stewing about this for about a week, the next lesson arrived and I decided to finish what I had started.  I read the lesson and then suddenly, it happened.  The words started to make sense,  It was as if someone turned a light on.  When that occurred, it gave me time to clear my mind long enough to realize that all the while I was protesting, my ego was sitting back self satisfied that it had successfully averted another attack on its supposed supremacy.   Happily the words conveyed in the course abided and their healing energy broke through.  The remaining weeks were an interesting and evaluative experience.

Slowly…. subtly…the words of counsel gleaned from the lessons made continued sense to me and the affirmations reminded me of the strength of those words.  Many of the superficialities that I allowed to become important to me fell by the wayside.  It's amazing how trapped we become by them and by societal standards.  It reminds me of the story related by Joseph Goldstein, co founder of the Insight Meditation Society who stated how difficult it was to remain faithful to his Buddhist vows after he decided to return to the United States after spending many years as a cloistered monk in Asia. 

Although I felt that it was important to mention that Jesus was the source of the knowledge conveyed through the Course, I realize now  that  is not important.  It doesn't matter what your particular philosophy or theology is because this is a curriculum of living and understanding that bypasses all the intellectualizing and hence rationalizing that keeps us "in bondage" slavishly following tired old ways of doing things.  If we just listen to the simple message, we will be transformed and made new and that's what is important.  With this new insight, each day is a renewed journey and hopefully, I can sustain that renewal for awhile. 

I'm re-reading many works that have been put aside and as I do that, I realize that the similarity of their messages is amazing.  .  I don't know whether I have learned anything earth shattering about prayer but I hope by reminding myself of my potential as a "son of God", I will begin to realize the import of that statement that "of myself, I can do nothing, but with God, all things are possible" and that has to be a powerful prayer.

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Ordination with 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 Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Comparative Religion

Universal Life Church Seminary

Master of Comparative Religion

Rev. David Hester

What you gained from this course.

I gained much from this course including but not limited to:

- a firm grounding in Comparative Religion that allows me to understand the various aspects of the different faith systems. 

- The Awesome Missions Principle: "It is imperative that as ministers, we make every effort to communicate from the perspective of those we serve."   An excellent example was given concerning the term "angel" and it not being difficult to learn to use the word "dakini" with those from Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist backgrounds.

- Minister needing to learn to serve all ages.  Obviously how you would minister (while equally important) to a five-year-old and an adult would be different.  As a Christian I have learned that most adults do not understand Christianese so how can I expect to use terms like sanctification, epistemology, etc. with a child?

What you liked best in this course.

- I could not wait to get to the sections at the end of each lesson titled: Recommended Reading.  I am still reading many of those recommendations!

- I loved the sections on holy symbols and architecture.

- I loved the simplicity of the presentation for each of the 20 lessons.

- I found the Recommended Activities each week to be great eye-opening experiences.  I had a wonderful experience learning of the Mormon Faith while I did not agree with all of its Doctrine. 

What you liked least about this course.

While I enjoyed this course I tended not to like the push toward ecumenicalism (for me the Bible warms of a one world government, religion, etc.).  Having studied the various faiths I learned that they cannot all be describing the same G-d.  Thus to try to combine them (in truth) would be impossible.  For instance the G-d of the Koran is not the G-d of the Bible.  You realize this in studying the character traits of Allah versus that of YHWH.

For me to "do that which is right" would be for me to do that which is true.  I am commissioned to "speak the truth in love" according to the Bible.  I would be unable to combine Christianity and Islam.  While I do believe that inter-faith dialogue is vital.  I have to stand for that which is true!


How you think these discourses could be improved.

These discourses could be improved by adding the apologetic of those opposing the Inter-Faith/Ecumenical Movements.  This I thought would bring another dimension to the course.


Any other comments.

I found Discourse 3's section on the Golden Rule to be most interesting.  In this section of the course we learn that Bahai, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Jainism, Native American, Taoist, Wiccan, and Zorastrianism all have the concept of the Golden Rule.  I also find this to be true of the Ten Commandments.  If this is not the proof of the existence of One G-d and the fact that we all have Eternity in our hearts I do not know what is!

Rev. Kythera Ann (at least for me) has proven the Bibles teaching on a Global Flood actually happening beyond the shadow of a doubt by sharing all of the Flood Stories from around the world.  The following is Rev. Kythera Ann herself: "Because of the consistency of this story, the current scientific geological data, the idea of a worldwide flood actually happening is very likely."  You got that right!

I enjoyed the information on the Shinto Festival called "Ontohsai" showing/sharing/mirroring the Biblical Akeda (the near sacrifice of Isaac).  This teaching portrays the concept of Substitutionary Atonement!  We cannot save ourselves! 

There were so many wonderful things about this course that its hard to put it all on paper!


Would you be interested in taking other courses from Rev. Kythera Ann?

Rev. Kythera Ann has surely done her homework and put together an excellent course tying the various faiths together showing there similarities and differences.  I would be interested in taking more of her courses. 

All My Love,

Dave "Avery" Hester

www.davidhester.blogspot.com

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

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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Wiccan Studies

I have been a Wiccan for 10 years and an ULC minister for 18 months.  I decided to take this Wiccan course pretty much just to test my knowledge.  Lesson 2 on consequences had made me realize how important the Wiccan Rede really is. That everything  good or bad has  consequences. I pretty much used this subject to help me make good decisions each day in my own life. In my essay on lesson 2, I wrote how I didn't keep up on my maintenance with my car and how much it would have cost me less if I kept up with it and how the money I spent could have went to more useful things, like diapers for my daughter. this was the consequences of my actions. I am still hung up on drowsing, maybe some day I will concentrate on this subject.  Most of everything else from wiccan holidays to altar tools and the elements I already knew from books written by Buckland and Cunningham, but it is always good refresh your memory. 


I also loved sharing my wiccaning ritual I performed on my daughter with you, I already had it written out before I ever took this course, I posted it on the forum for all to read and hope that anyone who reads it will enjoy. I believe that this course would be good for non-wiccans searching to understand our beautiful religion and help clear them of all the misconception they may have heard from their local church or mainstream tv.   My main Goal as an ULC Wiccan Minister is to reach out to those in touch with nature and help build a Earth-based congregation here on the nh seacoast. I have enjoyed your lesson on Wicca and am thinking out doing the Pagan one next.

Bright Blessings

Rev. Michael Engel

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

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.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Religious Philosophy

RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY

RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY

Organized Religion – Cults

Faith need not be organized; but, when it is, we know these organizations as either "religions" or "cults". There is process by which faiths become organized into religions, as well as the true meaning of that often abused term "cult". Even Apes  morn the death of  a lost one but it does mean that they pray and community with a deity.

.   Five factors needed to assisting in determining a religion is a cult

• Does the group have a charismatic, powerful leader (or leaders)?
• Does it display a group mentality that denies individuality and personal, independent thought?
• Is there a denial of intimacy by excluding or alienating friends and relatives?
• Do they apply financial pressure and abuse for the welfare of the group, even at the personal expense of the adherent?
• Is there a separation and isolation from the surrounding community?

      United states Marine Corp embodies most of the Five characteristics.

1.      The group ha a leader  who is powerful and, mostly very Charismatic ability to draw people to him.

2.      .Family and friend can not be with you little to no communication may be had  while in training The Marine's often outside of the community often they live in housing on base and associate with only other Marine's  Are they then called a cult?  The answer is no, their leader can be changed by simple public option.

    Catholic church embodies most of the Five Characteristics

1.      Let us look at the Catholic Church Yes they have the POP as the  right hand  of  God.

2.      The Church laws and by laws must be adhered to by all or you could be removed from the church ex-communicated.

3.       Since the beginning the church has told poor that it was best they be poor and the Lord's House remain well taken care of as well as though Priest, bishops, etc… men that served the church.

4.      They believe that their teachings are the only acceptable teachings for good Catholics. They built nunneries and monastery. So yes the Catholic Church has taught a separation between its clergy and the followers. So by these standards we could address the Catholic Church a cult.

In my attempt to be understand cults and much of what religion is. Through this course I've found great  flows in the belief system. First off for one to determine that  a group is a cult one must be willing to inspect their beliefs system.  Not by assume based on some on the fact that they do not worship as we do or pray as we do.  Christ himself who was Jew did many things that upset the church and made them feel threatened by him and his followers.  Where they cult leaders?  Christ spoke of love for my fellow man and for myself. He spoke of a relationship between himself and the heavenly Father.  So Christ might in this day and time be considered a Colt leader, by some. But that would be true for he did not see fame for himself, nor was he about keeping people isolated from the world. The bible tells that foxes have hold, but the son of man does not even have a rock to lay his head upon.  I have learned because we address or label any religious group a cult let take the time to study them and discover what they really believe. Cause even with  Christ would have been considered a cult leader, he taught opposite of what the Jewish figureheads had been teaching.  

We have called the Jewish un-Christians, The Baptist say that the Catholics are going hell and they are a big cult. All these things I heard in my church as kid and believe them without any proof.  I have learned that we are quick to label other because they believe or speak different. Men like Karl Marx felt religion in itself was nothing more than a excuse. A way to explain those things that seemed to have no other explanation.  We see that religion as we know today has grown into present day meaning.  From The Latin word religiō referred to an obligation or bond. Most linguists believe that this was derived from the Latin verb religāre, meaning "to tie back". Gradually, the meaning evolved until it came to mean 'a tie between humans and the gods'. After the legalization of Christianity in Rome during the early 4 th century, a shift occurred with regard to what was meant by 'the gods'. When the ancient Jovian religion (Roma religio) predominated in the Empire, it was clear that 'the gods' referred to the members of the Jovian pantheon: Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, et cetera . Later, as Christianity supplanted it, Deity came to generally be accepted as referencing the God of the Jews and Christians: Jehovah, or Yahweh (same God; just different English renderings of the Hebrew). 

As a result, religāre came to be refer to as a formal tie between devout Christians and their God. The people who exemplified this formal tie were the monks and nuns of the monastic communities. So, from the 5th century, for roughly a thousand years, religion (the Old French form of the word) referred solely to the monastic life.

In other words, the only truly religious people in mediæval Europe were those living in a monastery or nunnery — those who had devoted their entire lives to the church — those who had 'tied themselves to God'. Then, around the 16th century, the term began to take on a wider, broader meaning.

It was during the 16 th century that our modern meaning for religion finally came into use. Initially, this was the service, worship, devotion and faithfulness to God (or 'the gods'). But, that was a "western" view — one perhaps accepted within Christianity, Judaism and Islam, but not necessarily applicable to numerous other worship systems around the world.   The world cult

Was used in the book of Genesis by Abraham, so this is not a new word to us. Determining what trul can be classified as cult is not as easy. The Five questions proposed to test if a church or religious group are real or just a cult .  After having taken this course I've learned that such words as cult is not just a label to place thing that we do not agree with or do not understand. For me I leave this class with a greater understanding of the great need to respect others faith. It is obvious to me if a faith does not harm cause harm to the greater then we can not address them as cult because our teachings at youth said if others don't think or worship like we do then they are not saved.  I have no crystal ball to determine which faiths are right and which one will find true peace, I realize I must embrace each one and learn determine for myself what is right and wrong.

Rev. Willis Henry

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

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.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Christian Studies

Final Essay on The Four Gospels           
          

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Unvarnished Gospels".  It read like a story and I was not distracted by chapter and verse, and small print like most bibles have.  It was an easy read for me and all the participants in each gospel were so alive!

At times I felt like I was walking with Jesus and witnessing the miracles of the loaves and fishes, turning water into wine, walking on water…the remarkable healings and casting out of demons. Which brings me to the point of what Jesus taught and how he wanted to save us by making us aware of a higher calling, higher understanding, and an awareness of the limitations we put on ourselves. Jesus was patient and sometimes impatient in what he was trying to teach then, and what He taught is true for us today.

Jesus wore so many hats. He was a prophet, a counselor, a healer, a master, a psychic, a teacher, a savior and a Son of God. The works He did we can do also. And it is not Jesus but through God the Father that He (Jesus) is able to do these things.

My background is Christianity. At first, traditional teachings of the bible was the only way for me until I had an experience that changed my life. It was a visit from an angel!  For now just take my word for it because I would like to get to the meat of the Four Gospels.

It is true, that we hear more scriptures quoted from the Gospel of John regarding the four gospels, because it is direct and to the point. And, although it may seem that Jesus' portrayal in this particular gospel was out of character, I think it showed Jesus with some human characteristics which we had not seen before, at least not as pronounced, in the previous gospels. The fact that Jesus was so bold did not bother me. Wouldn't you be irritated if you had to constantly go over the lessons you were trying to teach, and  still your students didn't understand or doubted what you were saying?

This brings me to the "comforter" that Jesus said would be coming.  I do not believe this was the second coming.

Jesus, after ascending, would not physically be with them.  Jesus did not want them to feel that they would be alone and spoke of the comforter which was the Spirit of God working through each person who believed in the teachings, miracles and healings that Jesus preformed.  It brings me to the thought that when I am "spirited" (In-Spirit or inspired), moved, or motivated to do something,

things happen.

The demonstrations and miracles that Jesus did was to teach us not to be so limited in our ways or in our thinking… to go outside the box, so to speak. Since my angel experience, and it wasn't an instant transition as I had a lot to work through, I was led on a path to know my true self. It was a freeing experience for me at the time as I lived inside the box most of my life, and afraid to be who I really was. I didn't know who that person was anyway. However, traditional teachings brought me on the path for my search for truth. Much later in life, I learned to turn the knowledge I received to something I could apply in my life, and eventually saw the wisdom in it. 

Jesus knew because of His foresight who believed or didn't believe in his teachings. He states that we are not to judge least we be judged also. "And if I do judge" He states… I really don't think this is a contradiction as some may imply. My understanding is if Jesus does judge it is "right judgement" or discernment, a knowing that what He discerns is true. The meaning of "judgement"

can get so out of hand, like political correctness.

This course has given me more insight than I expected. Usually, I focus on staying neutral with no expectations except to learn what the course wants to teach me.  Previously, I did not know that Mathew, Mark, Luke and John did not live in the same timeframe as Jesus did, and I want to research that further. I started on a metaphysical path 28 years ago after my encounter with an angel. This encounter was published in the book called  "Angel Visions" by Dr. Doreen Virtue Ph.D., should you want to read about it.

Thank you for the inspiring, and mind expanding views of this course.

In His service,

Rev. Nancy Kimes

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

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.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

A Course In Miracles

As I lay in bed this morning, I could hear the rain pouring down the side of the house onto the flower beds. I looked out my window and saw the water pounding hard against the ground. Tropical storm Fay was paying us a visit, here in Alabama. The mighty wind made the rain appear to be dancing in a whirlwind of joyful bliss. This way and that, like a mystical ballet. It was beautiful. It was mesmerizing. I thought to myself, how can I capture this and hold on to it, so I could show it to my grandchildren, my friends, my loved ones. I can't, except in memory. For the rain will dissipate and return from whence it came. The wind will become silent. And the earth will be still once more, as if nothing ever happened. That is what I feel this course is about. Life is a moment. A moment given to us by Almighty God to experience. God is in us. We are a part of God's very essence. We share in the experience with Him. But life is an illusion, a dream. We are left only with memories. Some people take these memories and store them up in suitcases or large boxes in their brains and hearts. Unfortunately, they tend to store the bad events with the good. For some, the bags become so large that the person can no longer see past them. They stop living the moment. They disconnect from God. I see life as "TODAY", right "NOW", this very second. I live, I breathe, I pray, I hunger, I love, all right now. There is a program called, Dr. Who. He is a Time Lord, a time traveler. I consider myself a Life traveler. I am so grateful to God for everything. I am at peace. I am happy. The trick is "NO" baggage. Don't waste time on negativity. Think positve thoughts and keep them in your heart. Surprisingly, these thoughts are quite light. Anything else is left behind. Know thyself, know thy God, know that what you have now is all that matters. The future will take care of itself. What you do now will reflect on the future, so don't waste the now. Go out in the rain. Get wet. Feel God's blessed, soft, cool water angainst your skin. Live now, for tomorrow my never come and yesterday, no longer exists. Life, here, is fleeting. No guarantees, except for death. Open your eyes, open your heart, open your soul and recieve God's lessons for you. Everyday is a miracle, everything around you is a miracle. YOU are one of God's miracles. A walking, breathing, living miracle. This body is but a vehicle to return our spirit home to God and heaven. The Holy Spirit is the Father of miracles. What good is a miracle, if you are not open to recieve it? Remember: "There is no time wth God: a thousand years, a single day: it is all one" (2 Peter 3:8) Why waste it. Thank you for this course. I loved it. May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and watch over all of you and the one's you love. Rev. Nitza L. Melgar ********************** Ordination with 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 Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar