Christian Studies

In this course, I learned a lot about the different titles and how to address someone who has a certain title. I also liked the lessons on the history of the Church. I did not realize how persecuted the early Christians were and the difficulties that they faced. I know the Saint Paul had been jailed many times for what he was doing but did not realize that being Christian could result in punishment including death. I was fascinated about Constantine and how he helped to try to spread Christianity. I know that in lesson 15, that there is some question if Constantine’s about whether or not if his conversion to Christianity was genuine which I did not know. I was also interested in the Spanish Inquisition where Ferdinand and Isabella tried to unite the country with Catholicism. I had learned before that people were persecuted for their beliefs, but did not realize how deadly the Inquisition was and also did not realize that they also persecute fellow Christians who were not Catholic. I was got a lot out of the lessons about how Saul was converted from Judaism to a Christian. 

I never knew before that Saul had persecuted Christians and then ended up having a conversion to Christianity himself. I also did not realize before the Saul had been present for the stoning of Stephen. I learned that Saul, now Paul, had traveled a lot to spread the Good News to people of the Jewish faith and to those of the non-Jewish faith (Gentiles). Paul must have spent quite a bit of time just traveling to places due to what transportation options he had at the time (e.g. boat, walking, horses, etc.). I was also surprised at the number of books that are left out of the Bible. I knew that the Catholic Church had more books in the Bible, but when I looked at the list, I was surprised at the number of books missing from the Bible and most of these books I had never even had heard of until I saw the list. This course was definitely worth taking and really got a lot out of it.

Rev. Michael Barth

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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.

Paganism

The first thing that really got my attention is how much I do not know about Paganism. I think I have a lot of interest finding even more about Paganism even after taking this course. I was really interested in how Pagans worship different gods and goddesses. The first thing that really worked for me was meditating. Meditating really got me relaxed. I was unable to concentrate long enough to do the entire meditation that was suggested but was able to adapt some meditation techniques that really worked for me.

The next thing that really interested me is Section 2 and 3 of Lesson #5 about Summerland and Winterland and how some Pagans believe that the go to this paradise (Summerland) until they are reborn and that others believe in Winterland which is where the dead go. I really liked the reincarnation philosophy in Paganism as well with other religions and how it is linked to karma. Another thing that got my attention was the amount of holidays that Pagans celebrate. I know that some of them are minor holidays and others are major holidays and that some are general and some are deity specific. A lot of these holidays I had never heard of before but I am glad I got to be exposed to them.

Due to living with my parents and grandmother, I was unable to set up a permanent altar to practice a lot of the rituals used in this course. I had to set an altar each time but was worth the effort. One of the things was that I was unable to get a lot of the tools that were listed because of a really tight budget but I worked with what I found around the house which worked for me. The effect of the music had a big part in my ritual. The music really helped me relax and helped me to practice the visualization technique. I was fascinated by how different trees where viewed and how they were used. Of the trees listed, I liked what was said about Beech, Oak, and Pines. I will have to try to get some things made out of these woods when money is available or if I can find some that has been discarded. I was fascinated by how different trees where viewed and how they were used. Of the trees listed, I liked what was said about Beech, Oak, and Pines. I will have to try to get some things made out of these woods when money is available or if I can find some that has been discarded.

Some of the things I had trouble with were the grounding and centering after meditating and the manipulation of energy. I also had a hard time finding a quiet place to do my ritual and I was lacking some items to complete what I wanted at my altar. Unfortunately, my neighbors are noisy along with my family which caused some distraction during my ritual that I am still tinkering with. I had to deal without having any herbs and things like the chalice. I know of a metaphysical store in town that I will have to go to. I had trouble grasping some of the symbolism in Paganism but will continue to try to understand it.

This was a real awesome course for me to take. It really opened my mind up to trying new things and trying to find what works for me and what does not. I will have to do more exploration of Paganism

By Rev. Michael Barth

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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.

SHAMANISM

The term “Shaman” has always held a negative connotation for me, as it is a term that has been frowned upon by my Ojibwe (Anishinabe) culture. It has always held a meaning of “western new-age people” who want to take from the Native culture and use it in a way that goes against our values. So taking this course has been very helpful to me, in regard to looking at things in another way. I do not expect that those in my culture will ever see the word “Shaman” and not think negatively, however.

The course began with much talk and discussion regarding using mind-altering and mood-altering chemicals to enhance one’s shamanic gifts. In my experience, however, those who we call “Medicine People” and “Spiritual Healers” are not people who would even consider doing this. I have always been aware of the Native American church, and the use of peyote, in the western tribal areas, and also the Lakota and Sioux tribes who might use mushrooms, etc. However, in our way, the Ojibwe manner, it would be against the values of the healer, or medicine person, to utilize chemicals in any way. There is a great sense of pride in being “sober and clean” and this would certainly be looked down upon in the community.

I have a personal belief about cannabis, marijuana. I believe all plants are from the Creator, and are here to help in some way. For example, it has been found that even poison Ivy is helpful to those with rheumatoid arthritis. But for healthy people, it is best avoided. I believe the same for marijuana: it is there for sick people, those with AIDS or cancer, and those afflicted with these illnesses who cannot keep food down. It has been found to help people with these things. It has also been seen to help with chronic pain in people. So, the Creator has a plan for this plant, but it is NOT for healthy people to use, in my beliefs. It is interesting to note how states are now looking at legalizing this plant, for medicinal purposes.

I am a psychotherapist in private practice, in Duluth, MN. I am just about done with my Ph.D. in the philosophy of Natural Health, through Clayton College of Natural Health. I use natural healing ways in my work as a therapist, and have for years now. I am a Reiki Master, and use this method of healing for many people who come to see me. I also practice meditation and hypnosis (I have been trained in both these practices). I find that they are very healing and helpful for people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, pain and trauma (PTSD). I also practice some Qi Gong and Tai Chi, and use these methods to help people as well. I consider them “healing ways”. So I was glad to see the course address these ways in the text.

As an Ojibwe (Anishinabe) grandmother who carries a pipe, I have come to see the power of prayer as a healer. Also ceremony. I facilitate a full moon ceremony on a monthly basis for women from all walks of life. Sometimes we have 3 or 4 of us, sometimes we have 10 or more women attend! Each of these ceremonies is full of music, use of smudging and the 4 main medicines in our culture, (Tobacco, Cedar, Sage and Sweetgrass). We pray under Grandmother Moon, near an outdoor fire, in all kinds of Northern Wisconsin weather! We pray for ourselves, our families, those gone to the Spirit World, and all peoples of the Earth. We pray for the Earth too, and all the creatures of the Earth, including the plants and rocks. We know that women’s time is the night, and so this time of prayer is very powerful. I believe whenever women gather in a circle, there is great power.

I believe trance state and meditation are very powerful states for healing and I use these for myself regularly, and also with my clients. I have attended many doctorings by Medicine men, and have been doctored myself. I know that these ways are healing ways too, just as Reiki is. I believe we need all these healing ways to help ourselves and others in this most difficult time for our Mother Earth. She also needs healing and that is why we pray for her as well.

I agree that one does not refer to oneself as a “shaman”. It is up to the community to name those who are healers and medicine people. The truth of this will always come out, and these people will be sought after for their gifts. When I was first given my pipe, for example, I doubted that I was worthy and I doubted that anyone would call me to come and pray with them, as I was told they would. However, the spiritual people who gifted me with the pipe and gave me that message were right. I have been called often to help with those needing prayer and ministering to. I consider it a privilege and an honor to go and be with people who call. I am but the tool and the carrier of the pipe, which has a Spirit. It is that Spirit that is a healer for those who call. It is a humble thing for me.

I liked the part about all the plants still waiting to be discovered on the Earth, for healing. I have a friend who dreams of healing plants and then can find them in the woods, and use their healing powers. I do not have that gift. I respect all our plants and the medicines they have. I also know that they need to be protected from over-use by those who would take them all away. That is why many Medicine People will not share their secrets.

I also liked that the course addressed etiquette and ethics for healers. This is so important. It becomes known who one can trust in each community, I have found, but we still need to be held accountable. I also liked the message to people going for healing and how to act and behave when there. Many do not know these simple things. In our way, one always brings tobacco as a main gift. It is our way of prayer, and always goes “first”. Gifts are also given, and these can be many things.

I am glad to have taken this course, and to have been able to respond in this way with ULC and the staff there.

Rev. Michele Gordon

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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.

Spirit Quest

With all the wonderful things I’ve learned from this course, it has been difficult to sort out favorites. I have decided to write about the ones that have made the biggest changes. I will start with the Golden Sun.

One particularly exciting incident was the removal of my energy from a previous work place. I enjoyed my job there and all the people involved. I was there much of my time as I tended to work a lot of overtime (my choice). A better paying job came along so, as much as I loved my work, I left for the money. That was in 1987. Since that time, up until I started this course, my dreams were filled with this place. It was unbelievable how often I dreamed of it and the key people who worked there. It was, to say the least, rather annoying. When I read about, and used, the small Golden Sun to go into this place and remove my energy (it took a couple of times to totally clear), this changed. I have not dreamed of this place since. It has been wonderful for me. I am finally at peace with it.

The “Competition” section has been another blessing for me. I have a co-worker that fell into this area. She couldn’t stand me and after a while I didn’t like being around her, talking to her, or listening to her talk on the phone. The tension had gotten pretty bad. She always spoke to me in a demeaning, superior manner and constantly looking for something I did incorrectly then would to my boss about it (which never got me in trouble as the were petty complaints). The “Competition” lesson came just in time. It was a job saver as I was getting ready to quit my job just to get away from all the tension as I didn’t know what the problem was. After reading the section, however, it showed me what the problem was. She and I had the same job title and she was there before me, thus the competition.

I practiced hard on the spiritual “Hello” every day for a while and let it go to see what would happen. There has not been a tremendous change in our relationship. It has taken a little while as it didn’t happen over night, but we get along quite well now. There is no more tension, we pitch in and help each other out when needed, and she will actually come into my office just to chat. Thank God this has happened. The tension is gone and the work environment is much more pleasant. Believe it or not, just the understanding of what was going on and the spiritual connection has brought about this unique change.

I have also gotten very good results from the destroying of roses. My most recent, and most important, action with putting my problems into the rose and destroying them was due to the pain, sorrow, and uncertainty of events surrounding the death of my Mother. I have recently used the roses to help me deal with this. I would put one issue at a time into the rose and destroy it and filling up with the Golden Sun. I would do this a couple of times and then create a rose and put Love into it and do the same thing. It has helped my cope with this event much better. I am still very sad, but the creation and destruction of the roses has helped heal the excruciating pain and I have found a lot of inner peace. It helped push me through the most devastating parts of the grieving process.

This course is full of so much knowledge and so many tools that I have needed in my life. There are no words that can express my gratitude for such a course. I know that as I continue using these my life will be more peaceful and prosperous.

Rev. Ruth Roberts

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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.

Religion

First, I would like to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the Master of Religion course. Over that past 20 lessons I have found myself taking a much deeper look into the King James Bible. Along with some of the alternative translations of the Bible, I came up with more than a few interesting differences in translation from ancient text to the King James version. Here is one of them from

Exodus 22:18 :

 Thou shall not suffer a witch to live was changed for the King James Bible from Thou shall not suffer a prisoner to live. 

It is also interesting to compare how some versions of the Bible have different versions of the same text. For example, the Roman Catholic Bible has Matthew 17: 14 quoted this way:

Roman Catholic Bible Matthew 17:14

  And, when he was come to the multitude, there came to him a man falling down on his knees before him, saying: Lord, have pity on my son, for he is a lunatic and suffereth much’ for he falleth often into fire and often into water.

While the Roman Catholic Bible only has it as verse 14, the King James Bible and the New International version have it as verses 14-15. You can see the other differences by comparing the Roman Catholic version to the texts below:

The King James version, Matthew 17:14-15

   And when they were come to him a certain man, kneeling down to him and saying,

15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is a lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into fire, and oft into water.

The New International version, Matthew 17:14-15

  When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him.  15 “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He is an epileptic and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into water.

I found that the lost Scriptures portion of the program inspired me to take a much deeper look into other Judeo/Christian texts, such as the Apocrypha, the Book of Enoch, as well as the Nag Hammadi library, also known as the Gospel of St. Thomas. Upon completing my study of the Gospel of St.Thomas, I found myself drawn back to this verse that I feel in many ways shows that Christ is not just in churches but is in all things, if you care to look for him.

(77)(Jesus said, "I am the light that is over all things. I am all: from me all came forth, and to me all attained. Split a piece of wood; I am there.

Lift up the stone, and you will find me there."

I find this verse similar to this from Luke 17:20-21

Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, he answered them, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; 21 nor will they say, `Lo, here it is!' or `There!' for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you."

I also found the work of Elaine Pagels, professor of religion at Princeton and an authority on Gnosticism, who argues that St. Paul was a Gnostic, to be of great value and well worth reading for those who wish to study this alternative version of Christianity.

After reading these texts I could see that there was much more to be found outside of the traditional Judeo/Christian text.

 One thing that I learned was that Jesus never mentioned starting a new religion; it seems to me more likely that he just wanted to reform Judaism, or set it on a new course. I found the books of British Jewish scholar Hyam Maccoby to be very helpful. Maccoby argued that the real Jesus was not a rebel against the Jewish law, but instead a Jewish Messianic claimant whose life and teaching were within the mainstream of first-century Judaism.

I now believe that Christianity was not so much formed by Jesus but evolved over many centuries. This new religion was founded not from any text that Jesus himself had authored but from the recollections and statements recorded by his followers, and their followers alike.

I know that some critics of the Bible feel these texts are a little disjointed but you must remember that these 66 individual books that make up the King James Bible were written on three continents, in over 3 languages, over a period of 1500 years, by more than 40 authors!

I started on this course searching for answers, and to become much more familiar with the Bible and the teachings of Jesus. I have not only learned more about the Bible but also about many alternative Judeo/ Christian texts, such as the Apocrypha, and various Gnostic texts. On completing this course, I have come to the conclusion that there are many other texts that were given on to man by God, and Christ, and that there are many other texts revealed to us by God’s Prophets. These can only enrich our lives, and help us find our way to God. 

As I have stated, I started on this course searching for answers, not knowing where to begin my search. Thanks to this course, I found myself searching in new directions, with a new-found openness to alternative lines of thought. I will continue my Spiritual Quest, as I still have many more questions that I am sure will take more than a lifetime to answer. 

Rev. Darrin L. Curreell

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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

Prior to enrolling in the Four Gospels course, I had the opportunity to re read the New Testament, something I had not done in many years. This task afforded me the opportunity to gain an added appreciation of an excellent piece of literature. Regardless of viewing the New Testament as a literary work or a deeply religious document, one cannot help but appreciate the unique series of writings that it is. Whether or not I was particularly moved or bothered by any of the gospels, I cannot say but what I can say with certainty is that I have come to appreciate not only the Synoptic Gospels but especially the Gospel of John.

The uniqueness of John’s gospel can be characterized by stating that with John, the personage of the teacher known as Jesus took on a truly universal character. With the resounding poetic introduction of …” In the beginning was the Word ….” to the sad lament of “ He came onto his own and his own received him not…”. one cannot but be impressed that the message of this author is beyond the ordinary. With the representation of Jesus as the Divine Logos, John or the writers that collectively became known as John (authorship will continue to be a point of controversy among scholars for all time), were anxious to prove that the itinerant teacher from Galilee was indeed “The Chosen One”. John’s main purpose in relating this account is to prove that you can now believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God……..” and not only that, but by “believing you may life in his name.” These statements carry the strength of the universe and place this teacher among the “greats” of religious history.

There is sufficient historical documentation (although such documentation is always under academic scrutiny) that proves that the authors of John were attempting to create a spiritual gospel as opposed to the writings that were already in existence that aptly described the “activities” of this person and his life story. John’s purpose was about inspiring his audience and placing this Jesus as the Divine Messiah as well as presenting this person as another human being who grew weary, required nourishment, and grieved as any man. I again resort to the ample historical documentation that shows that the author/compiler of John was writing to a largely non Jewish audience and also one that was very familiar with Greek culture and thinking. An example of such documentation was Irenaus, Bishop of Lyons around 170 AD who apparently related significant events through his friendship with Polycarp (who was a friend of John about the authenticity of the purpose of the theme in John’s initial gospel.)

What inspires a person to become motivated toward and renewed in their appreciation of something? After having completed this course, that very thing happened to this writer, namely a renewed appreciation of the writings attributed to the authors of John. This course was the foundation for a continued study of the gospel of John to gain a better appreciation of him (them)and to delve into the mysteries that have become the basis for many of our present beliefs in the western world. In returning to my earlier statement about being bothered or moved by the course, I should say that I was definitely moved (inspired) by the study of John’s gospel more so than the others.

Rev. Ernest Kayorie

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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, as well as courses in Mystical Christianity, Buddhism and Comparative Religion. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

Metaphysics

I have just completed the course on Metaphysics and Miracles. I have found this course to be extremely valuable to me in assessing my own life issues. I think I will start this paper on the quote in the very last lesson: " And the big lie that the ego still sells today is the belief that we need something outside of us to make us feel happy and complete." I think this sums up the entire experience for me designated in this course. I also quote: "Desire and belief gave birth to choice[the Decision Maker]." and I add that the statement " all beliefs are real to the believer".

When taking this course I had many past recollections of the wrongs done to me as it was my beliefs of such. I was frustrated that I was holding grudges and anxieties that could never find home in me and no resolution seemed possible. I found that I had anger and animosity towards to others, who some of were passed on to the Almighty. I could not let go of the wrongs within me and therefore suffered with anguish. If nothing else, I took this serious and found it detrimental to my well being. I could not let go and could not find happiness when those issues came to me in topic of thought or discussion.

Early on in the course I read of giving these thoughts up to let the love and the holy spirit into me to shine and remove this. I have found that by doing so that I was able to forgive and more importantly find my role in the responsibility for such issues within me. I had been estranged from one of my children for a number of years and felt huge regrets about such. So I decided based on this course that was not in my interest. I asked the God within me to rid me of this and to take hold of me and guide me out of this course of thoughts. I was able to forget and forgive and be responsible too. I fought to assure that I did not carry this anymore. I found the thoughts of ego and the negative issues to be ones I had within. I decided to cast them out and to live in the now and found that I was actually able to do so. I let it be known to my source of such feelings and have found that there is relief and release of the negative from me. What the future holds I am open to, but I am not going to blame that which comes on the other person nor anyone. I have committed to be free of guilt and to be open to the present and not live with such negatives. Their is a glimmer of hope where none was evident in the past. I renounced all of my issues of blame and placed myself in God's hands to find peace and have since found such. I opened this door to a much broader base then to that of the work which I used to do and have forgiven and accepted what was and now find in discussion with colleagues that I have no remorse for my practices and find I am proud of my accomplishments.

I guess in evaluating this course the thing that one must contend with is the Awareness of others to have such feelings. I have looked at the issues of boss and worker and found that the bosses ego would not allow such events. I subconsciously reflected that without knowing I did so, I did not use ego to approach the difficult boss. I did what I did with truth and integrity to me without knowing so. In discussion with a friend and colleague on this very day, he confirmed that we each dealt with ourselves in the most positive of conducts and for the good of the organization, in spite of the negatives.

I suppose the biggest issue I have is adjusting to the fact that others may not be enlightened by such knowledge of truth and sincerity. Thus, in dealing with a person all one can do is their best to try to practice the principles for themselves and trying to show through actions they

are one who is without such hangups. Even when another may not understand this element of action from within. For many are not fortunate to have the security of self and love within to be able to accept that others can be fortunate and positive impacts on their course of actions. All one can do is attempt to assure they are uniform in their principles themselves and hope that others will see and respect that. And if the others do not see this, it isn't a matter of superiority, it is a matter of keeping true to ones self and letting what goes on be as it is.

I have a very close friend with cancer and I found that chapter

illuminating. I even have shared some of the information with the

person[s]+[ as there are actually several folk whom I correspond with

right now who have cancer]. I have given to them the wisdom [not mine,

but that of which I have learned about] of letting God be within them

and asked of them to accept such to help them in their journeys through

their treatments and asked and prayed for them to accept God and enjoy

every moment. And you know what? They do! My own parents, who are quite

elderly and severely ill, have rejected my assistance to them. I put my

values on them and instead of accepting their lifestyles- since I wanted

to help and make their lives easier in my opinion- they have chosen not

to discuss their issues with me. So I asked God for help and I have come

to the realization that they are happy in their world and I should

accept what their wishes are. I cannot be let in without their

permission and they will not allow help, thus I search with my heart to

accept their beliefs of what is best for them and I can adjust to that

now with love in my heart.

So it is asked of me, to answer what I have found in this course and I

have found a newer version of me. I have let more goodness enter me with

God's help and I have accept what I can not change. I am accepting what

people want in their judgments and I am living a better life with my own

illness and pains. I ask of God to help me in my struggles with health

issues and give me guidance. I do not dwell upon what was. It is over

and history and I cannot change it.

I would not live my life over. I have accepted those things that were

and move forward to accept the present and look for a bright future and

attempt to give to others who ask. As a member of a civic organizations,

the issues of giving and then receiving were especially home hitting. I

have found that to give unconditionally, is the brightest spot for the

soul to be replenished and rewarded. I ask for nothing but God's love

within and whenever I have doubts I ask for guidance and love and things

just happen. There is no need to relieve the past nor fret upon the future.

In the very first few pages of this course, it talks about Fear based thinking. I heard a soldier who was on many tours talk about fear. He was asked if he feared on his missions and his response was Fear is "false expectations appearing real". His answer stuck with me and it was before being involved with this course. When I opened the first chapter and read about fear based thinking those words came back to me. We have untold freedoms and we are free to chose if we so deem it to be. This course gives us guidance to learn how to choose and that choices can be made through our Almighty Great Spirit that is within all of us to discover. We have power and it is for us to harness it to archive well being and not let the monsters of ego and separation from our God give us that ego. Our God gives us our strength to achieve those " Miracles" for each of us.

I suspect if I have any issue with what is within the course it is one more of a political nature. I am not at one with those who wish to inflict harm unto others. I am not sure how one person can alter the course of others with other agendas. I know I can do what one person can do, but to alter the course of world events is beyond that of my comprehension at this time. I suppose I will dwell upon that and still do my best to assure God's being. However, it is an issue of which I have yet to come to terms with. I pray for such persons and ask that they be shown a light that God's power has, but I have difficulty reconciling hatred and death being wished upon others who are different.  I Pray for them and I pray for me to accept with reason.  It is however, one issue that needs to be addressed in a whole world view. To pray, gives me solace, but it may not be followed by others. I ask for that, but I am not sure of the results for mankind?  Yet I pray!

Thank you for this very enlightening course.

Rev. Adam Rocke

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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, as well as courses in Mystical Christianity, Buddhism and Comparative Religion. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

Shamanism

The value of studying shamanism is to learn how we can use it to help others, and the earth heal today. Even though different types of shaman are recognized throughout the world, many of their healing techniques are universal. Some shamans specialize in healing the body, some specialize in healing the mind, some specialize in healing the spirit, either before or after the physical life. Yet others recognize that you can't heal one without healing the others.

Shamans often help someone heal by entering an Altered State of Consciousness (ASC). They enter this state by drumming, singing, chanting, meditating, fasting, dancing, using entheogens, and more. During the ASC they journey across the Axis Mundi to the “upper world” to communicate with ancestral spirits. They may also journey to the “lower world” to visit power animals. They may journey into the past to help heal from a past experience, journey into the future, or journey into a remote part of the earth where the local spirits have the information the shaman needs.

During the journey they encounter spirits who play an important role in human lives. These spirits, though usually sympathetic with humanity, are not always helpful. So the shaman either controls or cooperates with the spirits to help the community. Every human has helping spirits, even if they aren't aware of it. These spirits usually are eager to help identify the cause of illness, either involving a power loss, or soul loss. Shamanic healing is designed to regain power and the protection this power provides. The soul loss may be the result of power-intrusion in which vagrant spirits come to reside uninvited in the body. So healing involves returning the intruding spirits to their rightful place in the universe.

A shaman's strength is derived from the strength and number of spirits she can call upon for help. The spirits are of varying strength and it is their strength that determines the shaman's rank. They help the shaman treat people, foretell the future, and influence it. The more powerful the shaman, the more loving, because with the power comes a lack of fear.

The shaman needs the spirits as much as they need her. It is said that spirits must be in touch with our physical world to stay charged with energy. So when a shaman, for some reason, decides to sever her ties with them, this may have dire consequences for both of them.

Shaman have a strong understanding of their surrounding environment and their true purpose is to balance humanity with nature. They learn by watching birds, animals, and fish. They may also simply ask the earth to answer their question. Different locations are believed to have spirits who command the birds and animals living there and can help humans if they choose.

Animals may be called upon to be united with the power and essence of the animal. Each animal has attributes that we can learn from and use to become stronger. An animal may also come to you as an omen or messenger. For example, bird songs will welcome you to an area, while bird fights will tell you to be on guard. Shadow animals invade you with fear to teach a lesson.

Many places on the earth are considered 'power spots where people can go to increase their power or experience greater power: Crater Lake in Oregon, Mt. Shasta in California, Stonehenge in England, Black Hills in South Dakota, Skellig Islands off the Irish coast, Serpent Mound in Utah, Red Rock in Sedona, Arizona, just to name a few.

Divination is the control over weather. Shaman believe they can smooth a tidal wave before it hits shore, or divert a tornado around the village rather than through it. They merge with the tornado, and as the tornado they aren't able to make it turn around and go the other direction; but they are able to encourage it do go a direction that it may have gone anyway. Shaman will gather together for added strength when severe weather conditions warrant it.

Wind/directions have spirit animals, elemental association, and attributes: East (lion/fire/spirit/enlightenment), South (human/water/emotions/strength), West (buffalo/earth/body/transformation), North (eagle/air/mind/information). The shaman uses this power of the wind, but doesn't control it.

The Axis Mundi is a location, bridge, rope, or plant symbolic for where the physical and metaphysical meet. The axis connects heaven and earth as well as provides a path between the two. So the shaman goes across the axis to bring back the knowledge needed for healing. The caduceus, the symbol for medicine today, uses this axis as the staff in the center and the serpents going around the staff are the guardians or guides to the other realm.

Another important role of the shaman is story telling. They tell stories about how they have experienced the world through the eyes and ears of mythic and spiritual beings. They are masters of symbolism and interpretation. There is a well-known tale of a group of blind men who come upon a strange entity that has just arrived in town, known as an elephant. Each blind man is trying to figure out what this elephant entity is all about. One puts his arms around its huge leg and concludes the elephant is probably a living tree, another crashes into the massive body and visualizes the elephant as a solid wall, a third feels the vibrating tusk and naturally infers it must be a huge serpent, while yet another touches the tail and concludes that it is just a wimpy, rope-like animal. The point of the story is that each one of us can only relate to life using the experiences we have available to us. These experiences may be very limited and therefore limit our ability to understand someone else's experience. Or we may have many experiences in our past that help us understand the troubles someone else is living today. The story telling is their way of helping us relate 'lessons' to our personal lives.

Many, if not all, religions have roots in shamanism. Hebrew/Jewish scriptures supported shamanistic practices. Had they never been given their Torah they would have been able to learn all they needed to know from the animals. They even recognize the importance of the four directions/winds, as having an organic, living nature.

Jewish shaman perceive magic in the ordinary, miracle is the natural course of events. Where most people will be awestruck at the sight of a passing comet, the Jewish shaman will be awestruck at the sight of a fallen leaf. By seeing the miracle of what we consider ordinary, they unite with the Creator in a clear and open relationship. Then the veil between spirit and matter grows thinner and thinner and they no longer experience themselves as observers of this wondrous planet, but as integral parts of it.

Some shaman use breath to redirect and transform the body/mind/soul. Breath is believed to connect the physical body with thoughts. Breath calms the mind creating a space that reflects our true nature. Without this stillness we see only distortions and illusions of separation and loss of love. Our true nature unites cosmic intelligence and human consciousness with the universes potential. With proper breathing techniques we can synchronize our breath/pulse with the breath/pulse of the universe.

One such breathing technique to begin a meditation is to inhale and hold it for a count of 4, then exhale and hold it for a count of 4, then slowly increase so that you are holding for a count of 12 or more! Meditations may also use symbols, mantras, sacred postures, drumming, music and burning of herbs.

Shaman believe life is a dream that we created and continually create with our thoughts, without limit. The apparent limits are the result of what we have learned. It is our beliefs, decisions, and actions today about ourselves and our world that give us what we have and make us who we are. So during psychotherapy the shaman tries to understand the source of the illness, believing it's the result of scars from our past that created a feeling of separation, or loss of love, in our subconscious. Understanding the origin of the pain, and bringing it into the conscious, releases deep seated traumas.

Sometimes they would encourage the 'patient' to embrace the suffering. By reaching a place where one can embrace the suffering, the negative emotions vanish. Sometimes they would get the 'patient' to figure out the right question he needed answered. Once the right question was formulated, the answer appeared and the sickness disappeared. The shaman may also ask the patient to touch the area of the body in pain and say “Whatever this is related to, I forgive it completely and it doesn't matter anymore.” The shaman believes if the power was in you to create the illness, then the power is within you to change it.

The shaman teaches to watch your thoughts because your thoughts become your actions. Watch your actions because your actions become your habits. Watch your habits because your habits define who you are. It all starts with a single thought. So the more we can focus on positive thoughts the more positive our life will be.

Shaman may use chants like this Kahuna (Hawaiian shaman) chant: be aware, be free, be focused, be here, be loved, be strong, be healed. Is this more psychotherapy or is it calling spirits, or is it both?

It is said a shaman can resurrect the dead. A Kahuna would revive the dead by pushing the person's spirit back into the big toe. Surprisingly astute since squeezing the big toe is a well-known method for reviving someone who has fainted, and the day before someone dies their big toe drops downward.

Other techniques, not mentioned above, include behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, family therapy, herbal therapy, drug therapy, psychodrama, and dream interpretation. The shaman may also direct communal rituals, communicate with animals, invoke spirits, dream quest, make rain, smudge, create animal and human-like creatures out of the earth, exorcise wandering spirits, part waters, draw water out of stones, heal snake bites with a copper serpent, and consult oracles.

Today's shaman recognizes the earth is at a turning point and people need to become aware of clues through our senses and intuition. By developing our sensitivity to plants, animals, water, rocks, soil, etc. and by relating to them with appreciation we can gain powerful allies. To focus our thoughts on our intention to learn nature's language, the more she will communicate with us. By stating our intention, nature responds. Just like when we form the right question, the answer appears. Shaman believe that everything that exists is inter-connected. So a single thought of love or hate affects the whole world. Also, everything that exists is alive and can be communicated with, if approached properly. So by developing our sensitivity to the natural world we strengthen her.

There are many correlations between the earth and humans. The colors of the chakras are in the same order as the rainbow. The nervous system sends energy through the body, just like electricity sends it through the house, just like the ley lines send it through the earth. The invisible meridians of the body send energy like the invisible meridians of the earth.

Science proves many positive physical changes take place during spiritual practice. An increase of T-cells and salivary immunoglobulin has been documented which increases our immunity functions. Also, the more time someone spends in spiritual development, the less time they spend in pain and disease, because it triggers a shift in brain activity that brings a more positive sense of well-being. Science recognizes that 90% of all matter is empty space. Perhaps this is the creative void we use to create our lives.

I have shown the origin of religions to open the path for all people to return to shamanic ways. For the doubtful reader I have shown areas of science that support shamanic activities. If every sentence written here is truly absorbed into the mind and body of the reader, we will discover the shaman within each one of us and unite together to return the earth to her vibrant state of health.

by Rev. Chris goin

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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.

SPIRITUALISM

I would like to thank Amy for all her hard work. This was a great discourse and a great discourse to help with my ministering.

One thing I learned was that, with metaphysical discussions, you can’t move too fast or too soon or you will scare off science minded people. It is easier to minister to heart minded people. Heart minded people are easier because they intuitively feel the truth of the message. We must remember that we are ministering to people who are searching for meaning. It is important, therefore, that we learn to minister to all people.

Things to look for in heart driven people: feeling oriented, intuitive, receptive to spiritual ideas, touchy-feely, warm and compassionate, accepts contradictions freely and they accept things on faith.

Things to look for in mind driven people: they are analytical, rational, and somewhat distant, reject any contradictions, logical, does not believe what he cannot see, and thinks faith to be an illusion.

I learned that it was important for the person you are ministering to, to seek knowledge. Remember to be patient, kind, accepting and remain alert to signs that you are beginning to push someone too far too fast.

This discourse talked about a lot of philosophers and their viewpoints. Some of them that were covered are: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Saint Augustine, Immanuel Kant, Schopenhauer, Fichte, Hegel and most influential are Karl Marx, Freud and Darwin.

Another point I learned was, with greater understanding of the forces motivating the people we minister to in this society, it gives us a greater ability to help them in their times of need.

Spiritualism has a lot to do with faith. We have learned many ways to minister to those who are logically minded and who reject spiritual ideas, simply because they don’t understand faith even if they reject faith.

Here’s the bottom line for me. God teaches through people. I can convey what he compels me to convey. I can be kind and giving and love all people, but I allow the power of God to flow through me, for I have no qualifications myself to minister without God. 

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. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

Druidism

Having been a practicing pagan for several years, and a practicing druid for about three years, I decided to take this course for three reasons, none of which were to actually learn anything new. I took it to see what kind of courses and what quality of courses ULC Seminary offered, to reaffirm the ideals and beliefs that I had already had and ultimately as a step towards completing the ULC Seminary Program. Having taken the course I can honestly say I learned some new things that I had not originally thought I would.

The course in general was a good introduction to Druidism and its beliefs. I felt that some of the things covered were historically inaccurate, especially parts the involved roman writings. As we know much of what was written by the Romans was done so to either convince the Roman populous that that war was worth fighting because the Celts we barbarous heathens or was written by early Catholics as a way to demonize and eliminate the pagan religion that was competing with them for followers. The parts of the course that analyzed Celtic society were exceptionally useful in that they give you and idea of what the druids may have been like and may have done. Although this is also no proof that any of it is true because almost everything we know about the druids is tainted by outside sources. The few things we know about them that aren’t directly tainted by outside sources are found in their legends which are of course inflated truths of imaginative writers and have been translated several times by people with little or no actual knowledge of Celtic society or of the druids which in turn leads to a misinterpretation of the text. Another modern misconception is that all Druids were male and that there could never be a female druid. The Tain Bo Cullainge, a text quoted in the discourse and frequently used in place of historical fact, for example, contradicts this by talking about a female druidess who teaches the young Cúchulainn about the magic and fighting. 

Rev. Justin M. Oles

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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, as well as courses in Mystical Christianity, Buddhism and Comparative Religion. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.