We live and work on a backward, mixed-up little planet whose natives nailed their own Creator to a cross— This world is named Urantia, (Yu-ran-cha) and we are known throughout our local universe as The World of The Cross.
We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have stumbled across The Urantia Book in our past, and when intellectual integrity and spiritual experience eventually convinced us it was in fact and in truth what it claims to be, we also knew that it was a must read for any sentient creature with wisdom enough to want to know the truth about the origin, nature, and destiny of human beings, because:
The Urantia Papers constitute the most recent, epochally significant presentation of truth to the mortals of our world, Urantia; they differ from all previous epochal revelations, for they are not the work of a single universe personality, but a composite presentation by many beings.
If you find yourself challenged by the assertion these papers have been put forward by the real spiritual world— as we once were— we urge you not to take our word for it, but to find out for yourself by becoming fully acquainted with them— and yes, that means you’ve got to actually read it, not just read what anyone else says about it. If you do become acquainted with it, we’re confident you will soon find your personal cosmology expanding far far beyond all your previous perceptions and expectations.
Like the revelators themselves, we also
“…feel the time has arrived on Urantia when it is advisable to make such frank statements— even at the risk of weakening the immediate influence of this, the most recent of the revelations of truth to the mortal races of Urantia.”
Questions? Ask U.S.
Read The Urantia Book while you are still on Urantia. And by all means, enjoy what’s left of your Urantian Sojourn.
Love, Light, and Life
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Follow me on twitter: @TruePrgressive
ABOUT MICHAEL HART — Is a pen name for an American guy with a little PTSD. A life-long independent, I was a political cartoonist for the Colorado Daily for twelve years, and wrote and illustrated a cartoon strip called SOS. Like all cartoonists, I made a shitload of money which I parlayed into this free blog-writing thing.
Epochal Revelation has the power to introduce you to a whole new dimension of reality; the reality of Spirit. Nothing can remain untouched, of course, since your Indwelling Spirit radiates like the sun from the deepest part of you— your soul. When you start living there, are directed from there by the God of Love, whose Spirit inhabits the mind, comprehension of reality expands, and it always changes your life for the better.
It’s important to me to help make creative, talented, thinking people aware of The Urantia Papers; the longer it takes to wake Urantia up to universe reality, the longer it’s going to take to free ourselves from the tyranny of selfishness and fear. Values— like honesty, integrity, truth, beauty, and goodness— must inform our choices; must be manifested in our voices. But we also must act. Dare to live, work, and love life, and become the progressive change you want to see in the world. We can make brotherhood happen.
Follow me on twitter: @T_P_K
ABOUT TPK — After a stint with the Navy in Vietnam I turned that socialist p.o.s. G.I. Bill thing into a degree in Fine Arts fro
m Illinois State University. I paint, chop, read, write, work, and worship in Oceanside, California.
It’s beyond my knowing why more of us don’t relentlessly ask who they are, what they are, and why they are here; why they never seem to glimpse the beauty, or sense the world of spirit, why they have no need for a personal cosmology; why they never quite awaken from the dream world of material reality.
So indulge me this little bit of advice: Pay attention to that hunger in your soul— and everybody has that hunger— unless it’s intentionally snuffed out. Do your best to find out why you’re here. Try to discover where “here” is; become dedicated to learning where you are going, but remember change without growth is meaningless. It takes transformed people to transform the world; put some revelation between your ears, and then for the love of God get on with it.
There are innate difficulties in simply trying to share the news of such an amazing phenomenon as “Epochal Revelation” with anyone— whether they be lovers, strangers, friends, or foes. But frankly, there’s nothing more important to learn here on this planet. Our intent is to share a taste of that revelatory perspective, as we comment on some of the wild stuff that happens on this planet as it whizzes through space… hopefully with a sense of humor and in stride with the many challenges of understanding life and then living it on The World Of The Cross.
ABOUT PEARLS BEFORE SWINE — An occasional guest blogger for The World Of The Cross, I spend most of my time reading and wondering about persons, places, and things.
Like my cohorts here, I struggle with the existential angst created by the traitorous soulless mental case dismantling our democracy, but have recently tried to convince them and myself that, since we share the belief that all things work together for good, (at least for those who are spirit led), our world is “quivering on the very brink of one of its most amazing and enthralling epochs of social readjustment, moral quickening, and spiritual enlightenment.” BWAA HAAAA HAAA! We’ll see.
Follow me on twitter: @USaitia
Contributors
ABOUT PROPAGANDEE
— My work background includes film, law, real estate and a couple of short stints in the newspaper biz. My first editorial column (mid ’70s) was called “Staying One Step Ahead of the Future,” a mantra which I try to follow to this day.
My interest in politics began in the 8th grade when, in a debating class, I was randomly assigned to argue the case against Vietnam by a Catholic nun right out of The Blues Brothers. This was followed by a term as freshman class president at an all boys Catholic prep school, where I was asked to leave for engaging in various radical activities like growing my hair long, attending anti-war protest rallies, and having sex on the weekends.
After graduating high school in 1970, I forgot to go to college and found myself living naked on a beach on Maui for five months instead. There I underwent a nine week long dysentery cleansing diet, turned vegan, and learned some elementary yoga and meditation. My reading list included “The Impersonal Life,” “Autobiography of a Yogi,” various works on Zen, and something called “The Urantia Book” (TUB).
Suspending my disbelief about TUB’s claim to be an “epochal revelation,” I immersed myself in its teachings about pattern. The synaptic imprint on my brain was apparently profound, as I have been an inveterate dot connector ever since.
I take my blogging name “Propagandee from Jacque Ellul’s classic 1965 book “Propaganda: The Formation of Men’s Attitudes” (still in print, still important).
I am somewhat retired and live on the left coast.*
*(Propagandee, aka Phillip Geiger, graduated from this life on Urantia in June of 2016.
Vaya con dios, brother; see you on the other side.) —Ed.
Urantia insight is amazing! Thx for sharing your site. One comment though: your Jesus looks like a California surfer high on something! Self Portrait? Blessings and Light Fellow Travelor! Rock on…
Soul communicator thats what you are
Keep up the good work my friend 🙂
Thanks, Paul; you too. 😉
Just happened to run across your site while googling Moody Blues and the Seventh Sojourn. I think many of your pics are very ugly and distasteful. But, if that is your pursuit in life……have at it.
Just happened to read your comment while checking my site. I think your comment is very ugly and distasteful. But, if that is your pursuit in life……have at it.
No Peacocks, no jerks, no Whining? So any dissent is unwelcomed? I was interested and clicked the links to read the bood of urantia (sp) but was soo disappointed right off the bat. This is because it is the same ole stuff one sees everywhere except for places were we see people who are really enlightened. And this is when people realize that if there is one God, then that god is neither man nor women. Yet this book starts off with writing about God the father. When men can take their persepectives and egos out of God, the we will iisten. Until then, I will speak to her/him
myself.
Hi Rebeccazjunk,
“There’s a saying over at Treasury: ‘No peacocks, no jerks, no whiners.'”
—President Barack Obama, at the announcement of new Treasury Secretary, Jack Lew.
Do you really equate “whining” with dissent? (We don’t. “We” is USojo’s writers.)
We like enlightenment around here, so do please share those “places were [sic] we (you) see people who are really enlightened.”
It might be helpful for you to understand that the concept of God as a Father is about the nature of a relationship; not about gender.
“We”? Are you speaking on behalf of someone other than yourself?
Speaking to God as a “her/him” is all well and good I suppose; I seem to do better when I just try and listen.
Peace.
Rebecca if you are still
out there: I agree 100% but as an old guy let offer an insight please. Urantia entered the world in the 50’s into a Christian patriarchical mindset–as did Yogananda in the 30’s– and both omitted the Goddess, the Mother of God, and most things Feminine. I believe this ommision was intentional marketing to those in the patriarchy. Yogananda especially understood Shakti energy, the Divine Mother, and the utter essential need for the Feminine to be in balance with the Masculine. However–marketing new ideas hinges on speaking the language of your audience. So, I hope for an updated Urantia that speaks to our current times, technology, and mystical balance! Thank-you for speaking out, Rebecca…
just wanted to say that i love yer’ site guys …
and the toods! …
stopped in for a quick boo and spent a considerable amount of time going “yup’, “couldn’t agree more”, “wtf?, oh, i see”, “oh yeah!!” and “lol” …
pretty much what i’m looking for when i’m browsing the ole interwebz … awesome job my friends, keep it comin’ …
peace,
safe journeys …
hap
Yo Hap, Thanks for stoppin’ in, and the love, and thanks for what you’re doing over at the Hip! Keep rockin’ the crazy and we’ll get through this sea of imbeciles unscathed!
Thanks Michael …. I’m assuming that you are referring to Matt Neibaur … close but no banana! But there is another Neubauer out there in Urantia – land. I’ve seen her reply’s to another reader’s comments (Mykal L. Sr) so I’m making the assumption she’s a reader. But no, we aren’t related either. I don’t think so anyway?! But who knows? (Another reason for me to do a family tree)
Also:
I just finished reading TPK’s blog about our gov lady. Uggg! Yep she is an embarrassment to us Zonies. She was Secretary of State for years but got promoted when Janet Napolitano left to be in Obama’s cabinet. Sigh…. Thanks Janet. She’s not the brightest bulb in the pack…. more like a 40 watt on a dimmer switch, mostly on low. But not suprisingly Janet B. did get voted in – and she can run again (damn it all) because they don’t count her “fill in” for Janet N. as a term. She’ll win it too – her stand on “illegal immigration” is just this side of She – riff Joe’s. Barely. Don’t even get me started on him!! Ah well …. the heat has everyone’s brain fried in this state, lord help me.
Peace and Love,
Marc
Wow! How long has this been here? Gosh [Prop] after all these years this is the first I’ve heard of this blog! (Maybe I just wasn’t paying attention.) Great site guys…. I’m real glad I don’t have to go to a “Politics and Debates” forum here!! I’ll be stoppin’ in every now and then.
Peace and Love to all. Marc
Aloha Marc, and welcome to USojo, we’ve been at this since May of 2007, so yes, we’re certifiable. 😉
I have to assume you’re related to Matt Neubauer?
We’ll look forward to seeing you here again. Cheers.
Hello gents.
This is a great page! I read the Urantia book over the course of this year very thoroughly for hours on end, dictionary always at my side. I love you guys:). I’d like to add a couple links and thoughts. http://www.thevenusproject.com/ , http://earthship.com/ . The first link is to the Venus project which you’ve likely heard of- if not check it out! I don’t think it is exactly the answer but they’re really thinking outside the box in all the right ways.
The second is about ‘earthships’ which are houses made of recycled goods and are radically sustainable. The people that live in them have most of their basic needs met by their house. Which brings me to my topic of discussion. I’ve read the thread here and seen a lot of partisan back n’ forth- not accusing anyone of partisanship, but one good turn deserves another until everyone’s eyeballs are dry and crusty. Anyways, much of that could- and should I think- be avoided by UBook readers. I saw propagandee say in one post he’s not big on labels and I couldn’t agree more, but I think that we all share ‘the kingdom of heaven’ as the desired end- which basically puts us so far left that to identify with any current is settling short.
There’s been talk of liberality and social justice as if they were separate. I think if people wanna get serious about social justice, they gotta get serious about getting off of the monetary system. There is a difference between equality and equality of rights. I would argue that there is no social justice till every person has their basic needs met. This statement sparks fury in your average taxpayer! But there is a difference between desires and needs. Many people have not sorted that out, and I’d refer them to the 4 noble truths of the Buddha, and the eight fold path. Government can meet the needs of the people without being expected to indulge their desires. But those are statements that I add to a discussion of how society should ultimately be, and are very different from what I think society should be doing right now.
It is important that we can have discussions about tomorrow, today. For this people need education, a personal philosophy, and an avenue of communication- and in the today we live in, those things seem to be in jeopardy. The devil may be long gone, but the evils of men have yet to be even comfortably subdued. What’s worse, is unproductive financial cartels unconscionably stomp about our economy like godzilla. This threatens our ability to have these discussions in a world where the Internet has access fees and education costs your future.
Which brings me to politics in our day- the federal reserve is charging us interest for loans of money that doesn’t actually exist. The partial audit of the FED’s 2008 year revealed 15 trillion in money given out secretly that they thought they would never have to reveal. This money went mostly to private banking institutions and foreign banks and govs. I could on, but I’ll just say that there’s nothing socially just about 99.9% of the population being devastated by debts to financial institutions that created those funds via fractional reserve lending and derivatives profits- a.k.a thin air.
In summary, I would never describe myself as left or right because for too long I’ve had my head floating in a future that’s beyond either. But right now- Ron Paul 2012!! Check out those links, there’s hope indeed:) I don’t mean to sound so gloomy, but I think ya can’t say your an optimist till you’ve really looked at the ugly. The youth are hungry for a new paradigm, keep dishing it out with that Urantian wisdom! 🙂 love n respect siblings, -Josh.
Aloha, Joshua, welcome to USojo, and thanks for your comments. Our lives here on the World of the Cross are as you’ve pointed out, filled with imperfection, conflict, and suffering. As beneficiaries of the Fifth Epochal Revelation, it behooves us to remember there is no growth without conflict, and that all things work together for good, at least for those who are spirit led.
Even so, we live in tumultuous times, and we know this new and oncoming social order will not settle down for at least a millennium: “The human race must become reconciled to a procession of changes, adjustments, and readjustments.” With that kind of excitement ahead of us, we can at least encourage one another to get about battening down the hatches, and carefully scrutinizing those “charts of morality” and keeping an eye on the “compass of religious guidance.” Cheers.
I went to cover the Occupy Iowa first General Assembly on Sunday in Des Moines, and there were the same couple of dozen antiwar stalwarts (Catholic Workers, AFSC, MFSA, WILPF, et al.) whose meetings and protests I’ve written about for ten years. Only this time 500 of their progressive friends showed up for the party. It’s beginning to look like the great awakening has finally begun. Americans suddenly seem to want their country back, and it’s all about to get even more interesting than it already was.
Really like your web site! Keep up the good work.
Peace,
Michael
http://dissidentvoice.org/2007/09/questioning-madam-secretary-about-the-mercy-credits-of-genocidaires/
Hey Michael, Nice to hear from you, brother!
I hope we’re right about #OWS…
I’m tired of “quivering on the brink” … 😉
Hi Terry,
Yep, “quivering on the very brink of one of its most amazing and enthralling epochs of social readjustment, moral quickening, and spiritual enlightenment,” seems to involve a significant amount of social instability. When I attempt to reconcile the apparent optimism of that statement in Paper 195 with the sobering observation in Paper 99 that “certain economic adjustments and social changes are imperative if cultural disaster is to be avoided,” given the many apparently unwise and retrograde choices our political leaders have made in recent decades, including repeal of Glass-Steagall, counterproductive wars of choice, legitimization of torture, and Citizens United 558 U.S. 50 (2010), to name but a few, I am reminded that national disaster and cultural disaster are not necessarily synonymous. Indeed, on occasion national disaster sometimes precedes a cultural renewal on the national level. The German experience is, perhaps, an example. I’ve begun to wonder in recent years whether, and if so just how, our spiritual superiors intend to facilitate the preservation of the near term viability of the “American Federal Union” as their preferred model for a world government of all mankind (134:5.15). I find it worrying indeed to realize that the people of the USA, having been given the Urantia Papers, a truly extraordinary gift, seem to be determined to reject not just the Papers but the re-presentation of the life and the teachings of Jesus about spiritual reality, the fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of man, and the ethic of reciprocity, in favor yet another Old Testament-inspired scheme of bloody material conquest.
I am encouraged by the very recent popular response to run amok greed, arrogance, and criminality in America. OWS follows and seems to reflect much the same sentiment expressed in the Arab Spring popular uprisings. There does seem to a dynamic that is potentially global in scope, as the growing number of OWS-related actions in cities and towns around the world suggests. Of course, a firm commitment to non-violence will be the key to its success, if it is to be successful.
Ours are interesting times indeed.
Best wishes,
Michael
http://ethicalpraying.blogspot.com/2006/03/3806-jensen-why-i-am-christian-sort-of.html
Please check out our Facebook movement> http://www.facebook.com/thebeerparty
i got connected here by looking through Google for a transcript of Dr. Carlos Gonzales Native American Blessing at the Tucson Memorial service. i noticed that you also were looking for the same. if you have not found it, take heart, i just finished typing it up verbatim, and have it saved. i will send it to you by attachment if you want, simply contact me at the above address. better put something related to his name (Gonzales) in the subject so i won’t accidentally delete. peace to you
Well said Mike, I certainly agree that we need to reconcile politics to the spiritual Golden Rule. But until that happens, I’d like to limit the government-induced damage we can do to ourselves by limiting the role of government.
Yeah we still have the plugin, but I think they want $15 for that service now; this is a test to see if the old free version still works for free. . .
Richard, I was merely referring to the “action” of the conservatives in the house voting for the unfunded tax/unemployment bill as opposed to the conservative “ideological platform” of reducing the budget.
Thus no taxes to pay for the unemployment extension, when tax rolls are eroding. A bill extending tax cuts and adding unfunded expenses gave both sides something, which is politics rather than sound fiscal judgment. It gave the nation more debt, which will ultimately affect both rich, middle and and poor if the debt can’t be carried.
My subsequent post addressed the notion of that fiscal responsibility. I don’t think that notion is liberal or conservative. I just chose one issue in post #1 to show the politics.
I think Propagandee’s posts clarify the impact spiritual truth would have on political ideologies: in short, the leaders should apply:
“132:5.10 “6………You must first recognize man as your brother, and if you honestly desire to do by him as you would have him do by you, the commonplace dictates of justice, honesty, and fairness will guide you in the just and impartial settlement of every recurring problem of economic rewards and social justice.”
Reconciling politics to the spiritual Golden Rule will require a majority of all politicians to be internally spiritually led. Only then would they be able to legislate for everyone and make fiscally responsible and socially responsible decisions. No nation I know of has reached that point. Reconciling so many divergent interests is too difficult without a common spiritual belief.
Most comparisons of political ideologies today is missing the spiritual ingredient. This thread introduces that ingredient. Once that is introduced, the discussion playing field changes. Political ideologies and actions would be based on “justice, honesty and fairness”.
Hi Propagandee,
Thanks for your detailed response – I appreciate the time and thought you put into it.
I’d like to highlight one particular sentence from a UB quote you provided:
“And it will ever be impossible for men to establish rules and regulations applicable equally to all these problems of the equitable distribution of wealth.”
It’s impossible because certain things are beyond the ability of government to regulate. Just as central economic planners have always failed to properly fulfil and anticipate human need, so will the central planners of morality fail to fulfil our moral needs. Top-down, one-size-fits-all communist/socialist economics pales in comparison to the dynamic and fluid system that results from allowing millions of individuals the freedom to make most of their own economic decisions – and experience the consequences. Similarly, people must be free to make most of their own moral decisions if we are to engender a dynamic system of morality that succeeds where government regulation fails.
Just as we still suffer the consequences of the Caligastia betrayal and the Adamic default, so must the consequences of the moral decisions of our fellows cause us to suffer or prosper. That’s not to say that we should allow gross injustice and/or abuse to continue unchecked, but the wealthy must have some freedom to choose to do the right thing. Robbing them of that freedom robs them of the opportunity to make those moral decisions regarding their wealth. Eventually, in the far distant future, our moral and spiritual aggregate evolves to a point where we no longer need a government – as on the worlds long settled in light and life. And just as the low state of our aggregate spiritual development limits us and causes suffering, so does it also limit and corrupt the effectiveness of government regulation. The beautiful part is that as we all grow and develop together, and discover the brotherhood of man, the need for government regulation is lessened.
Your “social justice” quote states that policies should “manufacture equality of outcome in cases where incidental inequalities appear in a procedurally just system.” – you don’t have a problem with manufacturing equality of outcome? The UB clearly states that we are not equal in ability, so how do you reconcile that with manufacturing equal outcomes?
Hi All,
It’s interesting to see other Urantia Book readers discussing politics here. I’m also a UB reader with an interest in politics, so I’d like to post my thoughts on some of the previous comments.
Propagandee:
Your response to William Schuler was interesting. With your highlighted choice of quotes from the UB, it appears that you think modern-day liberalism is in line with the teachings of Jesus. You may be aware that the meaning of the word “liberal”, as applied to politics, has changed in the years since the UB was transmitted. Keeping this in mind, I think it’s misleading to highlight UB quotes that use the word “liberal” in an effort to align your political views with the teachings of Jesus. The same goes for “social justice” – a highly loaded buzzword associated with left-wing policies that force equal outcomes based on the assumption that all groups are equally endowed in inherent ability. Such policies and ideas were not associated with this term at the time of the UB transmission, and are diametrically opposed to other parts of the UB. At that time, I believe the definitions were something like this:
“liberal” – open-minded/live and let live
“social justice” – economic rewards based on merit rather than nepotism and/or cronyism
These days, “liberal” is also associated with support for large-scale wealth redistribution and greatly increased government power – things you will struggle to find support for in the UB.
70.9.6 “The weak and the inferior have always contended for equal rights; they have always insisted that the state compel the strong and superior to supply their wants and otherwise make good those deficiencies which all too often are the natural result of their own indifference and indolence.”
71.6.2 “In economics, profit motivation is to service motivation what fear is to love in religion. But the profit motive must not be suddenly destroyed or removed; it keeps many otherwise slothful mortals hard at work. It is not necessary, however, that this social energy arouser be forever selfish in its objectives.”
Sharon Sadler:
The UB has a lot to say about various political issues – why wouldn’t we discuss them as they pertain to American politics?
Mike Phillips:
Reading your comment about the tax/unemployment bill, it seems that you view lower taxes as a “cost” for the government. How can allowing people to keep their own money be a “cost”, unless you think all money belongs to the government by default? Using that logic, it seems that allowing us to keep any of our money represents an enormous cost to the government!
Michael Hart:
Beware of statistics that confirm your biases. As any student of statistics will tell you – many of these studies are misleading and/or incorrectly performed. For example, response rates to these kinds of surveys are often well below that which is deemed acceptable by statisticians – yet the conclusions still get published as though they mean something. The study you linked to provides no response rate (that I can find).
Hi Richard:
I’m well aware that “the word ‘liberal’ as applied to politics” has changed over time (as has the word “conservative.” No way would my conservative daddy identify with the current crop of crazies that call themselves conservatives!)
During the last thirty years, a battery of industry funded right wing think tanks have tried to redefine liberal as something bad, immoral, even antithetical to freedom. This is part and parcel of their larger political agenda: to roll back FDR’s liberal New Deal (social security, unemployment insurance, the Wagner Act for labor unions, etc.); and the laws put in place by the Progressive movement of the early 20th century (anti-monopolistic trust busting, prohibitions against child labor, etc.). The ruling class failed to derail such social equalizers then and are back for another bite at the apple (much easier now that they have a 24/7 cable news propaganda channel at their disposal).
I’ll tell you what I told Gallup the second time they polled me during a 12 month period. After answering their prepared questions, an older gent got on the line and asked me whether I considered myself a liberal, moderate, or conservative. Best case, he was deciding how to ‘balance’ their surveying efforts with a cross-section of individual political views; worst case, he was trying to skew them in one direction or the other by keeping me on or kicking me off their list. I replied something to the effect: “I don’t give much credence to labels as they are used today. Give me an issue, or a proposed piece of legislation, and I’ll tell you what I think about it.” But he wouldn’t accept that, and that pretty much ended the conversation.
Personally, I have never belonged to a political party, so I don’t carry any of their particular biases. (I can’t remember ever voting for a Democratic president until 2004, after deciding then that the country couldn’t survive another four years of the Village Idiot; and in 2008, the thought of letting an angry, opportunistic, flip-flopping John McCain take charge of history’s deadliest military machine led me to vote for Barak Obama, who was not even my second or third choice in the primaries. ) I never went to college so I don’t carry biases from “liberal” professors, a common charge used against “liberals” who happen to have a college education. But I have been reading the Urantia Book regularly since I was 18, and have used it to inform my political views.
The word “liberal” had a number of different definitions at the time The Urantia Book was written. Unfortunately, I don’t have a copy of the 1934 second edition of Webster’s New International Dictionary so I can’t give an exact number for that year (1934 being the year the UB was “indicted”). It is still under copyright and not searchable on the web as far as I know. But in the first edition (1909, revised), seven definitions are given. In the 1890 version of Webster, there are nine. You offer one, from your personal (selective?) memory.
In The Urantia Book, the word liberal is used 13 times, mostly in the context of religious belief and practice (e.g. in describing how the liberal rabbinical tradition helped formed the young Jesus’ thinking, as it did one of my earliest socio-political influences, Erich Fromm). Because we are talking politics here, perhaps we should concentrate on the single instance where we find the word “liberalism”, since it is used specifically in a socio-political context:
195:1.1 … And there was something strangely alike in Greek philosophy and many of the teachings of Jesus. They had a common goal—both aimed at the emergence of the individual. The Greek, at social and political emergence; Jesus, at moral and spiritual emergence. The Greek taught intellectual liberalism leading to political freedom; Jesus taught spiritual liberalism leading to religious liberty. These two ideas put together constituted a new and mighty charter for human freedom; they presaged man’s social, political, and spiritual liberty.
Which is a good segue to your second point, “social justice.” Let’s review what the book says, starting with this quote from The Master:
132:5.10 “6. If you chance to secure wealth by flights of genius, if your riches are derived from the rewards of inventive endowment, do not lay claim to an unfair portion of such rewards. The genius owes something to both his ancestors and his progeny; likewise is he under obligation to the race, nation, and circumstances of his inventive discoveries; he should also remember that it was as man among men that he labored and wrought out his inventions. It would be equally unjust to deprive the genius of all his increment of wealth. And it will ever be impossible for men to establish rules and regulations applicable equally to all these problems of the equitable distribution of wealth. You must first recognize man as your brother, and if you honestly desire to do by him as you would have him do by you, the commonplace dictates of justice, honesty, and fairness will guide you in the just and impartial settlement of every recurring problem of economic rewards and social justice.
140:8.15 4. Economic attitude. Jesus worked, lived, and traded in the world as he found it. He was not an economic reformer, although he did frequently call attention to the injustice of the unequal distribution of wealth. But he did not offer any suggestions by way of remedy. He made it plain to the three that, while his apostles were not to hold property, he was not preaching against wealth and property, merely its unequal and unfair distribution. He recognized the need for social justice and industrial fairness, but he offered no rules for their attainment.
I would submit that as readers of the Fifth Epochal Revelation, that is our job.
Currently in the United States, and increasingly elsewhere in the world, income and wealth is being dangerously concentrated at levels not seen since the USA’s Gilded Age, which was followed in short order by two economic depressions, in 1893 and 1929—just saying. You might want to check the historical correlation between wealth disparity and socio-economic chaos.
Pulitzer Prize winning Politifact gives their highest rating of “True” to the claim by Senator Bernie Sanders’ (I-VT), Congress’ only self admitted socialist:
[In 2007] “…the top 1 percent of all income earners in the United States made 23.5 percent of all income [which is] more than the entire bottom 50 percent.”
[End Part 1]
Hi Richard [Part II]
Furthermore, Sanders claims that “and the top 1 percent own more wealth than the bottom 90 percent:
The modern usage of the term “social justice” dates back to the mid 19th century and would thus have figured into the revelators’ presentation, and they didn’t qualify it in any way. Not that I consider Wikipedia the last word on anything, but it’s a good a place to start as any. From its introduction:
From your remarks, you seem most concerned with the redistribution of wealth, and imply that because the book draws a bright line between the productive and the lazy, that any attempt to enforce a sustainable equalization between the top and bottom economic classes doesn’t comport with the teachings of the UB. I find that comparison inapposite and therefore respectfully disagree.
Thanks for your comments. I look forward to the responses of the other posters you cited.
Until then…
Mike:
Wonder what the pitch will be for 2012, after the no-recovery? Apparently those in the know with access to all of the numbers have contingency plans on U.S. debt (lowest in world at 46% of GNP
I think with China as biggest single owner). They must factor in shrinking tax base, budget deficits, increasing debt, carrying unemployment, and the pentagon budget.
All big banks are insolvent and operate on accounting tricks and cash flow. Social Security would be last cut as Seniors are a big vote, unless shifted into individual accounts with bonds. My guess is overseas installations, Germany first (despite NATO), and maybe 2 naval fleets, unless we can continue to sell debt and everyone wants U.S. military security. NASA already almost done. Defense manufacturing allocations are cut back. It’s a heady subject to ponder without enough facts. Maybe it will just keep taking care of itself until we hit the breaking point?
Even a legit President has to deal with a gridlocked congress the next 2 years, where Reps are always job scared. Government is, after all, a business that needs direction. Any ideas (other than to just trust the Most Highs)?
Hi Mike,
Thanks for visiting, and for your comments; it’s always encouraging to meet someone who appreciates both the Fifth Epochal Revelation and the necessary exploration of politics and religion in our culture as an evolutionary people.
We agree that “…political discourse is always enlightening for those open-minded enough to learn,” and how valuable that is when so many are intentionally misinformed; e.g., the recent study which claimed Fox News viewers are among the most misinformed. http://huff.to/gGv4KG
Cheers
Guys:
I just discovered your site, and really like what I see in terms of TUB. I’m a little older than you. I missed Nam but used to ride with the Vets in Dallas.
You have given a very true and respectful rendition of TUB hereon, obviously indicative of your spiritual beliefs. As to politics, it’s always each to his own, and whether one is liberal or conservative, it’s really a social issue. The twains would only meet in the spiritual mind of the politician who gets elected, IF he is on a spiritual path.
And, political discourse is always enlightening for those open minded enough to learn. The discourse is part of the process of all elections in a democracy. The electorate, however, is usually sufficiently misinformed as to be malleable to propaganda. And, leadership is limited to politicians who can raise funds, which isn’t necessarily indicative of those who would make good leaders. It’s really a constant crap shoot, rather than a truthful, practical moral process.
However, it is what it is. We must take the bad with the good any way it comes. When one embraces the Jesus of TUB, he/she at least knows about truth, beauty and goodness, and, even with faith and the internal standard and the hope of eternal life, one has to live with the leadership he has during any given period.
Nonetheless, IMHO you are also also portraying the good, sincere side of liberal politics, especially when conservative politics are now a misnomer. I was amazed to see the audacity of the conservatives signing onto the tax/unemployment bill at an 800BN cost in view of their deficit cutting ideological political platform in the mid-terms, but then that goes back to propaganda again. The country continues to implode while the rich get richer. At least the unemployed hungry make it for a little while longer.
I’m one of the few that know when Franklin Raines headed FNMA he OK’d the CDO/CMO securitization software in his haste that didn’t have a module for tracking the underlying mortgages in the respective pools. Some leadership.
Best to you guys,
Mike Phillips
Thank you Propagandee for further elaborating your position. In spite of my objection to linking UB to US politics, I happen to be a very politically active person (have served terms as an elected representative on local governments) and am pleased that you and others are taking on the establishment, which grows more sinister each day. I spend a good part of my days writing letters to government reps, making phone calls and signing petitions, etc. Yes, I live in Canada.
I still think your community here is a group, although I can see where you feel that you’re justified in connecting the UB to US politics. I just will never agree that it is a wise thing!
Talking about politics is fine. I do my politicking separately from my UB studying and never felt it necessary that anyone knew that I was a UB reader. I tried to make decisions that were based on the higher path, always.
But do as you feel led, and I will apply my keyboard to other pressing issues. My consolation is that the Most Highs are watching over things like this.
I sincerely wish you all success in your endeavors to bring sanity into the government process.
And bless you, Sharon.
A good exchange.
Michael, you can believe as you wish. For balance, though, you ought to include the politics of all the nations in the world.
The confusion is, are you a political group or are you a religious group? Obviously you cannot be both if you believe the Urantia Book.
I believe the Urantia Book and base my observations on the following teachings from the Urantia Book: (quotes with page references are below)
1. The Urantia Book advises that religionists must function in society as individuals, not groups; thus, a group such as yours here would then be construed as “a political party, an economic organization, or a social institution….”
2. The UB clearly states that the church must “cease to glorify established political orders”, and yet what does this site do?…it provides materials that participate in glorifying the established political order!
3. The UB tells us: “there is no excuse for the involvement of the church in commerce and politics; such unholy alliances are a flagrant betrayal of the Master.”
4. The Urantia Book states, “Religionists, as a group, must never concern themselves with anything but religion…”
Lastly, if you wish to do strange things in Jesus’ name, why don’t you? Why tarnish the Urantia Book?
P.1087 – §6 Religionists must function in society, in industry, and in politics as individuals, not as groups, parties, or institutions. A religious group which presumes to function as such, apart from religious activities, immediately becomes a political party, an economic organization, or a social institution. Religious collectivism must confine its efforts to the furtherance of religious causes.
P.1087 – §8 The institutionalized church may have appeared to serve society in the past by glorifying the established political and economic orders, but it must speedily cease such action if it is to survive. Its only proper attitude consists in the teaching of nonviolence, the doctrine of peaceful evolution in the place of violent revolution–peace on earth and good will among all men.
P.2085 – §5 But there is no excuse for the involvement of the church in commerce and politics; such unholy alliances are a flagrant betrayal of the Master.
P.1089 – §7 Religionists, as a group, must never concern themselves with anything but religion, albeit any one such religionist, as an individual citizen, may become the outstanding leader of some social, economic, or political reconstruction movement.
Hi Sharon:
Propagandee responding.
You wrote:
Michael, you can believe as you wish. For balance, though, you ought to include the politics of all the nations in the world.
–Like it or not (and I certainly don’t), the US is the still the 800 lb gorilla on the world stage. While its superpower status is declining as far as its economic influence is concerned, it spends more on its military than the rest of the world combined, with over 700 bases in 150 countries. US foreign policy is very much predicated on a misplaced sense of American exceptionalism and a “might makes right” ethic. As has been said, when the US sneezes the rest of the world catches a cold. I dare say that I could plant my butt in any random café in Europe and have a more informed discussion of US politics than I could in the US itself.
The confusion is, are you a political group or are you a religious group? Obviously you cannot be both if you believe the Urantia Book.
–A false dichotomy. Just because we use the word Urantian in the generic sense found in the book itself doesn’t make us a religious group in the sense you’re using the term. Perhaps you believe that because the Urantia Foundation tried to trademark the term as its own, that the words “Urantia” or “Urantian” connotes a religious group of some sort. But who isn’t a Urantian? We all are– Sojourners on the World of the Cross.
(Yes, I know the UF doesn’t consider itself a religious group, but that’s where your simplistic dualism has led.)
I believe the Urantia Book and base my observations on the following teachings from the Urantia Book: (quotes with page references are below)
1. The Urantia Book advises that religionists must function in society as individuals, not groups; thus, a group such as yours here would then be construed as “a political party, an economic organization, or a social institution….”
We are functioning as individuals, individual religionists, part of the spiritual brotherhood of God-knowing individuals.
2. The UB clearly states that the church must “cease to glorify established political orders”, and yet what does this site do?…it provides materials that participate in glorifying the established political order!
We are in no way a church, just a small cadre of like-minded bloggers. And we are hardly “glorifying the established political order!” Just ask anyone whose read this site over the last nearly three years. Our skewers are long and pointy and multi-directional.
3. The UB tells us: “there is no excuse for the involvement of the church in commerce and politics; such unholy alliances are a flagrant betrayal of the Master.”
Again, faulty premise faulty conclusion.
4. The Urantia Book states, “Religionists, as a group, must never concern themselves with anything but religion…”
See above.
Lastly, if you wish to do strange things in Jesus’ name, why don’t you? Why tarnish the Urantia Book?
Jesus was the 4th Epochal Revelation. The Urantia Book, given to us two centuries later, is the Fifth. We like to keep our ‘strangeness’ as up to date as possible.
—————
Okay, ending snark. You were kind enough to share passages that informs your opinion, so let me share some of mine.
Individuals are naturally drawn to the parts of the book they find most intriguing. As might be expected, a book that is effectively named “The Earth Book” is going to cover a lot of ground—science, philosophy, religion, cosmology, evolution, biology, history, and government— human and divine.
I once did an informal analysis of the titled captions found throughout the book’s 196 Papers and concluded that some 6-7% have to do with government is some form or another. Those that deal with human government are concentrated in Papers 68,69,70,71, and 72, titled respectively: THE DAWN OF CIVILIZATION,PRIMITIVE HUMAN INSTITUTIONS,THE EVOLUTION OF HUMAN GOVERNMENT,DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE,GOVERNMENT ON A NEIGHBORING PLANET.
In other words, a whole lot of content relative to political science and its practice, a handy filter through which to observe and try to make sense of what’s happening on the World of the Cross. (Perhaps because you think we’re too US-centric here, you’d like to share what’s happening in your neck of the woods. Canada, isn’t it?)
But since you seem more inclined towards the religious parts of the book, I’ll limit my cites to passages found in the Jesus Papers (Papers 120-196), with some short commentary about how I find them relevant to today.
128:6.12 It was difficult for his friends to comprehend the range of his intellectual activities, how he could so suddenly and so completely swing from the profound discussion of politics, philosophy, or religion to the lighthearted and joyous playfulness of these tots of from five to ten years of age.
129:1.10 The Zebedee family almost worshiped Jesus, and they never failed to attend the conferences of questions and answers which he conducted each evening after supper before he departed for the synagogue to study. The youthful neighbors also came in frequently to attend these after-supper meetings. To these little gatherings Jesus gave varied and advanced instruction, just as advanced as they could comprehend. He talked quite freely with them, expressing his ideas and ideals about politics, sociology, science, and philosophy,…
— (Yo J! We know you’re busy running a universe and all, but any time you want to do some guest blogging here and express some of your “ideas and ideals about politics, sociology, science, and philosophy”, we’ll hook you up. God knows we’re trying– Hey, look who I’m telling!– but we’re just beginners and would love a lesson or ten.)
130:4.15 All static, dead, concepts are potentially evil. The finite shadow of relative and living truth is continually moving. Static concepts invariably retard science, politics, society, and religion. Static concepts may represent a certain knowledge, but they are deficient in wisdom and devoid of truth.
— It seems to be that a lot UB readers, by not actively putting the book’s teachings about politics and government into practice, have allowed them to become static (and potentially evil?)
132:4.5 He talked with a Roman senator on politics and statesmanship, and this one contact with Jesus made such an impression on this legislator that he spent the rest of his life vainly trying to induce his colleagues to change the course of the ruling policy from the idea of the government supporting and feeding the people to that of the people supporting the government.
— I’d add “multi-national corporations” to that formulation, given their ever growing power over the governments of the world.
135:9.5 These forty days were a difficult period for John and his disciples. What was to be the relation of John to Jesus? A hundred questions came up for discussion. Politics and selfish preferment began to make their appearance.
–Yes, politics can be (and often are) more divisive than enlightening. All the more reason to vet them thoroughly so that individuals seeking advantage over their fellows can be brought to heel.
136:8.4 Jesus had traveled much; he recalled Rome, Alexandria, and Damascus. He knew the methods of the world—how people gained their ends in politics and commerce by compromise and diplomacy.
— “Compromise and diplomacy” — seems to be a dying art these days.
138:3.4 They all returned to Matthew’s home, where they talked much about politics and religion until the hour of the evening meal.
–“They talked much about politics and religion.” Funny–so do we.
178:1.9 So long as the rulers of earthly governments seek to exercise the authority of religious dictators, you who believe this gospel can expect only trouble, persecution, and even death. But the very light which you bear to the world, and even the very manner in which you will suffer and die for this gospel of the kingdom, will, in themselves, eventually enlighten the whole world and result in the gradual divorcement of politics and religion.
— I think that would require a thorough understanding of both. Meanwhile, Iran has its mullahs and its political theocracy, the US it’s politically powerful religious right.
195:1.7 The influence of Greek culture had already penetrated the lands of the western Mediterranean when Alexander spread Hellenistic civilization over the near-Eastern world. The Greeks did very well with their religion and their politics as long as they lived in small city-states, but when the Macedonian king dared to expand Greece into an empire, stretching from the Adriatic to the Indus, trouble began.
— The US is making the same mistake of imperial overreach, trying to force its values on other nations and cultures. We here in the US are in the belly of the beast, doing our best to force a little therapeutic purging…
195:8.11 The inherent weakness of secularism is that it discards ethics and religion for politics and power. You simply cannot establish the brotherhood of men while ignoring or denying the fatherhood of God.
— Once the multi-national corps succeed in taking over those parts of the US government they don’t already control, they’ll have no use for the religious right and will usher in a new era of secularism unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Their ethic isn’t the golden rule but the maximization of shareholder equity– profits over people. I’ll do what I can to prevent a new era of corporate feudalism where the rest of us are reduced to serfs but I don’t have any illusions about succeeding much in our lifetime.
195:10.20 Christianity suffers under a great handicap because it has become identified in the minds of all the world as a part of the social system, the industrial life, and the moral standards of Western civilization; and thus has Christianity unwittingly seemed to sponsor a society which staggers under the guilt of tolerating science without idealism, politics without principles, wealth without work, pleasure without restraint, knowledge without character, power without conscience, and industry without morality.
— “Politics without principles.” How better to fuse the two than by informing the former with the teachings of The Urantia Book? Roll your mouse over our site cloud (left column titled “What We Did”). You’ll find 120 posts that references variants of the word Urantia.
Anywho, thanks for your feedback and thoughts.
Unbelievable and unacceptable that you are associating the FER with American politics!
It is all too common and so very arrogant of Americans to think and act as though they are they only country in the world.
Out of consideration for Urantia readers in the rest of the world, could you please dissociate the Urantia Papers from American politics on your website?
You are doing the revelation a great disservice.
Thank you for rethinking….
Hi Sharon,
You said:
Unbelievable and unacceptable that you are associating the FER with American politics!
No, it isn’t.
What’s truly “Unbelievable and unacceptable” is that, as a Urantia Book “reader,” you have somehow rationalized telling us how we must not associate the Fifth Epochal Revelation in our lives.
It is not unlike if I went to your Facebook page, and berated you for “associating the FER with” … (insert some personal pet peeve here)… say, your use of the American expletive fuck on that page; (which in fact, you do).
You say:
It is all too common and so very arrogant of Americans to think and act as though they are they only country in the world.
No more so than it is “all too common and so very arrogant” of Urantians like you, to think and act as though they are the only ones righteous enough to know how, or where, or with what the FER can be associated in the world.
It causes one to wonder not only if you know The Urantia Book, but if you even actually read it.
Jesus said:
“How can you expect that all who will believe the gospel shall be subject to your direction? Rejoice that already our teaching has begun to manifest itself beyond the bounds of our personal influence. Do you not see, [Sharon], that those who profess to do great works in my name must eventually support our cause? They certainly will not be quick to speak evil of me. My [daughter], in matters of this sort it would be better for you to reckon that he who is not against us is for us. In the generations to come many who are not wholly worthy will do many strange things in my name, but I will not forbid them. I tell you that, even when a cup of cold water is given to a thirsty soul, the Father’s messengers shall ever make record of such a service of love.”
You go on to say:
Out of consideration for Urantia readers in the rest of the world, could you please dissociate the Urantia Papers from American politics on your website?
Absolutely not.
Would you, “Out of consideration for Urantia readers in the rest of the world, please dissociate the Urantia Papers from” Fear Zero on your Facebook Page?
Of course you shouldn’t. Even if some Urantia Book reader in Jakarta or Vancouver claimed to be deeply offended by it. But then no one was arrogant enough to presume to ask you to.
Perhaps if you had actually read any of our website— like our tagline for instance:
“Life On The World Of The Cross”— you might have learned we talk about many other things besides politics. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with our associating the FER with any nation’s politics, especially America’s.
You conclude with:
You are doing the revelation a great disservice.
Thank you for rethinking….
Honestly, Sharon, I think it’s you that is doing the revelation a great disservice.
When Urantia Book readers like you dare to expect others should be subject to your direction, your narrow idea of how— and with what— others may appropriately associate the FER, you demonstrate to other readers and non-readers alike that the wisdom of Jesus has not taken hold in your mind or deeds.
And that is truly reprehensible.
And I’ll thank you for considering all this in the spirit that it is intended: “…he who is not against us is for us.”
What a hostile, unloving reply. Hmm, Urantia must be a headtrip–a left brain exercise and not a Path with a Heart. Darn.
Hey Ya’alls,
Reagan…..???……….wow………….lotta homeless round here now.
Love the site gentleman. Long time reader of the UB.
Mixing politics and Spirituality……………Yes !!!!!! More !
Here’s some Politics mixed with comedy and Lowriders !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYV3M5oJuZY
Keep up the good work !
Welcome aboard, Xaime:
Now that is one rockin’ vid!
To half paraphrase the Laugh-In (remember that show?) soldier in the bushes: “Verrrry interrresting… but funny!”
There should be more bloggers among readers. Keep it up!
Hey Christel, I didn’t see you sneak in here just before Jesus’ birthday! But thanks for stopping by and your encouragement.
Hope we see you again, out front.
Which birthday, Aug. 21, or December 25? Paul must surely have been suffering from severe burnout in order to compromise the winter solstice celebration with being Christ’ birthday. I am just greatful for the many celestial personalities that have lovingly taught us the truth concerning the errors that were made during Pauls’ ministry.
Hey, E.J., I don’t think Paul had anything to do with setting the date of Christ’s birthday on Dec. 25th, Wiki says the first known reference to that date was from a fourth century illuminated manuscript known as the “Chronography of 354,” which means Paul was long-gone, generally thought to have graduated in A.D. 67. And we should remember that Paul was, after Jesus, one of the greatest teachers of that era, despite his various personal peccadillos.
Hi William.
You wrote:
I am a URANTIA BOOK reader. I don’t agree with leftist views. I am quite conservative. By some reckonings I’m center-right. by others I’m right. Some might say I’m “progressive conservative”. That would describe me.
If I might ask: Did you derive your conservative views from your interpretation of The Urantia Book, particularly Papers 68 thru 72 that deals with evolutionary government; or did you bring them with you to the table, already formed?
I don’t have much use for “free sex on the weekends”. Sex is meant as expression of love. To treat it as a recreation or amusement put us on the order of a lower animal.
Who said anything about “free sex?” I paid good money for it!
Just kidding. I had a monogamous relationship with my girlfriend at the time that lasted from the 8th grade almost to the time I graduated.
But, please, don’t put words in my mouth. Mis-characterization is one thing. Building a straw man and attacking it is another. I don’t know you so I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt that you were just engaging a different neurocognitive (counter-culture?) module of your brain when you wrote that.
Mocking clergy or those who have vowed holy orders is not commendable. One can, certainly, be in disagreement with them regarding a matter without insulting them. To do so only belittles oneself.
I don’t prefer the titles by which they have exalted themselves. I detest calling Catholic priests “father”. Jesus addressed that issue. Yet, I would find a way to address the priest with a designation that shows respect for what he–in his own way–is endeavoring to do: to serve God. “Pastor” is probably the most neutral form of address for me an Anabaptist/Pietist Protestant to use.
“Mocking clergy?” With the exception of one nun in grade school who was so high strung, even violent, that she had a nervous breakdown and left her order, I have good memories of and appreciation for the nuns that helped educate me. The pastor of our church was a bit of a pampered bore, however, not exactly a model for young growing men to emulate.
The high school I went to was an all boys Catholic prep school. One day I was called into a private office by a teacher, a “Brother of the Holy Cross” to discuss my “attitude.” This guy was a known pervert who tried to force himself on me. Being a fullback and a linebacker on the freshman football team added credibility to my threat of decking him, as had the brother of a friend of mine had a couple of weeks earlier, which I reminded him of. He considered that, then removed his fat belly out of the door frame and let me pass. I don’t believe his “holy orders” included rape or attempted rape.
We are all a product of our experiences. I make no apology for it. I had two priests within my extended family, and my oldest brother spent six years in a seminary. I never disrespected them in anyway. But for anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock for the last twenty years, they are only too aware that the Catholic Church, for all the good social work it has done over the years, has also been a refuge for pedophiles. Like the Master said:
158:8.1 “If you would be first in the kingdom, seek to minister these good truths to your brethren in the flesh. But whosoever causes one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hanged about his neck and he were cast into the sea.”
As Team America would say- Fuck yeah!
I don’t like the tone about Republicans or Reagan. Reagan was a great President. Margaret Thatcher was a great Prime Minister. I lived during that time and remember it well. I would put Reagan above that slime Bill Clinton and Thatcher above that slime Tony Blair any day.
To each his own.
Many left-over hippie has-beens are MORE HYPOCRITICAL! than who they denounce of the bourgeois. I have no use for “talking the talk” without “walking the walk”. Even “All in The Family” proved how hypocritical the left is in many instances.
Whatever.
BTW, did you know that Norman Lear has read The Urantia Book?
I’d be careful just what I say. THE URANTIA BOOK is too beautiful a revelation to be associated with bleeding-heart, pinko nonsense.
Or war mongering righties who would just as soon leave us all to the tender mercies of predatory capitalists and social darwinists?
The revelators describe Jesus as “liberal, bighearted, learned, and tolerant.” From the Master we learn of the relationship between spiritual brotherhood and social justice:
132:5.10 “You must first recognize man as your brother, and if you honestly desire to do by him as you would have him do by you, the commonplace dictates of justice, honesty, and fairness will guide you in the just and impartial settlement of every recurring problem of economic rewards and social justice.”
Modern day “conservative” Glenn Beck has issued a fatwa against the whole notion of social justice, going so far as to tell individuals who attend churches with those words on their websites or hear those words in their sermons of their pastors to flee them. Would you agree?
The revelators’ make three references to the formative influence that the liberal school of rabbis had on the Master’s own thinking:
123:5.10 Throughout his course of study Jesus learned much and derived great inspiration from the regular Sabbath sermons in the synagogue. It was customary to ask distinguished visitors, stopping over the Sabbath in Nazareth, to address the synagogue. As Jesus grew up, he heard many great thinkers of the entire Jewish world expound their views, and many also who were hardly orthodox Jews since the synagogue of Nazareth was an advanced and liberal center of Hebrew thought and culture.
123:5.12 Nazareth was one of the twenty-four priest centers of the Hebrew nation. But the Galilean priesthood was more liberal in the interpretation of the traditional laws than were the Judean scribes and rabbis.
124:4.8 As time passed, Jesus did much to modify their practice of religious forms, such as the family prayers and other customs. And it was possible to do many such things at Nazareth, for its synagogue was under the influence of a liberal school of rabbis, exemplified by the renowned Nazareth teacher, Jose.
Nonetheless, I credit The Urantia Book for attracting such a wide variety of people as thee and me. Whatever our political differences, we can rest assured we are one in spiritual brotherhood.
Thanks for stopping by.
I am a URANTIA BOOK reader. I don’t agree with leftist views. I am quite conservative. By some reckonings I’m center-right. by others I’m right.
Some might say I’m “progressive conservative”. That would describe me.
I don’t have much use for “free sex on the weekends”. Sex is meant as expression of love. To treat it as a recreation or amusement put us on the order of a lower animal.
Mocking clergy or those who have vowed holy orders is not commendable. One can, certainly, be in disagreement with them regarding a matter without insulting them. To do so only belittles oneself.
I don’t prefer the titles by which they have exalted themselves. I detest calling Catholic priests “father”. Jesus addressed that issue. Yet, I would find a way to address the priest with a designation that shows respect for what he–in his own way–is endeavoring to do: to serve God. “Pastor” is probably the most neutral form of address for me an Anabaptist/Pietist Protestant to use.
I don’t like the tone about Republicans or Reagan. Reagan was a great President. Margaret Thatcher was a great Prime Minister. I lived during that time and remember it well. I would put Reagan above that slime Bill Clinton and Thatcher above that slime Tony Blair any day.
Many left-over hippie has-beens are MORE HYPOCRITICAL! than who they denounce of the bourgeois. I have no use for “talking the talk” without “walking the walk”. Even “All in The Family” proved how hypocritical the left is in many instances.
I’d be careful just what I say. THE URANTIA BOOK is too beautiful a revelation to be associated with bleeding-heart, pinko nonsense.
Mr Schuler, With all due respect sir, it seems you’re not too careful about what you say yourself. Urging respect for clergy in one breath, in the next you refer to some presidents and prime ministers as “slime” and all of us on the left (I assume) as “pinkos” and “bleeding hearts”. Wow! WWJB? Who would Jesus bomb, Mr Schuler?
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Hello hello. Good to see another blog style platform being used by Urantia Book readers. I am Teuvo Orjala son of Thomas who a few of you might know.
I like what I have read on your site and find it very interesting. Personally I am a web and graphic designer and am currently working a a few sites to promote the Urantia Book and its communities activities.
http://www.UrantiaMediaArts.com is a site the most recent. Be well and keep up all the work I can see your doing.
Hey Teuvo,
Welcome to USojo! Your father’s name is familiar to me; as a father of three 2nd generation readers myself, I have some appreciation for your journey with the book; it’s great to see the FER taking root in the lives of the children of readers I grew up with.
(I couldn’t get your link to work, then I saw you left an “i” out of Urantia.) I’ll correct it, but this works:
http://urantiamediaarts.com/
Hope you’ll visit us often!
Cheers,
Terry
Hey Terry – I was reminded to come on over and visit your site today…so glad I did! Very nice – better and better…such good press for the revelation. Like the Master advised, you’re in the world, but not “worldlike.” Way to go…!
Loveya!!!
Aloha MaryJo,
Nice to see you here again, hope you’re well!
Not everyone likes our mix of politics and religion, it makes their milk curdle. They forget about that “when even a cold glass of water” thing… 😉
Dear Terry;
I hope this finds you well — your website looks really great!
There are two places on your website where you provide links to the Fellowship site as http://urantiabook.org/index.ht
The correct URL is http://urantiabook.org/index.html
Thank you for these links!
David
Hey David, Thanks for the tip; I found two incomplete links and fixed them. Hope you are well! If you’re still in the Denver area give us a holler sometime!
Double coupons? Where do I sign up?
Gotta LOVE the UB! I’m more thankful as each day unfolds.
Hi Andrea, pick up your coupons left of the main exit of the Temple of New Life. 😎
Yay me! Yay ya’ll! 🙂
I even get a title. I feel princessy.
Jesus— how long has this page been here? and somebody finally left a comment… Writechic, you rock! We anoint you, “Intrepid Chic of the Urantian Sojourn”! with all the rights, privileges, and double coupons to which you are hereby entitled. ;-}
So, with your powers combined, you’re Captain Urantia! Impressive bios.