Christian Studies

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

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. Rev. Michael S. Barth ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link. Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Druidism Course

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. Ref. Justin Oles ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link. Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

A Course In Miracles

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

Life of St. Paul

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

Four Gospels

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

Christian Studies

This discourse covers many different topics of the Bible and the various relationships of the religions and the Bible. It answers many questions about God, the Bible and religions as well as gives us some insight on various religions. Personally I believe as the author does that sometimes religions get in the way of Christianity and God. Many wars are still to this day fought over religious beliefs. Our faiths are similar in many ways and different in many ways but the one truth remains that most of us believe in one God. God of the Old Testament was very unforgiving and believed in punishments. When He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, He changed to a more forgiving God. I do believe that once God knew all the trials, the temptations and the tribulations that we, humans, encounter, God became a much kinder, gentler, forgiving God. His Son experienced all that life at that time in history offered, therefore God, the Father, experienced it as well. Even though Christ told us that the most important commandment of all was to love one another, He did not say we should disregard the Ten Commandments nor pick and choose which ones to obey. I must admit that I deem many of the letters from the apostles are taken too literally and without forethought on the times in which these people lived. The apostles had the daunting task of spreading the Word to people who either thought Christ to be blasphemous or a lunatic or maybe some of both. Spreading the Word to the Romans created a need for a different approach because they believed in many Gods. For the Romans I think Constantine influenced them to convert to Christianity more so than the apostles. Just as in the beginning of Christianity there were many denominations and still are today. I give credit to the Ecumenical Counsel for bringing many of the denominations to the understanding of each other. As life on Earth continues I pray so will our trust, our confidence in God, the triune, will continue to grow. The history of Christianity continues on. by Rev. Pettit ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link. Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest

Dear Amy, Thank you for all the Spirit Quest program. I wanted to focus my 300 word final on Discourse #29 MONEY!!! I guess that gives it away. The exclamation point that is. I consider myself a spiritual being living and adapting to a overly materialistic world. In a way materialism is part of our being. We possess our body and organs so life as we know it is biased towards materialism. What I appreciated about this session is that you where not resisting money and you where reflecting that like everything else its what you do with it. I think I have gotten to a point that I believe you either have it or don't and live a wondering monk's life. That is not a choice since I chose to be a proactive part of this world and am married with two wonderful children (9mos and 5yrs old). So I am committed. So how can I make friends with money since I actually would like to have a lot of it and I want all the luxury and freedom that comes with it? First focusing on the idea that money is good but my impression of people that have it is not very good. I have not met many people that accumulated wealth that I truly respect. The people that are making a lot of money today in especially in sales and money mgt world are mostly fake and are just gaining peoples trust to get their way. So I need to earn my keep by doing what I believe and am good at in the most sincere matter and not getting disappointed when people don't believe me. I need to use the rejection as a learning experience and not try to save or savor it. I need to move on with that learning experience to the next relationship and sharing of my story and why I am doing what I do. Another great point was about doing what you love. I love helping people and helping them overcomes their obstacles. I should have become a psychologist but I didn't because I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I have all these ideas and things in my head that I need to bring to life but get stuck after the creation part. After it is created then the only motivation is money and I don't follow through. I love working with people so I need to stick it out and reach out despite the rejection. I need to put my self in their position and as I get more confident and can prove my sincerity I will gain the like minded people that can see through me and can place their trust in me. So I will stop procrastinating and don't try to make money evil so I don't have to earn it. Thanks, KS ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link. Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Shamanism

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

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

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

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

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

I found this course very informative.  

Thank you,

Rev. Karen Dullnig

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A Course in Miracles

One of the greatest and most obvious enlightenments I've received after taking the course,is being able to tell the difference between the "ego" and the "HOLY SPIRIT". I've struggled for years not knowing what the problem was! Having had been through the twelve steps of alcoholics anonymous more than a few times, experiencing peace and serenity and not fully knowing "HIM" along with the awesome wonder of who was this [spirit]helping me? DR. Loretta Siani, put in simple terms and applications that really helped me when applied, got almost immediate results! all ready bible versed found myself relating back to what I have already learned, as if I were translating a foreign language within myself, very interesting effect. Another plus you might could say is, I've also noticed that my prayer life has changed because of reasons, that I found in the course that when I personally examined for myself and having made since. One being which seams a little childish now, would find myself knowing what I wanted,..... then praying for that............. as being GOD'S WILL for me, not receiving what I personally wanted...............but received...[what?] GOD"S WILL for me! and getting mad!!!! a very simple concept when fully understood saved me and is saving me a lot of needless pain.Along those same lines talking about the more personal my GOD is to me after taking this course was being able to let down my preconceived ideas that I had of spirituality and the course allowed HIM to introduce HIMSELF to me!!!!! one of the simplest concepts being; children already have parents, they don't create their parents,although they grow up and become like their parents, creating children....... not forgetting who their [parents] are,see that simple concept for me let me finally know that I could finally surrender,after thinking about that for about 4,000 hours! lol!!! trying to imagine a GOD who suited me! and my needs....and could finally wait and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to introduce HIMSELF to me and others, whom I might add, haven't yet been able to chose, but allow them to come to me for guidance and love. THANK-YOU, DR.LORETTA SIANI, AND ULC by Rev. John Schroeder ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link. Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Comparative Religion

Rev. Robin M. Viorla, O. of M. Master of Comparative Religion Instructor: Rev. Kythera Ann I was called to the ministry when I was thirteen years old. I talked with my teacher, Sister Marie 'Somebody', who suggested that I, upon completing high school, come back to the convent and become a part of their community. The invitation, though offered in love, left me cold. There was something else for me. Committing my life as a Nun, did not resonate for me as my journeys goal. Throughout my spiritual journey, I searched for places where I could grow and learn. It became painfully obvious that the traditional seminary experience was not going to work for me. So I prayed and recognized that the path was spreading out before me. It was important for me to move along it with strength and faith as I would gain the necessary information and experiences necessary to fulfill my desires and needs. I am fifty years old now, and the stop along this juncture of the road is called the Universal Life Church Seminary. Having gone the traditional academic route, I have attained a BA in Political Science, worked as a Teacher of the Handicapped in the New Jersey School system and presently work with teachers, teaching the how to create and maintain positive environments in their classrooms. I myself have had many life-teachers. Several incredible Spiritual teachers, and as usual, Masters have come to me upon my readiness to hear information new to me. ULC has offered me an opportunity to do a study, the research of which would have taken me years to gather on my own. Comparative Religion, in all good seminaries, is the basis for understanding and developing authentic respect for all forms of religions and the individuals to aspire to walk its path. The format chosen to present the topic (s) of the twenty discourses developed by Rev. Kythera Ann, did not only provide an almost side-by-side presentation of the subjects and issues, but did so with a comprehensible and research-base approach. I enjoyed equally the independent study format and the opportunity for me to work at a pace that was good for me and my schedule. Knowing that I had access to my instructor and others made it easy to ask questions of them if I had any. Although I would not suggest that just anyone take the course, I would support those who are sincere and able to work on their own, to dive in and experience any course that ULC offered. For example: Discourse #3 – Similar Teachings Throughout Religions I will always remember this particular discourse as the one that had that "wow' factor, such simple information yet, so important. When you spend so much time in the world attempting to teach people the benefits of reversed thinking based related to the differences and realities of religions which seems to separate more than unite, it is easy to forget that the very basis of our searching is that all human beings seek peace and love. Although I have referred to this searching as the "forest for the trees" syndrome, it is nevertheless the basis of all of our desires. Discourse # 9 Symbolism An equally surprising discourse, I was amazed the depth of the subjects discussed here. I had studied the work of J.J Hurtak the most popular of which being, The Keys of Enoch, "a paraphysical 'codebook' written in 1973… It is a text of higher consciousness experience which explains how the human race is connected with a more advanced higher evolutionary structure of universal intelligence." Much of Hurtak's work is around his interpretation of Sacred Geometry as an ancient science that explores and explains the energy patterns that create and unify all things. I was impressed with Rev. Kythrea's ability to make such intricate subject matter, so clear in its contrasting among other meaning symbolism of religions and cultures. I could go on and on about what I believe to be the most comprehensive compilation of comparative religious studies I have ever read, and I have read many. I am so happy that back in eighth grade I decided to trust that my path would be guided. The education that I have gained through this course has done more that given me a fresh look at religions and the cultures which abide by them, but has confirmed for me, things I have previously understood about people and the need of all people to belong, discover, create and seek their divine selves. There is nothing about this course or the information that I disliked, as I went initially approached it without judgment waiting to pounce on every word laid before me. We are, in my humble opinion, more same than we are different, and even in our struggle to be unique we are, just that much more the same. Thank you, ULC. Thank you, Rev. Kythera. *******************************   The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.  Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.   The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.     Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wiccan

I have been a Wiccan for 10 years and an ULC minister for 18 months.  I decided to take this Wiccan course pretty much just to test my knowledge.  Lesson 2 on consequences had made me realize how important the Wiccan Rede really is. That everything  good or bad has  consequences. I pretty much used this subject to help me make good decisions each day in my own life. In my essay on lesson 2, I wrote how I didn't keep up on my maintenance with my car and how much it would have cost me less if I kept up with it and how the money I spent could have went to more useful things, like diapers for my daughter.  This was the consequences of my actions. I am still hung up on drowsing, maybe some day I will concentrate on this subject.  Most of everything else from wiccan holidays to altar tools and the elements I already knew from books written by buckland and cunningham, but it is always good refresh your memory. I also loved sharing my wiccaning ritual I performed on my daughter with you, I already had it written out before I ever took this course, I posted it on the forum for all to read and hope that anyone who reads it will enjoy. I believe that this course would be good for non-wiccans searching to understand our beautiful religion and help clear them of all the misconception they may have heard from their local church or mainstream tv.    My main Goal as an ULC Wiccan Minister is to reach out to those in touch with nature and help build a Earth-based congregation here on the nh seacoast. I have enjoyed your lesson on Wicca and am thinking out doing the Pagan one next.

Bright Blessings

Rev. Michael Engel

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have multiple classes in Christianity, Wicca, Religious Philosophy, three courses in Metaphysics. a course in Buddhism, a re-vamped course on Shamanism, and much more.

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Religious Philosophy

RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY

RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY

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

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

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

      United states Marine Corp embodies most of the Five characteristics.

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

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

    Catholic church embodies most of the Five Characteristics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rev. Willis Henry 

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have multiple classes in Christianity, Wicca, Religious Philosophy, three courses in Metaphysics. a course in Buddhism, a re-vamped course on Shamanism, and much more. 

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.  

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Metaphysics

One of the greatest and most obvious thing  I've learned after taking the course,is being able to tell the difference between the "ego" and the "HOLY SPIRIT".      I've struggled for years not knowing what the problem was! Having had been through the twelve steps of alcoholics anonymous more than a few times, experiencing peace and serenity and not fully knowing "HIM" along with the awesome wonder of who was this [spirit]helping me?      Dr. Loretta Siani, put in simple terms and applications that really helped me when applied, got almost immediate results! all ready bible versed found myself relating back to what I have already learned, as if I were translating a foreign language within myself, very interesting effect.     Another plus you might could say is, I've also noticed that my prayer life has changed because of reasons, that I found in the course that when I personally examined for myself and having made sense. One being which seams a little childish now, would find myself knowing what I wanted,..... then praying for that............. as being GOD'S WILL for me, not receiving what I personally wanted...............but received...[what?]  GOD"S WILL for me! and getting mad!!!!    A very simple concept when fully understood saved me and is saving me a lot of needless pain. Along those same lines talking about the more personal my GOD is to me after taking this course was being able to let down my preconceived ideas that I had of spirituality and the course allowed HIM to introduce HIMSELF to me!!!!! one of the simplest concepts being; children already have parents, they don't create their parents,although they grow up and become like their parents, creating children....... not forgetting who their [parents] are,see that simple concept for me let me finally know that I could finally surrender,after thinking about that for about 4,000 hours! lol!!! trying to imagine a GOD who suited me!  and my needs....and could finally wait and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to introduce HIMSELF to me and others, whom I might add,  haven't yet been able to chose, but allow them to come to me for guidence and love.   THANK-YOU, DR.LORETTA SIANI, AND ULC                                                 Rev.  John Schroeder *******************************   The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.  Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.   The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.     Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

St. Paul

Master of St. Paull By Rev. Dennis Walter Zerull "Master of St. Paul". The subject and title seems a bit ironic because of St. Paul's service and dedication to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Non the less I found this course to be informative and I enjoyed the weekly assignments. The teaching techniques used are effective in that they make the student research the course material. I do find however that Lesson 16 "Admitting that you are a Sinner", to be more of a sermon and less of a lesson. It seems to be a bit more personal to the instructor than to the student. The lesson would be better served in my opinion if the focus on sin was from various perspectives using more study on actual transgression as in the Old Testament on the transgression of law. However when studying the life of arguably the greatest missionary, theologian and writer of the early church this course does a good job of covering Paul as one of the most important figures in the New Testament. Paul's gospel indicted all of humanity for the crime of rejecting God and His rightful authority. Under the influence of Adam's sin, mankind plunged into the depths of depravity so that they were utterly unable to fulfill the righteous demands of God and deserved only the wrath of God. Consequently, the sinners only hope was the gospel which embodied God's power to save those who had faith in Christ which was the focus of Paul's gospel. Paul affirmed Jesus' humanity and His deity and the fact the Jesus was a physical descendant from the from the line of David. In his years as a Pharisee, Paul's initial and adamant rejection of Jesus as the Messiah may largely have been motivated by Jesus' ignorable death. Death by crucifixion was indicative of divine curse. Certainly the Messiah could not have died under the curse of God. But when Paul wrote his first epistle, this death curse was recognized as the grounds for substitutionary atonement. (Gal.3:10-14) Paul explained that the idea of a crucified Messiah was a stumbling block to the Jews. This gospel would later lead to plotting his death and several attempts on his life. Yet through all of his life's challenges after his conversion he never spoke in anger or arrogance but always in love and patience. But he knew that he would suffer after his vision from God, "This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before Gentiles, kings and the sons of Israel. I will certainly show him how much he must suffer for MY name!" Paul's missions were initially met with suspicion from Church leaders but Barnabas intervened in is behalf and when meeting with Peter and James, the Lord's brother, and he is on his way to teach for several years. The pillars of the Church Peter, John, and James approved the no-Law gospel preached by Paul and his focus on Gentile evangelism. "No-law" of course referring to Paul and Branabas' journey to Jerusalem to settle the circumcision matter. Still as a result of this matter, the Law-free gospel does not encourage unrighteous behavior in believers. History tells us that Paul was probably a man of above intelligence considering his years of Rabbinic training and by his own words in Gal.1:14, "I advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among my people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors". Though zealous, his knowledge would have taken a great deal of reading, work and study. Yet after Christ appeared to him as the resurrected and glorified Christ in blinding radiance on his way to Damascus, Saul immediately surrendered to His authority and went into the city to await further orders. There his blindness was healed and he received the Holy Spirit and accepted believers baptism. I take great solace and comfort in the example set by Paul. His amazing display of courage and faith to endure the prison's, the death threats, ship wrecks and other situations that may have never been recorded in the annals of history are truly are a testament of his never ending faith and belief in God's work. His gospel of salvation that is so freely given to humankind through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and our union with Jesus through faith is our liberation from sin, death, and allows us to help one another mature, to serve Christ, and glorify Him, which is the highest purpose. I thank you once again for offering this course. God's blessings upon you all. ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar