Comparative Religion

COMPARATIVE RELIGION

By Rev. Nick Federspiel

This is one of the FINEST distant learning courses I have undertaken from any source – information, information - give me more - and it was given unto me. This course examines the predominant religions of both the East and West and provides ample summary information on many religious topics relative to philosophy, theology, animism, polytheism, monotheism, sacred texts, sacred space, ecumenicalism, inter-religious dialogue, liturgical calendars, symbolism, ceremonies, and on and on….. about Buddhism:, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism: Islam, Judaism, Jainism, Taoism, Native American, Shintoism, Wiccan and others including what caught my eye and mind the most Zoroastrian.  Get BIG comparative picture?!

Lesson one's introduction states:

" … A firm grounding in comparative religion allows an individual to perceive the truth that is within all traditions. We, as human beings, have a tendency to address everything from our own perspective and assume that those we talk to understand our words as we mean them.  We all have had experiences where this has backfired.  It is imperative that as ministers, we make every effort to communicate from the perspective of those we serve. …"

Lesson three states:     

Differences between various religions and philosophies need not divide and separate, but can instead enrich our lives and deepen our capacity to love.  Any minister can do their part to eliminate religious intolerance and fear by helping those they interface with to find understanding, respect, and a common ground to interact.

Most comparative religion courses I have taken including college institutions emphasize how similar religions are. But to the credit of this course there is a clear statement that religions are not the same, but they share innumerable components differentiated by doctrine, symbolism, ceremony and legacy. On occasion the course offers food for thought conclusions such as in lesson four:

" … As can be seen, cultural and religious flood stories around the world are very similar.  Because of the consistency of this story, and current scientific geological data, the idea of a worldwide flood actually happening is very likely.  …"

Fact or not, it is my observation that today we have entered an age of instant international and cultural information communication. But 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000 and even 6,000 years ago this was simply not the case considering the limited literacy and embryonic language tools.  THEN when something "similar" was reported from disassociated cultures then there either is an innate philosophical and sociological underlying human need for such a "story" or the story is not a story at all but a  REPORT!  We interpret and filter and analyze as best we can today – right or wrong as the case may be. Did we need religion?   Do we still need religion?  Science has no moment zero creation solution.  It never will.  So religion is with us and deep inside us we know that.  Is a fundamental need for divinity created by divinity why religion is functional in almost all cultures worldwide?  Is that why religion is the target of errant thinking politicians, despots and tyrants?  

This course presents many facts and thus points of view.  However, be it East or West their religious doctrines teach us that throughout history the word is mightier than the sword and the meek inherit the earth.  Who has more followers: Hitler and Stalin or Jesus Christ? Who will have more respect hereafter, Ahmedinejad or Gandhi and Mother Teresa or the atheists or the devoted?  Who were the tormentors and who were the healers? What makes a better organized institutional leader – a historian, a minister or a lawyer?  What does it mean when a word leader fails to participate in his or her fundamental cultural religious practices?   Is this course for aspiring and practicing ministers or for agnostics and atheists or for leaders and well – or everyone?  Knowledge is power this easy to read course delivers both in force.

Lesson five discusses esoteric and exoteric (ex- made available to the public) components of religion – what we should all know or what only a few of us know or are informed of.  I think this is one of the failures of the Christian religion allowing too much agnosticism and atheism to invade it worldwide as we should all have access to the same core religious information.  Today this is more possible than ever. One only needs to be motivated to learn.  This course, available to any ULC Seminary participant, significantly helps mitigate the esoteric - exoteric knowledge gap.

How about some interesting theories – consider this excerpt from lesson six: 

" … The rabbis represented this aspect of the tablets (Ten Commandments)by assuming a square shape, with the ten commandments graven in normal Hebrew right to left order, but also left to right; in normal top to bottom order, but also bottom to top. Because the commandments were carved completely through the stone, they could be read both by Moses and those facing him. …    In Tiferet Yisrael, (Chapter 35, pp. 101-102 in standard editions) R. Judah Loew, the Maharal " !!!!!  I (Ed Codish) am going to suggest a way to read Jewish sacred texts, including Torah, the Prophets, the Writings, Mishna, Gemmara, Midrash, and rabbinical commentaries on these. …"

Lesson eight and nine are a mini encyclopedia of numerous religious symbols. Lesson ten is about prayer:

 " … Although meditation, contemplation and prayer are all methods used to interact with the Divine, each has nuances of discrete differences in methodology, purpose …"  

Lesson eleven discusses eschatology and the puzzle of the ages; why do bad things happen to righteous people? Does bad beget a condemned hereafter or does one recycle and is offered a second, third fourth … chance to get it right?

" … For most religions, suffering is the result of human failing or the lack of human understanding.  In monotheistic religions, suffering is wrapped up in the concept of sin and human failing.  In the Eastern religions, suffering is the result of humankind's lack of understanding, or enlightenment. … What makes a sin depends on the religion.

Does this sound familiar – from lesson eleven:

Purification through a ritualistic baptism was required of all faithful, who took part in a ceremony in which they drank wine and ate bread to symbolize the body and blood of God…".

The above commentary is of Persian mythology of Mithras! 

Lesson twelve is of ceremonies. Lesson thirteen about sacred space and lesson fourteen is about reverent and lay titles. These are great summaries and if you can download the captive pictures within the text there are excellent descriptive graphics. (With my Vista browsers integrated graphic downloading was sadly hit and miss.) Lesson fifteen is a brief on the sacred texts. Like the Prajnaparamita and Diamond Sutra(s), Isalm's Hadith, the Dasam Granth and Zen-Avesta!  When one discuses 'Holy' scripture one inevitably has to explain this:

 " … insistence on … "inerrancy" raises all sorts of practical problems for interpreters, who sometimes find themselves scrambling to explain away blatant inconsistencies in factual data such as chronology or geography. …  Some religions make written texts widely and freely available, while others hold that sacred secrets must remain hidden from all but the loyal and the initiate …" ( i.e esoteric vs. exoteric knowledge).

Lesson sixteen is about those divine messengers like angles, daevas, kachinas, hunmanits, and of course human prophets.  One has to ponder the effects one ancient religion had on another. By example this statement about Zoroastrian angels:

 " … It is believed, that the Guardian Angel takes a person in an ecstatic embrace at the moment of death. 

Zoroastrians also believe that corresponding to the Lord of Light there is also a Lord of Darkness, with complementary demons and evil spirits, and it is felt that in the battle between light and darkness the forces of light will eventually win. …"

Well, there is more, but why should I give the ending away and ruin the whole movie for everyone!  I lament the course is not YET available in printed media (thus with all the graphics!) as it deserves to be complete and on my reference shelf vs. being tucked away on my flash drive – not a fitting place for such a fine effort from the ULC Seminary catalog of courses -  this one " … created by Rev. Kythera Ann."   My congratulations!

Permission to reprint this course summary is extended to ULC Seminary – Rev. Nick Federspiel

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The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

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I find this very interesting reading, so let's keep it going if you agree.  It only takes a few days on the Internet and this will have reached 75% of the public in the U.S.A. Seniors need to stand up for what is right, not what the politicians want or big Corporations want.     The disillusionment on the Internet is becoming increasingly repetitive - the country's backbone is waking up.  Will they listen?  Or do we have to embrace the radicals she mentions?    This was sent to Mr. Rand who is the Executive Director of AARP.    THIS LADY NOT ONLY HAS A GRASP OF 'THE SITUATION' BUT AN INCREDIBLE COMMAND OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE! also confirmed by snopes: http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/aarp.asp     Dear Mr. Rand,    Recently you sent us a letter encouraging us to renew our lapsed membership in AARP by the requested date. I know it is not what you were looking for, but this is the most honest response I can give you.  Our gap in coverage is merely a microscopic symptom of the real problem, a deepening lack of faith.     While we have proudly maintained our membership for several years and have long admired the AARP goals and principles, regrettably, we can no longer endorse it's abdication of our values.  Your letter specifically   stated that we can count on AARP to speak up for our rights, yet the voice we hear is not ours.  Your offer of being kept up to date on important issues through DIVIDED WE FAIL presents neither an impartial view nor the one we have come to embrace.  We do believe that when two parties agree all the time on everything presented to them, one is probably not necessary.  But, when the opinions and long term goals are diametrically opposed, the divorce is imminent.  This is the philosophy which spawned our 200 years of  government.    Once upon a time, we looked forward to being part of the senior demographic.  We also looked to AARP to provide certain benefits and   give our voice a power we could not possibly hope to achieve on our own.   AARP gave us a sense of belonging which we no longer enjoy.  The Socialist politics practiced by the Obama administration and empowered by AARP serves only to raise the blood pressure my medical insurance strives to contain.  Clearly a conflict of interest there!    We do not understand the AARP posture, feel greatly betrayed by the guiding forces that we expected to map out our senior years and leave your ranks with a great sense of regret.  We mitigate that disappointment with the relief of knowing that we are not contributing to the problem anymore by renewing our membership.  There are numerous other organizations which offer discounts without threatening our way of life or offending our    sensibilities.    This Presidential Administration scares the living daylights out of us.  Not just for ourselves, but for our proud and bloodstained heritage.  But even more importantly for our children and grandchildren.   Washington has rendered Soylent Green a prophetic cautionary tale rather than a nonfiction scare tactic.  I have never in my   life endorsed any militant or radical groups, yet now I find myself listening to them.  I don't have to agree with them to appreciate the fear which birthed their existence.  Their borderline insanity presents little more than a balance to the voice of the Socialist mindset in power.  Perhaps I became American by a great stroke of luck in some cosmic uterine lottery, but in my adulthood I CHOOSE to embrace it and nurture the freedoms it represents as well as the responsibilities it requires.     Your website generously offers us the opportunity to receive all communication in Spanish.  ARE YOU KIDDING???  Someone has broken into our 'house', invaded our home without our invitation or consent. The President has insisted we keep the perpetrator in comfort and learn the perp language so we can communicate our reluctant welcome to them.    I DON'T choose to welcome them.    I DON'T choose to support them.     I DON'T choose to educate them.    I DON'T choose to medicate them, pay for their food or clothing.    American home invaders get arrested.    Please explain to me why foreign lawbreakers can enjoy privileges on American soil that Americans do not get?    Why do some immigrants have to play the game to be welcomed and others only have to  break & enter to be welcomed?    We travel for a living.  Walt hauls horses all over this great country, averaging over 10,000 miles a month   when he is out there.  He meets more people than a politician on caffeine overdose.  Of all the many good folks he enjoyed on this last 10,000 miles, this trip yielded only ONE supporter of the current administration.. One of us (i.e., AARP) is out of touch with mainstream  America .  Since our poll is conducted without funding, I have more faith in it than one which is power driven.       We have decided to forward this to everyone on our mailing list, and will encourage them to do the same.  With several hundred in my address book, I have every faith that the eventual exponential factor will make a credible statement to you.     I am disappointed as hell.  I am scared as hell.  I am MAD as hell, and I'm NOT gonna take it anymore!    Walt and Cyndy  Miller Farms Equine Transport  ******************************* 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

Religious Philosophy

My answer to Question 1); Is yes, I have visited several places that would be considered to be a scared space or even of power. Some places are very well known, like arriving at the rim of the grand canyon or looking at Niagara Falls with the moist spray hitting you in the face or maybe even standing on the shore line of one of the oceans or great lakes. While other places are somewhat more personal places of renewal for the spirit. As an example I will refer to the red rock range in Sedona, AZ., and the battlefield of Gettysburg PA. These sites being somewhat more popular so as the general understanding of my definition or rather explanation. When visiting such places as mentioned before and now referencing the red rock valley, people first notice the beauty of the surrounding area and become awe stricken and begin to turn their observations into speculation of (what was, who were, and what it, etc., etc.). If you noticed, it is a pattern of questions that begins to bring on or rather heighten, not only our curiosity, but also spirituality. We as human beings begin to realize how small we are, but also how important we are, and at the sametime want to connect with it in away that is special and memorable to ones self. The Sedona area is steeped in native American lore and the evidence of it is great even by our understanding. Though the general understanding has many different interpretations with it, that understanding being almost as numerous as the grains of sand found on its bluffs, we can draw a respect for the feelings it generates in each one of us on that personal observation. The battlefield at Gettysburg, PA., for many people is relatively the same. It to stirs up emotion and awe as one takes the time to explore and understand and begins to be able to relate to the surroundings of what took place there and the lives that it effected then, as well as today, that being the engagement that took place there. Places such as these are timeless, they become timeless by human nature and understanding, the reaction and with a respect to the reverence to not only the magnitude of the visual respects but also the emotional respects they generate in ones self. In some cases in our exploration we can stumble into things that are unknown to any understanding that we may adhere to in respect to general education, or knowledge. Things happen for a reason ! & ?. As was stated in the lesson the interpretation can very, but when something happens to ones self that has no real or tangible understanding, it suddenly becomes spiritual or it takes on a more non charismatic understanding to what may have or may not have just happened to create such an emotion or epiphany. I'm not being specific here because with respects to the "power" that someone feels or the "spiritual" expressions that, that place within the emotional awareness, the understanding or rather experience has a very personal reverence to it. So, I don't want to intrude on the final outcome of ones personal experience. It does however, effect each person differently and by keeping the topic general the meaning is still expressed without personal detail. Life itself is a gift and the fact that we are the only creatures on the planet that have the capability to "relate to our surroundings" is too, a very unique gift, so should be the emotional experience that we encounter in life and the places that enrich us to the point of manifestation on an emotional acceptance or rather awareness. Answer to Question 2); The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, it would not suprise me that a line could be drawn around any circumference to meet the speculations of ones imagination. That is like saying that if the earth was mapped out in a grid that certain points of historical value or even personal value would intersect. The only thing that would change the out come is the distance between grid spaces. Everything and every place has its own point of power. Being it in ones self or being a particular place of origin. To me it is err- relevent because what we experience in life, to be positive or negative has its place in the understanding of relevance to individual power. Understanding, Knowledge, Belief, Faith, Inspiration, Acceptance, Love, Peace, Joy, Happiness, Creativity, Relationship, Accomplishment, Spirituality, Influence and Existence are all or can be places of power. This in its self is still just the starting point, of "PLACES of POWER". PS. I'll get lesson 13 in ASAP. Have your self a wonderful hoiday and a very merry Christmas. Rev. Manley ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for Free, for Life, right now, use the Free Online Ordination, button -- Click the link! As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  As an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've enjoyed watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Religious Philosophy

"Developing a Personal Religious Philosophy"

A Final Essay for the Master of Religious Philosophy Course

By Daniel Moore

            Philosophy is the study of the questions of life like, "Who and I and what am I here for?"   It helps a person do make sense of life.  It considers what is ethical.  It investigates what is knowable.  It has many branches to include political philosophy, metaphysics, ethics, and religion.  Religious philosophy takes the tools of philosophy and delves into the region of religion in its various forms.

            This course does a thorough job of taking the tools and applying them not just to religion in general but moves into the various major (and some minor) religions of the world.  It also covers a reasonable span of history.  Also, the various regions of the world were also considered in evaluating religions so it was not limited to just religions/denominations but also the regional and cultural factors included.

            One of the challenges facing any philosopher is how to classify the world's religions.  I liked the instructor's three categories:

            1.  The Natural problem:  How does man get along with the world?

            2.  The Social problem:  How do we get along with each other?

            3.  The Psychological problem:  How do we understand ourselves and our spirituality (if there is one)?

            These are excellent categories.  Further, the instructor noted how regions/religions tended to help in categorizing religions into the broad categories.  And on the whole, it is a good starting point.  I do not like generalities but it is a good place to start when considering a personal religious philosophy.

            From the three questions noted above, it is important, I believe, that every student apply them to his or her faith or religious background.  Though I have a Protestant Christian background which emphasizes the first category, I see that merely as a starting point.  It does not negate the importance of the other two questions to be considered philosophically.  Personally, all people need to ask themselves those three questions.  Their religion (or personal belief system) should help them in guiding them to answer those in a way that enables them to live in this world.

            A great strength of this course was the "food for thought" questions that I found to be challenging.  It is good to strengthen one's mind and wrestle with the concepts given.  The instructor is to be commended for these questions.  He asks the tough questions that caused me to re-evaluate my belief systems.  In some instances, I actually found my personal religious philosophy strengthened.  In other instances, I had to go back and research the "why" of what I believed.  These questions are not for the faint of heart.

            This is a good course to complement the Master of Comparative Religion course for any ULC minister.  It is not enough to know the facts of the various religions in the world.  It is helpful to use the tools of religious philosophy to gain understanding to these religions as well.  As for me, I found this to be an excellent course and recommend it to all.

 

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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.

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Universal Life Church

This is too brilliant not to share.  A palindrome reads the same backwards as forward. This video reads the exact opposite backwards as forward.  Not only does it read the opposite, the meaning is the exact opposite. This is only a 1 minute, 44 second video and it is brilliant.   Make sure you read as well as listen…forward and backward.               This is a video that was submitted in a contest by a 20-year old.   The contest was titled "u @ 50"  by  AARP. This video won second place. When they showed it, everyone in the room was awe-struck and broke into spontaneous applause.  So simple and yet so brilliant. Take a minute and watch it.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA  ******************************* 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

MYSTICAL CHRISTIANITY

MASTER OF MYSTICAL CHRISTIANITY FINAL ESSAY REV. CHARLES CALLAHAN, D.D. When I became ordained I realized there was a lot of mysticism in the bible and religion in general for me.  I had already been speaking with the sick and troubled prior to this and figured this was my calling but needed to find out about some of these mysteries myself.  Plus having two near death experiences pushed me even farther into these mysteries.     As I began this lesson I was very intrigued by the description of the "Creation" and how it has had its impact on society.  From what it termed the "Original Sin" (OS) when Eve had bitten into the apple when coerced by the Serpent.  Women still, in my opinion have not been forgiven by society for this.  I can understand why, as a child, my own mother was not-more than a housewife and all of the other women in our family the same.  Their purpose was less than that of the men folk in the family.  I do believe with our growing up very Roman Catholic how this would be so.  It never really clicked until taking a second look and having this interpretation of this chapter.  Still today I see women as being seen as the subordinate in society.  From Business to the household some are still toting around that ball and chain of the OS.   I myself, in the contrary have broken out of this subordination ritual and have learned to treat and have taught the gentlemen in our family from my son to grandchildren the opposite.  They give the utmost respect and equal treatment of the women in our family.  If they are downed I step in and correct this issue immediately.     As far as the "Genetic Code" is concerned I had never really considered this until reading this section and watching the movies that are currently out.  I do believe that we have some sort of coding in our genetics that does link us all together.  I believe in my own way we have swayed due to some unknown reason from the usage of this code and the understanding of this code and become a society of differences.  We teach and preach the fact that we are all of one God and beings of one Father, but it does not quite sink in and unfortunately I do not foresee it in my lifetime to change.  If people would realize this and strip themselves of color, the language we speak, the country we are from and see each other, I am sure there would be a greater understanding of this code.  To put it into modern terms, as I interpret it, if we all had a "bar code" and you swiped us all across the scanner at your local store you would see that everyone of us would have the same ending number or numbers.  There would be some different numbers, which would make up our skin color, language, origin and etc.    But there would be a set of numbers that would all be the same, much like our genetic structure.     Mary Magdalene was a very interesting and unforgotten subject for me.  It led to hours of discussion with my wife and I, who were brought up very religious but in different manners.  I had not heard much of Mary and was found to be profoundly illiterate when I read of her.  This section not only opened my eyes to how much like us Jesus really was.  I have spoken with some that had inquired about Mary Magdalene and how Jesus had relations with a supposed Prostitute and this is one of the reasons they have so many questions of their beliefs.  I question them on their perfection and the fact that Jesus once walked with us and is a part of our world just as they are, so why should he not be allowed to have some questionable relations as many of us do.  And if it were not for Mary who would have known some of Jesus' inner thoughts and feelings as she continued his education as one of his followers.  We all have some type of incident or relationship in our lives that many do not know of, nor do we speak of, but it is still there to supposedly haunt us through life. But as Jesus did, in my opinion, he did not dwell on this relationship for he had many other tasks at hand, just as we do.       As I dug further into the sections of this lesson learning of the "888," numerical relationship to Jesus in opposition with the "666," as we have all been educated as being of numerals of evil and the Devil or Satan.  Having to have second thoughts about the actual meaning of Jesus' death on the cross, or was it death?  The questions still exists in my mind as to the true nature of whether he did die or just pass on to his meaningful place next to God the Father.  Progressing on to Reincarnation which is another issue which I thought I truly believed in, but am not quite sure of if there is a life after death then why would we be re-incarnated back on to the plane or existence which we just left only to face a new life to be ended in the same manner.  Would our life cycle not be like a "broken record" running over and over again?  I do also believe that bad things do happen to good people.  I believe the reasoning behind this is to make us stronger and perhaps is God telling us, or directing us to another path that he has set for us, thus placing us back on track, as a train that has derailed.  I do believe I am experiencing this myself at this point in my life.  I also see Karma and the prior statement of bad things happening to good people are quite possibly one in the same.   As my final thought on this lesson I believe that God allows or scripts bad things to happen to us in our lives not to punish us but to help us learn of how special each of us are and how meaningful it is for our existence.  It is as someone taught me as a child "I am being punished for the bad thing I did and I still love you and will always love you, and that love will never change.  Your punishment is my way of letting you know you need to think twice of your actions before you proceed, not proceed and then think of your actions."      Overall, I felt this lesson to be very educational and led me into paths and parts of religious belief I had never known of or really thought of.  I Thank Mother Maryesah and Reverend Amy for allowing me the educational opportunity, by sharing this course.  Some may not realize, as Reverend Amy, how meaningful parts of it have been in my life with recent events.  Which is a story which I will have to share some day. Rev. Charles Callahan.    ******************** The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge 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

Holy Spirit

When it comes to the concept of the Holy Spirit, I do agree with most of the precepts proposed in the course.  I do see the thought and feelings of God being spread through the offerings of the holy spirit.  I do differ in that I do not believe that the Holy Spirit always abides within us at all times.  I have learned from my own life's experience that I can not only shut out the Holy spirit, I can refuse to recognize its existence at all.   My personal experience has taught me that the Holy Spirit abides around us, like  a warm safe embrace. a cloak of sorts.  The choice is to either open the heart and mind to the presence of the Holy Spirit and to embrace its presence, or to remain closed up such as a cup turned upside down on the table.  Once we turn our cup over to set upright, we can then be filled with the blessings of the Holy Spirit.  In turn, we may again turn the cup over again, spilling out to waste the blessings that we given us and again, being upside down, we find ourselves isolated, lonely and desolate. ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for Free, for Life, right now, use the Free Online Ordination, button -- Click the link! As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  As an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've enjoyed watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Metaphysical Healing

Final Essay Master of Metaphysical Healing Rev. Robert Gill This course is informative and interesting on several different levels.  On a superficial level, it describes the practices of traditional African healers, with a particular focus on South African practices.  While this is interesting and educational in and of itself, it is only the first level of understanding.  A much deeper understanding comes with the realization that the healing practices being described are universal in their cope and impact.  The healing practices described are common to many different healing traditions, including shamanic practices found in native cultures around the world, and are not limited to those cultures described by the author.  Thus, this course has a much broader reach and applicability than would be evident to the casual reader. I found the recognition of the importance of the human energy field to be especially significant.  As a Reiki Master Teacher, I deal with human energy fields in both clinical and classroom settings.  I understand and accept the importance of achieving and maintaining balance in the energy field – my own as well as others.  My own experience validates the importance of the human energy field in healing illness and sustaining a healthy life.  Many of the lessons were familiar to me, but several of the lessons introduced concepts I was not familiar with, as well as new approaches that I have adopted and adapted in my own healing practice. Perhaps the most important lesson for me was the final lesson which discussed the recognition and regulation of traditional healing practices in South Africa.  We are a long way from that step in America and much of the world, but I believe we are moving in that direction.  This is much more than a human interest or technical issue in America, but is bound up in the interplay of cultural and political forces in our society.  There is no simple answer, and it is likely that any solution will bring with it another set of problems dealing with what should be considered legitimate healing practice.  My answer is that all healing practices must be based on faith and belief in its efficacy, and none should be rejected simply because they are not broadly accepted. Rev. Robert Gill ******************************************** 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

Buddhism

Questions 1.      What are the three main divisions of the Pali Cannon? According to Wikipedia; the three pitaka of the Tipitaka are the Vihana or rules for monks and nuns, the Sutta or accepted doctrine of Buddha and the Abhidamma, which is a complicated collection of accepted beliefs of Buddhists on various topics of interest (or relativity) 2.      How many pages are in the Pali Cannon? There are thought to be approximately twenty thousand pages in the Canon. 3.      In your opinion, does it matter whether the Buddha actually spoke the words making up the text of "Original Buddhism?" How accurate is accurate? Although both modes of Buddhism accept the Canon as largely true they differ on as to whether it is the word of Buddha. I would imagine most Theraveda Buddhists believe it is His word, while some may not but follow it anyway as a religious tradition. Less likely is it that many Mahayana Buddhists accept it as the direct word of Buddha himself. It is most accurate to view the Tipitaka as the word of Buddha, for although it may or may not be what he had to say it is important to note that He said it as Buddha to His followers the monks and they related it to other Buddhists. So by extension it may be His word, although secondhand. It would be a foolish Buddhist who does not at least consider the possibility of the Tipitaka being His word and meditate on it, and an ignorant and foolish Buddhist who dismisses it as hearsay. As with any Canon or spiritual tradition there are bound to be some idiosynchrosies and overly elaborated concepts. Certainly accuracy of the teachings diminishes each time it is taught, or does it? Before the first monks who meditated on a lotus flower and saw it as a symbol or rebirth it was not a symbol -- it was merely a flower. And so it is with the Canon. Any sacred text which is not debated, examined, shared, meditated on, referred to or venerated is worthless. Thus the Canon is neither the unquestioned message of Buddha or a worthless old book. It is a message of Buddha, nothing more and nothing less. And also it is not a message of Buddha (in that it is likely the word of His followers). It is what it is. ******************************* 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

Metaphysical Healing

Masters of Metaphysical Healing Essay Rev. David Hester I found the following definition at (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holistic_health): "Holistic health is a concept in medical practice upholding that all aspects of people's needs, psychological, physical and social, should be taken into account and seen as a whole. As defined above, the holistic view on treatment is widely accepted in medicine.[1] A different definition, claiming that disease is a result of physical, emotional, spiritual, social and environmental imbalance, is used in alternative medicine.[2]" Holistic Health deals with the treatment of the whole person (Whole-istic) including the Spirit, Soul and Body using techniques that are "non-evasive and hone into the root cause of conditions"  (Course overview).  Frequently, medical doctors treat and/or temporarily mask the symptoms of our illnesses but fail to determine the root cause of our disease, which is essential to the true "healing" of the whole person.  Throughout this course, I have learned that it is essential, not only to ascertain the cause of illnesses, but also treat the whole Being through non-invasive means such as prayer, meditation, massage, and relaxation.  I strongly believe these techniques reduce stress, increase the release of natural endorphins and have significant healing benefits to the body and mind, However, as a Christian I feel that the greatest Healing is that of our spirit (our Eternal Spirits) being saved by the Blood of Christ Poured Out at Calvary 2000 years ago.  It is duly noted that metaphysical healing is a beneficial addition to the medical profession, not a replacement! As a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and an Herbalist who desires to treat all facet of an individual, it is my hearts desire that the various fields of the medical profession and meta-physicians and other Holistic Healers work alongside each other, acting in concert to treat the Whole person!  Ultimately, I deeply believe that this type of setup is a part of the solution to the health care crisis.  After all, it would lower costs related to medical expenses by minimizing invasive procedures to those that are absolutely essential and promoting the natural healing powers of our body, given to us by our Creator.  This would definitely increase the effectiveness of our treatment of disease, and most importantly, a holistic approach to medical care benefits the patients by truly meeting all of their needs, physically, mentally, and spiritually.  In my opinion that would be the ultimate fulfillment of God's Greatest Commandment. This course has helped me to formulate a Healing Practice and has given me various techniques that I can use to promote and stimulate healing of the body, and mind for both myself and others.   All My Love, Rev. David Hester http://davidhesterministries.tripod.com/index.html ******************************************** 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

Final Essay Dr. of Metaphysics Course

By Rev. D.E.

I finished this course several months ago and due to some changing circumstances in my life I had to put off writing this essay.  As I reviewed the course material and reflected on the past few months I was surprised at how I had been using the ideas taught in this class.  I would like to first thank Universal Life Seminary for accepting this fine course.  I would also like to thank Rev. Loretta Siani for all the work that went into putting a course like this together.

Several years ago I had a skiing accident and spent time in the emergency room being treated for a very bad dislocated shoulder.  I was given a drug that should never be given following morphine, my breathing stopped.  During this time I experienced what I now know was a death experience.  I was in a place that I can only describe as peaceful and painless.  In the distance I saw my Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and a Sister that was still born.  Also there was a friend who I had been with during his death.  It was a place that I did not want to return from.  A voice called out my name and said D. it is time to go back.  I was arguing with this voice and the voice said, I have something for you to do and you must go back.  From that moment on I had an inner peace and my life was changed.  I changed careers and became an Instructor of Business classes at a local business college and now an ordained Minister and  Pastor of a small Church.

The one thing that I didn't have to do in studying this course was to have a shift in thinking to benefit from this material.  If everyone who takes this course does it with an open mind and can come away with an inner peace, they will surely benefit themselves and those that they serve in their ministry.  They will begin to create miracles when they share the love.

For the season of Advent this year I choose a four week series on "Imagine Peace."  Of course everyone in the Church thought it would be a series on peace in the world.  Yes, that is the overall purpose of this series but peace begins within.  Rev. Loretta's course offers so much material on how this peace can be achieved by putting ones self in a miraculous state of mind, as she states in the beginning of Lesson 6.

As I stated above I had some circumstances that developed as I was finishing the course and wasn't able to write the essay immediately and just now getting the essay written.  The material in this course was a great help in approaching a very difficult task.  It was only through meditation and approaching the decision through love and forgiveness that I was able to handle this situation.  Thank Rev. Loretta.

 

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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

The Four Gospels

Course Title: The Four Gospels Written By: Sabrina Harrell The Gospel According to Matthew: The book of Matthew  is the "Good News" Gospel.  Matthew the tax collector who's name was Levi was a great minister for God because of what he had done for him, concentrated on the words Jesus spoke- accusing words, comforting words, and motivating words. He also told of how his teachings grow out of Old Testament scriptures.  Matthew also introduces Jesus to the Jews who was the new Heir to the throne after David and Jesus came on the scene apparently not in the way that the people expected they expected someone wrapped in fine clothes and money falling out his pockets but what they got was a humble man with great God strength, power, anointing, and healing hands and wise sayings about the Kingdom of God. Matthew also focused on his geneology from Adam to David and then came Jesus.  Matthew picks up where the Jewish bible leaves off Malachi closes the Old Testament with a promise: God will send a Messiah to fix Israel's problems and bring peace and joy to the people. Matthew opens the New Testament by declaring that this promise from centuries past is now fulfilled: The Messiah has come at last. The Gospel According to Mark: Mark's Gospel is unique. It is not a biography of Jesus  like Matthew or Luke for it does not dwell on Jesus family history or career.  Instead this Gospel is a record of Jesus actions and achievements. It presents Jesus as a Savior-King, who conquers demons, disease, and death.  Mark presents the miracle working Jesus not the teaching Jesus.  The emphasis on Jesus mighty and miraculous works makes this Gospel action-packed, fresh, and vivid.   The Gospel According to Luke: The Gospel of Luke is the one Gospel that has a sequel, Acts.  Both Luke and Acts include an account of the Ascension, an event that only Luke describe in detail.  This gospel provides a unique perspective on Jesus' birth, ministry, death, and resurrection.  Luke never met Jesus yet he chose to follow him.  An obvious educated man who was a physician who sat back and observed "The Great Physician".  Luke learned all that he could about Jesus and shared his findings with us. Without Luke's letters to Theophilus we'd be missing 1. A Christmastime favorite-the story of baby Jesus lying in a manger 2. the parable of the Good Samaritan 3. The widow who donated her last mite 4. the parable of the prodigal son Luke is the longest due to a wide variety of miracles, teaching and parables making it the fullest portrait of Jesus ministry.  Luke is the only Gospel addressed to an individual "Theophilus" a gentile believer who needed some encouraging words so Luke wrote his Gospel to reassure Theophilus that God was still at work in the Christian community founded by Jesus. Luke's story isn't just good news for the Jews, it's great news for everyone. The Gospel According to John: The Gospel of John makes a "Read This First" claim like you get when you about to eat something or buy something that's good or bad for you.  It is the only book in the bible that states it's purpose clearly and succinctly: It was written to tell individuals how to find eternal life. John writes with only one purpose: to prove the deity of Jesus. John reports only Seven miracles which he calls "signs" evidence that Jesus is God's divine Son. 1. Turns Water into Wine 2. Heals an official's son without even going to see  him 3.  Heals a Crippled man on the Sabbath 4. Feeds 5,000 people with the best fish fry in America 5. Walks on Water 6. Heals a man born blind  7. Raises Lazarus from the dead Among others but these are the ones that John called signs. John  adds some of the most famous stories and teachings in all of the bible-not the least of which is  John 3:16, "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." ******************************************** 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

Thanksgiving Well Wishes

Happy Thanksgiving! Thankful Quotes and How to Feel at Peace!

Peace Love and Happiness….. Inspirational quotes poems for Thanks-giving Day….'for you!' *"Gratitude takes three forms: a feeling in the heart, an expression in words, and a giving in return". ~ ~ John Wanamaker This post is written to wish you a very Happy Thanks-giving, of course! But if you brake down this word, you'll see, just how beautiful the quote above really is! I'm sure you've heard statistics say, that the holidays can be one of the most loneliness and unhappiest times of the year for many, many people. And as the world is quickly evolving, not to mention, also us human beings, in these changing times, it's the perfect opportunity to re-evaluate what is really important for us and to be thankful for it. *"Keep a grateful journal. Every night, list five things that you are grateful for. What it will begin to do is change our perspective of your day and your life." ~~Oprah Winfrey I wanted this post to be my Happy 'Thanks-giving gift for you'…..so I made a list of practices that I use, to feel more peace in my own life. And finding new ways to feel more grateful can be a pleasure in itself. 1-For myself, keeping a gratitude journey,  has become a daily ritual, not only for feeling inner peace, but also, has helped in applying the UNIVERSAL LAWS OF ATTRACTION more successfully. It can help you to attract more of what you want, when first being thankful for what you already have. And writing down what you're thankful for works ten times better, than just thinking it, or saying it.2-And don't forget how truly wonderful Thankful/Appreciation quotes can be when you need a little picker upper of inspirationI can assure you that once you get into this habit of gratefulness; you will be feeling more Peace Love and Happiness as each holiday comes rolling along. *"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~~ Melody Beattie Even if you're out there, with all the many distractions of planning, shopping, cooking and so on, try to take a few moments to get centered….stop what your doing and take a few nice deep breaths, breathe in LOVE…and think about what this holiday is really all about. It will have you feeling so much more inner peace. 3-As you celebrate this Special American Holiday, joining your family and friends, or maybe not at all, enjoying whatever traditions you like to follow for this day, where many eat turkey, but others may choose not to…. lets learn to accept each others choices. Making no judgments, what so ever, for how anyone may choose to celebrate it. That's a blessing in itself for one another! 4- As soon as you wake up in the morning, take a moment to sit in bed before you begin your day, by really appreciating the aspect of just being alive. If you're not feeling good about the holidays, just be aware of why they even came about. And I think we all know that, traditionally, Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for the harvest and express gratitude in general.*"The Pilgrims came to America not to accumulate riches but to worship God, and the greatest wealth they left unborn generations was their heroic example of sacrifice that their souls might be free". ~~Harry Moyle Tippett If for some reason holidays are difficult for you, can you look at this just a little differently? If you are joining others for Thanksgiving Day, or any time what so ever, and you want to feel at peace with others….. 5- Lets say, you are giving your normal greeting to another…the 'Happy Thanksgiving Day' wish, maybe even a hug, but just before you do this, try making eye contact. Do you know that when you connect with someone in this way you can actually get in touch with their soul? But putting it more simply, you just connect…you feel a much closer, warmer feeling with this person. Something we don't usually think about. By doing this, you're conveying to them they are special enough to take that second to connect. You can actually feel better yourself…because you acted from the goodness of your heart. 6-If this seems a little difficult, because you may not be looking forward to spending time with some of your relatives; maybe you can look at this in a simple way….. That it's 'just for today.' When you know that something isn't forever, you seem to adjust to it much easier. And it never hurts, to think in this way. It can actually help you stay focused on what is good, and enjoyable while in their company. Everyone has beauty inside them, if you take the time to look for it. *"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some". ~~Charles DickensMore…. click-Thankful/Appreciation Quotes. 7- If you stay grateful for the little things, whatever beauty is surrounding you, and also towards the people that you chose to be with. You may just see things you wouldn't have noticed, if things were always perfect. Try 'staying in the moment'….enjoy everything possible as if was your first gathering together. AS a child would see it, if it were their first Thanksgiving Day…. as you mingle, and 'stay present'. *"Pride slays thanksgiving, but an humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow. A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves." ~~ Henry Ward Beecher 8-And lastly….Put a little humor in your life as often as you can. The more we smile, and laugh, the healthy, happier and more peaceful we feel! This awareness you've been reading, was not only intended for people that find holidays difficult, but for all of us, all the time, so that we can begin seeing those great positive, peaceful changes in ourselves. So that we're sure to feel more of that peace love and happiness, which I talk about so often….especially, as we practice the UNIVERSAL LAWS OF ATTRACTION more successfully in our lives! Thank you for the beauty you have woven into the tapestry of my life…..for you, just being here. I am grateful! Wishing you the Happiest Thanksgiving Day ever!!!

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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