Spirituality

Dr. of Spirituality Essay: What I have learned in this course. (Looking for the truth in the spiritual world) My father once said to me: Son, always remember that learning never ends - regardless of age. Now I am 54 and I have to admit that my father was right. We live in a cruel world, lies at every corner and most of them blend-in perfectly with what we like to hear and how we like to look at things. For 2,000 years we are being told that there is only one savior `Jesus Christ`. Wars are being fought because we need to defend our countries. Religious wars are being fought because we all have different Gods, given or assigned to us by our churches who like to domain us just like the politicians of governments for their wars. Who can you actually trust ? We are all the same humans, brothers and sisters indeed. And there is only one God in Heaven and this God`s name we do not need to know and neither do we need to kill each other in His name. We are the ones who have given this God different names, beside the other Gods who visited Earth, self-proclaimed Gods, God's made by humans, Holy messengers and Prophets. Who is the real God? There can be only one real God in Heaven and that is the almighty God and His name is God (in English) and in another language you might call him differently. How much do we know about Jesus Christ (New testament) and (Old testament) Joseph in fact? What about all the other Gods (whose names I will not mention now), are they fake Gods or fake Sons of Gods? Certainly not ! What about the great (Genesis) flood / And, what about the Epic of Gilgamesh (around 2,600 BC) ? What about Moses (Sargon), and all the other `moses-like-human prophets before; in Babylon it was Nemo (10 tablets) in India it was Manou (10 tablets) in Crete it was Minos (10 tablets) in Egypt it was Mises (10 tablets) ... and have you ever sought about the ending in our prayers: AMEN ? Where does it come from and what does it actually mean ? Are we worshipping Amen-Ra / Sun-God ? Are we really knowing the truth about Earth and Humans and their Gods, or are we just living in a great Disney Land ? Is everything just developed for political reasons so that religion can be used for slavery ? Religion is a myth indeed, it is not debatable nor questionable, it is divine authority. At young age I quit religion and I found it again through the ULC, especially the Spiritual course they offered. In the end that is all I had left, a broken-view regarding religion and belief. All there was left in me was the Spiritual belief. It is rather difficult to build-up that belief without some help of an spiritual advisor. Then the praying, we all pray for so much, but then is it right to pray that much ? And what kind of prayer is correct ? To whom should we pray ? Beside weddings I do counseling of all kinds and children support, visit hospitals and prisons were I meet all kind of different nationals and human characters. I do not use the cross, of course when I am forced to use it then inside my heart I think of Jesus Christ but still fighting with my inner-self then. I rather wear a pair of praying hands instead of a cross. Spiritual belief in the (Nameless) Almighty God is my belief and I consider myself an International Christian who welcomes all Gods and all other Religions for the purpose of uniting all humans together again. The Free-Will being given of being able to choose an religion (Universal religious belief) and practicing it as granted to me by the ULC means a lot to me and the most-high in heaven will certainly agree to that. Arguing about religion is a waste of time, since all religious books are either partially incorrect, misinterpreted and anyway are not fully proven to be correct. Better be spiritual and study about Astronomy, Astrology and Archeology and really help-out others and then you will be on the right track. Most of the people say they are spiritual, because they do not know anything about religion, neither won`t have anything to do with it for personal or other reasons. The question is just `Do They Understand Spirituality` ? Maybe 90% does not. Rev. Dr. Loretta Siani has been a helping hand to me with her lessons, Spiritual prayers and the deeper meaning of it. Of course not everything is according my spiritual belief, what she has taught me, but she awakened inside me the deeper free-spiritual thinking and in the end that is all I hoped to happen. Reading, learning, processing and sorting-out with a clear and free-thinking and feeling mind is important in order to evolve to the next spiritual step (per aspera ad astra). No human is perfect, no book is correct but we can correct our current dependent mind (s) and thinking as long as we keep ourselves open and uninfluenced to choose a new or different way of thinking according our heart and independent open mind. Whatever we read or study does not mean that we have to accept everything what is written or being said, but without studying and freely considering a learning process is not possible. Spirituality is something you can not touch, not buy, not be given to but only slowly learn through study and life experiences and an open mind and an clean heart, otherwise the spiritual picture will not be visible and the guideline is not there. I like to thank the ULC and Dr. Siani for their kind support till now and I like to encourage my other Pastor-Reverend brothers here on Earth to keep an open mind and always consider the cost of misusing the most powerful weapon `Religion` in the name of our most high GOD. Blessed are those who spiritually support their brothers and sisters. Brother Georg - Japan *******************************   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

Universal Life Church

1. I wasn’t able to print my credential. Can I get another one?

I’m afraid that the program generates the credential at the time of ordination. To get another one, you’d need to ordain yourself again or order one from the site.

2. I don’t remember my ordination date. How can I get it?

To get your ordination date, send your request to generalcontact@ulchq.com Give them your full name and address at the time of ordination and they will give it to you.

3. I need a letter of Good Standing to do weddings. How can I get one?

You can order this from headquarters as well. Write to generalcontact@ulchq.com. Give them your full name and the address you’d like it mailed to. There is no cost for this.

4. How do I know if I need a letter of Good Standing?

Look at the Marriage Laws in the FAQ section and the training section. You can also confirm by calling the local county clerk where the wedding will take place and ask if you need to register.

5. I live in one state and I was asked to do a wedding in another. Can I do this?

Yes. You are legal to do weddings in all 50 states, as long as you’re at least 18 years old.

6. I’m getting ready to do my first wedding, what do I need?

Aside from possibly needing a letter of Good Standing, you would do well to order a book of ceremonies and certificates. (Basic Wedding Pack, for starters.) You should also read the training section (under ‘classes’) that has wedding training, as well as the wedding FAQ section.

7. I want to start doing weddings, how do I get started?

Start by ordering the Wedding Officiant Training Kit. It has all the materials you’ll need. Then get business cards and later a website. If you are not in time to get into the phone book, start by going to all the wedding facilities in your area (or calling them) and ask to be put on their Preferred Vendor list. You will get calls this way. To get started doing funerals, you’ll want to go to Funeral Homes and do the same thing.

8. How do I know what to charge?

Call other ministers from the phone book. Look under wedding supplies and services and look for the ministers. Ask them and then determine your price from there.

9. I live in Canada. Is my ordination legal here?

In some provinces yes and some no. Get a letter of Good Standing and present it in your province to see. It varies greatly depending who you ask.

10. I want to start a group of ULC ministers in my area. How can I do this?

Ask for people to join you on the forum and look through the directory. We don’t handle the formation of the groups, but we’ll be happy to invite it on the discussion board.

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

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

Ordination Online

By Rachel

2005-03-30

In 2003, someone I knew was arrested before being able to marry his long-time girlfriend. They had been together for 4 years and planning a big wedding, and all of a sudden all of that was in danger. Immigration put a holder on him so he could not be released, and the jail refused to allow the couple to marry at the jail. Even though the criminal charges were dismissed, he didn't have enough money to pay the immigration bond. If they couldn't get married quickly, he was going to be deported and they would never see each other again.

My brother told me about this church and within minutes I was ordained. I went to the jail during visiting hours with his girlfriend and two witnesses and we secretly conducted the ceremony through the glass partition. We were able to get him released, the immigration case was closed, and the happy couple is still together.

That was my first wedding, but not my last. I have performed wedding ceremonies for several couples who didn't speak English and preferred a simple ceremony with someone they knew to one at the courthouse with a judge. I was also honored to be asked to perform the ceremony for our office's secretary, and wrote bilingual vows especially for it. What a blessing this ordination has been!

Rev. Rachel

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

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

Universal Life Church

Essay by Mara Fonseca

‘Love is the Answer’

As I have meditated deeply on what captured my soul’s and heart’s interest in the twenty lessons in a Course in Metaphysics – Everyday Miracles, I recall one particular question and response that I asked and

received from Dr. Loretta Siani:

Dear Loretta:

In a weekly 'sermon' from Brother Daniel on Beliefs, he says:

“…I really don’t want to deal with you or your situation because unfortunately like many thousands of instant ministers they labor under the delusion that miracles happen…”

I found the above statement to be a quite thought-provoking quagmire, especially after reading (and enjoying I might add) your various lessons on the medium of miracles.

His comment made me reflect deeply on who I am and what my belief system is. I am the vessel of ‘change to prosperity’ through acquiring inner peace and understanding of the laws of the universe. I also believe

in the power of prayer, for it focuses me on the concept of ‘Prosperity Programming.’ (Prosperity Programming – a tem used in Shakti Gawain’s book ‘Creative Visualization’ that means having the understanding, or consciously taking the point of view, that the universe is totally abundant. Everything you need or want is here for the asking; you only need to believe that it is so, to truly desire it, and to be willing to

accept it, in order to have whatever you wish.

My question to you is thus:

Is it our belief in miracles that makes them happen, or is it our shift in perception when ‘miracles’ happen that changes our belief system?”

Dr. Siani’s response to my question was:

“It isn’t our belief in miracles that makes them happen. It’s our belief in Love and our ongoing faith that Love will prevail…”

Dr. Siani’s response not only answered my question, it also provided me with the tool for continued inner reflection, transformation, and confirmed resolution:

~ Love is the Answer.

~ When we believe in Love, anything is possible.

I have also experienced in my life that the greatest miracles occur

when there has been a change in heart. When I love unconditionally and

pray for that which will change my perception and bring more compassion,

understanding and patience into my heart, a ‘miracle’ happens.

The ‘miracle’ that occurs is that when I open up my heart and believe

that Love will prevail a true healing occurs. I no longer carry fear in

my heart, for I know that I am a vessel of ‘prosperity’. I am a child

of God. I no longer ask for circumstances to be changed in my life,

but rather to ask that my perception of my circumstances change. I look

at each challenge as a blessing in disguise, and to pray that I will

become a better person in the end. I pray for forgiveness and that

others may forgive any trespasses I have committed against them. I do not

look behind me at what has happened or before me at what has yet to

happen. I live in the moment, trusting that Love will prevail.

In summation, this to me is at the core of how miracles happen: When

we believe in Love, anything is possible. Love is the Answer. All we

need to do is BELIEVE. Ask in LOVE and thou Shall Receive in LOVE.

This has been the greatest challenge, lesson, and teaching that I have

received in this course and the course of my life. For this, I am

eternally grateful.

In closing, I would like to share a poem that expresses my essay ‘in a

nutshell’. I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I do:

Essential Love

You have come here to remember love,

and as you heal,

you come to be a light that

others see and follow.

They see, reflected in you,

the light of their own forgotten self,

and in seeing this,

they too can heal and be healed.

When you join with the universe.

you see yourself in all things

and all things in yourself.

This is love in its highest form --

pure and unconditional.

It has no motive,

and it seeks nothing.

This is the Essential Love,

awaiting eternally for you to

embrace it so that

you might be embraced.

Love is the guiding light,

Love is You.

--Patricia Easton Graves

I

*******************************

 

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

A Course in Miracles

Essay by Mara Fonseca

‘Love is the Answer’

As I have meditated deeply on what captured my soul’s and heart’s

interest in the twenty lessons in a Course in Metaphysics – Everyday

Miracles, I recall one particular question and response that I asked and

received from Dr. Loretta Siani:

Dear Loretta:

In a weekly sermon from Brother Daniel on Beliefs, he says:

“…I really don’t want to deal with you or your situation because

unfortunately like many thousands of instant ministers they labor under the

delusion that miracles happen…”

I found the above statement to be a quite thought-provoking quagmire,

especially after reading (and enjoying I might add) your various lessons

on the medium of miracles.

His comment made me reflect deeply on who I am and what my belief

system is. I am the vessel of ‘change to prosperity’ through acquiring

inner peace and understanding of the laws of the universe. I also believe

in the power of prayer, for it focuses me on the concept of ‘Prosperity

Programming.’ (Prosperity Programming – a tem used in Shakti Gawain’s

book ‘Creative Visualization’ that means having the understanding, or

consciously taking the point of view, that the universe is totally

abundant. Everything you need or want is here for the asking; you only need

to believe that it is so, to truly desire it, and to be willing to

accept it, in order to have whatever you wish.

My question to you is thus:

Is it our belief in miracles that makes them happen, or is it our shift

in perception when ‘miracles’ happen that changes our belief system?”

Dr. Siani’s response to my question was:

“It isn’t our belief in miracles that makes them happen. It’s our

belief in Love and our ongoing faith that Love will prevail…”

Dr. Siani’s response not only answered my question, it also provided me

with the tool for continued inner reflection, transformation, and

confirmed resolution:

~ Love is the Answer.

~ When we believe in Love, anything is possible.

I have also experienced in my life that the greatest miracles occur

when there has been a change in heart. When I love unconditionally and

pray for that which will change my perception and bring more compassion,

understanding and patience into my heart, a ‘miracle’ happens.

The ‘miracle’ that occurs is that when I open up my heart and believe

that Love will prevail a true healing occurs. I no longer carry fear in

my heart, for I know that I am a vessel of ‘prosperity’. I am a child

of God. I no longer ask for circumstances to be changed in my life,

but rather to ask that my perception of my circumstances change. I look

at each challenge as a blessing in disguise, and to pray that I will

become a better person in the end. I pray for forgiveness and that

others may forgive any trespasses I have committed against them. I do not

look behind me at what has happened or before me at what has yet to

happen. I live in the moment, trusting that Love will prevail.

In summation, this to me is at the core of how miracles happen: When

we believe in Love, anything is possible. Love is the Answer. All we

need to do is BELIEVE. Ask in LOVE and thou Shall Receive in LOVE.

This has been the greatest challenge, lesson, and teaching that I have

received in this course and the course of my life. For this, I am

eternally grateful.

In closing, I would like to share a poem that expresses my essay ‘in a

nutshell’. I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I do:

Essential Love

You have come here to remember love,

and as you heal,

you come to be a light that

others see and follow.

They see, reflected in you,

the light of their own forgotten self,

and in seeing this,

they too can heal and be healed.

When you join with the universe.

you see yourself in all things

and all things in yourself.

This is love in its highest form --

pure and unconditional.

It has no motive,

and it seeks nothing.

This is the Essential Love,

awaiting eternally for you to

embrace it so that

you might be embraced.

Love is the guiding light,

Love is You.

--Patricia Easton Graves

*******************************

 

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

Spirit Quest

Essay for Spirit Quest,

By Stuart J, Malkin, D.D., Ph.D.

Spirit Quest is an excellent distance learning course, rooted in the fundamentals of Right Action. Here are my thoughts on the subject, as seen in the light of Spiritual Alchemy.

The Alchemists of old worked over many years ... centuries ... in their quest to turn base metals into gold. At least that is the popular notion. In fact, alchemy is a blend of science and philosophy. It has been so since before the Common Era, when the ancient chemists did attempt to turn inexpensive metals into expensive ones ... but always with the underlying thoughts that their work was also symbolically related to the perfection of life.

Alchemy started in China and India, then the Egyptians developed it to a high state. They postulated that earth, air, fire and water could be combined into anything ... anything at all! That concept is translated into the notion of Spiritual Alchemy, which is that we can transform any part of our negative thinking or our unworthy deeds into something more valuable. It is a way of looking at Good, Right Action and Positive Thinking.

So, each day, each moment, reflect on how you can change the world by changing your reaction to the everyday things that confront you. Use Spiritual Alchemy! Turn any little unhappiness into happiness ... by seeing the good in everything that you possibly can!Turn greed into charity ... instead of viewing the benefit of something to you, consider the benefit to others.

Want for others ... especially those in greater need ... rather than wanting for yourself. Turn ego into admiration for others, rather than for yourself. Turn anger into contentment, by realizing that the poison of the mean spirit will do more harm than good, and that by recognizing the good in another, you are making the world a better place.

Chaos can become order, through alchemy. Using organization and doing what is right can bring sense and dignity to almost anything! It is easy to write these words but not so easy to accomplish. But, if you have the desire to bring order and beauty into your life, it can be done. And even if you do not succeed at first, you will have enriched your self-esteem and, even in some small way, energized the condition in a positive way.

Turn brutality into kindness. There is no small deed and no kindness that is insignificant. A kind word, holding the door open for someone, complementing another, thanking another or easing the pain or the effort of one who may be infirm ... all of these, no matter how small or no matter how little effort is used, are a gift to the Spirit and all make for a little more peace on the planet.

Through the power of the Spirit and Positive Thinking, do your best to disallow depression ... turn, instead, to happy thoughts. Look for the Light, the Ògood sideÓ of an issue. Visualize a happy and positive outcome of whatever it is that is causing you some mental grief. I promise you that if you think positive thoughts, they will manifest into the reality, in ways that will surprise you.Be considerate of others rather than inconsiderate. ÒRoad rageÓ is a product of our fast paced existence and it is a dangerous phenomenon. Be considerate of other drivers ... give in to the impulse for aggression ... relax and let the other car go first, even if that driver is in the wrong!

In our lives we see many opportunities to curb aggression, to be gentle and caring. Many times we see someone 'crashing' a line of people waiting for one thing or another. They do not wait their turn because they are rude, inconsiderate, self-serving ... in other words, of mean spirit. Don't be one of them! You be the one to stand aside and let them push and shove ... you be the one of good Spirit who is turning lead into gold.Jealousy can become admiration. Admire the accomplishments of others ... learn from them.

Don't envy them, emulate them. Be happy for the achievements of others. Be happy that those you know are contributing to the good of the planet. Love the idea that others are successful.The ÒSeven Deadly Sins,Ó anger, envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride and sloth can all be turned in a good thing, as we have discussed above for some of them. But whatever the negative or mean-spirited event is that you might encounter in daily life, work the wonder of Spiritual Alchemy and bathe in the positivity that you will produce!Everyone wants to do the right thing ... it is born in us.

It is a basic element of the human condition. It is only through the learned dogmas and extremist distortions of 'what is right' that we have come to this dangerous world of ours. Even the Islam murderers believe that they are doing the right thing! The problem is that the right thing is not always defined as it should be. LetÕs explore that.The early Avitars had it right. If you compare the Ten Commandments with the Eightfold Path of Buddha, for instance, you will see the amazing similarities. And so it is with most of the early religious and mystical thinking. Actually, the precepts of Right Action are contained in all of the early religious and mystical writings. There are many more similarities than there are differences.Even the Koran speaks to the similarities. Again, it is the contemporary disciples and the learned hatreds that create the dissension and violence.

If Mohammed were alive, he would rebel against the extremists who rape and murder under his flag. And so would Jesus.So, if we understand what is really right ... and if we breathe it and live it and teach it to our children, then we have a real chance to change things. And what is really right is actually easy to understand:' Do nothing that will harm another.' Try to be as helpful as you can to others. (This makes you a 'nice guy'... or girl ... and it is one of the best contributions towards making this a better world!) Work well at what you do ... be the best you can be. See only good in all things and all people. (Some days that can be a contest! But do your best to try to see only good. In trying, you will be a better person.)

You may recognize that these ideas are similar to parts of the Ten Commandments. Don't be surprised. All of the early Avatars had good things to say!It does not take a genius to see that what is really right is easy to define. And it is easy to see that what the extremists today are doing in the name of their God is not right. Right is right; it is not subject to interpretation.The modern alchemist needs to transform behavior that is not right into behavior that is right. A daunting task for today's world, I admit. And a Utopia worth pursuing.

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

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

Buddhism

The course taught me a lot about my chosen path,especially about the history.  In the 20 lessons it covers,most aspects are covered well.

"Buddhism is not a religion about doctrines or rituals,it is a religion about practice and enlightenment.  Enlightenment is not about some type of trance or out of body experience(or salvation,my note),it is about being able to preform your daily tasks with understanding,loving kindness,compassion,and non violence."

Hermano Luis

Morivivi

Hermatage

Buddhism is also a philosophy.It is a way of life without a set dogma and with a set of guidelines to help us in life(this one and the next).One of the ways i have learned this is the 5 contemplations:

1.Old age will come;i have not outstripped old age.

2.Disease will come;i have not outstripped disease.

3.Death will come;i have not outstripped death.

4.All things near and dear to me are subject to alteration;subject to

seperation.

5.I am the result of my own deeds;whatever deed i do,skilled or

unskilled,good or bad,i shall become heir to.

When this is taken in light with the 4 nobel truths:1.All life is

suffering.

2.The cause of suffering is desire.

3.Suffering can be ended.

4.The way to end suffering is the 8 fold path.

and the teachings of the 8 fold path,one begins to understand the

teachings of the Buddha.

Buddhism as a philosophy also teaches us that if we become attached to the concept of"self",we cause suffering;not only for ourselves, but many (Buddhist and non Buddhist alike) misunderstand this.It is not a

teaching of nothingness or non existence,but a teaching o whatever we do affects all.

The chant(prayer if you prefer):

"I go to the buddha for refuge"

"I go to the Dharma for refuge"

"I go to the Sangha for refuge"

sums this up.

We recognize that the historical Buddha(Siddhartha Gautama)was the first(that we know of)teacher who attained enlightenment and we strive to do the same.

When we take refuge in the Dharma,we are saying we choose to follow the teachings of the Buddha,and all who come after him,on our path to enlightenment.

To take refuge in the Sangha means to accept and understand that we are all part of a community at large(the world), therefore all actions affect the whole, now and later.

There is much more to this than I can or have covered here.To learn it all would take more than one lifetime.

I leave with this quote:"Do not use what you learn about Buddhism to be a better Buddhist.Use it to become a better what you already are" the 14th Dali Lama

well amy,here it is.not a true masters discertation,but thankfully not

requried(i would probably never have gotten it done).if it meets with

your approval,i will post same to the board(without the personal

comments).if you feel it needs any changes,please feel free to note them and i

will do so.

my address is:

Mark A. Lightfoot

*******************************

 

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

Master of Religion

Final Essay for Master of Religion

This is my attempt to comment on and evaluate the Master of Religion Course and coursework in the form of an end of course essay. I very much enjoyed the course and the new information that I received. I, as an ordained minister have tried to do as the bible advises, “Study to show thyself approved.” Rather than make comments on some of the lessons during the weeks that I received them, I held my comments and responses until now. Those lessons that required answering of questions, I responded with the answers. I hoped that I would receive responses to them as to the accuracy of the answers. I now see that the purpose of the class is to stimulate study and expand your personal spirituality. Much of what I have gained is affirmation of prior non-formal studies and enlightenment of some new revelations.

I occasionally go to the forum section of the web-site to read the answers and comments from other students in the program. I have not been appalled by any of the remarks but sometimes wonder why on some of the comments. The purpose of getting a master’s degree is not just for show but to increase your knowledge of religion. Those who bash the course need to evaluate the reason they are taking the courses. Having been active in several churches over many years, I had always assumed that the pastors or priests were men or women who were learned in the mysteries of the faith of Christianity. This course has taught me that there are many areas untouched by them. I have heard after becoming an ordained minister about the “canons” of the faith.

Independent studies caused me to question many of the things that I have heard for years. The Seminary studies that I did for ordination was strictly an exercise of promoting a doctrine of a particular denomination. Licensing by a church was a way of putting me further into a “box” from which I was further restricted in reading and relating what I had learned.

Having attended and graduating for more than one large well know college and university and having a thirst for knowledge was not satisfied by such restrictive environments. Having had the advantage of traveling some of the world has open vistas of knowledge that I had not know before. The open environment of this course work has allowed that to happen for me.

The failure of all too many who profess to be Christians and have failed to read the bible and not read for understanding truly intrigues me. If you are Christian and have any of the Holy Spirit within you, you should read for yourself and gain some amount of knowledge of the faith.

It is my hope that the discourses without questions caused those taking the course to study further and learn more of each lesson. Those who are computer literate have the resource of a number of internet sites to garner more information.

The only criticism I have is that some of the lessons should be edited for grammar and spelling. Some of the information could be confusing without several readings of that lesson. I suppose that I am a bit of an academic. I have found that being an academic in the pulpit in some of the churches is not appreciated.

I am happy to state that the course work has reinforced things that I knew and made me aware of some things of which that I was not aware. I was unaware of the different presentations of the Ten Commandments by the various denominations. This was further a point of interest when the various differences in translations can be established. As a person degreed in history and social sciences the development of the “church” was also of interest. The fact that St. Jerome translated into Latin for the Emperor and further research provided information of the emperor’s influence is vividly apparent. The social, government and persons influences in translating have really changed the text and wording of these translations.

I believe that I can now put myself in a position of being a “Universalist”. I usually respond that I am a Christian. I have previously been a Baptist, and an Episcopalian. I have been an interim pastor for a Church of God congregation, a Eucharistic minister in the Episcopal Church, interim pastor of two Baptist churches and an associate pastor of a Baptist church. Imagine my surprise at arriving at this point in my spirituality.

Rev. Billings Franklyn Jones

*******************************

 

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.  
 

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Master of Religion

Final Essay for Master of Religion

This is my attempt to comment on and evaluate the Master of Religion Course and coursework in the form of an end of course essay. I very much enjoyed the course and the new information that I received. I, as an ordained minister have tried to do as the bible advises, “Study to show thyself approved.” Rather than make comments on some of the lessons during the weeks that I received them, I held my comments and responses until now. Those lessons that required answering of questions, I responded with the answers. I hoped that I would receive responses to them as to the accuracy of the answers. I now see that the purpose of the class is to stimulate study and expand your personal spirituality. Much of what I have gained is affirmation of prior non-formal studies and enlightenment of some new revelations.

I occasionally go to the forum section of the web-site to read the answers and comments from other students in the program. I have not been appalled by any of the remarks but sometimes wonder why on some of the comments. The purpose of getting a master’s degree is not just for show but to increase your knowledge of religion. Those who bash the course need to evaluate the reason they are taking the courses. Having been active in several churches over many years, I had always assumed that the pastors or priests were men or women who were learned in the mysteries of the faith of Christianity. This course has taught me that there are many areas untouched by them. I have heard after becoming an ordained minister about the “canons” of the faith.

Independent studies caused me to question many of the things that I have heard for years. The Seminary studies that I did for ordination was strictly an exercise of promoting a doctrine of a particular denomination. Licensing by a church was a way of putting me further into a “box” from which I was further restricted in reading and relating what I had learned.

Having attended and graduating for more than one large well know college and university and having a thirst for knowledge was not satisfied by such restrictive environments. Having had the advantage of traveling some of the world has open vistas of knowledge that I had not know before. The open environment of this course work has allowed that to happen for me.

The failure of all too many who profess to be Christians and have failed to read the bible and not read for understanding truly intrigues me. If you are Christian and have any of the Holy Spirit within you, you should read for yourself and gain some amount of knowledge of the faith.

It is my hope that the discourses without questions caused those taking the course to study further and learn more of each lesson. Those who are computer literate have the resource of a number of internet sites to garner more information.

The only criticism I have is that some of the lessons should be edited for grammar and spelling. Some of the information could be confusing without several readings of that lesson. I suppose that I am a bit of an academic. I have found that being an academic in the pulpit in some of the churches is not appreciated.

I am happy to state that the course work has reinforced things that I knew and made me aware of some things of which that I was not aware. I was unaware of the different presentations of the Ten Commandments by the various denominations. This was further a point of interest when the various differences in translations can be established. As a person degreed in history and social sciences the development of the “church” was also of interest. The fact that St. Jerome translated into Latin for the Emperor and further research provided information of the emperor’s influence is vividly apparent. The social, government and persons influences in translating have really changed the text and wording of these translations.

I believe that I can now put myself in a position of being a “Universalist”. I usually respond that I am a Christian. I have previously been a Baptist, and an Episcopalian. I have been an interim pastor for a Church of God congregation, a Eucharistic minister in the Episcopal Church, interim pastor of two Baptist churches and an associate pastor of a Baptist church. Imagine my surprise at arriving at this point in my spirituality.

Rev. Billings Franklyn Jones

*******************************

 

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