Christian Studies

FOUR GOSPELS ESSAY

Important note in Mathew 1 is that at the time the devil is tempting Jesus, he finds that Jesus is loyal to the father and then leaves him alone. This however is only because the devil has recognized that Jesus was the son of the father. For, believers the temptation never stops. Satan, through his trials, was unable to capture the one thing that he wanted from Jesus, that being his faith. For we are children also of God, however we also humanly maintain our free will, and since we keep that will alive on earthly things, Satan knows that we can always be attacked and often times will fail regardless of our walk. Satan can see our vulnerability as we maintain our free will. We need to as son's of the king, act and respond to things, people and circumstances in a different way, a way that only pleases the father, setting aside our will and praying for His will be done. To think merely because we are saved and protected through the blood of Christ by simple words is a lie we tell ourselves. Words without action are nothing more than just words. We must all make a choice, not simply a change to enjoy the riches of the kingdom. As it states in Ephesians "Put on the full armor of God"

 

The teaching of Jesus gathering the 12 disciples is a simple yet very deep illustration. Can we even ponder the concept of having so much light (righteousness) illuminate through us that anyone would be willing to leave their life and all it entailed, to follow us through a simple invite as "Follow me". But as Christians, aren't we called to bear the same fruits of the kingdom, so that everyone knows that there is something different and that difference that they see is desirable. Then there is the message that common man, regardless of past, can and is entitled to the kingdom and all that it offers. As the disciples returned to Jesus and wondered about their failures of healing, Jesus tells them they have the power within them, yet their lack of faith has became apparent through their failures. God clearly tells us in the word that He has given all those who follow him, everything that they need. Since it is impossible for God to speak a lie, we must believe that we have the same powers within us, implanted by the blood of Christ, being created in his own image. Inability to use those powers I believe falls upon ones measure of faith. The analogy of the fig tree is also a vital teaching if we look into its depth. Yes Jesus was hungry and he approached the fig tree to partake in its fruit, a fruit which it was divinely created for. Upon seeing that it was barren, he commanded it to death. We were created by God to first multiply and secondly to expand the kingdom of God. I personally have to keep myself in check, asking daily that my old self be crucified and that the new me be fruitful. What good is life if the very life we were given, does not bear any fruit of the kingdom of God? To ask oneself for the old self to be crucified and the new self emerge and be fruitful, requires a deep knowledge of God and a measure of faith knowing that through that faith it will be done. Prior to my own salvation, I was that fig tree, From the view point of those passing, they saw a healthy hard working and productive person, my tree was in bloom and covered in leaves so to speak, yet I was not bearing any fruit that would sustain the lives of those that came to me or myself. Death was necessary to make way for the new.  The question is simple, does your life bear fruit that others may partake of and become truly and heavenly healthy, or do you just offer shade to those for a moments rest.

Imagine if you can, Jesus picks Mathew, a tax collector who is hated by everyone. Prostitutes were given more respect than the tax collector. But through the power of Christ all of mankind can have new life, no matter how much sin they posses. No one can go too far, that God's hand is beyond their reach.

Has anyone you know, including yourself, commonly with children, made a pack with someone by nicking the finger and uniting the blood. We refer to it as "blood brothers." As children those Blood Brother packs are taken very serious. Aren't we in essence as we take communion and drink the symbolic wine or fruit juice, making a pack with Christ? Is not our intention, for that drink to enter into our bodies and mix with our own blood for a purification process? In other words when people do laundry and need the whites to be deeply cleaned, do they not add a small portion of bleach to the tub. In relation to the amount of water in the tub, the bleach is added in a small quantity but its effects are tremendous.

I find it necessary to address the issue of Jesus knowing who would betray him. Let's look at the story of Zacchaeus. Jesus is walking along a path and comes upon a tree with a man sitting in it. Zacchaeus, small in stature finds it necessary to climb the tree so he can see Jesus. Jesus walks right up to the tree and says "Zacchaeus, come down from there for it is your house I am to spend the night at.  Jesus knew Zacchaeus by name as there was no introduction. Secondly, the sycamore tree is large enough for Zacchaeus to climb and is standing at the edge of the path. That tree had a divine calling or purpose if you will, and is evident by its ability to survive standing alongside a path heavily travelled. I believe as we look very deep into every word that it is written, it is then that we can understand God's plan. Jesus knew everything, just as his father knows everything from beginning to end. So did Jesus know that Judas would betray him, absolutely. Judas being chosen was all part of God's master plan. Does God know your next decision, your heart, your failures and successes, has he not from the beginning, known every hair on your head? Another way to look at this divine belief system is simply this, was Jesus a son of God or was he Really God in the form of man. Lots of controversy on this thought. I personally think Jesus was God, But for mankind to believe, it was needed to state he is my son, a person that people could see, touch and hear. God knows how hard it was for man to believe in something they can't see. Look into the Old Testament. How long did God's people keep the law after the witnessing of a miracle? We believe what we can see and that is sad, for then comes the lack of faith issues. Illustration after illustration throughout the book of judges, people walked the walk, as long as there was a leader, but left on their own, returned to their sinful nature.

 

When we look at the crucifixion, we know that Jesus had the power to choose another path, yet he asks the father several times "Is there any other way" But being obedient to his father's no, he chose to walk the path that would have ever lasting effects on this world. Jesus, already knew the answer, yet the question needed to be asked for our benefit, and hence, Do we ask God, before we make our choices? He chose to remain obedient to his father, be beaten beyond recognition and to endure a pain through a vast variety of tortures that we can't even begin to comprehend. And He did this so that we may have eternal life.  I recall when my 5 year old daughter was diagnosed with cancer and then for 15 remaining years after 5 different surgeries her life kept diminishing to a vegetative state. At age 20 and having completed her assignment she was called home to our Lord. Numerous people approached us with hearts full of sincerity and said "I know how you must feel, Reality, until you've walked through an identical pain yourself, you can't begin to know how someone feels. You may be able to comprehend loss and sadness of similar tragedies of your own life, but you can't experience what another as gone through. We can imagine the pain and process our Jesus endured, but only a few can actually feel his pain to the depth of their beings.

There is much debate and even indictments against the authors of the gospels regarding truth and plagiary. Although they are an excellent place for new believers to begin their walk, one must always look beyond the written word of man and weigh it against the glory of god. Having a background of 30 years in law enforcement and interviewing thousands of witnesses, one thread always ran true. Each witness always had a slightly different version of what they actually saw and heard. God through Christ Jesus, tells all, those that have ears, hear and those that have eyes, see.  The same holds true as we read the word of the living god. Truth is not to be manipulated for sake of drama or personal fulfillment. Truth is truth and all will be judged one day on their abilities to hear, see and speak it for the glory of god.                                                                                                            

Rev. Robert Schultz

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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.  

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Wiccan Studies

Wiccan Course for ULC Seminary

Rev. Michele M. Gordon

WICCAN COURSE

     First of all, I want to thank Lord SkyWalker for his time and energy that showed in the course work!  I was highly impressed with what I learned in this course. Thank you, Lord SkyWalker!

    

     I have had opportunities for many years to practice some Wiccan ceremony ways, and to meet "real" Wiccan practitioners in my lifetime.  I am, however, of Native American heritage, (Anishinabe), which is also referred to as Ojibwe, or Chippewa.  I am from the Bad River Reservation in Odanah, Wisconsin., and have practiced my Native ways of spirituality for more than 30 years now!  There are similarities between the Wiccan ways, which also have a close connection to Nature, as does our Anishinabe way.  We also believe in walking in a good way upon Mother Earth, and looking at the 4 directions for guidance (the Medicine Wheel).  And of course, we believe in our ceremonies as a special time of connection between one another and with the Creator. 

     I found making the altar a very special part of the course work.  I have attached a picture of the altar I made.  I enjoyed learning about how each altar can be set up to suit the individual practitioner, and also that there are certain things that need to be a part of the ceremony.  I had fun searching out a chalice, rock to represent the Goddess and Lord, and also a wand.  I made this out of the end of a Tamarack branch.  Tamarack trees are sought out for teepee poles, and I happened to have a teepee in my yard, and was able to find one end of one pole to use for the wand. 

     I loved the history of Wicca, and was saddened by the tragedies that occurred because of prejudice and judgments of others.  I do believe there is a Karma for any sort of persecution of peoples.  My own ancestors endured oppression and holocaust-type annihalations, so I have a deep understanding for what happened to Wiccans of the past and even in the present.  I have a beautiful story as a psychotherapist to share.   One of my young clients had a desire to look into Wicca, and become a part of it.  Her mother, however, was Christian, and of the more fundamental sort.  I was amazed, however, that the mother was open to discussing this with her daughter in one of our sessions.  In the end, they both allowed me to invite a Wiccan woman in to share about her religion and way of life.  Both Mother and Daughter were able to ask questions and get answers.  The mother was able to see that this woman lived a pretty normal life, and practiced her ways of belief in a beautiful manner.  The Mother and Daughter also took a class together with a local "witch" and were able to gather more information.  They also read books together on the topic of Witchcraft and Wicca.  It was a fun thing to see, as it could have turned out so very differently, if the Mother had forbade her daughter to pursue her interests.  The story had a beautiful ending for both, and brought them closer as a Mother and Daughter.

     I believe this course brought me more information and knowledge regarding Wicca and the practice of it.  I believe strongly in "energy medicine", as a Reiki Master.  I see the power of prayer as energy that can be put to good use, and I believe Wicca is one way of gathering that energy and using it in a positive way.  I actually had my old "Book of Shadows" and pulled that out from years ago!  I was amazed at how much this book had in it, which I had gathered over 30 years ago!!  I now keep it in a very special place, and refer to it on occasion as part of my spirituality.  As a Native woman, we have women's ceremonies, one of which is the Full Moon ceremony.  I have hosted this at my home since the 80's, and continue to do so.  I see that the Wiccan ceremonies are also around the moon at times, and it has shown me that the Moon has been important to women for eons.  I have come to believe that it does not matter how we do ritual, as long as we connect to the energies that are around us, and share with others these sacred times.  

     As a Reverend with the Universal Life Church, I have done many wedding and funeral ceremonies which incorporate my Native beliefs into the rituals.  This has been very special to me, and I believe it is why I was called upon to be a Reverend with ULC, so that people can have access to their ceremony the way they would like it to be.  I was called upon to perform a ceremony that the couple had chosen to put some Wicca parts in, and it was delightful!  They had Hand-fasting as part of the ceremony, and they stood in the lake as they said their vows to one another.  I loved it!

     I so appreciated Lord Skywalker's open-ness about his practice.  He enjoyed his ways of teaching.

Sincerely,

Reverend Michele M. Gordon

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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.

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Life of St. Paul

Final Essay  …Master of the Life of St.  Paul.           

Rev. Graham Louden

The life  and works of the Apostle Paul still resonate through the ages and continue to generate controversy  and debate.  We have all been   made  aware of  his alleged misogyny and there is  frequent allusion to his stated opinions on the role of women in the community of the church  (opinions often deployed  and  decontextualized  in a highly partisan fashion to reinforce an argument which, many suspect,  begins with  visceral prejudice and then belatedly seeks corroborative material  to reinforce that prejudice).  Further,  Paul is often accused  (in particular by the Tubingen theological persuasion) of hi-jacking the early Christian church and re-making it according to his own prescription, lending it a structure and theology which is in no way pre-figured in the  life and teachings of Christ.  

Whilst  it may be true that the Christian church at the close of Paul's missionary activity was very different from the  early community,  it does not follow that the developments that occurred in this Pauline period  are alien to the message and the principles enjoined by Jesus.  The following that grew up around the person of Christ may well be termed  'a cult of personality underpinned by millenarian expectancy',  but  Paul, and others,  knew that   that had to change if  the essence of the Christian message were to survive and to avoid  descent into faction and internecine strife.  He also saw the need to defend it against the attempts of the 'Judaisers' to  annex it and to reduce  it to the status of yet another cult contained within the imperium of Jewish law and  practice.   There was also the danger, in a polytheistic society,  that Christianity would be vitiated by the introduction of  alien elements and practices and, indeed, this certainly  did occur with Gnosticism,   Manichaeanism  and Neo-platonism,  inter al gaining  ground  amongst   the more   susceptible gentile  converts.   In part, at least,  Paul's  greatness consists in his recognition that the Christian message was entire in itself and  open to all, whether   Jew or Gentile.                                                       

In his two epistles to the Corinthians,   Paul reveals himself as a supremely practical apostle setting out clear guidelines  for the creation of a worthy Christian community which will serve as a beacon and inspiration  to its members and remain faithful to the message of Jesus Christ.   Corinth, in Paul's day, was a highly diverse city,  filled  with different races, creeds, languages and temptations.  Paul's advice to this fledgling  community in the midst of debauchery, prostitution, and  Oriental vices,  is concentrated on remaining true to the message of the Cross,  developing a tradition of godly ministry  based on humility  and  true  preaching of the gospels,  worshiping  communally and avoiding idolatrous practices that might tempt them. He counsels against  too much reliance on  the intellect and overvaluing logic and  accumulated wisdom to the detriment of  the simple faith and the promptings of the  spirit. 

The frequency of Paul's references to Jesus, throughout the two extant letters to the Corinthians,  militates against the suggestion that  he was imposing his own agenda rather  than  that  of 'the one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through  whom we live'.  (1 Cor. 8:4). 

Paul's advice to the Corinthians and his ongoing concern for their welfare,  which prompted him to make at least three visits and to send emissaries such as Timothy from time to time to assess the situation there,  mirrors the teaching of Jesus with its emphasis upon love, hope and salvation.   1 Corinthians chapter 13 provides a masterly re-working of Christ's  emphasis upon  God's  unconditional love for us and our love towards our fellow men and women.  Self-discipline and service allied to effective leadership and the valuing of the diverse gifts which individuals could bring to the service of the church, are all defined and  placed by Paul into the context of an structure  that would remain true to its founder and could endure over time.  Once the expectation of an imminent Second Coming had receded,  it  was vital to settle down to the long haul of history and that required strength of purpose, clarity of vision and  unity of belief.  

Paul was one of the first to realize this and to address the issues,  but not as the result of a preconceived master-plan or long-term strategy;  his letters  and visits to the Corinthians are normally reactive rather than pro-active  – he learns of a crisis in Corinth, an outbreak of idolatrous practices or  immorality and he responds  by offering clear advice and strictures.  The epistles do not suggest a coherent,  evolving  scheme for 'planting' a church or a premeditated modus vivendi but, rather a growing realization   that  human nature needed  guidance and could not be relied upon to understand and  implement   Christ's teachings and  example unaided.  If only for this aspect of his  dedication and missionary zeal,   Paul  deserves the towering reputation that  has  been accorded to him as a Father of the Church.  

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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.

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Universal Life Church

A Few Words from A Police Officer Hi Everyone I have never sent an email like this to everyone on my list before so I hope you all take the time to read it and think about it for a minute. Because of what is happening all around me right now I wanted to give everyone on my email list "My Friends" something to ponder. There has been a lot of talk in the newspaper lately about police departments and how expensive they are.  I hear a lot of talk about how much money cops make and how they are taxpayer dollars being wasted. Recently I watched a movie in which the main character (a cop) said "We spend our lives protecting 99% of the people from 1% of the people. The problem is we have to spend our lives around that 1% and if we do our job 99% of the people think they don't need us." It really hit home for me when I heard that phrase.  I think about all the homes I have entered in the last 10 years and how much crap I have seen that no normal person (the 99%) would believe. I know that the people living in those homes (the 1%) don't think there is anything wrong with how they live. It has taught me how blessed I am.  It has also taught me that if you have the blessing of living your life thinking that your police department is a waste of your money, you should be thanking your police department. Every cop has seen things they can't talk about to anyone who is not a cop. My brother asked me why I would risk my life for what I get paid. I told him I don't. I risk my life for the people that I might protect. Those people are you. Is that worth what you pay? Think about it. For whatever it's worth. Bill *******************************   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

Buddhism Essay

I have sat down many times now trying to write this essay on the Buddhism course by Tricia Stirling. I haven't been able to adequately put to words the influence that this course has had on my way of looking at life. Am I Buddhist, can I follow the Eight Fold Path? I would have to say no. I have been raised in this materialistic world and have become accustomed to my attachments to those things that make up my life, as I now know it to be.

Two aspects of Buddhism that do speak to me are the Six Perfections and the Four Immeasurables. Metta, Karuna, Mudita and Upekkha are to me four qualities that should be a crucial part of everyone's life and not just a Buddhist thing. If all encounters in life were to be approached with these four thought processes in mind, Loving-kindness, Compassion, Sympathetic joy and Equanimity, there would be little conflict and a lot less pain in our lives and the lives of those around us.

The Six Perfections of Generosity, Ethical behavior, Patience, Joyous effort, Concentration and Wisdom again, if practiced in everyone's daily interactions with everyone they encounter would eliminate conflict, anger and greed. Everyone should be concisely applying these 10 actions, regardless of their particular religious practice and belief system.

Am I ready to abandon all attachments? No, I like my home and truck and guitars. I like my children and wife and food and work and, well it goes on. I am learning though that allowing myself to become upset that I am late to work or the show or whatever I haven't achieved, is counter productive to peace in my life. I am learning that it is not the end of the world if I don't achieve something I was trying for or wanted. I am learning that I will not achieve enlightenment in this lifetime and that is all right. I have many lifetimes ahead to work on that.

I am on a path of enlightenment. Taking this course is one step on that journey. If I can share some of the knowledge that I am gaining in this lifetime with those that I encounter in this lifetime my journey will continue in a positive way. I believe that is where I am right now. Do I have a Buddha in me? Yes and he is guiding me along my journey, steering me in positive directions. I accept that the shortest path to enlightenment is not the best path. I want to enjoy the learning and the sharing and I am enjoying it. Maybe achieving is not the answer. Maybe traveling is.

Thank you Ms. Stirling. I recommend this course to anyone who is mildly interested. It will open up your mind to a different way of approaching your journey through this lifetime.

Rev. Kirk Haas 

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To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for Free, for Life, right now, use the Free Online Ordination,linke

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

Spirit Quest

Final Essay – Spirit Quest – Master of Metaphysics     

By Dr. Rev. Nancy Kimes

This study course is a great course for those beginning their path and while serving others through ministerial pursuits. One of the deepest studies in this course is lesson 13, "Your Spiritual Path". Not many know or understand that we choose our parents and our experiences. This understanding is needed to make wiser choices and take responsibility for our selves. If one learns this it can change the course of their life and make giant steps on their spiritual path. Lessons can be learned quicker and bring more awareness to making conscious choices.

One has the opportunity to sense that their thoughts are things and will project what they are thinking outside as well as inside of themselves, emotions such as fear and love. All thoughts stem from one or the other. This is an opportunity to make conscious choices conditioning the mind for a favorable outcome.

The bigger the lesson the stronger the impulse to change patterns that better serve you and prepares you to live a better life. It also helps when interacting with others.

I am not fond of destroying roses while doing the meditations, which are great by the way, so I replaced roses for bubbles or balloons instead. 

Also, there is great information on the chakras. It was hard to choose one subject for this essay as all the chapters are "gems" of knowledge. This course helped me solidify my beliefs and create a deeper connection and foundation for those beliefs.

Sometimes, I tend to get somewhat philosophical when talking to someone about spiritual matters. This course helped bring me back to the basics clearly and concisely so those who are beginning their path can ease into this knowledge. The lessons provide stepping stones of beliefs they can grow into. This course will help everyone!    

In His service,

Dr. Rev. Nancy Kimes               

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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.    

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Metaphysical Healing

1.) a.) The Human Aura looks like a collection of translucent colors that surround the body.  The word "Aura" comes from the Greek word "avra" or "breeze." People with auric sight, say they can see what looks like a rainbow of colors, softly draped around the physical. This field has senses of its own which are far more powerful than those of the physical body.  It has the ability to see, hear, think, feel, sense and to heal. One of its functions is to protect us and this is why we can sense when someone creeps up on us from behind.       b.) We have this as a protection for the physical body.       c.) Physical Body          Etheric Body          Emotional Body          Mental Body          Astral Body          Etheric Template          Celestial Body          Ketheric Body          Auric Sheath        d.) They are highly sensitive and provide protection by picking up signals from surroundings, which at an intuitive level, cause us to be careful.        e.) There is a flow of pulsating energy that moves up and down the Spinal Cord.  It extends out above the physical body, through teh crown chakra and out below the coccyx, at the base of the spine. This is called the Etheric Spine and has its own Subtle Nervous System, comprising of filaments, chakras and all the subtle bodies.   2.) Circulatory System Carries oxygen and nourishment to the tissues and waste products away from them. It is the chief transport system. This consists of the following: heart, Blood, Blood Vessels, Tubes consisting of Arteries, Veins, Capillaries.   3.) 4th Chakra Position Heart No. of small Vortices 12 Color Green Endocryn Gland Thymus   4.) The Physical, the Etheric, the Emotional and the Mental body collectively create the Personality and the "Physical Aura."   5.) This is the first of the subtle bodies and looks exactly like the physical because it contains everything the body does. Only difference being that it is the matrix in which the body grows. It looks like a luminous, grey mist surrounding and interpenetrating the body.   6.) The Emotional Body consists of a much denser substance than the Etheric and roughly follows the outline of the physical.   7.) It is the function of each chakra to absorb the color it predominates in, to transform it and then to transmit it into the physical body via the blood stream.   8.) Rose Pink in color.   9.) It is the "Bridge" between the "physical" and the "Spiritual" Auras and between ourselves and higher plains of consciousness.   10.) We need a Silver Cord to keep our Souls anchored to our Physical Bodies during Sleep, so we don't experience Physical Death during sleep.   11.) The Spiritual Aura - Three Subtle Systems: The Etheric Template-   Looks very much like an Architect's Blueprint, This is the outline for the Etheric and looks rather like the Negative of a Photograph. It provides the framework for the upper chakras and controls the activity of the lower etheric.   The Celestial Body -   This enables us to experience the Spiritual Ecstacy encountered when in a deep state of meditation or through chanting or other practices. This is the most beautiful of all the Subtle Systems and has a shimmering , perarl - like appearance that radiates luminously away from the body, susally brilliantly illustrated around printings of Angels and the heads of Saints and Masters.   The Ketheric Template -   The equivalent of the lower Mental Body, the shimmering Golden Grid provides structure for the physical and the subtle fields plus all the chakras. It also acts like a Hall of Records for all of the experiences the individual will undergo during their present incarnation. The Auric fibers weave together at this point to attach the grid to the Auric Sheath. This molds all the fields comfortably around the physical in an Oval shape. Try our new free toolbar at: http://ULCSeminary.OurToolbar.com/

Spirit Quest

Universal Life Church

Spirit Quest - Final Paper

By Rev. Heather L. Boyd

 

I have given a great deal of thought to exactly what I wanted to express about this spirit quest and how it has effected my life, because it has made an effect.  I guess the first thing I want to express is my lack of belief in reincarnation.  I believe that when you die you go to heaven and all of your loved ones who have passed on before you are there to greet you when you arrive.  I look forward to that as there are some people who have passed, both family and friends that I miss greatly.  Because of this deeply ingrained belief, I had a difficult time with some of the lessons surrounding this particular topic.  I do have to admit though, I did enjoy wondering about the souls around me a trying to guess how old they would be under the guidelines given, "and so and so must be a new soul", etc.  Imagination is a fun tool.  I know little to nothing about Karma and Chakras and found that these areas interested me.  I would like to explore them more.  As my grandmother always told me, "the day you stop learning you die".

The central idea of meditation was the most valuable part of the course for me.  From this study I learned that I was stuck in a rut.  I had a great deal of negative energy in my space and a very negative individual creating more and more negative energy in my space all the time.  This course helped me to take a look at my future, from where I was standing at the time, and make a decision to either follow the path already laid out before me or to step off that path into the unknown and see where that takes me.    

When I looked down the path I was already traveling, I noticed that the unhappiness and the constant dire struggle I was experiencing probably would not end any time soon.  I was a smoker, drank what most people would consider to be too much and over-weight.  My husband offered me no support as a spouse; in fact he was more prone to doing a little sabotage.  So . . . I stepped off the path.    

In June of this year I quit smoking and when that went I noticed I didn't need the alcohol either.  I never realized how much time these bad habits consumed.  I began eating a more healthy diet and to date have lost 15 pounds.  I separated from my oh-so negative husband of seven years and we will be getting a divorce.  I am in the process of cleaning my home from top to bottom and redecorating, painting, etc. along the way.  I have picked up a new hobby, photography and I have time now to spend with my family.  Unfortunately, the isolation in which I lived with my husband has resulted in my not having any close friends, but I am looking to remedy that situation.  I have more time to spend with my son, who has an autism disorder, and help him learn the tools he needs to succeed in life.  I am relearning the concept of playtime. 

I found the meditation, when I could do it, was soothing and created a center within me from which I could objectively proceed back out into the world.  I try to meditate now when I can, and plan to do it more often once things become a little less hectic.  I am rearranging my bedroom with the goal of creating a corner in my world where I can go to "unplug".  This involves painting the walls a nice relaxing color, eliminating clutter, rearranging the furniture to give me space for a new chair.  I am planning on getting one of those zero-gravity chairs where I can sit and really relax and listen to my relaxation CDs by candle light.   Overall, my outlook on life has changed dramatically.  I am happier, I am more positive, I am calmer, I have more time to devote to the things that really matter and I know that I need to make myself one of those things.  Here's to the future!  

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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.  

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Christian Studies

Separate Church and state is the general message I'm getting from this lesson. Let us take a look at this throughout the years and discover the many times that Church and state have been acclimated together.  Jesus Himself said "Render unto Cesar that which is Cesar's, render unto God My Father that which is his."  He was saying in my mind that there will always be a Governing factor over mankind weather in a schoolyard "cowboys and Indians" playing or a countrywide lead by a Governing body.  Someone will be "elected" to be the leader of the group even if very impromptu and unofficial.  However no matter what the Governing body make certain to pay your respects to this particular body but make time for God as you can and keep Him in a special place in your mind. Throughout the years many differing forces have tried to place either too much emphasis on a "Goodly" presence or tried to eradicate said images from monies, Pledges, club slogans etc. There will always be an influence of a religious presence within our times I believe and we should know how to keep them properly separate in our own ways each one. The course itself has given me a vast knowledge of many considerations of Head and Heart.  Am I now truly a "Master Of Religion?"  I believe that now I have a better handle on a lot of "The Big Questions" that folks ask about some issues in their own quests. I feel this course covered a wide area of Biblical and Worldly subjects and should be kept as a major part of the curriculum to obtain ones Graduation certificate.  This teaches one to be able to read, write and study better with the resources given as well as have opinions from fellow Seminary students and fellow forum posters to take home with them so they can broaden their own knowledge base as well as see another viewpoint. I truly hope that as I continue on in the courses I can become a stronger force and gain the knowledge it takes to make me a better person all around.  I truly say unto you as ever to please continue to Take Care and Be Well and that all your days shall be filled with nothing but Grace, Peace, and Love. -------------------- Pastor Leo Merchant ******************************************** 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

Master of Religious Philosophy

by Rev. JoAnna Duguay

The entire time reading each chapter, I always came back to the same question: Can religion really be a "Religious Philosophy."  Philosophy is about critical thinking and I do not believe religion, in any form, is critical thinking. Religion, after-all, is a belief in something higher than yourself based on faith and faith alone, with no science or evidence what-so-ever. It's a feeling! I am not doubting faith, it's a very powerful tool and has saved countless lives and has transformed people from "nothing" to "Something" in the eyes of God. But what about it makes it Philosophical? Can you really debate with your Nazarene friend why you as a Baptist believe "once saved always saved" is God's way and the Nazarene belief of "you can loose your salvation," is the wrong way? Philosophy is about no right or wrong. Religion is about one and only one faith being right, but which one is right? Is it even possible for one belief system to be the only way? Chapter 23 deals with Religion and Science and whether or not they can ever fit together. While Religion today is certainly trying to incorporate bits of Science in to their belief in God, I doubt it will ever be able to merge Science completely because every form of Religion out there has faith at it's core. You can't prove that faith in God means God exist. Nor can you prove with Science that God does not exist. There will always be some element of "unknown" in the Scientific research.

In Chapter 3 the topic of organized religions was discussed and made me realized just how far we have changed the definition of "religion" and just what belief is all about. The fact that since everyone does not believe 100% like their neighbor means we have over six billion different beliefs systems. This could make you feel either encouraged or disheartened. Encouraged because we are all unique in our beliefs or you can believe, as I do, this is discouraging. Mostly because each or us tends to think "our way" is the right way. Mormons believe their religion is the only way, Christians believe their way is the only way, and then you have Islam, Buddhism, Taoist, etc. All truly, emphatically believe their way is the only way.  Humanity has this desperate need to belong to something and will look for ways to join some religion, organization or whatever it is that closely matches their own belief system.

One of the chapters talked about the future of Religion. This is such a great question especially in today's economic down turn. What I have found amazing is how, today, religious leaders or political leaders who are Christians can change their moral stance on an issue simply because of the economy. Take Arnold Schwarzenegger. Now he believes it's ok to legalize marijuana because it will bring money in to his devastated California economy. A few years ago, it was morally wrong. Just who are the real believers anyway?  There was article in the Orlando Sentinel a few weeks back about the Churches that are growing are the one's NOT talking about sin, hell and the apocalypse. The feel good kind of Religion is what is selling now.

God is either jumping up and down now because we are no longer judging our brothers and sisters, or he is hanging His head in shame because we have walked so so far away from Him.

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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.

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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