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

Comparative Religion

ULC Comparative Religion

What I gained from this course:

The twenty-lesson course in Comparative Religion  was a validation of my beliefs. I have always thought that the various religions that developed around the world were based on the same basic belief in a higher energy, Creator, Source, Divine Bring or any other term developed by humanity's limited language skills that one would care to use to describe the underlying power of the Universe.

It has been my life long belief that all the religions of the world lead to one place, it is just a matter of how one gets there. A brief visual description may assist in understanding my point. Imagine a large mountain and the goal is the summit. Each person is located at the base. There are paths that spiral around the mountain climbing ever higher. There are some paths whose course takes them directly up the side of the mountain on a vertical ascent. These paths all start at different points at the base of the mountain, but all end at the summit. Some of these paths even travel the same course at times, some never meet. While all start at a different point, all take a varied route; all arrive at the same point in the end - the summit or to phrase it another way - reunification with Divinity.

I believe that the vast differences are there to accommodate the various level of spiritual development evident in each culture at any given point in their evolution. That is to say, an early pagan would have had a hard time comprehending the higher teachings of the Buddhist religion. Another example of this is the evolution from

Hinduism into Buddhism. This difficulty in comprehension is just as true for the modern day Christian. By that I mean that a Christian has trouble accepting that each individual is responsible for their own evolution on the wheel of life, death and rebirth. Most of the Christians that I have spoken with believe that unless one believes in Jesus salvation can never be obtained.

What I liked best and least about this course, and how to improve:

While I was pleasantly surprised to see the more obscure religions given the same basically fair treatment as the more commonly practiced ones, I would also have liked to have seen a more in depth comparison of each of the religions covered. Many times I was waiting in vain for the next religion to be explained to the extent that the last one had been discussed. This was true not only of the obscure ones, but even the common ones. The discussions (lessons 16 and 17) on Divine Messengers for example as well as the discussion on Religious Titles (lesson 18) serve to illustrate this point.

I would have preferred to see a systematic breakdown showing how each religion compared and contrasted with each other one during the course of each lesson. Using the above examples, if each religion's terms for angels had been laid out in table format and each religion's titles had been detailed side by side I believe it would

have more fully explained how they relate to one another.

Over all, this was an excellent course. I would definitely be willing to take another course from Reverend Kythera Ann; and am looking forward to Part 2 of this course. I am of course assuming there is a Part 2.

Theresa A. Bedwell

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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

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

Four Gospels

Four Gospels

In the discussion of the works of Luke the point is made that Matthew and Luke differed somewhat in their perspectives of Jesus. The difference discussed in one lesson states that Matthew who apparently had real time contact with Jesus saw Him acting and or reacting as most of us would. In other words he shows signs of losing his temper, suffering pangs of hunger as well as appreciating things of beauty.

Luke on the other hand did not see this regular human side of Jesus. He apparently has a differing view of the nature of Christ. He seems to believe that Jesus acted in a less human but more godlike manner in his dealings with people and situations.

This is understandable if one agrees with the idea that people want to see their heroes as Superheroes and their villains as really vile and terrible entities. And because this is so, this may explain why Luke did not want to see Jesus with any foibles or flaws. So perhaps he tried to erase any quirks or mannerisms that he felt did not suit his vision of Jesus Christ. Did he do this deliberately? Perhaps. Perhaps not.

History has been written and rewritten so many times that we do not know the truth of what really happened, when it happened, why it happened or where it happened. This seems a logical explanation of Luke’s vision of Christ. It appears that Luke may have needed a more spiritual, less human type of Savior.

Again, we must remember that the human psyche does play a role in how one accepts Jesus; how one tends to envision his

personality and how we then use that acceptance, that vision in our daily life and how we use it in the practice of our spiritual life.

Therefore whether we want a more earthy type of Savior or a more angelic, ethereal personage will influence which of these two gospels we are more apt to believe and in which we put our faith .

So does it really matter to each of us in our quest for salvation that there seems to be differences of opinion among those earlier followers of Jesus of Nazareth? If it really does matter, then does that not tell us more about our own beliefs and our own needs for understanding Jesus according to those needs? No, it does not matter one iota. What really matters is that we do believe in Jesus Christ the Savior.

By Peggy

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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

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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

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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

Four Gospels

The Fig Tree, the Vineyard and God, the Farmer

Katherine MacDowell, M.Ed.

When considering what topic to focus on after exploring The Unvarnished Gospels and the course study notes, I found myself returning to the Gospel of John’s chapter 15, which demonstrates a fascinating theological linkage between all three prior gospels’ use of the God the sower/farmer, vineyard, and fig tree parables and events. In John, Jesus states:

I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer. Each branch of me that bears no fruit, He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He cleans so it will bear more fruit….If someone doesn’t remain in me, he’s already thrown out and withered like the branches which are collected and thrown into the fire and burned.

One of the more confusing passages in the gospels occurs in Mark when Jesus comes to the fig tree just outside of Jerusalem and curses it when he finds it has no fruit and he is hungry. The passage acknowledges that it is not fig season, so it makes little sense that Jesus would have been surprised to find the fig tree not bearing fruit given the emphasis on agrarian knowledge of his time and the internal emphasis on agrarian cycles within the gospels themselves. As such this passage must either assume the reader holds prior theological information about the Jesus and his relationship to fruit-bearing trees or later gospel writers sought to elaborate on Jesus’ inconsistent and petulant behavior. Here we can begin our journey in Matthew.

Chapter 24 indicates there is a lesson to be learned of the fig tree, whereby the fig tree is utilized to teach the disciples how to recognize the presence of God and His judgment. Here, God is likened to the cycle of spring and summer, reflecting bounty, nourishment, and harvest. In this capacity, Jesus is assuring his disciples that, not only are they learning the natural signs of God, but that when God does appear in judgment it is a time of abundance and bounty. It is a fruit-bearing time (at least for those who know the signs). If we interpret Mark through Matthew’s fig lesson elaboration, we can suggest that Jerusalem is not in season. It is not a place where God’s presence is ready to flourish and indeed, Jesus curses the tree so that it can never bear fruit. Given the fruit and flourishing reflect the presence of God nourishing those who receive Him, one way of interpreting this passage is as a reflection of God withholding His nourishment from Jerusalem. Given the gospel writers were writing after the final destruction of temple of Jerusalem by Rome, early Christians likely utilized these events as support for their belief in their new covenant with God

Yet this passage becomes even more complex as we explore the parables of the vineyards within Luke and Matthew. In both of these texts, Jesus likens God as the owner of a vineyard. The Vineyard is leased to the Jewish people (it cannot be interpreted as humanity at large as there is a distinct relationship of a contract or bond between the Vineyard owner and the tenants) who become unruly and unfaithful tenants, failing to live up to the contract or more accurately the covenant, becoming consumed with the need to possess all the wealth of the vineyard for themselves (a criticism that Jesus lays at the feet of the Pharisees). The servants are sent (likely contemporary prophets of Jesus such as John the Baptist) are beaten and killed. The vineyard owner then chooses to send his beloved son in the hopes that they will respect the heir, but they murder. In this capacity, the fig tree (a creation of God) of Jerusalem withholds its fruit from Jesus, denying him his rightful place as the farmer’s son. As such, Jesus, in his more sword-wielding role described in the texts when referring to the rapture, condemns the fig to wither and die (where its use becomes that of fire wood—recalling the themes of being cast into Gehenna). Thus we may also look at the Fig Tree incident as Jesus being revealed as the sword of God, the one who comes to deliver wrath (here I cannot help but be reminded of Steinback’s Grapes of Wrath). Thus we see Jesus theologically revealed not only as the passive sacrificial lamb, the final lamb of Passover to be sacrificed to God to reestablish the new covenant, but we see him as the lion that the Book of Revelations will eventually focus on. Jesus is both passive and submitting to God’s will; but when it comes to the will of man, Jesus is not submissive. Thus as John states, Jesus takes away the non-fruit–bearing tree of Jerusalem as God’s stand-in: the son who returns to the vineyard to check the progress of the tenants.

In considering this type of interpretation, it strikes me that it says more about the gospel writers’ relationship to the Jewish community and their growing need to appease Roman rulers (thus Pilate, whom we know historically was one of the more cruel governors, becomes a sympathetic figure, while the Jewish leaders become more and more demonized the later the gospels are written and gospels themselves, including several Gnostic texts become increasingly anti-Semitic). As such, I find it hard to believe that Jesus would overtly preach an ethic that condemns the Jews, since all gospels centrally agree that he retained and valued the Mosaic Law and felt, not that Judaism was evil, but rather that it needed to be revitalized and stripped down to its non-materialistic or cultural artifacts. Further, more statements from Jesus suggest he felt that if you were not accepted by any group, dust it off and move on—thus the wrathful vision of Jesus does not seem to be well supported, but may be an important image for early Christians facing significant bodily and social harm (hence the vineyard parable whereby God’s servants are harmed).

In this capacity, I think there is some value as to why when many of us read the Fig tree event it seems incongruent—overly harsh and judgmental. Yet as it is elaborated upon within the four gospels, it does illustrate what I do think is a beneficial conception of God as a farmer (interestingly echoing a new interpretation of the Book of Genesis, whereby Adam and Eve are viewed as the farmers of the world and God more distant), whereby God is diligent and ensures that His crops flourish and have all the nutrients they need to thrive and generate. In this capacity, we see it theologically revealed that God is close to us; hence John says that if we keep Jesus within us, we become like the vines of the vineyard and through this we directly benefit from an even more intimate relationship with God, the farmer.

by Katherine MacDowell, M.Ed.

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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

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

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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.  
 

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Spirit Quest

Lucia Camara

Spirit Quest Program Wrap Essay

The impact of the Spirit Quest Program was very interesting and enlightening. My perception was that some of the discourses appeared to be based in a real sense of fear. Here are some examples: the fear of not being protected, the fear of doing things incorrectly, good vs. evil, positive and negative, etc. This was surprising to me in comparison to where I have chosen to live my life, my healing practice, and my ministry.

As human beings we have learned and lived from a point a fear for 2000 years. This has not been as beneficial as one may have thought. It was beneficial to learn some important aspects of evolving, however teaching and living from the point of fear are outdated. The true teachings from the many sacred beings that have come before were from a being in the present moment, in the pure energy of simple love. Evolving from the fear base in our lives and moving towards living life on every level from the point of love is a way of becoming enlightened. The discourses did give me the opportunity to understand what I hold as beliefs in my life and how I live those beliefs.

For fifteen years I have chosen to base my healing and teaching practice, as well as my ministry from the belief that “no harm created, no harm will follow.” This has served me well. From that point, the Divine is pure love, universal life energy, which is life giving and sustaining. A few of the discourses that came from a sense of fear were surprising. Understanding that I am capable of learning something from every experience, and noting that in the beginning of the program it was written to take what felt comfortable, this was what I followed.

The discourses that I found the most helpful and able to integrate into my life were: Creating Your Own Reality, Speaking In The Positive, Asking The Right Question, and Forgiveness. In Creating Your Own Reality, the information given was wonderful and seemed to easily be applied. Perhaps it was the added push to read and practice the information that suited my beliefs in life, which reinforced what had already been learned and read. The impact continues to be a daily part of life.

Speaking In The Positive helped to cinch without a question a thought process that now has become a thoughtful way of life. The interaction and response from the communities, people, and family is very pleasant. Communication is clearer and concise on all levels.

Asking The Right Question allowed the recognition of the mindfulness that is needed in the areas that would benefit from change. Creating a heartfelt intention and investing energy into the well thought out request has made a very positive impact.

The Forgiveness discourse gave the opportunity to look at everything that was uncomfortable in life, and come to a wonderful healing resolve. I now understand that forgiveness is not only for others, but makes the greatest strides when it is applied to self. This is a point that is too easily forgotten in the ever changing and evolving world.

Rev. Lucia Camara

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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