Buddhism

My interest in this class on Buddhism came about because of my interest in daily meditation, mindfulness, the books of the latest Dalai Lama, and the way I feel the God or spirit connection through nature and my garden. I have taken a local class in Buddhist meditation and connected greatly with the special classes on mindful walking and eating, as I have a practice of both walking and eating fast. Each practice has brought about a slowing down that has brought a special awareness of simple things of joy that have added much peace to a otherwise sometimes stressful life.       As I studied the weekly classes I liked the simple ways taught of kindness, compassion and a path to peace though non violence.  While my fundamental Christian family would not like the idea of me as comparing Jesus and Buddha as brothers, for most who have grown up with knowledge of just their own faith can never see beyond their own teachings, I personally, began to see each in a new light after this study.  I could see Jesus and the Buddha as almost twins or best friends of like minds in many ways, but as with my on Christian religion (that I find myself disappointed in at times) I found myself thinking as Jesus or the original Buddha might if each returned to day to evaluated or grade the current spiritual practices carried out in their behalf.  I feel sure that each would be highly disappointed and would no doubt give both spiritual paths a D minus when it came to caring forth the original mission of each man.  Jesus did not like the emphases on rules of his Jewish heritage that miss the point of love, compassion, forgiveness and love and perhaps the Buddha heard so much about all the Hindi gods and all their rules that he did not even want to utter the name God when it came to spiritual faith for he felt even that word had been misused so much it left the real meaning of a higher power wanting for something more.  AND YET look at both faith each have come down to proving ones faith by the keeping of rules, rules and rules.    I heard a lecture lately where the speaker said, that when mankind could study all faith and find common ground and not criticism of one being better than the other then perhaps the world would grow a little closer to peace.  I listened and thought to myself perhaps both Jesus and the Buddha saw this too and tried to help guide mankind's heart and eyes to viewing all mankind as one with the focus on Love and Soul and not the ego and rules, rules, rules.     I found myself wondering as we all become more and more educated and study all the many faiths maybe we will see the common ground and not the differences and move a little closer to peace. It would be nice to think that could come soon, though Jesus lived over 2000 years ago and Buddha long before him, and yet all things began with a vision and a dream and we must continue to carry their dreams forward for a better future for all mankind. Rev. Linda Francis *******************************   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

Christian Studies

Study of the Four Gospels

After studying the Bible for many years, I found this course and study material informative, concise and interesting.  I believe that the lessons offered through the Gospels can be found in all major Religions of the world today.  When read as stories, these 'nuggets of wisdom' gently slip through consciousness and into the deeper self.  It is my belief that Wisdom does not belong solely to Christianity or Buddhism or Islam.  When compared to other teachings, the Bible's encouragement towards gentleness and compassion speaks very clearly to our cultural and historic heritage, as many of us in North America were born into some expression of Christianity.  We grew up understanding 'God', 'Church', and 'Heaven'.  The Bible's four Gospels contain stories for children and adults, offering pause for reflection in almost any circumstance.

During my study of this course, 'The Four Gospels', I was struck with the unique nature of this Holy Book, and our western approach to Spirituality.  Unlike so many other spiritual disciplines, our brand of Christianity allows for interpretation. We can, with full measure, allow these stories and lessons to sink into our hearts and spirits, and then re-tell the story in our own words.  Anyone can do this!  And if by some miracle, others appreciate our way of writing and interpreting the word of God, we find that we have brought a small spark of vision to the world.

The interpretation of the Four Gospels, in my opinion, did away with the disputable verses, questionable translations, and went straight to the point of giving examples of lives well lived, lessons learned, and illustrations of "good and evil" actions.

I don't usually like 'Americanized' bible translations, because they often become too simplistic.  This book, while clearly not written for the Bible scholar, was 'juicy' and readable.

By Rev. Ann-Marie Blanchard

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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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Breakfast at McDonald's This is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end! I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college  degree. The last  class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher  was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human  being had been graced with.   Her last  project of the term was called, 'Smile.' The class was  asked to go out and smile at three people and document their  reactions.    I am a very  friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I  thought this would be a piece of cake, Soon after we  were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to  McDonald's one crisp March morning.   It was just  our way of sharing special playtime with our son.   We were  standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone  around us began to back away, and then   even my  husband did.   I did not  move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me  as I turned to see why they had moved.   As I turned  around I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing  behind me were two poor homeless men.   As I looked  down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was  'smiling'   His beautiful  sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for  acceptance   He said,  'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been  clutching.   The second  man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the  second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his  salvation.   I held my tears as I stood there  with them.   The young lady at the counter  asked him what they wanted.   He said, 'Coffee is all Miss'  because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the  restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be  warm).   Then I really felt it - the  compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man  with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.   I smiled and asked the young lady  behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate  tray.   I then walked around the corner to  the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot I put the tray on  the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold  hand.   He looked up at me, with tears in  his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.'   I leaned over, began to pat his  hand and said, 'I did not do this for you. God is here working through  me to give you hope'   I started to cry as I walked away  to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and  said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me  hope..'   We held hands for a moment and at  that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given  were we able to give.   We are not church goers, but we  are believers.   That day showed me the pure Light  of God's sweet love.   I returned to college, on the last  evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in 'my project' and the  instructor read it.   Then she looked up at me and said,  'Can I share this?'   I slowly nodded as she got the  attention of the class. She began to read and that is when  I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to  heal people and to be healed. In my own way I had touched the  people at McDonald's, my son,the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a  college student. I graduated with one of the  biggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.   Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.   There is an Angel sent to watch over you. An Angel wrote: Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart   To handle yourself, use your head.. To handle others, use your heart.             God Gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into its nest. *******************************   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

Prayer

A Story of a Special Prayer SPECIAL GROCERY LIST Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food. John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once.. Visualizing the family needs, she said: 'Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can..' John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store. Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family. The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, 'Do you have a grocery list?' Louise replied, 'Yes sir..' 'O.K.' he said, 'put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries.' Louise hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed. The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down. The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, 'I can't believe it.' The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer stood there in utter disgust.. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement. It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said: 'Dear Father Mother God, Angels and Guides, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands.' The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence. Louise thanked him and left the store. The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said; 'It was worth every penny of it. Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs.' THE POWER: When you receive this, say a prayer. That's all you have to do. Just stop right now, and say a prayer of thanks for your own good fortune. Then please send this to all your friends and relatives. I believe if you will send this testimony out with prayer in faith, you will receive what you need Universal God Source to do in your and your families' lives. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. May you always walk with Angels Blessings and Peace!    And So It Is. ++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++ +++++ Three things will happen to you this coming week: (1) You will find favor with someone you don't expect; (2) You will be too relevant to be ignored; (3) You will encounter Universal Source  and you will never remain the same, for you will have the "Knowing" that all is in divine right order no matter what that is. My prayer for you today: The eyes beholding this message shall not behold evil, the hands that will send this message t o others shall not labor in vain, the mouth saying Amen to this prayer shall laugh forever. Remain in God's love as you send this prayer to everybody on your list. Have a lovely journey of life! Trust in the Universe with all your heart and Source will never fail you because Source is  Awesome!  *******************************   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

Metaphysical Healing

Metaphysical Healing Final Essay Rev. Lindsay Baldassano I began this course a few months ago during a time when I was seeking to refresh my Reiki practice and further my knowledge and understanding of subtle energies and healing. I was very excited about the new seminary program being offered by ULC and am still excited to continue learning in this fashion. I have always been a student at heart and actually looked forward to having to do homework again and having the chance to collect my thoughts about a topic and put the words down, to both express the lesson and what I have taken from it. The range of topics and intensity of knowledge being passed on was impressive for an online course. Teaching such a physical practice as healing can be a challenge when done through a non-physical medium like the Internet. While this course could not provide every little nuance of the hand-on aspects of the healing work, it certainly provided the internal assessment tools to be able to discern when and how you are connected to the Divine energies. These are important tools for healers beginning on their first forays into the healing arts. The thought that the energy bodies and organs of a person is analogous to the physical circulatory system is an extremely important concept to grasp in modern energy medicine. There is a still a dichotomy of information types out in today's field in the States. We are still placed between purely intuitive energy medicine and the energy medicine concepts which are trying to be furthered by the scientific communities. I do feel that once we have a way to better talk about what is perceived and what science can prove with what equipment they have (our current equipment may not be able to read the types of information our bodies perceive and interpret naturally), we will better be able to define our energy systems and their components. It was also very exciting to hear of the advances in the field of professional Traditional healers. It is my hope that this trend continues through out the world, so that in time it is the standard, rather than the exception that we are all assessed and treated holistically. Thank you for offering this course, it was well worth the time and investment it took to make this course an option for me! *******************************   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

12 Days of Christmas There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me.  What in the world do leaping lords, French hens,  swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas? This week, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning  plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember. -The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. -Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments. -Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.  -The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.  -The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.  -The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.  -Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching,  Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.  -The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.  -Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness,  Faithfulness,  Gentleness, and Self Control.  -The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.  -The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.  -The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed. So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.' *******************************   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

WORK IN JAPAN A Calling For Foreigners In June this column looked at the booming demand for foreign celebrants and preachers at Christian weddings. But a new law will crack down on foreigners playing preachers, thanks in part to Rev. Kenny Joseph, President of the Japan Association of Preachers and Ministers (JAPAM). The new law is clear: "Anyone engaging in any activity involving the management of business or involving remuneration other than that permitted by his status of residence without obtaining permission may be subject to punishment." That punishment could be a \300,000 fine and/or three years in prison and expulsion from Japan. Up to now, those expelled could return to Japan in one year. The new law makes it five. This shouldn' be a problem, Rev. Joseph told Hilary Hinds Kitasei, as he's happy to help you get the credentials you need.

Rev. Kenny Joseph: It is illegal to officiate at a Christian wedding without a proper visa  Photo by Mitchell Coster If there's no legal requirement in Japan that weddings must be officiated by ordained ministers, why does anyone need special credentials to conduct them? The problem comes when a foreigner engages in any work for pay that is not included in his visa provisions. It means that if the word shukyo (religious mission) is not printed on your alien registration card you cannot conduct a religious, sacred activity such as officiating at Christian weddings. They are 100% religious sacraments - not cultural - with two hymns, a sermon, two prayers, 15 Bible verses, a solemn proclamation and a benediction. How can someone get the right credentials? The JAPAM nationwide network of veteran missionaries in Sapporo, Sendai, Nojiri, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Naha interviews prospective preachers. We give them a qualifying certificate if they pass a rigid, 10-point oral exam. Although they can show this certificate to the wedding chapel or company, this in itself does not change their visa status. What they must do is leave Japan, go on to an approved Bible school or Christian college, and come back as a bona fide missionary. Another possible solution is to begin a correspondence course by email or regular mail from an accredited seminary like Trinity Seminary in Newburg, Indiana. This does not include phony diploma mills, usually in California, Arizona or Las Vegas. One major offender will sell a bogus minister's ordination certificate for $19, a fake PhD in Theology for $175, a tarot advisor diploma for $195, and a medical doctor's diploma for $300. Try taking that to Tokyo University Hospital and do brain surgery! What is the difference between a minister, a preacher and a missionary?  A minister is an ordained, bona fide professional person of the Christian church, qualified to administrate a church and officiate at weddings, funerals, baptisms and communion. A preacher is a non-ordained layman, elder, deacon or "tent maker" who has some basic qualifications to substitute for a minister on occasion as needed. There are over 2000 Protestant ministers in Japan called missionaries. They're sent by their home churches or denominations to spread the Christian faith and assist the national church. But because their main duties fall on Sunday mornings, they can't answer calls to officiate at weddings, which are usually held on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, the best times for the invited guests to attend. So what is the solution? Missionaries who pastor a church in Japan need to train Japanese assistants to substitute for them on some Sunday mornings, freeing them to answer the invitations to do chapel weddings. Our office got six calls from six bridal companies for a minister on one Sunday. We now have a Registry of Emergency Preachers (REAP). We hope many retired missionaries and their "made in Japan" children can return to do this ministry. Rev. Joseph is happy to respond to inquiries by fax (03-3922-7655)

O N L Y  I N F O   !

Regards, Georg - Japan, Gifu

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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

Wicca

On the Wheel After 17 years as a practicing Wiccan, it might seem strange to suddenly decide to take a class about my chosen path. It's a time of great change in my life. My children are both adults, my parents are beginning to have serious health problems, and my work is threatened by our country's economic crisis.  On my next birthday, I will be 40. As a Wiccan, I understand the cycles of our lives are part of the same cycle that turns the Wheel of the Year. As each season brings forth both blessings and challenges, it is also true for each new phase of our lives. I knew this year would be hard for me, for so many reasons. So, I began to search for ways to support the Wiccan part of myself. The class I have taken at Universal Life Church has helped me move closer to a deeper understanding of my path, and myself. Taking this class has helped me move a little further out of the broom closet at work. I'm feeling more comfortable in my own skin while in the work environment and I have better tools to help my family and others with their needs. I plan to move forward as before. I will walk the path I have chosen, but it always helps to hear a new perspective. This class has helped to open me again to the idea of connecting with the Pagan and Wiccan communities. I've joined several online sites, and I'm keeping my eyes open for opportunities in my daily life. As a Wiccan, I am well acquainted with the concept of connections. We are all connected to each other. What action one takes, or does not take has an impact on others. When any person gains knowledge, it is likely to impact those closest to that person. When a spiritual person gains knowledge, it is likely that a larger part of the world may benefit. My class from Universal Life Church will support me on a path that will help others, and that is the blessing that I take away with me. Rev. Melissa Hayes *******************************   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

Shamanism

Master of Shamanism

Rev. Justin Oles

After completion of this course I can honestly say that there were a lot of
things I didn't know about shamanism. I also discovered that there a lot of
misconceptions. I'm surprised to see how little the general populous knows and
how many of the old 18th century misconceptions are still seen.

I have not seen the mixing of the old shamanistic practices with the general
medical field although I know that a lot of nurses are starting to use things
like reiki in their practice. It was nice to see in the various discourses that
professionals in the field are starting to look at some of the "old world"
techniques for treating disease. The studies I have read and  many of the studies
cited in the articles speak of the generalized effects of the treatments. While
many shamanistic techniques have shown promise for treatment of symptoms none
have shown cures. However, if the treatment can make a persons life better the
treatment is helpful regardless of scientific proof of its effectiveness.

An  interesting point brought up several times throughout the discourse was the
similarities among shamans throughout the world. Even though shamans were
separated by thousands of miles many of them shared similar techniques, beliefs
and methods of attaining their desired spirit flight (altered states of
consciousness). I was surprised to see that some of the common techniques used
by people to  "get high" are also techniques, used much more carefully, but
shaman to attain the altered states of consciousness needed for their practice.
I know for one that it explains effects I have felt while drinking various this
such as tequila and absinth. I knew that wormwood (the basis of absinth was a
hallucinogen) but I didn't realize that agave (the basis of tequila) was also
one. That  explains largely why tequila effects people the way is does.
Lastly, I liked the way the author wrote or compiled the discourses. There were
several time where he offered both sides of the argument allowing the student or
reader to form their own opinion. My only recommendation, and this goes for
several courses, is that they be proof read before posting. I found several
cases where parts of  the course were missing or unreadable due to poor
reproduction of articles or poor coding on the part of web builder.

By Rev. Justin M. Oles

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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