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.  
 

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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.  
 

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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.  
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

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

Spirit Quest

The Spirit Quest course was not what I expected, it was much better. Everything was explained so well and with humor. I did not make major changes in my life probably because I am on my spiritual path with goals already which led me to taking this course. I was familiar with many of the tools and principles, as I am a Reiki Master Teacher. However, the chapters were beautifully explained. I did learn some new tools which I love and use all the time. The use of the roses and the Golden sun are my favorite. They are simple, you can do them anywhere and their uses are many. I was also was happy to see the chapters on ‘How Spirit Communicates’. It all just fit so well with everything else I am learning from other sources. It validated my spiritual path.

As for a miracle, my whole life has been a miracle but now I am aware of where miracles come from. Spirit guides must have been with me my whole for me to have survived some of the very difficult challenges I had as a child. Until the last few years here in Tucson, I didn’t believe in anything so I have come a long way and I know I have much more to learn and experience. Now I am grateful for everything that happens in my life whether good or bad. There are always lessons to be learned. The following is an example of an event that happened as a child who didn’t understand. I was left with an old man in the middle of the Las Vegas desert for him to baby sit me while my mother and step-father went out. The old man told me to take all my clothes off and get in bed. Something, I now believe was an angel or spirit guide told me to get the keys and lock myself in the car which I did. Today I know what would have happened to me had I stayed in his camper and that was just the first of many miracles I have experienced.

Rev. Anne Marie Brooks

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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

Universal Life Church Essay for Master of Wicca Program

By Matooka MoonBear

While I have been a solitary practitioner for over 12 years through self study, never have I come across the style and structure of Lord Starwalker’s work. My practice has been a cross of eclectic Dianic witchcraft. So our flavors are quite different. I opted to do this study with the intention of forming a church in New Hampshire. This idea was cultivated upon my receiving my ordination. I felt it important to do some formal study for the sake of the goal being reached. My ministry would be earth based.

The weekly lessons have been fun. I enjoyed seeing different perspectives compared to my personal studies over the years. I found many things helpful such as altar layout in lesson 4 where I am supported in the idea of choosing what tools go with which elements. Many books have a strong view on this, so the lesson was validating for me.

I did not always resinate with Lord Starwalker’s perceptions on the craft. However, I can appreciate his wisdom and experience with this path. His humor was refreshing as well, making the reading of the material an upbeat and pleasant experience for me. There are many strengths in this program pertaining to it’s structure and information shared. I found the order of this quite useful. I also enjoyed his blessings at the end of each lesson.

My favorite lesson actually was the last #24, because the information on a banishing ritual used was something I have never come across in all my years on the path. The use of Kabalistic style and angels was fascinating to me!

To conclude, I am grateful for having the opportunity to have the ULC Seminary with these studies available not to mention the ordination. I feel supported on this path and guided by the universe. I thank ULC for making this possible for me and so very affordable. I have enjoyed my seminary experience and would recommend it to others who may feel called to minister.

Blessed be,

Rev. Matooka MoonBear

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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 Story

Born into a family of spiritual healers, Rev. William Gameson's entire life has been devoted to learning, researching, and teaching spiritual awareness and practicing the healing arts. Upon graduating high school when he was 17 years old, Rev. William entered a Roman Catholic Benedictine monastery and began his religious formation as a monk and priest.

Rev. William knew he had a definite calling to the religious life at a very early age, and quickly immersed himself in comparative religion and Christian mysticism. One day while praying William said to God, "God, I know you're calling me and I have a vocation. I'm not going to force anything to happen, but send me a sign."

Two days later, Rev. William received a call at the monastery with an invitation from His Emminence Khempo Yurmed Tinly Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist monk, inviting him to Miami, FL to receive four days of private teachings from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Llama.

After attending the four days of teachings, and a brief subsequent move to the Seattle, W.A. area, Rev. William accepted a job offer from the Bishop of the Diocese of the

Blessed Sacrament in Arizona, and relocated to Sedona, A.Z. to take the responsibility as pastor of St. Luke's Church in September of 2005. After two years of searing as pastor at St. Luke's, William decided the diocese he was functioning and licensed under was too restricting and William discerned that God was calling him to a very unique ministry. Rev. William resigned from St. Luke's in April of 2007 and embarked on his new journey with the Universal Life Church. In April of 2007 Rev. William started the U.L.C. congregation the Ashram of Truth.

Nestled in the heart of Sedona's majestic red rocks, the Ashram of Truth is a post-secondary school and church, offering in-depth esoteric and metaphysical studies based of the traditions of the ancient mystery schools. The Ashram is focused on bridging the gap between Christianity and Buddhism - focusing on the correlation of Lord Buddha's teachings, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

After a few months of operation, it became evident to Rev. William that there was a growing number of people labeling themselves as "Christian-Buddhists", and discovered the new and unique ministry that God was calling him to. Rev. William decided to make his ministry be the bridge on which orthodox Christians could explore and learn about other faiths and spiritual practices. Rev. William discerned that he needed a "neutral" territory where his congregation didn't feel overwhelmed by any one faith or theology alone.

Rev. William had a dream about starting a completely non-denominational and practical metaphysical church service, in which his congregation didn't feel overshadowed by rigid or

condemning dogmas. The result of which was the creation of an independent church congregation, the Sedona City of Light Church. The Sedona City of Light Church is a non-denominational foundation dedicated to helping each member reach their highest human potential, while honoring each individual's own set of beliefs.

Rev. William is currently searing as Presiding Pastor and Chairman of The Sedona City of Light Church, The U.L.C. Ashram of Truth (CONG 62270), and The Ancient Healing Academy. Rev. William currently resides fulltime in Sedona, AZ and he and his staff of interfaith ministers are dedicated to be of service to humanity. Rev. William currently holds his Master in Religion degree, the Doctorate of Philosophy in Religion degree, and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree with the ULC.

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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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A Course in Miracles

Loretta Siani describes herself first and foremost as a minister of God. In this capacity she is a teacher of A Course In Miracles, Clinical Hypnotherapist, author and inspirational speaker. She has authored numerous articles on A Course In Miracles and the power of the mind as well as two books. Her first, The Magic of Excellence covers the history, structure and process of Neuro-Linguistic Psychology.

Her second, Everyday Miracles, is based on the spiritual psychology and radical metaphysics of A Course In Miracles. Dr. Siani has also published three guided visualization CDs In The Middle of Know Where, a guided visualization that produces deep relaxation; Waking Dream of Forgiveness, mental imagery for releasing anger and resentment and Restful Sleep, mental Imagery for undoing insomnia.

Formerly Sales Training Manager for the Business Services Division of Office Depot's Western Region, she has coached and trained a variety of people including corporate executives, entrepreneurs, students and experienced sales people. She holds a Master of Arts in Communications from Pepperdine University where she seared on the adjunct faculty teaching Interpersonal Communications. She wrote her Master's Thesis

on the great Christian apologist and author of the Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis. Her Doctoral Degree is in Clinical Hypnotherapy from American Pacific University where her course of study focused on Neuro-Linguistics. She wrote her doctoral dissertation on the history of NLP and how it was influenced by the founder of family therapy Virginia Satir and the great medical Hypnotherapist Milton Erickson.

Dr. Siani became a ULC minister in 1999 when she began her private practice. She describes her ordination as an outer sign of her inner commitment to invite the Holy Spirit into her practice to help her serve others. It also enabled her to provide the additional service of wedding minister to her clients. She describes the main purpose of her practice as a ministry that helps people draw upon the power of the mind in order to overcome their inner obstacles, align with their soul's purpose, and live richer, fuller, healthier lives.

She is also the author of the Dr. of Metaphysics and Dr. of Spirituality courses through the ULC Seminary.

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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

ULC Monastery Not Affiliate with headquarters

CHANGES AT THE UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH

ULC - Universal Life Church and Online Seminary. This is an important announcement regarding some changes that have been happening at the Universal Life Church.

For additional, independent verification of what's going on, click Monastery.

As some of you are aware, the ulc.org site has changed hands. Due to a series of unconfirmed circumstances, there was an abrupt change of leadership and ownership of the ulc.org domain name and site. It is currently in the control of George Freeman and his associates, currently signing the site as 'Br. Martin'. The circumstances of this change are in dispute among the parties. With the announcement going out, I felt it necessary to add a page to the Seminary site to let people know what's going on.

For many years, the ulc.org site was owned by Daniel Zimmerman. Many of you have had dealings with him and have formed your own opinions as to his honesty and integrity. Until recently, the ulc.org site (known as The Monastery) was an authorized site affiliated with headquarters.

As of August 1, 2006, that is no longer the case. From that point on, if you were ordained at the ulc.org site, your ordination was not sent to headquarters, nor were you recorded as being a legal minister with the Universal Life Church. If you have any links on your own website to the ulc.org site, I strongly urge you to change the links to www.ulcseminary.org, or to headquarters, to avoid sending anyone to a site that might confuse people as to its true intentions.

The new site still implies a connection between them and ULC Headquarters in Modesto, but no such affiliation exists. We fear this is going to be causing a lot of confusion and misunderstandings among the ministers of the ULC and we hope that, over time, word will spread and those who wish to affiliate with the ULC will steer clear. I believe that Andre Hensley, at headquarters, will be issuing (or may have already issued) a press release, Wikipedia has been changed, and the word is spreading.

Any products you purchase from that site do not have the sanction of headquarters, nor the blessing of the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, so proceed with that awareness.

If you are worried in any way that your ordination is in question, please re-ordain yourself on this site or at headquarters directly. Only those ordinations done after Aug. 1st, 2006, on the ulc.org site are in question. To affiliate yourself with this site, please make sure you are signed up to receive the newsletter so you will be kept abreast of everything happening with the ulc.

I hope this answers your questions. If you have any others, please feel free to ask me at amy@ulcseminary.org.

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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

WHO'S WHO AT THE UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH

'The ULC Experience'

ULC - Universal Life Church and Online Seminary

The Goal:

At the ULC Seminary, we seek to always be growing, with a focus on educating ULC ministers and giving them a greater sense of validation and legitimacy. This new project may go a long way towards accomplishing that.

The Particulars:

What I'm going to do is to create a 'Who's Who' type of book for the ULC. I'm open to suggestions for a snazzy name, but we're going with 'The ULC Experience' right now. It will be a beautiful (possibly) hardbound book of ULC Ministers. Each minister will get a full page to talk about their personal spiritual journey, why they became ULC ministers, what they are doing with their ministry and what they are all about.

The cost for participation is $50. For that, you will get your full page of information and two copies of the finished book. Be aware that this is an introductory price for the first book. Also, if you refer 5 people who participate, your listing will be free.

This book will be a real published book, with an ISBN number as well as a Library of Congress number. I think this can be an amazing way to validate ourselves as a church as well as each individual minister who participates.

You can talk about your own church, your healing practice, your love of performing weddings, your outreach, your personal revelations, etc. It's entirely up to you. We will likely give each person space for one picture and the book will likely be 8.5 x 11, giving each minister plenty of room.

If you are using your ministry as a business, imagine the credibility you will gain by showing your clients this book. If you are interested and think this is something you'd like to participate in, please fill out the form below so I can get an idea of how many people are going to want to be a part of this great book.

Thanks for your attention and consideration.

Rev. Amy Long -- ULC Seminary Director

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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