Christian Studies

FINAL ESSAY FOR THE COURSE THE FOUR GOSPELS REV. ROBERT JAMES SHAND MS, D.DIV. As a minister of The Free Church of Universal Life, I have a close personal connection to all of the gospels of Jesus the Nazarene.  This course both challenged and frustrated me on several levels.  After many years of study and research of the "alternate" gospels, I found myself confronted with this seemingly simple interpretation of the four traditionally accepted gospels.  The text presented these books in a way that was both simplistic and enlightening.  This text even further confirmed my belief that there was only one source for all of these gospels.  As presented, the gospels are almost a verbatim narration of one story that was circulated throughout early Christendom.  This is not surprising, however.  When Jesus sent his followers out to teach in His name, they took with them the oral narrative of the life of Jesus. And in at least one situation, this narrative was written down and circulated to the early Church.  The original version of this written story is lost to history. But what we now read as the four gospels of the Bible, I believe, is a close approximation of that early text.  That the 4th century Christian leaders who met to determine the "true" Bible saw these four narratives as inspired by God is not that difficult to understand.  Imagine being in a crowded room with hundreds of people, each with particular points of view and a cannons of beliefs that seem either too conservative or liberal to those you profess.  And during these weeks and months of deliberations four stories seem to surface, each from a different country, written in a different language, and each being put forth as the "truth".  In those days, only one or two generations away from paganism and polytheism in Rome, seeing four documents stating essentially the same exact thing must have seem divine.  After much discussion and debate, these early Christian leaders could agree that these four nearly identical stories must present the true account of the life and ministry of Jesus. This theory is not intended to diminish the importance of the Word.  It only highlights the need to read and understand other narratives of the teachings of Jesus.  I believe that Jesus the Nazarene was, and is, the Messiah sent by God, the Creator.   But, the four gospels do not present the entire teachings of Jesus.  In recent history we have been able to see and read other documents which shed more light on Jesus the Nazarene and his life and teachings.  These new texts allow for a rethink of the four traditional gospels.  It is important to note that none of the new documents suggest anything that pulls the gospels into question or that might diminish Jesus and his teachings.  The one exception might be that Jesus may not have actually died on the cross and ascended to heaven, but lived to marry and have children.  Even if that was true, it doesn't take away from His message.  But that is another essay.  By Rev. Robert Shand ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Gospel of Thomas

Subject: Final essay for Masters of Gospel of Thomas  I began my studies with ULC with the Spirit Quest class and 64 credit hours later I end my Doctorial program with the Masters of the Gospel of Thomas. This first and last class are the two classes that I have found most useful in my personal life quest for spiritual growth.  I read the Gospel of Thomas ten years ago with my late husband, where we discussed it meaning together. What a shame he is not here to have shared this class with me for the discussion gave much more depth and meaning than when I read it the first time.  Sometimes, Rev Thompson gave a personal interpretation I was not sure I agreed with but for the most part I liked and could agree with his explanations of the text.  His use and explanation of Arabic culture and language were most helpful in understanding the Gospel of Thomas.  I especially liked text number 102 and his explanation of "Grief to the Pharisees, for they are like dogs in a cattle manger. The dog will not eat and the will not allow the cattle to eat."  While growing up in a long line of minister for several generations I come to view them as the Pharisees, who not only refused to see the light of truth or even listen to others views when it came to religion but insisted they and they alone were right. As more and  more members (especially female) of the family became highly educated the turned away from formal religion and were shunned by the "older" family members. Many are my own age and in their middle age years are finding faith or "spiritual truth" for themselves outside of the formal church.  I recall in my younger days reading The Celestine Prophesy.  This book and the series that follow touch on this topic, explaining that both the church and the government wanted these "real" "spiritual truths" hidden from the public.  Using fear, judgment, guilt and shame both the church leaders and the government were able to control the people.  If a "spiritual truth" took these tools away then their power of control was lost.  But the fact is when love is the central rule above all else we govern ourselves and do not need church leaders or government for control.  The control comes from within.   In fact, this scripture reminds me of the Bush years (and foolishly I voted for him) after 911 when both government and fundamental religion came together to almost destroy democracy through fear.  Thanks Rev. Thompson for a most informative class.              I have been in school most of my life getting degree after degree and I said this would be my last but then I saw the news of your new Chaplain program. Perhaps it is not the end after all.  While a few classes were not all that interesting most were most inspiring.  Cannot wait to see what you offer in this new program.       Rev. Linda Francis ******************** The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  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

Remember the Holocaust

Subject: Fw: IRENA SENDLER IS DEAD We must never forget . . . . .      The prize doesn't always go to the most deserving   Irena Sendler There recently was a death of a 98 year-old lady named Irena. During WWII, Irena, got permission to work in the WarsawGhetto, as a Plumbing/Sewer specialist. She had an 'ulterior motive' ... She KNEW what the Nazi's plans were for the Jews, (being German.) Irena smuggled infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried and she carried in the back of her truck a burlap sack, (for larger kids..) She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto. The soldiers of course wanted nothing to do with the dog and the barking covered the kids/infants noises.. During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants. She was caught, and the Nazi's broke both her legs, arms and beat her severely. Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out and kept them in a glass jar, buried under a tree in her back yard. After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived it and reunited the family. Most had been gassed. Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes or adopted. Last year Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize ... She was not selected.   Al Gore won, for a slide show on Global Warming.   Powerful message, especially the "cartoon."  Let us never forget! 63 years later In  MEMORIAM  - 63 YEARS LATER Please read the little cartoon carefully, it's powerful. Then read the comments   at the end.   I'm doing my small part by forwarding this message. I hope you'll consider   doing the same. In Memoriam  It is now more  than 60 years after the Second World War in Europe ended This e-mail is  being sent as a memorial chain, in memory of the  six million Jews, 20 million Russians, 10  million Christians and 1,900 Catholic priests  who were murdered, massacred, raped, burned,  starved and humiliated with the German and Russian Peoples looking the other  way!  Now, more than ever, with Iraq , Iran , and others, claiming the Holocaust to  be 'a myth,' it's imperative to make sure the world never forgets, because there are others who would like to do it again.  This  e-mail is intended to reach 40 million people worldwide!  Join us and be a link in the  memorial chain and help us distribute it around  the world.  Please send this e-mail to people you know and ask them to continue  the memorial chain.. *******************************   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

Mystical Christianity

Lesson 22 = Mystical Christianity = Spirituality and Sexuality:

1. My path of spirituality (the path that eventually chose me not the other way around) is not always the easiest one to follow successfully. Being a good Christian is something which I have to work hard on everyday. Add that to the information about "chakras" and I realize just how unintegrated my life is at this point in time. Unintegrated and unbalanced, more influenced by situations beyond my apparent control than I should be. I pray to be able to thrive in difficult circumstances and recognize my strengths (not to dwell on my short-comings). When the chakras are in balance, your power is more easily tapped into and weaknesses are pushed into the background or just plain eliminated. To return to the Christian aspect because that is important to me = you think passivity is the Christian way? Through prayer (hopefully, this will help to align and balance the Chakras and help along my understanding) I have discovered assertiveness which never existed before and a lot of previously untapped spiritual energy. Some might label it, the "Holy Spirit", the Comforter, whatever it is called; I have called its guidance into my life. I need to work on so much to achieve healthy, positive balance.

2. Most people's views of sexuality are influenced by up-bringing in one way or another. Families may discourage the topic while other parents display its healthier aspects (to a point of course) in loving, respectful relationships and open, honest discussion. Sexuality, a natural function of the human being can run the gamut from strictly procreative (void of pleasure) to favorite spectator sport (excessive, possibly dangerous (diseased etc.).Somewhere in between is GOOD SEX = freedom, abandonment to your earthly senses, enjoyment and exploration. Sex is always better with someone you trust and can talk to after the fact as old-fashioned as it sounds. Sharing the experience and caring about your partner's needs (if he reciprocates), these things are vital. All of this does not have to occur in a committed relationship or in the context of traditional marriage. I believe that responsibility, trust and love help out a lot but to each their own. Tuning your senses and relaxing to be able to enjoy pleasure are important. Your body responds more readily when physicality and mental attitudes are in sync.

3. Shadow selves are the image that you present to the world, not necessarily what an individual is truly like on the inside. In difficult times, a wrong word thrown into the ring could make a situation worse and as the lesson states, "we should have known better". Our shadow selves make the affront and our inner beings try to remedy it. The trick is balance and if I understand correctly, that's why the Chakras are so important. To be happy in our world, we do need to fine tune each aspect of physical, emotional, spiritual power and set them to work in harmony. I really need a "Chakra for Dummies" handbook because right now, my grand-daughter, an Anime (check out 'Naruto' episodes) fan could explain more about it and even some pretty complicated eastern philosophy!

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The Universal Life Church offers free online ordination and an extensive seminary program,

where we offer a course in Wiccan Studies, one on the Four Gospels, several courses that are based on A Course in Miracles, several Christian Studies courses and a variety of courses on Spiritual Awareness and Spiritual Development. 

SHAMANISM

Rev. Bryan Rice

MASTER OF SHAMANISM ESSAY

                                                INTERMEDIARY, PROPHET, HEALER

            Shamans are common archetypes that have shown up throughout history all over the globe. Originally, shamans, as they are called today, most everywhere, had historical roots in Siberia. Over time, the role that shamans have played, first in tribes and clans, and now, more commonly, in other settings, has solidified and become distinguished from medicine men/women, though they are still called that in some cultures, witch doctors (not so common), priests, (with a distinction between the two titles being more clear in the modern day), and intermediaries.

            Shamans and priests shared similar duties of healing and performing rituals. As a certified Shamanic Therapy Practitioner, I see the roles as being separate despite performing ceremonies and rituals.  As mentioned in the lesson entitled Shamanism vs. Christianity, there were definite distinctions made between priests and shamans. Though priests are intermediaries in various religions, between creation and God, shamans play a more direct intermediary role, being guided by not only God, but entities such as Archangels, Angels, Spirit guides, and Power Animals. Shamans, one might argue, have one foot in ordinary reality and one foot in non-ordinary reality, a place where shamans journey in a dream-like state, when theta waves have helped to induce an ecstatic trance. 

             Shamans journey for a variety of reasons, whether to heal themselves, others in their communities, or creation. Though priests are healers too, shamans are more reliant on travel through non-ordinary reality of Shamanic Consciousness, in the sense that they retrieve a person's lost power there, find someone's soul fragments there, or gain knowledge of foreign energy intrusions when performing extractions.  They, like priests do perform exorcisms, which are similar to extractions.  Priests may call upon the Holy Spirit if a Christian and invoke angels when they use sacramental healing, but they are more rooted in ordinary reality.

            Priests and shamans both have magik-like spiritual powers, at least priests of today do, one's who claim to be able to turn bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. Shamans "magik"-like abilities are found in their ability that I previously mentioned -  maneuvering through non-ordinary reality, which I must say, consists of an upper world, a middle world, and a lower world. Christendom and shamanic religions differ on their view of the underworld. In shamanism, there is no "hell" or place of torment, nor "a lake of fire".

            Some of Jesus the Christ's healing ministry was very shamanic-like. I must agree with the author of this course, that shamanism, though traditionally thought to be pantheistic, meaning worshipping all of creation, believing that everything is divine, it does and can have a place for a Christian, despite the Old Testament's speaking out against divination, which is part of a shaman's work. Though primarily healers, shaman's if they can in fact fit into the Christian paradigm of the world, would exist on the fringe as prophets, on the edge of society. Keep in mind that most prophets were a threat to institutionalized religion because  they spoke out against the misuse of power in religions.

     So why shouldn't shamans be allowed to be Christians?  They don't worship the devil, they honor creation, and they too work with spirit-beings and seek the ultimate good for people in their communities. That is what the Christ did. Christian missionary work with indigenous in different countries was similar to witch hunts in dealing with pagans of any kind. But really, if a Christian is honest, paganism in various ways became integrated into early Church practice. 

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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

A Course in Miracles

Achieving any objective can appear deceptively simple, and understanding the message of this course is no different.  From the beginning, we must put aside our ego and engage our higher mind, the realm of the spirit.  Our ultimate goal is happiness and salvation, and there are two essential elements we must use to get there – love and forgiveness.  And this is where it all starts to get complicated. We all desire happiness, and with happiness comes love.  That desire drives our will and our thinking.  Our ego constantly tells us that it has the answer to our desire, and provides us with plenty of illusions designed to make us happy.  But these illusions provide only temporary happiness, to be replaced by other illusions.  Happiness comes from our higher mind, not the ego, for it is a state of being in which we are immune to the troubles of the world, and protected from the world.  The ego cannot provide happiness, but only the illusion of happiness.  We desire more than illusions.  But, desire is not enough.  To achieve true happiness, we must have a conscious purpose to achieve happiness, powered by our intention to seek happiness, and our devotion to that pursuit. This is where the two essential elements come in.  Happiness requires that we love ourselves and all the rest of creation.  And, we cannot find that love until we are prepared to forgive ourselves and others for the slights we have suffered.  "Only illusions can be forgiven, and then they disappear" says A Course In Miracles (T24.III.1.2).  Accordingly, we must forgive others for the illusions we created in response to their "attacks" on us, and we must also forgive ourselves for that response.  In that way, we rid ourselves of illusions and open ourselves up to love.  But that is not enough.  We must also extend that love to all of creation.  For only by extending love to others can we give it to ourselves. And thus is happiness created and salvation attained. Love and Light, Rev. Bob Gill ******************************* 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

Gnosticism

Master of Gnosticism Course

By Michael Barth

            This course was the toughest course that I have taken through the seminary.  Bishop Pat includes a lot of information in this class.  There is a lot of information that I did not know beforehand.  There is still information that I am still processing from this class.

            One thing that I did not know was that Gnosticism had different schools of thought like the Persian School.  I did not know that there were so many schools that were considered Gnostic.  Even the term Gnosticism is new and was not used until recently.  This course also taught me that some of the early Christians were probably Gnostic as well like the Apostle Paul.

            Before taking this class, I had heard of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi Library but that was it.  I did not know that these two important discoveries shed light on what Gnosticism was and is.  The reason I found out that these documents were hidden was because the early Christian Church had persecuted Gnostics and tried to destroy all their documents and Holy Scripture.

            This course also taught me that in Gnosticism, there are 7 different heavens that are guarded by Archons.  With each Archon, you had to give the right password to enter into that heaven.  Also, I did not know before that this planet was created by an evil Demiurge and that all things were evil.  This was totally new to me.  The author said that this evil Demiurge is sometimes considered Yahweh from the Old Testament.

            This course also presented parallels between Gnosticism and Christianity.  The fact that there is the Gospel of Thomas and other books that portray Jesus in a different light was new to me.  Also, what is new to me is that Jesus might have studied Gnosticism before going on his 3 year ministry in Israel.  This I did not know but would explain where Jesus was for the first 30 years of his life.

            This class was very well written.  There is so much information contained in this class.  The Master of Gnosticism class was well written for the most part.  There were a couple of lessons I did not like because the author took what appeared to me as an anti-Gnosticism view.  This class will require an investment in time due to the amount of information presented and the amount of new terminology that I came across.  As I said earlier, I am still processing a lot of the information and will have to go over some lessons again.  This course did spark an interest in wanting to read the books that were discovered at Nag Hammadi Library and the Dead Sea Scrolls.  This class is not for the light-hearted.  I would recommend this course to people who are ready for a lot of information, new terminology, and have extra time to study this material.

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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

Druidism

Master of Druidism Final Essay

By Michael S Barth

            I found this course very fascinating.  I learned a lot about Druidism.  Druidism is so spiritual and earth-base which I did not know before.  The alphabet was really interesting to see for I did not know Druidism had an alphabet or a calendar of its own.

            The fact that Druidism is so spiritual and centered around the Earth is what stands out the most for me.  Also, I did not realize that the Druids had spread into Europe and into what is now the Middle East.  I had previously thought that the Druids were only localized in Ireland and England.  The different levels (e.g. bards, ovate, druid) were unknown to me before taking this class.  I did not realize that someone passed through these levels and that a druid would have to study for as long as 20 years in order to obtain the level of druid.

            I also learned that each tribe was autonomous.  Previously, I had thought that the Druids were more organized like the Catholic Church.  Also, I did not realize that they punished people by shaving their heads.  This really caught my attention but it makes sense to me.  By shaving the persons head, other tribes then knew that this person had been punished for doing something.

            I like the lesson on ethics.  Beforehand, I knew that the Druids revered the Earth but did not realize that they honored all things.  This would be comparable to Jesus saying "Love thy neighbor as thy self."  The Druids also had many different gods that they honored.  Most of the gods I never knew about before taking this class.

            Some of the holidays that they celebrate I had learned from the Master of Paganism class.  While I am not Pagan or Druid, these holidays did strike close to home for me.  These holidays are important because they symbolize different times of the year such as the equinoxes, solstices, and the in between points.  Celebrating nature is something that I do since we still have a lot to learn from nature.

            I found it fascinating that the Druids passed everything down orally.  When I learned this, I wondered how then we knew so much about them.  That's when I learned that a lot of what we know now came from other people such as the Romans.  The lesson on magic was very informative.  When I think of magic, I think of David Copperfield making things disappear and reappearing but the Druids did magic in order to heal and for self-development.

            This class was very well written and worthwhile taking.  I learned a lot about Druidism and I am very fascinated by it.  This course has prompted me to learn more about Druidism and about nature too.  I would recommend this course to other people.

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the button. 

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

A Course in Miracles

What caused me to think deeper about things was the part of the course that went into the human ego. So what follows are some thoughts on its identity, conditioned appearance and structure in mental and physical phenomena. 

Lesson 4 says that everything is born out of the ego. It seems that the whole of the metaphysical course is dependent upon this one factor, which is the one and only cause of our conflict and suffering created by a distortion in our perceptions causing a selfish, individual existence. We are as if asleep in a dream world and as in a dream, we appear through our perceptions as the dream person who is separate from the other dream people, dream objects and events. However, just like in a dream, it is all one movement, projected by the mind through delusional states. It is nothing but mind, we could say that the mind is capable of creating its self with all its delusions, not only in the dream state but in the so called waking state also.  

 If we analyse the waking state, we find that nothing exists in its own right as a separate entity. A person, a tree, a rock are all made up of other factors and without these other factors they could not appear. Without the sunshine, the rain, the air and so on a tree could not appear as a tree, it only appears as a tree in relation to everything else. This is also the same regarding a person, a person is dependent on physical form, feeling perception, cognition and consciousness to be able to appear to exist and without these factors there could not be a person. Everything depends on countless factors, nothing can be found as a separate entity, so the world as a whole, with all its events is nothing but one inseparable total movement in the now. This is none other than mind itself, created through our projected distortions, it appears as individual events but everything is coming into being and vanishing at the same time in this very moment. The beginning of existence is here and now. The past present and future is contained in the now, the universe did not come into being millions of years ago, it is created by the mind moment to moment in the present .This is the one cause of all problems. Through delusion we see different objects of existence, but we really cannot talk of objects of existence, as from the ultimate level, an object cannot be found. If we look into any object composing the world that we perceive, it dissolves away and only existence can be found .The universe does not prove its own existence, all it can prove is existence. 

It is this distorted view point that has caused us to think we are separate individuals in a world alien from eternal reality, resulting in the deluded ego or self thought. Somebody once said that the cross in Christianity is symbolic of the self or the I thought, the example would be cross out the I and I crossed out is none other than the sign of the cross which   = no self, leaving only true reality and dissolving the world, which the self has created and all the destruction it has caused, for in reality the world does not exist. Once seen through only God, only eternal reality exists which is limitless truth and love. That is the unconditioned, beyond the delusional mind made world of distorted perception, which only sees individual appearances. The world created by the ego is only the same substance of dreams and has no reality of its own. The ego would like us to think otherwise. Once this dream has come to an end through true insight, if the slightest thought about eternal reality even the thought I am one with this reality arises, it is none other than the limited ego claiming eternal limitless reality for itself.

The ego always wants to lay claim, control and own the whole of creation, this may be what is referred to by the devil in the scriptures. He wants his own power and separation from love and truth which he will not share, for only Gods will of love and truth can be shared. He wants a separate world that he can own for himself and will cause wars, death and destruction to try to get it. This is the cause of our distorted perceptions of the true reality of the universe.

As an example of the ego or I thought is if we look at a candle flame, close our eyes then open them and think of ourselves looking at the flame, close the eyes, then repeat a few times, we will come to see that we or our ego or I thought comes into being and vanishes each time we look. It is none other than a conditioned process and yet it is the cause of all our suffering.

Until we wake up from our dream to the Truth, there will only be conflict, fear and unhappiness caused by our wrong perceptions projected as a world where we play out our own inward conflicts, causing untold suffering to ourselves and others. Until we come to see that this entire world is none other than a reflection of our mind with all its delusions and in reality we cannot own or create anything that is real, we can only create an empty dream like phenomena, for that which is real is only God or reality.

In the first lesson of this wonderful Metaphysics course, it says all we have is freedom of choice and also that Einstein said "we cannot solve a problem with the same level of thinking that caused it". We have to penetrate with love and compassion through these distorted perceptions which are none other than the world itself to the endless unconditioned love which has no limits and no description. For all description is only a limitation, of that which is beyond all limits which is so limitless that it cannot even be described as limitless. To the silence that just is.

      

  Rev. Terence Stewart

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The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.    

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  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

Shamanism

Final Essay

Judith G. Wolf, Ph.D.

In his final lecture entitled "Conclusions," with its 53 references, the author, Bishop Pat,  states that "Researchers have concluded that even after five hundred years of reports of shamanism, its core remains a mystery."  What I wonder does he mean by core.  This is troubling especially since Bishop Pat has spent the previous 19 lessons presenting every conceivable detail about shamans from so many cultures. We have learned about their journeys to retrieve souls, the variety of accessories they have including masks, drums and ornamentation, which vary by cultures.  We have learned of the many, many cultures in which shamans reside, of their histories and their differences.  This is an incredibly in depth course which presents Shamanism from every conceivable aspect.  How then does the core elude us.  Are they any more a mystery than a holy man who prays for the world with great results, or a medium who goes into an alpha state to communicate with the beyond.  In some ways the shaman is easier to understand then the later.  We can understand the healer and the worshiper. We can understand the use of hallucinating aids to "trip" into a spirit state.  What mystery is so beyond us. Perhaps because the author is a Shaman, he supports this conclusion.  But because he IS a Shaman, I would think he would understand it better than anyone.

I have to confess, it took me one and one-half years to complete all the lectures.  One of the reasons was the organization of the course.  At times I found it difficult to follow and at times I felt it bogged down in detail.  Also it was not well proofed. In the future I would urge Bishop Pat to reread his course and make sure words, phrases and sentences are not omitted. It is frustrating to read along and upon coming to an important section find that a critical sentence and a-half is missing.

That being said, I would recommend this course to anyone who would like to know everything that is currently known about Shamanism.  If it is not covered in the course, there are myriad references.

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Ordination with the Free Online Ordination button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

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Comparative Religion

    This course provided a more balanced, impartial perspective of several religions.  I was raised in strict, rather fundamental, Baptist/Christian environment, at home and in school.  It simply never struck me as being unquestionably true, but questioning was highly discouraged, so I never received the answers I needed to resolve my beliefs.  Once I was an adult, I walk away from religion altogether.  

    During my six years in the US Army and eight years working as a US Department of Defense civilian, I have worked with people from many faiths, and those with none.  It was a pleasure to be in a tolerant and accepting environment, though not all groups were equally equal.  All varieties of Judeo-Christian religions are openly accepted, and are well accommodated with on-post religious support; Wiccans, however, are largely misunderstood and rejected.  Today's security and political environments have also created a Muslim-hostile undertone, though they are publicly welcomed, and one base even offered a joint Jewish/Muslim prayer area in the chapel.

    Several months ago, I was ordained primarily as a joke.  I've found my opinions of religion turning increasingly anti-theistic over the last several years, and I started this course in an attempt to temper that perspective.  I believe that mission has been accomplished, or at least begun.  I now have a greater understanding of why the Christians I work with inappropriately proselytize in the workplace, improperly referring to me as heathen, and telling me I would burn in hell for being ordained.  I understand the motivation and perspective of the many Wiccans I have the pleasure of calling some of my closest friends.  I understand why my fundamental-Christian second-ex-wife, who grew up on an Indian reservation, thought she had shamanic powers of healing.  Primarily, I better understand my own religious attitudes and perspectives as a secular humanist.  

    What did I like best in this course?  The historical perspectives of religious evolution.  I was intrigued as my spotty self-educated theories of religion's lineage resolved into the clear picture presented, much of the fog clearing and the pieces falling into the bigger picture.  Closely related, it was revealing to see how religion is a fundamental piece of the human psyche and sociological landscape.  Coincident to this course, I took a management course including the Hermann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI).  How could this piece of the average psyche be so lacking in emphasis within me?  It is largely do to my natural de-emphasis of religious/emotional aspects.  It is good to know where I fit in and why.

    What did I like least?  The sections on mysticism and spirits.  These concepts are a bit too far from the measurable, tactile world for my tastes.  However, they were clearly and informatively discussed in the text.

    I think these courses could be improved by shortening the lessons and lengthening the course by a few weeks.  I found them to be a bit longer than I could consume in a sitting due to numerous other demands on my time.

    This course was very well written, the HTML emails were generally well coded, and the topics were approached impartially and with respect.  They were easy to understand, and the topics built logically from basics to more advanced concepts.  I would love to take additional courses written by Rev. Kythera Ann, and will be looking for Comparative Religion Parts II and beyond.

Rev. Charles Morris

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  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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Comparative Religion

Final Essay on Comparative Religion

            Sadly it been months since I last read, and then reread, the material for the course but I didn't really know what I was going to write.  I'm not sure I do now except that I have a pressing desire to write something.  So here goes. 

            I'd like to start by saying how easy this course was to read and therefore become interested in.  Previous readings I have had on the topic or comparative religion went in depth on the similarities and differences of the various faiths but never really followed any set format.  They also tried to compare religions in general as a whole, never breaking them into further groups that would allow them to be fairly explained and compared.  Its fair, for example, to compare Judeo-Christian religions to each other and possibly to even include Islam into the mix.  These religions are largely if not completely based on the same mythology and therefore lend themselves to comparison.  Comparing Catholicism to say Asatru or Druidry becomes extremely difficult based on the drastically different goals of the faith let alone the vast differences in the cultures that spawned them.  This course begins by breaking the different world faiths into the groups of exoteric and esoteric allowing for a better comparison.  Thats not to say that faiths don't contain both, they certainly do, and I would be hard pressed to call one purely one or the other, but if still gives us a starting point. 

            It may have been beneficial to go a little more in depth on that line as well since in todays world people are more individualistic and therefore tend to be leaning towards a certain direction, mainly the esoteric one.  People want to understand the inner workings of their faith and are no longer willing to be outside the circle of initiates.  People want to be in control of their own spiritual life just as they want to control their mundane life and the religions that control their spiritual existence through the requirements of a clergy and initiations into the faith are falling by the way side.

            In the process of explaining the different faiths the writer also took it upon herself to try to explain why people seek faith and why different society sought certain faiths.  It makes sense, to some extent, as you go though the processes described as to why humans need faith.  Put simply they need a way to explain the unexplainable and they need to find the peace that faith in something can bring to the inner self. 

            In the end this course, while not providing me with what I expected, which was a greater understanding of the world religions, did provide me with a tool kit with which to analyze the faiths of the world on my own time in my own way.  This course allows me to better understand what people are seeking from their faith and possibly makes me better able to "tend my flock."  I would like to thank Rev. Kythera Ann for her excellent work on this topic and I hope that she continues to write Comparative Religion 2 and so on until the topic has been fully developed in text.

Rev. Justin 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. 

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A Course in Miracles

"Becoming the Channel for the Miracle Maker"

A Final Essay for the Doctor of Metaphysics Course

By Daniel L. Moore

            In the beginning, God created the first couple to reflect God's glory.  The instructor, guided by "The Course of Miracles," believes that sin came about because the Son of God forgot to laugh.  I differ as I am guided by the Holy Scriptures which teaches that sin began in the heart of Lucifer (aka, Satan, the Great Red Dragon, the serpent) who rebelled against God and later came to deceive and destroy humanity.

            That said, I do believe in many of the principles found in the course that help a person to go back to the "original design" of God – to reflect Divine Glory.  It does require a change of thinking for the Christian.  The Apostle Paul often taught the churches that they were to "put off the old man," that is the old way of living in fear, guilt and shame.  They were then encouraged to put on the "new man" which is the character and conduct of a follower of Christ.  It is a new way of life that is grounded in love and fueled by the Holy Spirit.

            In becoming a channel for the "Miracle Maker" (God by way of the Holy Spirit working in each Christian), meditation is a good tool.  From the book of Psalms the reader is instructed:  "Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah" (Psalms 4:4 NKJV).  This puts the focus off of self and then upon God.  This allows one to gain closeness to the Divine and seek out God in fellowship.  In this process, we learn to let go of selfish desires and replace them with divine desires.  In this time of prayer we can grow more in love with God and God's creation.  Note the Apostle Paul wrote about proper desire:

            "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" (Philippians 1:9-11 NASB).

            We are not created to be aimless robots.   We are created for purpose and thus we should pursue lives of purpose.  Purpose gives direction.  It also requires intentionality.  If I believe my purpose is to create music that pleases others, then I cannot just sit around wishing.  I need to practice and practice and practice.  I need to set aside all distractions and focus.  This requires attention.  A master mechanic becomes one because he or she pays attention – to the big picture and to the small details.  The grandeur of majestic buildings, the paintings that catch life with unique expressions, the song with that tune we cannot shake, and the modern gadgets all around us are the results of the wonderful alchemy of purpose, intention, and attention blending together.

            God had a vision when God created the universe.  As a reflection of Divine glory, we are to be visionary.  This means to look forward.  The past can be a trap if we allow past mistakes to bury ourselves in guilt.  Learn the lessons but forgive the mistakes and sins.  Move one! 

            Channels for God to work miracles through do not work alone.  We are "lone rangers" but a body connected to the Head – Jesus Christ.  Help is offered, should be requested, and to be taken.  Help can come from a friend, a co-worker, a family member, a stranger, and the Holy Spirit.  To be created in the image of the Triune God, a community of Three Persons, is to be created into a community of God's family.  Our greatest help is God.  We sometimes don't like the answers given – but who truly knows best?  God. 

            Miracles can occur when we allow God to work.  This requires following God's instructions.  I met an evangelist who served as a pastor to "shantytown" in lower Mississippi.  His congregation never grew above one hundred.  He did many baptisms a year.  He would go visiting the people and often would ask those living in the shanties, "Do you want to see miracles in your life?"   He would invite them to a Bible study.  He told me, "And they saw miracles.  When they quit smoking and drinking alcohol, they had a miracle – they had money to pay the rent and electric bill.  When they quit doing drugs – another miracle as they could buy groceries!  When they cleaned up and applied for jobs – a miracle!  They were hired.  When they saved money – a miracle!  They were able to buy something without stealing from others.  We saw miracles all the time!"

            The miracles are there.  We just need to adjust ourselves to be the channels for God's blessings, pray for help, become more purposeful, and stand back to watch – another miracle!

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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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Shamanism

I would remark that it came as a great surprise the vast information you supplied in regards to Shaman. Regrettably, I was of the incorrect mind set that Shamanism was solely Native American based. I was equally surprised to find that Shamanism was not restricted to just males but rather originated from females. I found it truly remarkable to learn that Shaman exist in almost all countries. I also learned that there were different types of Shaman such as Shaman healers, Shaman, and medicine men and that they are all different but could also be the same. I certainly never expected to learn that Egyptians and Greeks has Shaman. In all honesty, when I enrolled in this course I was attempting to learn more about Native American Shamanism. I think that a more detailed course should be created along this area of study. I also would like to see more detail of the actual ceremonies performed and the purpose behind each. It was, however, interesting to learn of the different meaning and purposes of the robes and masks and drums that Shaman utilize. I still have questions as to whether a Shaman is someone who has learned the trade, inherited the tradition or was simply born into it. I am curious as to whether Shamanism can, in fact, be learned and applied in today's modern society. So although the course was extremely interesting and informative, there are still many questions that I personally would like to have resolved. I also realize that this may never happen in totality. Rev. Alan Kelly ******************************* 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

Subject: Master of Metaphysical healing     First let me say that I am grateful to have this opportunity to be able to partake in the lesson.     It is understandable how throughout the ages humans have lived in fear of what they do not understand. The practice of any type of healing is as old and intriguing as the universe itself. From the first person to figure out what plant caused what reaction to the hands on faith works of today.      Slowly ideals of what is traditional for healing are changing. Sadly a lot of the indigenous tribes which have practiced traditional healing for their entire existence are slowly disappearing due to modern progress.     It is uplifting and a blessing that there are some individuals that have the awareness that all things are connected and that modern medicine and traditional medicine can co-exist. I find it interesting that no matter how you examine true healing, it is all a matter of spirituality.     It is important that any healer have a base knowledge of body function to help assess any treatment. However it is imperative that that healer also have a secure understanding that the soul and spirit must be treated as well. In treating the spirit and body we can use many different methods from hands on to spirit quests, oils and aromas, even working with energy fields. I think that the most important here is that the healer has to make the spirit and physical connection of the one in need of healing. They have to make that connection for both to receive that divine energy.      There is also another faucet to this healing triad. Let us not forget the mental aspect. Sometimes it is not always physical. Healing is also about breaking old behaviors and self destructive patterns and helping secure a spiritual connection. It may have to go as deep as a life recall in order to understand the damages so the healing process can begin or the process may be as simple as stating some loving, healing and some type of positive affirmations each day.     With all the things that happen in the medical world these days, it becomes ever troublesome to find some one to trust. This is even harder for those in the fields of Natural Healing. I truly find it appalling that some one would take such a divine gift and cause harm or give false practice. I believe that in order to respectfully assist any one in the healing process you need to make sure that they are open fully to the experience. Be certain that you have knowledge of any prior treatments, both traditional and medical. I also feel that it is imperative that you get as much back ground information (fears, traumas, etc) as they are comfortable in giving. It is my thought that you can not fully treat the person if you do not understand why they came to you in the first place.     I feel that any one making a conscious decision to pursue this path has a strict moral and spiritual obligation to adhere to the Healers Oath. Many Blessings Ed Click ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  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