About the Urantia Book New! Is there any read-along CD available for The Urantia Book? Thank you! New! Is The Urantia Book a New Age Book? Why isn't the Bible enough? Why do we need The Urantia Book? How does it compare with the Bible? Who authored The Urantia Book? Is The Urantia Book a new religion? Is it a cult? What is The Urantia Book? I am having a difficult time with the patriarchal presentation to all this. Is there room for greater diversity? Is the Bible truly the definitive work on salvation and eternity? About God New! Is The Urantia Book polytheistic? New! What influences God in the granting of salvation? If God wants a perfect world, why so much suffering, depression, death and drugs? Is there a feminine element to God? If there is God, who created God? Why does God permit suffering and evil? About Jesus New! Where was and what was Jesus doing during the 13 years of his life that seem to alwyas be in question? New! Does the UB give any description of what Jesus really looked like? Which race did Jesus belong to? In The Urantia Book how does Jesus compare with God? Do you believe Jesus died to save us? What relationship has Joshua Ben Joseph with Jesus Christ of Nazareth? What was Jesus doing when he was walking around Jerusalem? What does The Urantia Book say about Jesus being the Saviour? What does The Urantia Book say the actual gospel is? How was Jesus really crucified, through His wrists or palms? Who does The Urantia Book say Jesus was? When was the first picture/painting done of Jesus, by who, and who was the model? Did Jesus have any siblings from Mary and Joseph? About Religion New! After reading the book, do I have to give up practicing a religion that does not conform to the teachings? New! The book of Revelation says that nothing can be added or taken away from it. Does this invalidate The Urantia Book? It seems that the main difference between Urantia Book teachings and Buddhism is that one teaches of a Personal Creator while the other teaches of a non-personal creative energy. What do you think of this? About Believing New! The Bible teaches that Jesus is God in human form, that He became a man and that He, himself hung on a cross in flesh for the salvation of the world. Why does the Urantia book deny this, and what then are we to believe? One says one thing, the other says another thing. Please explain. New! Jesus said he was the way, the truth and the life. How then, can any theology but Christianity be accurate? And how can The Urantia Book claim that beliefs are relative and that all world religions have value? How can I not be afraid if there is a chance that my soul is in danger of becoming extinct? Can you reconcile A Course In Miracles with The Urantia Book? If so, how? Why should anyone believe The Urantia Book? Am I wrong if I don't believe what The Urantia Book says? Does The Urantia Book teach a version of The Golden Rule? Are Urantia believers born-again? How does evolutionary science fit in? About Praise and Worship New! How does the gift of speaking in tongues affect our praise and worship? New! Can one person pray for another? What Does the Urantia Book Say About... New! Could Earth (Urantia) be visted by another Paradise Son who would be born of woman and grow up as Jesus once did? New! The Urantia Book is replete with Jesus' observance of the passover. Did Jesus ever have anything to say about the taking of first born sons by the father. Is the passover allegorical somewhat similar to the child inquiring to Jesus about Jonah? I just obtained The Urantia Book, but I see no mention of Atlantis and/or Lemuria. Can someone explain that to me? What is Lucifer's Testament? What does the book teach regarding reincarnation? What does The Urantia Book say about Lucifer? What does the book teach regarding Adam and Eve? What does The Urantia Book say about homosexuality? Based on The Urantia Book, how is a person condemned to Hell? Is Hell real? Would you please explain the following terms in simple to understand terms: impersonal; prepersonal; personal; subpersonal; superpersonal. The Bible says, Is the teaching of Reincarnation true? Various Other Questions and Comments New! Do we know our loved ones after our mortal life on earth ends? New! My son died from cancer at the age of 21. Was it so much necessary to suffer and leave this world like that? The UB states the Milky Way forms the center of the superuniverse of Orvonton. Has anyone determined how many similar galaxies are contained in Orvonton? As the soul is the seed of our emerging morontial/spiritual forms, and such soul-attached entities do progress in a somewhat linear fashion (ever upwards and onwards to more and more advanced worlds), is it not possible that reincarnation indeed refers to non-soul attached human entities (that include mind, body, personality,etc.) that do experience repeated human lives on Urantia prior to development of a soul? If Jesus had feet like brass burnt in a furnace wouldn't that make him of negro descent? I am so confused after reading two pages. How can I trust a God who could make it as though I never existed? Do many souls become so selfish and reject God's love that they diminish? Who is Michael of Nebadon? What is the universe name of our Milky Way Galaxy? What are the names of the angels? Does The Urantia Book explain the kind of nutrition that we humans should have for a healthier body? If evolution is so, does God interfere with the process? Why did God tempt Adam and Eve, if he wanted the world to be perfect? What happens when one commits suicide? Why do some people have to endure so much while others live relatively carefree lives? About the Urantia Book What is The Urantia Book? [print] [email] The Urantia Book may be the most powerful evidence ever that there is intelligent life in the Universe. The Urantia Book boldly claims to be a revelation of truth to our world from the headquarters of the Superuniverse. A revelation, in book form, it is intended to help guide humankind into the next era of evolutionary progress. The Urantia Book provides a deeper appreciation and understanding of our own planetary family, as well as of our place in the cosmic family of freewill intelligent beings. It reveals as never before an infinite circle of creation, at the center of which reigns our beneficent and loving Creator. [print above] [email] back to the top Is The Urantia Book a new religion? Is it a cult? [print] [email] The Urantia Book contains religion, history, science, and philosophy, and includes the life and teachings of Jesus. It defines religion as the sublime and personal relationship between the individual and the Creator. The Urantia Book simply states, "In its true essence, religion is a faith-trust in the goodness of God." (2:6.1) The book asserts that one of the highest religious concepts that a person can grasp is the simple "fact of the fatherhood of God, coupled with the resultant truth of the sonship-brotherhood of men." (194:0.4) No organized religion based on the teachings of The Urantia Book exists at this time, and many who believe in the book feel it is neither necessary nor desirable to create one. Each of the world's major religions once began as cult. A "cult" is characterized by a group of people who adhere to a standardized and ecclesiastically sanctioned belief system, leaving no room for personal beliefs or for interpretation. Often, such a belief system embraces some regiment of uncontestable theology, some indispensable method to garner one's salvation into heaven. Usually, there is a charismatic leader who is recognized as the final authority on nearly all matters of living, sometimes even to the mundane. None of the above characteristics applies to readers of The Urantia Book. The Urantia Book has no official interpretation, and it actually encourages the free exploration of its concepts, allowing readers to discover for themselves the meaning and value of its teachings. [print above] [email] back to the top Who authored The Urantia Book? [print] [email] There is much detailed speculation and conjecture on the origin, organization, and method of reception of the Urantia Papers, but how they actually were obtained constitutes an amazing mystery about which little is truly known or understood. The authors are listed in the Table of Contents and at the end of each of the 196 Papers (chapters) comprising The Urantia Book. The authors identify themselves as a diverse group of heavenly beings who were commissioned to bring to our world the next in a series of revelations intended to restore to humankind an understanding of the true nature of God, of our origin, history, and destiny, and to provide us with a cosmic perspective of who we are and how we fit into the greater flow of cosmic events. No human being is listed as author of The Urantia Book. The Urantia Book refers to the authorship as a collaborative effort by many superhuman, celestial beings, all of whom brought to this endeavor individual areas of knowledge and expertise. However, they tell us from the beginning that they were mandated to give priority to any human expressions of truth that represented "the highest and most advanced planetary knowledge of spiritual values and universe meanings" as would convey the truth "as they were directed to reveal it" before resorting to their own superior expressions of truth-knowledge. (Foreword:12.11) The various and diverse writings of many human beings were masterfully co-ordinated, enhanced, and improved by the authors responsible for the creation of The Urantia Book. It is believed that one human being was utilized as a sort of "sleeping subject" to produce the Urantia teachings, but this person did not want to be known for the phenomenon. Records of the events concerning the origin of the book state that there were six people who knew the identity of this person, but none of them ever revealed the identity. Those who remember some of these events have reported that the authors of The Urantia Book indicated it was best that this person remained anonymous, because the truth and wisdom of the teachings would endure on their own merits without a human personality to authenticate them. [print above] [email] back to the top Why isn't the Bible enough? Why do we need The Urantia Book? [print] [email] One could just as easily wonder why any person should strive to learn and know more. Why send a child to college when a high school education is sufficient to survive in the world? The Creator put the propensity in each of us that we might constantly strive to better our civilization and ourselves. A better question might be, "Why wouldn't God reveal more to us, especially as we are able to understand and know more?" Any good parent or teacher would do this. Children cannot reach the fulfillment of their personal dreams and potential without the periodic help, wisdom and guidance of more experienced adults. Neither can humankind reach its objectives nor can we live up to our true potential without some form of periodic wisdom and guidance from above. When considering the epic struggle of humanity to reach our own often-stated goal of "peace on earth, and goodwill among men," one source of religious truth and knowledge can hardly be adequate. This is even more evident considering the great diversity that exists in humanity. If humans needed only one source of information, then human history would not be punctuated with great religious, scientific, and philosophic teachers. Jesus would not have come to offer a "new testament" if the "old testament" alone were adequate. It was he who promised a response for those who would seek, ask, and knock. Why would he have stated this great truth if no new answer or discovery were ever forthcoming? [print above] [email] back to the top How does it compare with the Bible? [print] [email] The Urantia Book can actually clarify and enhance many of the vague and difficult concepts of the Bible as well as other sacred texts. The Bible, like all literature, is subject to interpretation and The Urantia Book can help tremendously with this because it fills in many of the gaps. For example: The Bible does not explain the one-time existence of the many different types of dinosaurs, nor the long geophysical evolution of this planet. It does not explain the long evolution of the human species nor the many civilizations that have existed on this world. It does not explain how Cain, if he were a child of the first humans on earth, could find a wife in "The Land of Nod." It never mentions what happened to Joseph, the father of Jesus, nor does it give any detail regarding the diversity of material and spiritual life that exists in the cosmos. Although The Bible is a wonderful repository of spiritual truths recorded over the ages, it is by no means an end of God's instruction to humankind, and neither, for that matter, is The Urantia Book. "But no revelation short of the attainment of the Universal Father can ever be complete." (The Urantia Book, Page 1008, 92:4.9) [print above] [email] back to the top Is The Urantia Book a New Age Book? [print] [email] The teachings of The Urantia Book are certainly new in many respects, and in a sense its presence here bears witness to a new age on earth. However, the book is also a reiteration of a message that is anything but new to mankind. The proclamation that every human being is a member of the family of God and that each person can come to realize this fact by faith and through grace is surely not "New Age." The book exquisitely weaves the past with the present and the future to give us a wholistic vision of our existence. The Urantia Book is truly unprecedented, and is nearly impossible to label. [print above] [email] back to the top I am having a difficult time with the patriarchal presentation to all this. Is there room for greater diversity? [print] [email] The Urantia Book teaches that as spiritual beings we are not only ascending beings, but also expanding beings, expanding to take in the infinite diversity of a vast creation. There is actually more room for diversity than human beings can ever imagine. Many stumble over the patriarchal tone of the book. The book often refers to God as, "The first great source and center of all things and beings." But the authors tell us that the term Father comes closest (for our human understanding) to his character and role in the universe of universes. The book gives lavish credit to the femine aspects of deity, but every aspect still finds its source in the one God. The authors of the book could have referred to God as it, but that would not have done justice to such a personal and approachable being. All in all they did the best they could with the language and culture they had to work with in the early part of the twentieth century. Those who publish and love the book understand that the patriarchal language can be a problem in today's culture, but feel it is very important that people are able to experience these teachings exactly as they were given. The book says, "The name he is given is of little importance; the significant thing is that you should know him and aspire to be like him." (1:1.6) The Urantia Book specifically addresses the Mother aspects of God, there is an entire paper about The Local Universe Mother Spirit. Nowhere in the book's teachings is the notion of male superiority supported. Consider the following quotes from the book: "Sex equality prevails on all advanced worlds; male and female are equal in mind endowment and spiritual status. We do not regard a planet as having emerged from barbarism so long as one sex seeks to tyrannize over the other." (49:4.4, Pg 564) "My brother, always remember that man has no rightful authority over woman unless the woman has willingly and voluntarily given him such authority. Your wife has engaged to go through life with you, to help you fight its battles, and to assume the far greater share of the burden of bearing and rearing your children; and in return for this special service it is only fair that she receive from you that special protection which man can give to woman as the partner who must carry, bear, and nurture the children." (133:2.1, Pg 1471, Jesus to a man who was publicly mistreating his wife.) "The Father in heaven treats the Spirit Mother of the children of the universe as one equal to himself. It is Godlike to share your life and all that relates thereto on equal terms with the mother partner who so fully shares with you that divine experience of reproducing yourselves in the lives of your children. If you can only love your children as God loves you, you will love and cherish your wife as the Father in heaven honors and exalts the Infinite Spirit, the mother of all the spirit children of a vast universe." (Jesus, Page 1471) "Woman, however, has always been the moral standard-bearer and the spiritual leader of mankind. The hand that rocks the cradle still fraternizes with destiny." (84:5.11,Pg 938) "Though human beings differ in many ways, the one from another, before God and in the spiritual world all mortals stand on an equal footing." (133:0.3, Jesus, Pg 1468) "Mankind can appropriately be divided into many classes in accordance with differing qualifications, as they may be viewed physically, mentally, socially, vocationally, or morally, but as these different classes of mortals appear before the judgment bar of God, they stand on an equal footing; God is truly no respecter of persons." (Jesus, Page 1468) If one can get past a perceived patriarchal language barrier it becomes very apparent that the teachings of The Urantia Book dictate that anyone's notion of superiority is utterly ludicrous. The loving embrace of diversity is the key to true human brotherhood, and The Urantia Book lays that goal before us as the ultimate accomplishment of humanity as a whole. [print above] [email] back to the top Is the Bible truly the definitive work on salvation and eternity? [print] [email] You are asking one of the most important questions a person can ask about his personal religious beliefs and the use of religious texts to gain wisdom and insight into God's will for us. It has taken some time to respond because I wanted to find out for myself exactly what the Bible says about both salvation and eternity before I wrote back. After reading in a Bible concordance that there are several different Hebraic (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) words meaning salvation, with each word having its own meaning, I realized that I was looking in the wrong place for an answer. I cannot answer your question. Every person must decide for himself how to understand sacred texts like the Bible, the Koran, and the Torah. That's not the easy answer, but I believe it's the true one. How can we really know for sure whether the concepts and ideas presented to us in a sacred text absolutely represent God's ways and will for His people (including you and me) throughout over 3,000 years of history? Much depends on who or what you look to as a final authority in your life. Is there another human being who you believe fully represents God and is qualified to tell you what to think and believe? I have never found such a person except for the loving God I find through worship and prayer. He is my divine authority, the final word on what is true, beautiful and good in all of life. I can draw near to Him through the Bible or some other sacred text, but it is only when I finally close the book, close my eyes and enter into that wonderful, silent, sacred space in which I encounter my Loving Father that I understand how humanly inadequate any human person or book is compared with inner Spirit of Truth that leads the way. It is then that I truly understand myself as His daughter and every other person as my brother and sister. It is then I realize that God's creative power and His love and mercy for all His creatures is so great and so beyond the power of my comprehension, that any human attempt to fully understand eternity, infinity, salvation, or forgiveness is inadequate. In my opinion, neither the Bible or any other text touched by the human hand and heart can be the final word. They are great masterpieces of the written word, but they are not the Word, which leads when we choose to be led us by the Spirit of Truth. As far as understanding salvation, I think that neither God nor Jesus wants us to judge either ourselves or other people. Jesus taught salvation through faith, not works, because only when we stop being concerned with our own status will we be able to truly minister to others (Luke 17:33). He tells us not to judge others, that we not be judged (Mt. 7:1). He also tells us that if we come to him in faith and as little children (meaning humble and hungry for truth), He will be our great Comforter and Savior (Luke 18:17). Jason, I have answered your question as honestly as I can. I hope that you will write back if you have thoughts you'd like to share about this, of if you have had your own experience of being guided by the Spirit of Truth. I always love to hear the stories of others who are seeking to know and do the will of God. It is true, we are one worldwide family of God. Let us love one another as God loves us. [print above] [email] back to the top Is there any read-along CD available for The Urantia Book? Thank you! [print] [email] Yes, there are several ways of having the audio version of The Urantia Book on CD. The first is that the current Uversa Press printing of The Urantia Book, available at most stores or on-line through Amazon.com, comes with an audio DVD in the back of the book. This DVD is used on your computer -- you can copy the audio files from it and save them onto CDs that can be played in any CD player. Another way is on-line at our site -- the full text of The Urantia Book is available at our site along with the audio recording so that you can read and listen at the same time. Just go to Truthbook.com, click on "The Urantia Book" at the left side links, click on "English", click on "Read and Listen", click on the Paper you want to read and hear, and click on the "Listen" icon at the top of the paper. Also from the page that shows "Read and Listen" you can download the audio format from our site to your computer. [print above] [email] back to the top About God What influences God in the granting of salvation? [print] [email] When our Master revealed to us the true nature and character of God, he demonstrated by his very life that God goes out in search of the wrongdoer, as the true shepherd leaves the flock to go out in search of the lost sheep. Since our Heavenly Father is changeless and perfect, his divine purpose has always been to constantly minister mercy and to show unwavering goodness to every being. It is literally true: He would "have all men be saved by coming into the knowledge of the truth." He is "not willing that any should perish." God desires that all be in communion with him. We are all beloved sons and daughters of God. It is only the continued rejection of the Father's constant proffer of divine mercy that distances the wrongdoer from experiencing the unqualified love of God. The Father never wavers from his boundless mercy. Man need not be saved from God's wrath, but he most certainly needs to be saved from himself, from his own base and selfish tendencies. "God is inherently kind, naturally compassionate, and everlastingly merciful. And never is it necessary that any influence be brought to bear upon the Father to call forth his loving-kindness. The creature's need is wholly sufficient to insure the full flow of the Father's tender mercies and his saving grace. Since God knows all about his children, it is easy for him to forgive." (The Urantia Book, Page 38, 2:4.2) [print above] [email] back to the top Is The Urantia Book polytheistic? [print] [email] The Urantia Book teaches unequivocally that there is only one God, the first source and center of all things and beings. However, God manifests in myriad ways, the most important of which is through the Paradise Trinity. When the authors of the book refer to God and his associate deities they often make reference to "the Gods." This can be confusing when taken out of context. However, reading the book helps to provide a conceptual understanding that all these manifestations are in reality the many facets of the one true God. [print above] [email] back to the top If God wants a perfect world, why so much suffering, depression, death and drugs? [print] [email] In Truthbook's "Answers to Life's Toughest Questions" section we list The Urantia Book's answer to the timeless human question "Why does God permit suffering and evil?" We hope you will take the time to read it as well. Is it correct to assume that God micro-manages the universe? Is it correct to assume that God wills bad into the lives of his creatures? God has given us the gifts of personality and free-will and provided a vast and diverse evolving creation in which we exist. Because we are free to choose, we alone decide what we will do with this grand opportunity we call life, and often times we learn as much and more from the bad things that happen as we learn from good times. Some bad things that happen happen as a result of chance and some because of poor choices. Ultimately, we have the ability to make our lives meaningful and valuable or not. If we did not have this right to choose, even to choose unwisely, our free-will would be meaningless. The answer to why God permits evil and suffering is answered in depth in The Urantia Book, this is why it is of such value to inquiring minds. You might begin your reading with the inevitabilities at 3:5.5. [print above] [email] back to the top Is there a feminine element to God? [print] [email] Yes, most certainly both father and mother, masculine and feminine take origin in God. God is all and in all. According to The Urantia Book, the Second Person of the Paradise Trinity is considered the Spirit Mother of all creature creation. The feminine aspect of God is equal in every way to the masculine aspect, and this reality is true on all levels of creation, from Paradise all the way to the lowly spheres of time and space. Jesus once said this to a man who was mistreating his wife in public, "The Father in heaven treats the Spirit Mother of the children of the universe as one equal to himself. It is Godlike to share your life and all that relates thereto on equal terms with the mother partner who so fully shares with you that divine experience of reproducing yourselves in the lives of your children. If you can only love your children as God loves you, you will love and cherish your wife as the Father in heaven honors and exalts the Infinite Spirit, the mother of all the spirit children of a vast universe." The Urantia Book, Page 1471, (133:2.2) [print above] [email] back to the top If there is God, who created God? [print] [email] To ponder the creation of God can only lead to pondering the creation of that entity which created God. Sooner or later one has to conclude that there is a source that has always been, one without beginning or ending; a creative source that is existential. The Urantia Book calls this reality "the first great creative source and center of all things and beings." Because all finite human beings have a beginning, it becomes nearly impossible for us to comprehend any reality that is without beginning or end. Such a reality as God is by definition then, Infinite. Just as surely as a finite reality exists, an infinite one does also. In fact, it makes perfect sense that only an infinite reality could bring finite reality into existence, the finite reality being but the shadow of the greater infinite reality. There's a great deal of evidence supporting the existence of God for anyone honestly seeking to find God. Ironically, it's not evidence that can be offered to anyone as conclusive proof. The existence of God can only be validated by each individual's personal experience with God and such experience comes only as a result of reaching out with faith to find him and to know him. [print above] [email] back to the top Why does God permit suffering and evil? [print] [email] You may wish to begin by reading here: (148:5.1). All evolutionary creature life is beset by certain inevitabilities. Consider the following: Is courage--strength of character--desirable? Then must man be reared in an environment which necessitates grappling with hardships and reacting to disappointments. Is altruism--service of one's fellows--desirable? Then must life experience provide for encountering situations of social inequality. Is hope--the grandeur of trust--desirable?Then human existence must constantly be confronted with insecurities and recurrent uncertainties. Is faith--the supreme assertion of human thought--desirable? Then must the mind of man find itself in that troublesome predicament where it ever knows less than it can believe. Is the love of truth and the willingness to go wherever it leads, desirable? Then must man grow up in a world where error is present and falsehood always possible. Is idealism--the approaching concept of the divine--desirable? Then must man struggle in an environment of relative goodness and beauty, surroundings stimulative of the irrepressible reach for better things. Is loyalty--devotion to highest duty--desirable? Then must man carry on amid the possibilities of betrayal and desertion. The valor of devotion to duty consists in the implied danger of default. Is unselfishness--the spirit of self-forgetfulness--desirable? Then must mortal man live face to face with the incessant clamoring of an inescapable self for recognition and honor. Man could not dynamically choose the divine life if there were no self-life to forsake. The Urantia Book, Page 51, (3:5.5) One of the reasons for the gift of The Urantia Book is there is a clear misunderstanding of God throughout all religions and theologies. Everything that Jesus tried to instill in his apostles and believers was replaced by superstition and tradition very soon after he was made politically correct by the Roman Emperor. Paul's Christian re-working of Mithraism and Judaism put God in control of all things, and made God to be a stern judge who demanded his son's death. Nowadays, although heaven and hell are thought to be largely fantasy realms, it is assumed that there is a God somewhere. It is assumed that God is in control of everything, and that God is to blame for everything, therefore, good luck and bad luck depend upon God's favor; those who perish in massive disasters were not under God's protection at that time. Therefore, as a primitive tribe of superstitious half-hearted believers, whenever major tragedy strikes, God gets the blame. It is difficult to formulate theology that is appealing concerning a loving and forgiving heavenly Father. The preferred method is to provide rules by which one can bribe one's way into heaven, or at least avoid the tortures of hell. And, as long as God is seen as angry, jealous, judgmental, and all too human, people are being frightened into specious belief as a survival technique. [print above] [email] back to the top About Jesus In The Urantia Book how does Jesus compare with God? [print] [email] According to The Urantia Book, God is the First Source, the one uncaused Cause, the Origin of all things and beings. From infinity God, as the Universal Father, sends his own Spirit into all the universes of time and space to live within the higher reaches of the mind of each person, there to guide each of us throughout mortal life in the making of those decisions which will nurture the growth of our potentially eternal souls. Jesus is his Creator Son who hails from "the right hand of the Father" in Paradise, and who is now the Master Sovereign of this universe of his own making. Throughout his incarnation on this world, Urantia, Jesus perfectly did the Father's will, revealing his oneness with the Father. Jesus was the "Word" of God made flesh. "Jesus is the new and living way from man to God, from the partial to the perfect, from the earthly to the heavenly, from time to eternity." (129:4.7, Pg 1426) [print above] [email] back to the top Which race did Jesus belong to? [print] [email] The first answer would be "the human race" but you may wish to read Paper 122, beginning here. (122:1.1) [print above] [email] back to the top Do you believe Jesus died to save us? [print] [email] Following are three direct quotes from the book that we feel address your question. The first quote is from Jesus as he spoke to the two brothers from Emaus, not long after his resurrection. The other two are from sections near the end of the book entitled, Meaning Of The Death On The Cross and Lessons From The Cross. As they walked along, Jesus said to them: "How slow you are to comprehend the truth! When you tell me that it is about the teachings and work of this man that you have your discussions, then may I enlighten you since I am more than familiar with these teachings. Do you not remember that this Jesus always taught that his kingdom was not of this world, and that all men, being the sons of God, should find liberty and freedom in the spiritual joy of the fellowship of the brotherhood of loving service in this new kingdom of the truth of the heavenly Father's love? Do you not recall how this Son of Man proclaimed the salvation of God for all men, ministering to the sick and afflicted and setting free those who were bound by fear and enslaved by evil? Do you not know that this man of Nazareth told his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, be delivered up to his enemies, who would put him to death, and that he would arise on the third day? Have you not been told all this? And have you never read in the Scriptures concerning this day of salvation for Jew and gentile, where it says that in him shall all the families of the earth be blessed; that he will hear the cry of the needy and save the souls of the poor who seek him; that all nations shall call him blessed? That such a Deliverer shall be as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. That he will feed the flock like a true shepherd, gathering the lambs in his arms and tenderly carrying them in his bosom. That he will open the eyes of the spiritually blind and bring the prisoners of despair out into full liberty and light; that all who sit in darkness shall see the great light of eternal salvation. That he will bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives of sin, and open up the prison to those who are enslaved by fear and bound by evil. That he will comfort those who mourn and bestow upon them the joy of salvation in the place of sorrow and heaviness. That he shall be the desire of all nations and the everlasting joy of those who seek righteousness. That this Son of truth and righteousness shall rise upon the world with healing light and saving power; even that he will save his people from their sins; that he will really seek and save those who are lost. That he will not destroy the weak but minister salvation to all who hunger and thirst for righteousness. That those who believe in him shall have eternal life. That he will pour out his spirit upon all flesh, and that this Spirit of Truth shall be in each believer a well of water, springing up into everlasting life. Did you not understand how great was the gospel of the kingdom which this man delivered to you? Do you not perceive how great a salvation has come upon you?" The Urantia Book, Page 2035, (190:5.4) When once you grasp the idea of God as a true and loving Father, the only concept which Jesus ever taught, you must forthwith, in all consistency, utterly abandon all those primitive notions about God as an offended monarch, a stern and all-powerful ruler whose chief delight is to detect his subjects in wrongdoing and to see that they are adequately punished, unless some being almost equal to himself should volunteer to suffer for them, to die as a substitute and in their stead. The whole idea of ransom and atonement is incompatible with the concept of God as it was taught and exemplified by Jesus of Nazareth. The infinite love of God is not secondary to anything in the divine nature. The Urantia Book, Page 2017, (188:4.8) The cross forever shows that the attitude of Jesus toward sinners was neither condemnation nor condonation, but rather eternal and loving salvation. Jesus is truly a savior in the sense that his life and death do win men over to goodness and righteous survival. Jesus loves men so much that his love awakens the response of love in the human heart.The Urantia Book, Page 2018 (188:5.1) [print above] [email] back to the top What relationship has Joshua Ben Joseph with Jesus Christ of Nazareth? [print] [email] They are in fact one and the same. Joshua ben Joseph was Jesus given name at birth, he grew up being known as Joshua. He was only later called Jesus by the Greeks, Jesus being the Greek form of Joshua. The Urantia Book, (136:2.3, Pg. 1511) [print above] [email] back to the top What was Jesus doing when he was walking around Jerusalem? [print] [email] Jesus was revealing God to man and doing good as he passed by. Jesus took delight in living as a mortal, in meeting with and learning from the people around him, in using whatever opportunity presented itself to help those he came in contact with to understand the value of their lives and their relationship to one another and to the heavenly Father. Here are two sections from The Urantia Book that beautifully depict Jesus' earthly ministry, (171:7.1) and (100:7.1). [print above] [email] back to the top What does The Urantia Book say about Jesus being the Saviour? [print] [email] Several quotes relate directly to this question: "Though it is hardly proper to speak of Jesus as a sacrificer, a ransomer, or a redeemer, it is wholly correct to refer to him as a savior." (188:4.7,Pg 2017) "Jesus is truly a savior in the sense that his life and death do win men over to goodness and righteous survival. Jesus loves men so much that his love awakens the response of love in the human heart." (188:5.2, Pg 2018) According to The Urantia Book, Jesus' life among us served to illuminate the way of salvation, but his death was not a ransom paid to appease an offended God. It was, and still is, his life of unselfish service and his revelation of the true and loving nature of our Heavenly Father that illuminated and opened the way of salvation for all who sincerely seek it. Jesus does save us, not from God, but from our own base, ignorant, and selfish natures. Jesus revealed that each person, by wholeheartedly trusting in the absolute goodness of God as his infinitely-loving Spirit Father, may experience the profoundly personal inner assurance of sonship as the Father's free gift. He once said, "No child has aught to do with earning the status of son or daughter. The earth child comes into being by the will of its parents. Even so, the child of God comes into grace and the new life of the spirit by the will of the Father in heaven." (144:4.3, Pg 1621) Unselfish service to one's fellows, righteous living for God's sake, and the striving for divine perfection, become, then, man's supreme motivation for living, as opposed to the selfish clamoring for survival. Jesus' provided a new way of living which consists in salvation from self. Salvation (survival beyond mortal death) is the gift of God, and should be taken for granted by all who are sincere of heart, who humbly seek God and desire to be like him. "When men believe this gospel, which is a revelation of the goodness of God, they will be led to voluntary repentance of all known sin. Realization of sonship is incompatible with the desire to sin." (Jesus, 150:5.5, Pg 1683) [print above] [email] back to the top What does The Urantia Book say the actual gospel is? [print] [email] In essence, Jesus' gospel is simply: That all men and women are in reality the sons and daughters of God, and that by faith each one may come to realize and daily experience this ennobling truth. Always the burden of his message was: the fact of the heavenly Father's love and the truth of his mercy, coupled with the good news that man is a faith-son of this same God of love. The Urantia Book, Page 1460, (132:4.1) [print above] [email] back to the top How was Jesus really crucified, through His wrists or palms? [print] [email] You may begin to read here: (187:2.1) [print above] [email] back to the top Who does The Urantia Book say Jesus was? [print] [email] Jesus is a Sovereign Son of God and his incarnation on this world, was a perfect representation of God to mankind. Jesus did the Father's will in perfection, and was truly God's "Word made flesh." Although our Father in heaven sends his own Spirit to live and work within each of us, personally guiding us through this mortal life in the making of decisions that will nurture the growth of our potentially eternal souls, He also touches every person through the worldwide presence of the Spirit of his bestowal Son, Jesus, whose life served as a revelation of God to mankind, and of mankind to God. It can be said that Jesus makes God's hand small enough for us to hold. "Jesus is the spiritual lens in human likeness which makes visible to the material creature Him who is invisible. He is your elder brother who, in the flesh, makes known to you a Being of infinite attributes whom not even the celestial hosts can presume fully to understand." The Urantia Book, Page 1857, (169:4.13) [print above] [email] back to the top When was the first picture/painting done of Jesus, by who, and who was the model? [print] [email] Your question - "When was the first picture/painting done of Jesus, by who, and who was the model?" is an interesting one. I wish I had the answer but, unfortunately,I don't think anyone can know for sure. I think that you are asking about the earliest known portrait of Jesus. I have done some searching in books and on the internet about the topic. The earliest portrait that we know about was probably painted some 1,700 years ago, during the 3rd or 4th century AD. My guess is that it was painted in Byzantium, (now Istanbul) which was one of the centers of early Christianity. Of course, that image of Jesus would not be a real portrait, as 200-300 years would have passed since He lived on earth. We also could not be sure that a human model was used to create the image. Portraits done during that time were often stylized paintings or mosaics called icons, which didn't try to capture a real likeness of Jesus, but instead were created to emphasize certain beliefs held by different branches of Christianity. That's the best I can do to answer your question. If you want to learn more, I'd suggest a trip to your library or anywhere you can find books on the history of religious art. I would also be happy to recommend some books to you on this topic. I'm personally grateful for your question because it led me to imagine who might have drawn the very first picture of Jesus. Of course, that picture would not exist today, because materials used to write or draw upon during that time were not only scarce but highly perishable. And most people would not have access to them, especially the poor and unfortunate to whom he ministered. Also, the Jews who knew Jesus so well were forbidden by law from making images. Maybe the artist was a local craftsman who was impressed by Jesus' gracious character as He visited with people in his neighborhood. Or maybe she was a quiet follower of Jesus who wanted to remember his kindly face, healing words, and understanding ways (we need to remember how restricted a women was in that society, and how daring the women were who followed Jesus). See "Jesus and the Women who Followed Him". Or maybe the first portrait was painted just after his death, created by someone who tried to remember what he looked like, or from the memories of those who knew him. In the Urantia Book we find many stories and descriptions of Jesus that help us understand why people were so attracted to him. I especially love the Section titled, "As Jesus Passed By". Personally, I like to imagine that a small child was the first to capture Jesus' likeness, using a stick to draw in the sand or dirt near the family home. Maybe this child was playing with the other children when Jesus appeared, sat down under a nearby tree, and started telling a story. We read that Jesus loved the little children, and that they loved him in return. Perhaps this little child discovered a new experience of love and trust when she rested in Jesus' arms or when he listened, spellbound, to his story. Drawing a picture of the Master would be a natural way to express the childlike joy of being in His presence. Thank you again, Jean for your question. I hope that this has been helpful. It certainly was enjoyable to think about! [print above] [email] back to the top Did Jesus have any siblings from Mary and Joseph? [print] [email] Part of the purpose for Jesus coming to earth was to live and experience a typical mortal life. To that end Jesus was the first-born of a family of 9: Jesus, born 7 B.C.; James, 3 B.C., Miriam, 2 B.C.; Joseph, 1 A.D.; Simon, 2 A.D., Martha, 3 A.D., Jude, 5 A.D., Amos, 7 A.D., and Ruth, 9 A.D. who was born about 8 months after the death of her father, Joseph, at which time Jesus became head of the household at age 15. A similar question was recently asked: "Can you give me the Biblical references to the physical brothers and sisters of Jesus." to which the reply was: The Gospel According to St. Matthew -- 27:56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children. The Gospel According to St. Mark -- 6:3. Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 15:40. There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians -- 1:19. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. The General Epistle of Jude -- 1:1. Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: These references were found by a text search for "brother" and "casting lots" in the King James text version of the New Testament. There may be other references as well, but these were the most obvious. It is thought by some that most references to Jesus' family, if they ever did exist, may have been removed from what became our Scriptures during the early Church's attempt to deify Mary. The best existing references to Jesus' earth family, mother, father, brothers and sisters, will be found in The Urantia Book which is produced from the angelic records made at that time. [print above] [email] back to the top Does the UB give any description of what Jesus really looked like? [print] [email] The Urantia Book is not specific about Jesus looks. However, it does give the following general account of him: Although Jesus was poor, his social standing in Nazareth was in no way impaired. He was one of the foremost young men of the city and very highly regarded by most of the young women. Since Jesus was such a splendid specimen of robust and intellectual manhood... (127:5.1) The Master displayed great wisdom and manifested perfect fairness in all of his dealings with his apostles and with all of his disciples. Jesus was truly a master of men; he exercised great influence over his fellow men because of the combined charm and force of his personality. There was a subtle commanding influence in his rugged, nomadic, and homeless life. There was intellectual attractiveness and spiritual drawing power in his authoritative manner of teaching, in his lucid logic, his strength of reasoning, his sagacious insight, his alertness of mind, his matchless poise, and his sublime tolerance. He was simple, manly, honest, and fearless. With all of this physical and intellectual influence manifest in the Master's presence, there were also all those spiritual charms of being which have become associated with his personality--patience, tenderness, meekness, gentleness, and humility. (141:3.1) [print above] [email] back to the top Where was and what was Jesus doing during the 13 years of his life that seem to alwyas be in question? [print] [email] Dear ELisha, Are there only 13 years in question? It seems to me that there are a lot more years than that which are unaccounted for. The Urantia Book more than makes up for any missing years in the Master's life. The final section of The Urantia Book is devoted entirely to the life and teachings of Jesus, from his birth, through his babyhood, childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, and into his ministry, including Holy Week, and culminating with Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and all of his resurrection appearances. We see Jesus as he interacts with his parents, his friends, the Jewish authorities, and his apostles and disciples. For the most complete accounting of Jesus' life, Part IV of The Urantia Book will answer all of your questions. It is a most satisfying and edifying read, unparalleled anywhere. In addition, Truthbook has put together a wonderful new feature called "Great Jesus Stories," which you can find on the right-hand side of the front page, or in the section on the left called "Jesus and The Urantia Book." In Great Jesus Stories, we have isolated just the stories from Part IV. There are more than 350 stories of Jesus' life: his daily activities, his childhood friends, his sorrows, joys and adventures as a boy, and his eventual dawning consciousness of who he was and what he was meant to do on this earth. In these stories, we see Jesus in his appealing humanness, and his inspiring Divinity. All of these stories were taken verbatim from Part IV of The Urantia Book, arranged for easy reading, and illlustrated with the best of world-class fine art. I hope you'll have a look. All the Great Jesus Stories are also contained in Part IV; reading either one will help you understand where Jesus was and what he was doing through ALL the years of his life in Earth. In a short time, we will be expanding Great Jesus Stories to encompass Holy Week as well; for now, all of these matchless stories can be found in Part IV. "Of all human knowledge, that which is of greatest value is to know the religious life of Jesus and how he lived it." 196:1.3 If you have not yet done so, I would invite you to subscribe to Truthbook's free service - Quote of the Day. Many of Jesus' teachings find their way into this daily inspirational service, as well as other inspirational quotes from The Urantia Book. Thank you for writing. I hope this reply is helpful to you. Please visit Truthbook often, and write again anytime. Sincerely, MaryJo Truthbook.com [print above] [email] back to the top About Religion It seems that the main difference between Urantia Book teachings and Buddhism is that one teaches of a Personal Creator while the other teaches of a non-personal creative energy. What do you think of this? [print] [email] The Urantia Book says this, "The concept of truth might possibly be entertained apart from personality, the concept of beauty may exist without personality, but the concept of divine goodness is understandable only in relation to personality. Only a person can love and be loved. Even beauty and truth would be divorced from survival hope if they were not attributes of a personal God, a loving Father." All great religions contain some measure of truth. Although there are similarities between The Urantia Book's teachings and those of Buddhism, there are also numerous similarities between The Urantia Book and many major world religions. Some background on Buddhism is presented from the book in the following links: Paper 94, Section 7. the Jesus Papers on Buddhism giving highlights of this religion. The Urantia revelation says that its religious concepts are revealed, or passed down to mortals from higher celestial sources. Whereas, Buddhism is an evolutionary religion, a religion derived through the human longing to know and understand God better. Both are essential for human spiritual development. As The Urantia Book says "Buddhism in its original form is one of the best religions without a God which has arisen throughout all the evolutionary history of Urantia, although, as this faith developed, it did not remain godless. Religion without faith is a contradiction; without God, a philosophic inconsistency and an intellectual absurdity." (103:9.3) [print above] [email] back to the top The book of Revelation says that nothing can be added or taken away from it. Does this invalidate The Urantia Book? [print] [email] Perhaps the admonition at the end of the book of Revelation that you refer to was a handy way to insure the integrity of the text long before copyright laws were here to do so. The reference scripture from Revelation is: For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophesy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Re 22:18,19 This particular style of admonition is found in a number of ancient writings. Following are three quotes from Jesus' teachings in The Urantia Book concerning ancient religious scriptures. "Nathaniel, never permit yourself for one moment to believe the Scripture records which tell you that the God of love directed your forefathers to go forth in battle to slay all their enemies—men, women, and children. Such records are the words of men, not very holy men, and they are not the word of God. The Scriptures always have, and always will, reflect the intellectual, moral, and spiritual status of those who create them. Have you not noted that the concepts of Yahweh grow in beauty and glory as the prophets make their records from Samuel to Isaiah? And you should remember that the Scriptures are intended for religious instruction and spiritual guidance. They are not the works of either historians or philosophers. (159:4.5) You have come out from among those of your fellows who choose to remain satisfied with a religion of mind, who crave security and prefer conformity. You have elected to exchange your feelings of authoritative certainty for the assurances of the spirit of adventurous and progressive faith. You have dared to protest against the grueling bondage of institutional religion and to reject the authority of the traditions of record which are now regarded as the word of God. Our Father did indeed speak through Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Amos, and Hosea, but he did not cease to minister words of truth to the world when these prophets of old made an end of their utterances. My Father is no respecter of races or generations in that the word of truth is vouchsafed one age and withheld from another. Commit not the folly of calling that divine which is wholly human, and fail not to discern the words of truth which come not through the traditional oracles of supposed inspiration. (155:6.2) You must cease to seek for the word of God only on the pages of the olden records of theologic authority. Those who are born of the spirit of God shall henceforth discern the word of God regardless of whence it appears to take origin. Divine truth must not be discounted because the channel of its bestowal is apparently human. Many of your brethren have minds which accept the theory of God while they spiritually fail to realize the presence of God. And that is just the reason why I have so often taught you that the kingdom of heaven can best be realized by acquiring the spiritual attitude of a sincere child. It is not the mental immaturity of the child that I commend to you but rather the spiritual simplicity of such an easy-believing and fully-trusting little one. It is not so important that you should know about the fact of God as that you should increasingly grow in the ability to feel the presence of God. (155:6.12) The words of The Urantia Book are as valid to us in our day as the words of the ancient prophets were valid to the men of old. [print above] [email] back to the top After reading the book, do I have to give up practicing a religion that does not conform to the teachings? [print] [email] You may recall in your reading of Paper 141, Section 5 (141:5.1) entitled "Spiritual Unity" that Jesus proclaimed spiritual liberty through unity but not uniformity. He reiterated that it is not necessary or even possible that everyone must see or feel or think alike. While it is true that the teachings of The Urantia Book do not adhere to any specific religion they demonstrate that an enhanced vision of truth would never preclude a person from their own unique religious heritage. Students of The Urantia Book participate in every major religion. Most would tell you that studying the Urantia teachings has enhanced their religious experience in their churches, temples and synagogues. The book teaches, "God is no respecter of persons, either spiritual or material." It follows then, that the Father is no respecter of any human institution or religion; they all contain some measure of truth. Our recommendation would be that you embrace your religion with a new sense of vigor, appreciation, and dedication; accept the best of its teachings and don't worry about the rest. Any religious teaching that does not have a basis in reality will eventually fall away. [print above] [email] back to the top About Believing How does evolutionary science fit in? [print] [email] The Urantia Book synthesizes and harmonizes science and religion, and sets philosophy within the cradle of an advanced theology which has its roots in the superhuman insights of Jesus. The origin and subsequent million-year evolution of homo sapiens and human civilization is recounted in exquisite detail. The Urantia Book characterizes evolution as the Creator's technique of perfecting all of creation. The Urantia Book offers the most plausible and astounding description ever recorded of the scale, scope and grandeur of the cosmos. Logic based s
"But no revelation short of the attainment of the Universal Father can ever be complete." (The Urantia Book, Page 1008, 92:4.9)
"Sex equality prevails on all advanced worlds; male and female are equal in mind endowment and spiritual status. We do not regard a planet as having emerged from barbarism so long as one sex seeks to tyrannize over the other." (49:4.4, Pg 564) "My brother, always remember that man has no rightful authority over woman unless the woman has willingly and voluntarily given him such authority. Your wife has engaged to go through life with you, to help you fight its battles, and to assume the far greater share of the burden of bearing and rearing your children; and in return for this special service it is only fair that she receive from you that special protection which man can give to woman as the partner who must carry, bear, and nurture the children." (133:2.1, Pg 1471, Jesus to a man who was publicly mistreating his wife.) "The Father in heaven treats the Spirit Mother of the children of the universe as one equal to himself. It is Godlike to share your life and all that relates thereto on equal terms with the mother partner who so fully shares with you that divine experience of reproducing yourselves in the lives of your children. If you can only love your children as God loves you, you will love and cherish your wife as the Father in heaven honors and exalts the Infinite Spirit, the mother of all the spirit children of a vast universe." (Jesus, Page 1471) "Woman, however, has always been the moral standard-bearer and the spiritual leader of mankind. The hand that rocks the cradle still fraternizes with destiny." (84:5.11,Pg 938) "Though human beings differ in many ways, the one from another, before God and in the spiritual world all mortals stand on an equal footing." (133:0.3, Jesus, Pg 1468) "Mankind can appropriately be divided into many classes in accordance with differing qualifications, as they may be viewed physically, mentally, socially, vocationally, or morally, but as these different classes of mortals appear before the judgment bar of God, they stand on an equal footing; God is truly no respecter of persons." (Jesus, Page 1468)
After reading in a Bible concordance that there are several different Hebraic (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) words meaning salvation, with each word having its own meaning, I realized that I was looking in the wrong place for an answer. I cannot answer your question. Every person must decide for himself how to understand sacred texts like the Bible, the Koran, and the Torah. That's not the easy answer, but I believe it's the true one.
How can we really know for sure whether the concepts and ideas presented to us in a sacred text absolutely represent God's ways and will for His people (including you and me) throughout over 3,000 years of history? Much depends on who or what you look to as a final authority in your life. Is there another human being who you believe fully represents God and is qualified to tell you what to think and believe? I have never found such a person except for the loving God I find through worship and prayer. He is my divine authority, the final word on what is true, beautiful and good in all of life. I can draw near to Him through the Bible or some other sacred text, but it is only when I finally close the book, close my eyes and enter into that wonderful, silent, sacred space in which I encounter my Loving Father that I understand how humanly inadequate any human person or book is compared with inner Spirit of Truth that leads the way. It is then that I truly understand myself as His daughter and every other person as my brother and sister. It is then I realize that God's creative power and His love and mercy for all His creatures is so great and so beyond the power of my comprehension, that any human attempt to fully understand eternity, infinity, salvation, or forgiveness is inadequate. In my opinion, neither the Bible or any other text touched by the human hand and heart can be the final word. They are great masterpieces of the written word, but they are not the Word, which leads when we choose to be led us by the Spirit of Truth.
As far as understanding salvation, I think that neither God nor Jesus wants us to judge either ourselves or other people. Jesus taught salvation through faith, not works, because only when we stop being concerned with our own status will we be able to truly minister to others (Luke 17:33). He tells us not to judge others, that we not be judged (Mt. 7:1). He also tells us that if we come to him in faith and as little children (meaning humble and hungry for truth), He will be our great Comforter and Savior (Luke 18:17).
Jason, I have answered your question as honestly as I can. I hope that you will write back if you have thoughts you'd like to share about this, of if you have had your own experience of being guided by the Spirit of Truth. I always love to hear the stories of others who are seeking to know and do the will of God. It is true, we are one worldwide family of God. Let us love one another as God loves us. [print above] [email] back to the top
"God is inherently kind, naturally compassionate, and everlastingly merciful. And never is it necessary that any influence be brought to bear upon the Father to call forth his loving-kindness. The creature's need is wholly sufficient to insure the full flow of the Father's tender mercies and his saving grace. Since God knows all about his children, it is easy for him to forgive." (The Urantia Book, Page 38, 2:4.2)
"The Father in heaven treats the Spirit Mother of the children of the universe as one equal to himself. It is Godlike to share your life and all that relates thereto on equal terms with the mother partner who so fully shares with you that divine experience of reproducing yourselves in the lives of your children. If you can only love your children as God loves you, you will love and cherish your wife as the Father in heaven honors and exalts the Infinite Spirit, the mother of all the spirit children of a vast universe." The Urantia Book, Page 1471, (133:2.2)
"Jesus is the new and living way from man to God, from the partial to the perfect, from the earthly to the heavenly, from time to eternity." (129:4.7, Pg 1426)
"Though it is hardly proper to speak of Jesus as a sacrificer, a ransomer, or a redeemer, it is wholly correct to refer to him as a savior." (188:4.7,Pg 2017) "Jesus is truly a savior in the sense that his life and death do win men over to goodness and righteous survival. Jesus loves men so much that his love awakens the response of love in the human heart." (188:5.2, Pg 2018)
"No child has aught to do with earning the status of son or daughter. The earth child comes into being by the will of its parents. Even so, the child of God comes into grace and the new life of the spirit by the will of the Father in heaven." (144:4.3, Pg 1621)
"When men believe this gospel, which is a revelation of the goodness of God, they will be led to voluntary repentance of all known sin. Realization of sonship is incompatible with the desire to sin." (Jesus, 150:5.5, Pg 1683)
Always the burden of his message was: the fact of the heavenly Father's love and the truth of his mercy, coupled with the good news that man is a faith-son of this same God of love. The Urantia Book, Page 1460, (132:4.1)
"Jesus is the spiritual lens in human likeness which makes visible to the material creature Him who is invisible. He is your elder brother who, in the flesh, makes known to you a Being of infinite attributes whom not even the celestial hosts can presume fully to understand." The Urantia Book, Page 1857, (169:4.13)
I think that you are asking about the earliest known portrait of Jesus. I have done some searching in books and on the internet about the topic. The earliest portrait that we know about was probably painted some 1,700 years ago, during the 3rd or 4th century AD. My guess is that it was painted in Byzantium, (now Istanbul) which was one of the centers of early Christianity. Of course, that image of Jesus would not be a real portrait, as 200-300 years would have passed since He lived on earth. We also could not be sure that a human model was used to create the image. Portraits done during that time were often stylized paintings or mosaics called icons, which didn't try to capture a real likeness of Jesus, but instead were created to emphasize certain beliefs held by different branches of Christianity.
That's the best I can do to answer your question. If you want to learn more, I'd suggest a trip to your library or anywhere you can find books on the history of religious art. I would also be happy to recommend some books to you on this topic.
I'm personally grateful for your question because it led me to imagine who might have drawn the very first picture of Jesus. Of course, that picture would not exist today, because materials used to write or draw upon during that time were not only scarce but highly perishable. And most people would not have access to them, especially the poor and unfortunate to whom he ministered. Also, the Jews who knew Jesus so well were forbidden by law from making images.
Maybe the artist was a local craftsman who was impressed by Jesus' gracious character as He visited with people in his neighborhood. Or maybe she was a quiet follower of Jesus who wanted to remember his kindly face, healing words, and understanding ways (we need to remember how restricted a women was in that society, and how daring the women were who followed Jesus). See "Jesus and the Women who Followed Him". Or maybe the first portrait was painted just after his death, created by someone who tried to remember what he looked like, or from the memories of those who knew him. In the Urantia Book we find many stories and descriptions of Jesus that help us understand why people were so attracted to him. I especially love the Section titled, "As Jesus Passed By".
Personally, I like to imagine that a small child was the first to capture Jesus' likeness, using a stick to draw in the sand or dirt near the family home. Maybe this child was playing with the other children when Jesus appeared, sat down under a nearby tree, and started telling a story. We read that Jesus loved the little children, and that they loved him in return. Perhaps this little child discovered a new experience of love and trust when she rested in Jesus' arms or when he listened, spellbound, to his story. Drawing a picture of the Master would be a natural way to express the childlike joy of being in His presence.
Thank you again, Jean for your question. I hope that this has been helpful. It certainly was enjoyable to think about! [print above] [email] back to the top
The Gospel According to St. Matthew -- 27:56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children. The Gospel According to St. Mark -- 6:3. Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 15:40. There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians -- 1:19. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. The General Epistle of Jude -- 1:1. Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
"Buddhism in its original form is one of the best religions without a God which has arisen throughout all the evolutionary history of Urantia, although, as this faith developed, it did not remain godless. Religion without faith is a contradiction; without God, a philosophic inconsistency and an intellectual absurdity." (103:9.3)
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophesy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Re 22:18,19
"Nathaniel, never permit yourself for one moment to believe the Scripture records which tell you that the God of love directed your forefathers to go forth in battle to slay all their enemies—men, women, and children. Such records are the words of men, not very holy men, and they are not the word of God. The Scriptures always have, and always will, reflect the intellectual, moral, and spiritual status of those who create them. Have you not noted that the concepts of Yahweh grow in beauty and glory as the prophets make their records from Samuel to Isaiah? And you should remember that the Scriptures are intended for religious instruction and spiritual guidance. They are not the works of either historians or philosophers. (159:4.5) You have come out from among those of your fellows who choose to remain satisfied with a religion of mind, who crave security and prefer conformity. You have elected to exchange your feelings of authoritative certainty for the assurances of the spirit of adventurous and progressive faith. You have dared to protest against the grueling bondage of institutional religion and to reject the authority of the traditions of record which are now regarded as the word of God. Our Father did indeed speak through Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Amos, and Hosea, but he did not cease to minister words of truth to the world when these prophets of old made an end of their utterances. My Father is no respecter of races or generations in that the word of truth is vouchsafed one age and withheld from another. Commit not the folly of calling that divine which is wholly human, and fail not to discern the words of truth which come not through the traditional oracles of supposed inspiration. (155:6.2) You must cease to seek for the word of God only on the pages of the olden records of theologic authority. Those who are born of the spirit of God shall henceforth discern the word of God regardless of whence it appears to take origin. Divine truth must not be discounted because the channel of its bestowal is apparently human. Many of your brethren have minds which accept the theory of God while they spiritually fail to realize the presence of God. And that is just the reason why I have so often taught you that the kingdom of heaven can best be realized by acquiring the spiritual attitude of a sincere child. It is not the mental immaturity of the child that I commend to you but rather the spiritual simplicity of such an easy-believing and fully-trusting little one. It is not so important that you should know about the fact of God as that you should increasingly grow in the ability to feel the presence of God. (155:6.12)
