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Q: How can we know that the Urantia Book is a book from God and not
from man?
A: Thanks for this important question. We always love to hear from our
visitors.
The Urantia Book presents itself as a revelation of God to mankind - a
revelation of epochal significance. It claims that numerous authors of
celestial origin were employed to make it manifest to our planet, and
that it was authorized by God to be delivered to the human races of
Urantia.
The Urantia Book contains material that is mind-expanding and
revelatory, and facts that have been heretofore unknown to mortals,
providing answers to questions that we didn't even know we had. This
material is designed to raise the spiritual consciousness of all of
mankind. As well, The Urantia Book contains over one thousand concepts
of human knowledge and wisdom that were already known at the time of
its delivery to the planet. That is why it may seem that some of the
information is "man-made;" it actually is. The authors clearly state
this. However, the sheer weight and magnitude of the revelatory aspects
of the material presented seems to me to be far beyond the abilities of
human beings.
But how can we know? I am not sure that we can ever really KNOW. Maybe
a better question is, how can we believe?
Pragmatically speaking, if some human, or group of humans, created this
remarkable revelation from whole cloth, I feel sure that they would not
have left the attribution of authorship to heretofore unnamed beings of
celestial origin. To do that would run counter to everything I have
ever
experienced of human nature. In the 50+ years since its delivery, no
human being has ever claimed authorship. It seems to me that only
spiritual beings could have the selflessness required, and the years of
dedication needed, to produce such a life-altering document
for the
sole benefit of humanity-at-large, without seeking personal recognition
or
thanks. That fact alone makes me sure that it is not "from man."
The recognition of Truth is like a bell resonating in the heart - once
it is experienced, it cannot be denied. One does KNOW it in every fiber
of one's being.
In my experience, this revelation which is The Urantia Book presents a
collection of truths and a philosophy of living that, adopted as a
whole, can be "acted out." It certainly can be "lived" in one's
experience, and the result is a life that is lifted and ennobled far
beyond one's fondest expectation. It produces inner happiness and
spiritual assurance of a very high level. Even if it were the creation
of man,
it would still have that flavor. I, however, choose to believe that it
is exactly what it says it is, simply because of its effects on my
life.
It is the revelation of God, and the restatement of the life and
teachings of Jesus in The Urantia Book that, to me, are overwhelming
evidences of its authenticity. To me, no person, or group of persons,
could have pulled this kind of knowledge - this kind of
spiritual
"flavor" - out of thin air. But even if they did, it would
still
resonate as true, nonetheless. Truth is truth...and it echoes in the
soul. I
believe it is from God because it has brought me closer to God, and
stretched my soul and mind to their capacity. No mere mortal would have
that as their final agenda - to what end? In my opinion, only a
spiritual and divine agenda can be the purpose of such a revelation.
I cannot declare this for you, however. Each of us who are truthseekers
must make the same journey when attempting discernment of any spiritual
revelation - whether it is The Urantia Book, or another kind of
revelation found in another place.
Experiment - put into practice the materials contained The
Urantia
Book and their effect on your life - and then you may come to the
answer to this important question in your inmost self.
Thanks again for this great question, and best wishes in your search
for Truth...
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