Spiritual Advice and Guidance Blog: Urantia Book

Q: Is the Bible really the true word of God, although it is written by men? Why do we consider the Bible as the word of God? Why are some gospels not included in the new testament? What shows that the Bible is in its original pure form still today?

A: Thank you for your note to Truthbook.com, a website dedicated to the teachings of The Urantia Book.

The Bible is considered by many people to be the true "word of God," even though it is written by men. They believe that the words in the Bible are true because they were "inspired" by God.

I will quote a portion of another reply given to a person who wrote asking a similar question. I hope you will find it helpful:

"Much of the material in the Bible in the Old Testament is older than written language, so it came from oral tradition handed down from generation to generation until eventually written language was able to record it.

All the books of the Bible, Old and New Testament, were separate manuscripts along with the many other traditional "holy" teachings and manuscripts. It wasn't until about 300 A.D. that the decision was made by the church at Rome that only a specific set of these holy materials were to be used as the basis for the Christian religion and then the specific books of the Old and New Testament were decided upon and all the rest were discarded.

Before the printing press was invented documents were copied by hand by monks and rabbis and other holy men. The original manuscripts were written in a number of different languages and were since translated from the original into the various other languages of the world."

As you can see, there really is no "pure form" of the Bible in existence today, if there ever was such a thing at all. Today's Bible is a collection of some of the highest spiritual thought received by holy- and not-so-holy men over the centuries; and prior to the advent of The Urantia Book, it really was about the best that mankind had in the way of "Divine" thought. The Bible has always been, and still is, one of the best sources of inspiration and guidance on the planet. It forms the basis for Christianity as we know it.

The Urantia Book teaches us that revelation is a continuous process in the individual and periodic in the form of epochal revelation. Epochal revelations are rare events in which communication is established between man and Heaven in order to help mankind to progress spiritually. The Urantia Book is one such epochal revelation, and it is meant for the whole world - not just Jews and Christians. The Urantia Book does not intend to supplant or replace the Bible, but it does illuminate its beginnings, and it does clarify for us the meaning of so-called "sacred Scriptures." Jesus himself was a student of Scripture; he used the Scriptures very liberally in his early years, and even in his ministry. But he did not consider them "sacred." and he chose only those passages that supported his own (epochal) revelation of God to mankind.

The true "word of God" is to be found within the heart of any sincere truth-seeker. We know the truth through our own experience - through trial and error - through seeking and finding. We have an inner guide called the Spirit of Truth which ever leads us into all truth. And so, we are wise to read any religious text - even The Urantia Book - with intelligent discernment. Truth will always be apparent to one who is honestly seeking it. Truth is found in many places, and does not belong to any one person or any group of persons. It is available to all who seek.

Thank you again for your note. I hope you will visit our site often and learn about the teachings of The Urantia Book, while you pursue your interest in the Bible.

Labels: Bible, God, The Urantia Book, truth, Word of God

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Sunday, September 06, 2009

Stop using the Name of Jesus to deceive people...

Q: After browsing through your Urantia website for an hour or so, I feel compelled to write that your organization is merely using highly philosophical, theological, and religious language to cover up what is essentially a liberal approach to Christianity, albeit combined with speculative cosmology about the existence of so-called intelligent cosmic beings.

I believe that you should stop using the historical and revelatory Christian faith to be your launching pad for speculative and fanciful spiritual theologising....say what you really believe...your evolutionary perspective is truly at odds with historical and evangelical Christianity.

...stop using the Name of Jesus, who is the King of kings, and Lord of Lords, and not some Christ Michael incarnate on this earth, to deceive people into believing that you are leading people to the truth. The Bible is very clear in this respect in 1 John 5:12:

"He who has the Son of God (the Second Person of the Trinity, who became both God and Man at his incarnation on this earth as in John 1:14) has the life ('zoe' in Greek); he does not have the Son of God does not have the life."

A: Thank you for your post to Truthbook.com... we always appreciate hearing from those who have discovered our website. I'll reply to your comments as I read down through your note.

You've judged a book by its cover. I'll give you the benefit for having browsed our site for an hour or so; we get many appraisals of what we're all about from people who've spent far less time than that before thinking they've got the full picture and can offer meaningful criticism.

First, we are "merely" nothing, especially not a liberal approach to Christianity. What we are is a website that promotes the teachings found in one specific book and we promote those teachings because, unlike the majority of our critics, individually, without coercion, with an inquiring and open mind, we have actually read the book and made an informed decision regarding its purpose and content and meaningfulness to our lives. Once having started down that path, eventually we may choose to look for like-minded people who have also read this marvelous and tremendous book â€“ that's how this and other Urantia websites were established.

We are not merely using highly philosophical, theological, and religious language; The Urantia Book portrays what are perhaps the highest philosophical, theological, and religious ideals ever expressed in English. To convey those concepts requires exceptional usage and you were at least aware of that aspect in what you read.

You've given us too much credit. No human or organization is responsible for the words of The Urantia Book. A human organization was responsible for getting the Urantia material printed of course but no human is connected with the material itself other than in 1955 being responsible for spelling and punctuation. Because you've spent an hour or so perusing a website rather than the months or so required to actually read the million and a half words of text of the greatest revelation disclosed to the world in over 2,000 years, there's no way you would have recognized that The Urantia Book contains the best in human thought magnified by the wisdom of far greater intelligence than humans exhibit. There is no way we can be responsible for ceasing, as you requested, to use the historical and revelatory Christian faith as a launching pad for speculative and fanciful spiritual theologizing; that's how it's portrayed by the words of the book. If you delve deeper into this material you will understand that The Urantia Book is not promoting any organized religion, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, pagan, or New Age.

You've suggested that we're perpetrating a dishonesty, not being open or declaring in plain language what we really believe. Maybe you can explain yourself better or give an example but that's not so at all; there's no way we could be more up-front in our opinion or the material we promote.

You are absolutely correct in saying that the evolutionary perspective of The Urantia book is truly at odds with historical and evangelical Christianity. We are not proponents of historical or evangelical Christianity nor do we portray ourselves to be. The Urantia Book is not a Christian document in the sense you're thinking of. The Urantia Book clearly teaches us the true nature and purpose of Jesus. Jesus does not belong to Christianity; it is supposed to be the other way around.

Your suggested prohibition against using the name of Jesus because The Urantia Book is not the Bible we've received before. I'll be perfectly clear: The Urantia Book is not the Bible. In stating that Jesus is not some Christ Michael incarnated on this earth you've objected to something for which you have no understanding. Obviously the Bible doesn't contain that information and so you reason that your objection is valid... what if Jesus was known as Michael before incarnating here? What if that was true? What if it is time for new wine to displace that in the old wine skins? How would you know? How will you know Truth? Certainly not by dismissing a book by its cover, or through a cursory glance.

As an example, in our exchange here, if this were 2,000 years ago, what you've essentially done is walked by a gathering at the roadside on your way to some destination and as you passed you've caught the turn of a phrase and the whisper of an unfamiliar idea. Continuing on your way you've mulled over what you heard with a bit of humor and condescension because it didn't correlate with the orthodoxy that you had accepted as Truth. You didn't know and didn't care to know that the speaker you passed by was Jesus; on a spiritual level your brief encounter was meaningless. This is fundamentally what has happened with this one hour critique.

I could give you some masterful quotes from The Urantia Book to back up my reply to you just as you've given some great quotes from the Bible, but I won't. Students of The Urantia Book love and appreciate the Bible for what it is. Most students of The Urantia Book come to have a more profound appreciation of the Bible than they ever had before encountering what you've just stumbled upon and are trying to dismiss.

We're willing to address well thought out and measured criticism regarding the teachings of this little-known book which proclaims itself to be the fifth epochal revelation of truth to the world; it comes to us in book form. Jesus was the fourth epochal revelation of truth to the world; he was a Son of God and the son of man. However, the teachings of The Urantia Book aren't totally devoted to religion or spirituality; those are but two of its numerous revelations. There is no way you, or anyone else can criticize what has been superficially gleaned; howver, reasoned criticism from an in-depth reading will be considered. Are you willing to look deeper? Are you willing to risk discovering truth that may surpass what you already possess?

A study of The Urantia Book takes nothing away from one's knowledge of and love for the Bible, or any other true religious text. There are religious authorities among all the major religious organizations who know, study, and are enthralled by what The Urantia Book discloses. Are you willing to at least dip a few toes in to test the water? You've termed yourself another truth lover; is your love for truth strong enough that you will follow wherever it may lead, whatever may be its apparent source?

There are 197 chapters in The Urantia Book. The first 5 lay the groundwork for an enhanced spiritual connection with God. My suggestion, if you're sincere about a meaningful criticism of The Urantia Book is that you begin by reading Paper 1 and continue on to Paper 5 and then write back from a more informed point of view. I'm not suggesting that you believe anything you read but I do request that you read with an open, inquiring, and critical mind. Take notes as you read if you wish and listen to the text read aloud as you read the words... then come back here and tell me if you've learned anything and what your informed criticism is. I'll be happy to give more attention to your opinion.

Best wishes, and may God be with you.

Labels: Bible, Christianity, God, Jesus, The Urantia Book, truth

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Thursday, August 13, 2009

I read many Bibles but they are different so the question is, who wrote the Bible as a whole? Is it really words of God?

Q: I read many Bibles but they are different so the question is, who wrote the Bible as a whole? Is it really words of God?

A: Much of the material in the Bible in the Old Testament is older than written language, so it came from oral tradition handed down from generation to generation until eventually written language was able to record it.

All the books of the Bible, Old and New Testament, were separate manuscripts along with the many other traditional "holy" teachings and manuscripts. It wasn't until about 300 A.D. that the decision was made by the church at Rome that only a specific set of these holy materials were to be used as the basis for the Christian religion and then the specific books of the Old and New Testament were decided upon and all the rest were discarded.

Before the printing press was invented documents were copied by hand by monks and rabbi's and other holy men. The original manuscripts were written in a number of different languages and were since translated from the original into the various other languages of the world.

According to The Urantia Book, in the New Testament Matthew was written for the edification of Jewish Christians and was written by Isador, one of Matthew's disciples. Mark wrote his gospel, the first one written, in A.D. 68 at the insistence of Peter and the early church at Rome and the other Apostles based their versions on Mark's manuscript. Luke began to follow Paul in A.D. 47 and wrote his gospel in A.D. 82. John (Zebedee) inspired the gospel attributed to him which was written by his associate, Nathan, a Greek Jew in 101 A.D.

Is the Bible the words of God? The Bible contains the words of God as interpreted by those to whom God spoke -- through inspiration, through revelation, through prayer. The words of the Bible are sacred to the extent that they bring man closer to God and open man's heart to spirit ministry. The Bible provides the spiritual foundation upon which Western Civilization has been built.

Labels: Bible, God, New testament, Old Testament, The Urantia Book

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Friday, July 31, 2009

Can We Reconcile Biblical Prophecy with The Urantia Book?

Q: How can we connect the prophecy of Isaiah when he said that ".....Truly, it was for their sins that he was killed....." and later said that His soul was made an offering unto death. How do you/we understand these things in relation to the meaning of the atonement in the Urantia book?

A: How do I understand these things? I choose to believe what Jesus taught about his mission, and it had nothing to do with his sacrificing himself as an atonement for the sins and guilt of mankind, regardless of what Isaiah said in these passages. Jesus never presented himself in this way - in the Bible, or in The Urantia Book. Further, The Urantia Book explains to my full satisfaction that our heavenly Father is not a vengeful and strict god who needs to sacrifice his sinless son as some sort of ransom for the sins of mankind. I much prefer - and love - the God who I discovered within its pages. And my personal experience with this loving God validates my belief.

Jesus did not believe in the inerrancy of the Scriptures, and neither do it, so it is not an important issue for me. Jesus picked and chose only those Scripture passages that supported his mission on earth, which was to procliam the loving Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. I don't worry about connecting the Bible with The Urantia Book, except as a point of reference. Since finding The Urantia Book, I have been drawn to the Bible as never before, but simply as a valuable, and often inspirational reference work.

Isaiah is covered quite well in The Urantia Book, and it is explained that there were in actuality, two Isaiahs - the earlier and the later. You can read more about these two Isaiahs and some of their beautiful quotations about God HERE. Even the second Isaiah "never ceased to proclaim this "God of love."

If you choose to believe these isolated passages of Isaiah, rather than what Jesus revealed of himself while on the earth, and now, through the revelation of The Urantia Book, that is up to you. If you think that they have to be connected, I disagree. I regret that can't help you to reconcile this issue.

Labels: atonement, Bible, God, Isaiah, Jesus, The Urantia Book

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Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Four Questions Re: The Urantia Book, The Bible, and Jesus

Following are several questions submitted in one request. Two of our Truthbook team (L) and (M) have given their answers in reply.

Q: Do you follow the teachings of the Urantia Book only?

L: Basically, students of The Urantia Book are individuals coming from all manner of background; they do their own thing. Some feel they're escaping organized religion and seek refuge in the teachings of TUB. Others are grateful for their religious heritage and continue on in it. Some have no tradition of religious belief before finding TUB. There are Urantia Book readers who are pastors, ministers, priests, nuns, rabbis, preachers of every Christian denomination, Jews, Muslims, Hindus... The teachings of TUB are not "a" religion; they clarify, augment, emphasize and uplift what is best "in" religion. There are no rules for readers/students/believers -- it's a book; it's a superlative education; we read it and are edified and uplifted by it.

M: The Urantia Book is unique in that it contains many, many truths gleaned from many different established religions, and at the same time, encourages us to develop what Jesus called the religion of personal spiritual experience; it is this revealed teaching that inspires me to find the best in any religion, and to nurture and grow that personal experiential relationship with God in whatever I do. So, in that sense, I do follow the teachings of The Urantia Book, but the experience leaves me free to follow the truth wherever I find it.

Q: What is your viewpoint on the King James Bible?

L: Students of The Urantia Book have no orthodox viewpoint. Some readers are Bible scholars. Some readers hardly know the Bible at all. Personally, I like the King James better than any of the more modern versions, but I think you're asking do Urantia Book readers view the Bible as the infallible word of God and the answer to that would be a pretty unanimous no although most Urantia Book readers appreciate and take comfort in the Bible.

M: I personally prefer the New Jerusalem Bible, which is in common, everyday language. To me, other Bibles are difficult to read because the language is so stilted. I never had much interest in the Bible before I found The Urantia Book, but now I use it pretty regularly as a reference work. Jesus quoted scripture quite often in his life, and I have read many of those parts of the Bible. I do not believe it is inerrant, but like Jesus, I do find much in it that is quite valuable and worthwhile.

Q: Who is Jesus to you?

L: Again, a personal reply -- I didn't understand Jesus before I became a student of The Urantia Book and, in fact, it was my desire to know Jesus better that led me to become a reader of the book 35 years ago. To me, Jesus is Lord. He's the maker and administrator of this world. He's my guide as a human being and he's my nearest goal when I become a spirit being. He's who I turn to when I need help or comfort or wisdom or advice. His spirit is here to help me discern and sift truth from error. I trust Jesus.

M: I knew Jesus from my early childhood as a Catholic, and he always seemed to me to be quite real; however, I also found that the Church was full of inconsistencies regarding Jesus and his words, and I had a hard time separating Jesus from the hypocrisy I experienced. I left the church in my 20s, but I never abandoned Jesus completely. Once I freed myself from the authority of the church, I started to see Jesus differently; however, I did not seriouly think about Jesus for awhile after that. When I discovered The Urantia Book many years later, I was thrilled and deeply moved to rediscover the Jesus that I always loved as a child, and SO much more. Today, Jesus is once again my friend, my companion, my brother, and my Divine pathway to the Father. I believe in him and trust him, and I love him.

Q: Do you believe him to be the son of God who died for mankind's sins?

L: I believe Jesus to be a Son of God of a special order -- The Urantia Book guides us away from the tendency to believe that our race or religion, or in this case, world, is the most important one and that its aspects are superior to any others. Jesus came for all the peoples of this world, not just Christians, of which there were none until some time after he died. He also came for all the worlds of his dominion -- we're not the only one but we are nearly the most barbaric and that's partly the reason he chose to come to this place. So yes, "a" Son of God, a divine being, a creator not a creature like us. Did he come to die for mankinds sins? Again, among students of The Urantia Book, the answer to that would be a pretty unanimous no. We hold God the Father in too high regard to relegate him to human purposes and emotions. God is not vindictive, retributive, jealous, or any of the other human-like attibutes he's so often described as having. God is love and does not condemn his children, neither the divine ones nor the mortal ones, to pain and suffering and sacrifice. Jesus understood this and tried to teach it to a world that didn't understand him or his heavenly Father.

M: I do believe Jesus to be a divine Son of God. As pointed out above, The Urantia Book teaches us that Jesus is one of many Sons, just as there are many inhabited worlds, and many universe systems throughout God's vast creation. Jesus did indeed come to our earth - he chose us especially - and he did die here, but I do not believe that he died as a punishment from God, or as a sacrificial lamb to atone for mankind's sins. His mission was to establish the kingdom of God in the hearts of mankind, to proclaim the good news of the Fatherhood of God and the resultant brotherhood of mankind, and to live and die as a true man among men (and women). He was to portray to mortal eyes the love of the infinite and invisible God who is his, and our, Father. The fact that he died in such a cruel way was not the will of God, but as the consequence of the fears and prejudices of the times in which he lived. His new religion of the spirit was terribly threatening to the religions of authority of his day and time. He was killed by men - not by God. But he did die a "natural" death, and as a result, he did complete that part of his mission, to resurrect victoriously on the 3rd day. He showed all mortals of all worlds in his universe how to live as a "son of God."

Labels: atonement, Bible, God, Jesus, King James, kingdom of heaven, religion, The Urantia Book

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Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Jesus in The Urantia Book, the whole story

Readers of The Urantia Book describe why these teachings stand unique, packed with new Jesus stories, his lost years, and fresh insights. This detailed portrayal of Jesus emphasizes the religion of Jesus rather than the religion about Jesus. If you love Jesus as portrayed in the Bible, you will gain an even greater admiration and understanding of his life and teachings from Part IV of The Urantia Book.

Labels: Bible, enlightenment, God, inspiration, Jesus, lost years, new insight, religion, religious experience, spiritual, spirituality, truth, urantia book

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Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Fatherhood of God and Brotherhood of Man in the Bible?

Q: If Jesus preached so consistently about the universal fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man why is there so little record of it in the NT. What references are there?

A: Thank you for writing to us at Truthbook.com

I am including a reference which you might find interesting here. In this article, entitled "Theism: The Fatherhood of God," the author, Robert L. Waggoner, cites many instances of the Fatherhood of God contained in the New Testament. I found this article with a Google search, and there may be others.

I also did a search for "brotherhood of man," but I was not able to find specific Biblical references using those particular words; however, the concept of the brotherhood of man is well-illuminated in these important references which definitely carry the essence of the Master's teachings regarding the brotherhood of man:

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt. 22:36-39)

"He said to him, 'What is written in the law? How do you read?' The lawyer answered, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."' Then Jesus told him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live" (Luke 10:26-28).

Finally, the story of The Good Samaritan is an excellent reference to this topic and it is found in Luke 10:29-37

Another resource that you might find useful is The Paramony, which is a comparison of specific books of the Bible with corresponding information in The Urantia Book.

As you may know from reading The Urantia Book and the Life and Teachings of Jesus, the religion OF Jesus was quickly transformed into the religion ABOUT Jesus after his death and resurrection. Following the bestowal of the Spirit of Truth at Pentecost, a whole new direction was taken.

Here is a passage from The Urantia Book which details this:

p2066:4 (194:4.4) What has happened to these men whom Jesus had ordained to go forth preaching the gospel of the kingdom, the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man? They have a new gospel; they are on fire with a new experience; they are filled with a new spiritual energy. Their message has suddenly shifted to the proclamation of the risen Christ: "Jesus of Nazareth, a man God approved by mighty works and wonders; him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you did crucify and slay. The things which God foreshadowed by the mouth of all the prophets, he thus fulfilled. This Jesus did God raise up. God has made him both Lord and Christ. Being by the right hand of God, exalted, and having received from the Father the promise of the spirit, he has poured forth this which you see and hear. Repent, that your sins may be blotted out; that the Father may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you, even Jesus, whom the heaven must receive until the times of the restoration of all things."

The gospel of the kingdom, the message of Jesus, had been suddenly changed into the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. They now proclaimed the facts of his life, death, and resurrection and preached the hope of his speedy return to this world to finish the work he began. Thus the message of the early believers had to do with preaching about the facts of his first coming and with teaching the hope of his second coming, an event which they deemed to be very near at hand.

Christ was about to become the creed of the rapidly forming church. Jesus lives; he died for men; he gave the spirit; he is coming again. Jesus filled all their thoughts and determined all their new concept of God and everything else. They were too much enthused over the new doctrine that "God is the Father of the Lord Jesus" to be concerned with the old message that "God is the loving Father of all men," even of every single individual. True, a marvelous manifestation of brotherly love and unexampled good will did spring up in these early communities of believers. But it was a fellowship of believers in Jesus, not a fellowship of brothers in the family kingdom of the Father in heaven. Their good will arose from the love born of the concept of Jesus' bestowal and not from the recognition of the brotherhood of mortal man. Nevertheless, they were filled with joy, and they lived such new and unique lives that all men were attracted to their teachings about Jesus. They made the great mistake of using the living and illustrative commentary on the gospel of the kingdom for that gospel, but even that represented the greatest religion mankind had ever known.

Earlier in the Jesus Papers, we find this description of the written records of the four evangelists -Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - and this is an interesting commentary on these most quoted sources of Biblical information regarding Jesus and his teachings, and maybe a further explanation why Jesus' orginal teachings are conspicuously absent.

Thank you for this most interesting question.

Labels: Bible, brotherhhod of man, Fatherhood of God, Good Samaritan, Jesus, New testament, Pentecost, The Urantia Book

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Saturday, March 22, 2008

Was Moses ungodly? Is the Bible man-made ?

Q: Who wants anything to do with the god of the Hebrews?

A: Truthbook.com is devoted to promoting the teachings of The Urantia Book, particularly as they advance the life and teachings of Jesus. There are many correlations between The Urantia Book and the Bible and The Urantia Book does have considerable to say about Moses although your concern seems to be directed specifically at the Bible.

Moses is considered by The Urantia Book to have been wise and sagacious and to have been the supreme teacher of the Hebrews.

Moses forbade human sacrifices as a part of worship, substituting the sacrifice of animals instead â€” a profound step forward in primitive religion.

Moses taught monotheism at a time when polytheism was dominant.

You can get a non-biblical understanding of Moses and his contribution to history from several complete sections in The Urantia Book regarding him â€” (96:3.1), titled The Matchless Moses, and (96:5.1), titled The Teachings of Moses, and (96:6.1) titled The God Concept After Mosesâ€™ Death.

Apart from that, what you say about Moses may well be true â€” I just canâ€™t comment on those aspects of the historical Moses. The teachings of The Urantia Book focus on the positive and beneficial aspects of his teachings. But we do know that mid-eastern culture during the days of Moses was primitive and that Moses would be considered a primitive human being by today's standards.

You asked what kind of damn fool would want anything to do with the god of the Hebrews. Religious concepts evolve although there are still many cultures with God concepts not far removed from those same primitive beliefs. One of the functions of The Urantia Book is to put that evolution into historical context so the reader can understand how and why religion evolves. The God of the Hebrews is a giant step forward in an evolving God concept so rather than just believing the Old Testament version of that primitive concept we can understand why, primitive though it was, it was an important step forward to more enlightened concepts.

You said: "The entire bible is a concoction of man to control the deceived masses." It sounds is if you may be a proponent of conspiracy theories, a concept that doesnâ€™t ring true to me. Yes, the Bible is a history written by men; it also contains some of the most profound wisdom ever recorded. It certainly does require reading with oneâ€™s eyes open.

As students of The Urantia Book we learn to discern that which in the Bible is true, beautiful, and good just as we can discern the same in The Urantia Book.

Labels: Bible, Hebrews, Moses, The Urantia Book

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Thursday, February 14, 2008

The Urantia Book And The Bible

Q: I was wondering who wrote the Urantia and it appears to me that this person had a tremendous insight into the Bible. The Urantia has help me to understand the Bible and vice versa. Therefore, I am very interested about the writer of The Urantia.

A: Who wrote The Urantia Book? If you'll go to our site at Truthbook.Com and take the link at the left side of the home page that says "FAQ" you'll find the first section contains answers "About The Urantia Book" which go into much more detail than what I'll be writing here. In one sense The Urantia Book is a compilation of many of the most significant writings produced over the past several hundred years or earlier and from several hundred authors who mastered in their fields. However, these authors just provided the foundation source material for the book's inspired teachings in science, religion, philosophy, social engineering, history, anthropology, theology, biology, archeology, physics, and the other topics the book addresses. The real authors of the 197 chapters of the book are both celestial beings (22 authors) and a commission of unseen planetary stewards residing here.

For this material to be printed in book form required human beings, but they had no involvement in producing the text other than to at times to ask for clarification or to submit questions during its period of reception. Although this is a very unorthodox way for a book to be produced, the teachings of The Urantia Book stand on their own merits -- students of the book read and study in spite of its unconventional origin -- there is no human authority, no person to look up to or revere, no official religion, no clergy that interprets or speaks for the authority and validity of the book's teaching. That's up to each reader to come to grips with themselves. There are organizations of readers to promote the teachings and fellowship and to assure that books are printed and distributed, of which we are one, but the book stands on its own without a human heritage.

So, yes, the authors of the Urantia Papers had tremendous insight into the Bible as well as into every other aspect of human activity. There is nothing else like The Urantia Book in print -- it is unique. We're glad you found the book and that it has helped you understand the Bible -- for most readers The Urantia Book makes the Bible even more precious and meaningful.

Labels: authority, authorship, Bible, The Urantia Book

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Just What Is Your Belief? Is The Urantia Book A Reference Work?

Q: I look at parts of your site and couldnâ€™t find any reference to the Bible. The part that I read is speaking more or less toward Jesus being who we believe he is but not being into your book any deeper that I am I wonder just what your belief is based on?

I do believe that if a person is Born Again By Jesus Blood he can pretty much understand (being led by the Holy Spirit) the ole fashion word of God.

There is nothing wrong with reference books that provide help for believers and I trust that your book is nothing more that just that (a Help) for believers.

I do like the name of your book TRUTHBOOK because we know that the truth shall set you free but in this day and age there are wolves walking about in sheepâ€™s clothing seeking whom they may devour turning the Truth into a lie.

A: Our site is dedicated to the teachings of The Urantia Book, which does contain over a thousand references to and quotes from the Bible. The Urantia Book is not intended to substitute for the Bible, the foundation upon which Western culture rests, nor to substitute for any particular religion. What it does do is provide insight into the Bibleâ€™s unique position in history and most students of The Urantia Book come to a deeper appreciation of the Bible through their study of the UB. So if youâ€™re comfortable with and confident in your understanding and interpretation of the Bible then there may perhaps be nothing for The Urantia Book to offer you since it speaks to those who did not find the answers afforded by science, religion, or philosophy sufficient to satisfy their inquiring nature.

One significant difference between the Bible and The Urantia Book is that the Bible contains but a brief account of the life and teachings of Jesus â€” although brief it has been sufficient to float the Christian religion for two thousand years and to give an understanding of Jesus to countless seekers. But, all told, there are fewer than 100 pages in the Bible relating to Jesus. The fourth section of The Urantia Book is about 700 pages in length; it recounts his matchless life and teachings from before birth through his death and resurrection â€” no missing years. Students of this book rely upon Jesusâ€™ spirit, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, to lead and guide them as they follow Jesusâ€™ admonition to "Fear not!"

Your impression that The Urantia Book is a reference book is quite accurate â€” itâ€™s an unsurpassed reference to Jesus, the meaning of his life and teachings to all of humanity. It is also considered to be a reference book for cosmic citizenship since it recounts in great detail the nature of God, the nature of creation, the history of the world, and our place in it and how we fit into the grand scheme of it all. But rather than being more than "a help for believers" The Urantia Book is a help for non-believers, those who lacked belief, those who were searching for God but didnâ€™t seem to find Him. Believers have already found God â€” The Urantia Book is a living handbook for those who are seeking.

Labels: Bible, God, Jesus, Spirit of Truth, The Urantia Book, truth

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Thursday, January 24, 2008

Urantia Book Questions

Q: Who wrote the Urantia Book? How do we know what you say is true? The Bible has been re-written so many times that it becomes questionable, but how can we believe or trust the writings of The Urantia Book? Where are you getting your facts?

A: Thank you for your questions about The Urantia Book.

The authors of the Urantia Book are celestial personalities. Some are ascended mortals, some are angels, some are high Sons of God - all were mandated by The Ancients of Days to deliver the Urantia Papers to humanity. This delivery took place during the early years of the 20th century, and was completed in 1934. The final section of The Urantia Book - the Life and Teachings of Jesus - were delivered in toto a short time later, and the entire book was first published in final form in 1955 in Chicago. Many of the concepts (over 1000) in the book were already here on the planet in those days, in already published works, and the Revelators re-worded and re-worked many of these high human concepts and incorporated them into the text. So, in that sense, there was also a fair amount of worthwhile human thought involved - in a peripheral way. But the main bulk of the information in The Urantia Book is a brilliantly crafted treatise of celestial origin - completely unique.

I am not an author of the book, and I have no way to convince you that what is contained in its covers is true. The only way that one can discern the truth of The Urantia Book is by opening it up and reading it. Many people who have done just that are completely convinced of its truth, and have allowed that truth to expand their worldview, inform their spiritual lives, and improve their understanding of, and communion with, God. Others read some of it, and decide that they are not interested, or they decide to leave it alone for any number of reasons. The Truthbook.com site is dedicated to making the Urantia Book available and accessible to people on the internet. We exist for that purpose, and are not in the business of proselytising or trying to convince anyone of anything. The Urantia Book stands alone, on its own merits. Again, the only way to know of its truth is to read it for yourself and judge for yourself whether or not it is, indeed, true.

Having said that, I wish to expand a little bit on one or two things, just by way of further explanation, so you can make an informed decision about it. One of the concepts of The Urantia Book that is very attractive is the concept of the Spirit of Truth. The Spirit of Truth is that "good spirit" that was promised by Jesus to take his place after his ascension into heaven, and which was delivered to humanity at Pentecost. This Spirit is in every way like Jesus, except for the fact that it is a spiritual reality, not a material reality, as Jesus was in the flesh. The Spirit of Truth indwells each person and assists us to discern truth, wherever it is found. You possess this Spirit as well as anyone else, and I invite you to keep that in mind, and keep an open mind, when you approach The Urantia Book.

The Urantia Book does parallel the Bible in many respects, and explains to us why the Bible and all ancient Scripture must also be read with discernment - just because of the human element that was involved in all of that re-writing and such...and you should also read The Urantia Book with that same discernment. Jesus himself was very selective in his use of Scripture. The Urantia Book does not claim to be inerrant, or the "word of God." It is a gift of Revelation to Earth, and is meant to fill in the gaps in our understanding of earth history, of universe cosmology, of Divinity, and of the life and teachings of Jesus. I am sure you would agree that there do exist many, many gaps in our knowledge of these things. The Urantia Book answers all of these many questions in a way that is satisfying both intellectually and spiritually. Part IV - The Life and Teachings of Jesus - is one superb example of this kind of filling in the gaps, as it narrates the life of Jesus as a whole - from his birth, through his childhood, his adolescence, and into his manhood and his mission of proclaiming the good news as we have only known it from the New Testament. The difference is that in The Urantia Book, ALL the missing years and missing events are, for the first time, given to us to enjoy and as sublime inspiration for our modern times.

You can come to trust the writings of The Urantia Book, but not because I say so, because Truthbook says so, or because IT says so. Your own Spirit within will bear witness to you if you are a sincere seeker for the truth. Doubt is the human condition, and nothing bad will happen to you if you decide not to seriously read The Urantia Book. The most important thing is to keep searching for God, to stay on the road to righteousness, follow Jesus, love God, and be a good sister to others.

Thanks again for writing. I hope this reply has been helpful to you. Please feel free to subscribe to the Quote of the Day, a free service of Truthbook.com, and also please look over our site. You might find some of the Urantia Book history helpful (click on The Urantia Book in the left hand menu, and choose a topic) and also you might like to read some of the personal stories of people who feel that The Urantia Book changed their lives for the better (on the left-side menu).

Labels: authorship, Bible, Jesus, Spirit of Truth, The Urantia Book, trust, Truthbook

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Friday, July 20, 2007

Dates In The Urantia Book, And Women Who Followed Jesus

Q: Thank you for the information found on your website. It is quite surprising with regard to the specific dates of certain occurences. Can you please tell me how you came up with these dates? What/who are your sources?

I am researching these subject women in the Bible in an effort to "chronicle" their lives according to what I've read in The Bible and certain other articles. I am really curious to know if anyone can share with me the approximate ages of these women at the time of The Ascension, as well as any other information, e.g., the persecution of Lazarus and his sisters after the Crucifixion.

A: Thank you for your question to Truthbook.Com. We always appreciate hearing from someone who's just come across the teachings of The Urantia Book for the first time.

Yes, the information on our website is quite surprising and startling when first encountered. The Urantia Book is unique; one of its purposes is to provide (when necessary) information heretofore unknown or otherwise unavailable -- the specific dates of Jesus' life being one example. Another startling bit of information is that there is no "we" in coming up with information such as these dates presented by this marvelous book -- the book is a divine gift to humanity -- we read it and accept or disregard it as we choose. To our way of thinking there is no more definitive work on Jesus' life and teachings extant than can be learned through study of The Urantia Book.

You asked about the source. Do you believe in angels? If not you may have a challenge with accepting the caveat in the book relating to the Jesus Papers (Paper 120 through Paper 196) which says: "Part IV, The Life and Teachings of Jesus, This group of papers was sponsored by a commission of twelve Urantia midwayers acting under the supervision of a Melchizedek revelatory director. The basis of this narrative was supplied by a secondary midwayer who was onetime assigned to the superhuman watchcare of the Apostle Andrew."

Your research project is most challenging, partly because the role of women in religion has been historically suppressed by the role of men in religion. Much in The Urantia Book helps explain the roles of men and women from a perspective outside of a humanly skewed historical and religious viewpoint. The two questions you've asked regarding the women around Jesus and Lazarus's sisters are covered in The Urantia Book and I wouldn't want to spoil your discovery by simply answering them. There's a study on our site titled "Mary Magdalene and Other Women Who Followed Jesus" which will help you but don't stop there.

May I recommend that if you're not already signed up that you consider subscribing to the Quote of the Day. It's a free service from our site that offers a daily quote from the incomparable teachings of this marvelous book with an audio clip and a beautiful and inspiring image, a great way to start one's day as well as to begin to understand the teachings of the book. To subscribe go to the upper right corner of our home page, click on Quote of the Day and follow the instructions.

Best wishes and intriguing reading and unbounded discovery to you.

Larry Watkins
Truthbook.Com

Labels: angels, Bible, dates, Jesus, Larry Watkins, midwayers, The Urantia Book, women who followed Jesus

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Monday, January 08, 2007

Forgive and Forget?

Q: In the Bible it says to forgive and forget. What if a person gives you a lifetime of pain, not only to you, but everyone in your family and countless others as well? I have had substance abuse problems due to this. I cannot find it in my heart to forgive this person. Am I wrong?

A: From the sound of your letter, I would say that you are carrying a big load of anger and hurt, as well as some confusion. You already know that God tells us to forgive and forget, and in your heart, you believe it, but in the present circumstances, you are finding it next to impossible to carry out this act of forgiveness.

It is so difficult when one person can cause so much heartache and distress to others. I have had experiences like this in my own life, and I know it is not easy to forgive. If it was, we would likely never have wars, murders, divorces, or all the other miseries that one person can inflict upon another. Forgiveness is an act practiced by those who want to be Kingdom-dwellers - who want to rise above "the world," where we are told that "revenge is sweet" and discover the true sweetness of taking the high road.

Forgiveness is VITAL to your well-being. I am not going to tell you that you are wrong for not wanting to forgive, but I don't think you would have written such a heartfelt question, with so much anguish, if you did not believe that your heart needed a reason to change. I believe you want to forgive, but your hurts and angry feelings are clouding your mind and judgment right now.

One thing I want to tell you is that the act of forgiveness is NOT for the offender. By forgiving, we don't justify the offenses of the person, we don't excuse their behavior, but we release them from our own judgment, and by doing so, we release ourselves from the terrible burdens of anger, pain and disappointment. And I think you would agree - these terrible heavy feelings ARE burdens of the worst sort.

It might be that this person is beyond help, is blind and deaf to the misery that they place on their friends and family. It might do no good at all even to forgive them to their face. You may want to cut this person out of your life altogther (and that might be a good idea, from the sound of things). Just because we forgive, it does not mean that we have to make ourselves available for further abuse. If you can, find ways to distance yourself from this situation.

Forgiveness is not for THEM. It is for YOU...

Right now, this offending person has a great deal of power over you. You are angry and confused. You are doubting yourself, and using substances to relieve this pain. And you may feel that you are unable to do what God has asked of you - all because you have given over control of your feelings and emotions to be manipulated at the whim of this person. Can you see that?

There will never be a sure way for you to change the behavior of the person who causes such pain, but there is one person that you can control, and it isYOU! Forgiveness is an "inside job," and it will effectively restore your power where it belongs - in your own inner life, doing what YOU know to be best.

It happens inside of you - in your mind - and it causes a change of heart when done by an act of the will, especially when we know that it is God's will that we do so. This is true freedom - to have control over our own emotions and our own responses to the actions of others.

When we wholeheartedly align our will with the Father, we can expect a very good result.

This will take a full surrender on your part - surrender to the goodness and the mercy of God - knowing that he will make all things right, in his way and in his time. Surrender your feelings of anger and pain to God, and ask that he sanctify your heart and wash it clean. Lay your burdens upon him, and lay this offending person at his feet. Then, leave them there.

I don't promise that this is easy, but I do promise trhat it is the right thing to do. It could be that you may have to do this more than once or twice - particularly if this offending person is still in your life. But with every effort, you will gain strength and you will experience victory over this problem.

We have the example of the Master, who gave his very life at the hands of muderers and betrayers, and yet, he was able to say, "forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do." He was dogged for all the years of his ministry by people who hated him and wished evil on him - people who plotted against him and sought his ruin. And yet he still forgave - even while in the act of dying at their evil hands. I think it's safe to say that he understands what you're going through. Trust him to help you through it and over it.

Jesus said, What you believe I would do to others, do likewise."

One last thing - and this comes from my own personal experience: Over a period of time, we can establish patterns of behavior with troublesome people, and it may take some time and distance for you to reclaim yourself through forgiveness. Then, when and if you decide to re-connect, you can begin to establish better boundaries and healthier patterns of behavior with this person, so they will know you mean business, and that you no longer are at their mercy. No more will they be able to manipulate you. You will have risen above their misery, and your own - and you may then even be able to provide a good example for others in your life who have been likewise affected.

It will be of great help to you if you can stop seeing yourself as a victim. You can only be victimized if you allow it. Up til now, maybe you didn't know this. Now you do. Take charge of yourself. Ask God to help you, and he will.

Remember - forgiveness is for YOU, not them. Do it for yourself. Pray for the offender, leave them with God, but know that by forgiving them, you are raising YOURSELF up to where you ought to be - where God wants you to be.

Thanks so much for writing, and sharing this difficult problem.

Sincerely,

MaryJo
Truthbook.com

Labels: Bible, forgiveness, God, God's Will, Jesus, Mary Jo

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Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Sins Of The Fathers

Q: I have been told that the sins of the fathers are paid by the children for up to 7 generations. Where does this appear in the Bible? Thank you.

A: Here are some references to sins of the fathers:

Exodus Chapter 20 (5) You shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them. For I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the sons to the third and fourth generation of those that hate me, (6) and showing mercy to thousands of those that love Me and keep My commandments.

Numbers 14 (18) The LORD is long-suffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the sons to the third and fourth generation.

Deuteronomy Chapter 5 (9) You shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them. For I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the sons to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, (10) and doing mercy to thousands of those who love Me and keep My commandments.

Jeremiah Chapter 32 (17) Ah, Lord Jehovah! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and stretched out arm. Nothing is too great for You. (18) You show loving-kindness to thousads, and repay the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their sons after them.

SINS OF THE FATHERS -- Euripides (c. 485-406 B.C.), Phrixus, fragment 970: "The gods visit the sins of the fathers upon the children."

Also: "For the sins of your fathers you, though guiltless, must suffer." - Horace, "Odes," III, 6, l. 1.

"The sins of the father are to be laid upon the children." - Shakespeare, "The Merchant of Venice," act III, sc. V, l. 1

So it looks like God smites for up to 4 generations and not 7 -- that's much more comforting isn't it.

Let's look at some of what The Urantia Book has to say regarding this:

The Father's love follows us now and throughout the endless circle of the eternal ages. As you ponder the loving nature of God, there is only one reasonable and natural personality reaction thereto: You will increasingly love your Maker; you will yield to God an affection analogous to that given by a child to an earthly parent; for, as a father, a real father, a true father, oves his children, so the Universal Father loves and forever seeks the welfare of his created sons and daughters. (2:5.9)

Of Jesus it was truly said, "He trusted God." As a man among men he most sublimely trusted the Father in heaven. He trusted his Father as a little child trusts his earthly parent. His faith was perfect but never presumptuous. No matter how cruel nature might appear to be or how indifferent to man's welfare on earth, Jesus never faltered in his faith. He was immune to disappointment and impervious to persecution. He was untouched by apparent failure. (100:7.7)

Though many of the temple rituals very touchingly impressed his sense of the beautiful and the symbolic, he was always disappointed by the explanation of the real meanings of these ceremonies which his parents would offer in answer to his many searching inquiries. Jesus simply would not accept explanations of worship and religious devotion which involved belief in the wrath of God or the anger of the Almighty. In further discussion of these questions, after the conclusion of the temple visit, when his father became mildly insistent that he acknowledge acceptance of the orthodox Jewish beliefs, Jesus turned suddenly upon his parents and, looking appealingly into the eyes of his father, said: "My father, it cannot be true--the Father in heaven cannot so regard his erring children on earth. The heavenly Father cannot love his children less than you love me. And I well know, no matter what unwise thing I might do, you would never pour out wrath upon me nor vent anger against me. If you, my earthly father, possess such human reflections of the Divine, how much more must the heavenly Father be filled with goodness and overflowing with mercy. I refuse to believe that my Father in heaven loves me less than my father on earth." (125:0.6)

Jesus was baptized at the very height of John's preaching when Palestine was aflame with the expectancy of his message--"the kingdom of God is at hand" --when all Jewry was engaged in serious and solemn self-examination. The Jewish sense of racial solidarity was very profound. The Jews not only believed that the sins of the father might afflict his children, but they firmly believed that the sin of one individual might curse the nation. Accordingly, not all who submitted to John's baptism regarded themselves as being guilty of the specific sins which John denounced. Many devout souls were baptized by John for the good of Israel. They feared lest some sin of ignorance on their part might delay the coming of the Messiah. They felt themselves to belong to a guilty and sin-cursed nation, and they presented themselves for baptism that they might by so doing manifest fruits of race penitence. It is therefore evident that Jesus in no sense received John's baptism as a rite of repentance or for the remission of sins. In accepting baptism at the hands of John, Jesus was only following the example of many pious Israelites. (136:2.1)

"The divine riches of God's character must be infinitely deep and eternally wise. We cannot search out God by knowledge, but we can know him in our hearts by personal experience. While his justice may be past finding out, his mercy may be received by the humblest being on earth. While the Father fills the universe, he also lives in our hearts. The mind of man is human, mortal, but the spirit of man is divine, immortal. God is not only all-powerful but also all-wise. If our earth parents, being of evil tendency, know how to love their children and bestow good gifts on them, how much more must the good Father in heaven know how wisely to love his children on earth and to bestow suitable blessings upon them. (131:10.3)

One of the purposes of the Urantia revelation is to provide a more meaningful understanding of the personal relationship we have with our heavenly Father -- many beliefs are archaic and grounded in superstition and fear and are well in need of updating.

Thank you for your question.
Larry Watkins
Truthbook.com

Labels: baptism, Bible, God, Jesus, Larry Watkins, relationship with God, sins of the fathers, The Urantia Book

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Monday, December 19, 2005

What is the truth about Reincarnation?

Q: What is the truth about Reincarnation?

A: The acceptance of "truth" is a relative thing in human experience. To a Moslem, truth is contained in the teachings of the Quran, to most Christians the Bible is the truth. Even within the various Christian and Moslem sects the truth is seen from different angles. So how do you know the truth and how might God regard your affinity for it?

Your endowments as a human being include a mind for interacting with your environment and logic for sifting through information to determine facts, meaningful truths and to formulate beliefs. That's how a Moslem and a Christian can arrive at their truths which essentially conflict with one another but which quite possibly are pleasing to God because they were each arrived at through the best application of each believer's endowments. What we may assume to be most pleasing to God would be how we arrive at and act upon our decisions and beliefs, not specifically what we believe.

For students of The Urantia Book the message it contains has become their standard for perceiving truth and The Urantia Book does have several things to say regarding the theory of reincarnation. If you'll return to the Truthbook.com FAQ (upper right hand corner of our home page), under ("What does The Urantia Book Say About...), and the heading "What does the book teach regarding reincarnation?" you'll find some of the reason students of the book replace whatever beliefs about reincarnation they may have one time entertained with the Urantia book teachings.

This is an often asked question so we have added it to our discussion board so that you might have the benefit of the thoughtful responses of our online Urantia Book reader community. You can visit this board and see these responses by clicking here: http://forums.truthbook.com/viewforum.php?f=11. And may I also recommend that if you're not already signed up that you consider subscribing to the Quote of the Day. It's a free service that offers a daily quote from the incomparable teachings of this marvelous book along with a beautiful and inspiring image, a great way to start one's day as well as to begin to understand the Urantia teachings. To subscribe go to the upper right corner of our home page, click on Quote of the Day and follow the instructions.

Thank you for your question.

Larry Watkins,
Truthbook.com

Labels: Bible, Christian, Larry Watkins, Moslem, Quran, reincarnation, The Urantia Book, truth