Before I get to the main content of this essay for the
Four Gospels Course, I would like to comment on a few points that I took note of, that arose during my study of the text provided, "The Unvarnished Gospels", translated by Andy Gaus, Shambhala Press. In the past three years, I have been blessed by being afforded the means and time to devote my waking hours, in their entirety, to the study of the entire Bible's central focus, New and Old Testament, specifically the life, purpose and works of the greatest man to ever walk the earth, Jesus.
During this time and in many courses, classes, seminars, private study,etc., I have read and compared many different translations of the same stories in each Bible and text. Although translated from the original Greek, to me, The Unvarnished Gospels reads like a novel you would read a few chapters before retiring for the night, with no landmarks such as chapters and verse numbering for easier comparisons and cross references with other published works. But more importantly, it seems to focus it's attention on a critiquing of Jesus with several views I feel are out right insulting to the name of Jesus, rather than being a text for educational purposes. Even with my limited education, with the opinion of several others I've shared this with agree, it falls short of being anywhere close to be an accurate description of Jesus, as we've come to picture Him today. Some of the points I will elaborate on as I progress. That being said I'll continue on the writing presented to us. I find it very difficult to believe that speech in the time frame when Jesus walked among us, people used slang so common today, e.g. "Hey, Buddy!".
Another quick example is His sermon on the mount with statements like "The weak are in luck!". Enough said on this topic.
The Gospels as a whole, I believe should be read as a single work, one book, to aid in the work of the Breath of GOD indwelling in each of HIS believers. To improve our senses of understanding, reading combined, to yield the true meaning intended, this combination approach of the four books and the Breath of GOD, motivates our gift of discernment to new levels.
Unhindered by petty differences, e.g. 'well Mathew said......but Mark didn't say it......but John was more of a poet, his stories don't match the synopsis.....on and on.....' But in reality to more or less greater degree, much criticism and differences between different camps exists as to content, speech patterns and the various stories in general. As substantiation supporting my theory, I paraphrase a statement made by the scholar and translator, C.I. Scofield, that he wrote in his somewhat debated work entitled "Dividing The Truth", which also includes some very interesting and notable views and covenants between GOD and Man through out man's history, which could be another essay in itself. Mr. Scofield states that "Anything can be proven by the Bible, is both true and false. If the passage is taken out of context (isolated), then the statement is true. But, if on the other hand, the same passage, is used in the context of GOD's divine plan for man, the entire Bible, then the statement is false." (paraphrased; parenthesis are mine). So if I'm to read one book, and not the entire four Gospels, constructing the message GOD intended for me to learn in my mind and heart, will be inaccurate by ignoring the other three books,(that would give me
GOD's panoramic view for man, the entire picture), with no quibbling. Just the interpreted message that was intended for us to write in our hearts, as heavenly food.
In the past three years as I mentioned previously, I have been blessed, not only for the means and time to study, but also to acquire a meager library of over 70 texts, containing at any given time, 20 to 24 translations and versions of the Bible, all of which I've spent many hours in the study of most. One of the things that immediately caught my attention and I found curious was the variations, not just between the different versions, for instance between a KJV and a NIV version, but the minute but important differences between a KJV and another KJV by a different translator. To some this may give pause. But I have taken the stance that they are all the works of GOD inspired men, who wrote GOD-inspired messages! Why the differences, you ask? No one can know the mind of GOD, but the fact remains, HE knew each of us from the beginning of a time with no beginning. Each one of us has our steps in life, every effort, every work we perform, every action 'ordered' (put in sequence) by GOD who has loved each of HIS children from that same beginning of time in which there is no beginning.
We can quibble about differences and whose version is the correct version, to what end? My belief (since this is my paper) is they are all GOD-inspired for no other reason than to just simple challenge us, as Jesus did with parables and metaphors to the people and only revealed their meanings to HIS students (disciples) in private. I believe GOD still inspires those who write the 'new' versions, the 'new' translations throughout the centuries and HE's still at it today. Just as Mr. Scofield said, we need to view the entire panorama of the entire Bible, the 'true' messages hidden within. HE (GOD) would have us take interest in all versions, in all translations that we have access to, in an even larger overall view.
Life is not easy, so why would we consider the possibility that our 'instruction manual' GOD gives us, should be simple enough to be contained in only 'one' version, or 'one' book. We aren't to get hung up on the variations (which I am guilty of in my critique of 'The Unvarnished Gospels', I still exercise my GOD given gift of free will), but combine like chapters and verses from different versions and translations to reveal the "True Message" we are shown. As Jesus taught, when we have the Light, we should not hide it, but share it with others. In the last book of the New Testament, we are told no one is to add or subtract from the Scriptures. If taken literally, there are a lot of scholars and translators in deep trouble. That isn't what 'my' GOD wants. That's why HE sent HIS Son to walk among us, salvation..... That's what HE wants for us all. The different variations are to be read together as a whole just as one Bible should be read in its' entirety to get the full impact of its' messages. As to the parables and metaphors Jesus quoted, appear to be intended for those who were 1) needy enough i.e. the poor. 2) intellectual enough to grasp their meanings. 3) pre-destined by GOD to receive the messages. We can speculate but in the final Quiz, only GOD knows HIS reasons. Bottom line seems to be: If you don't understand the parable or metaphor, it probably wasn't yours to be had, for whatever reason GOD may have.
Many translators of the New Testament, along with papers by various scholars hold to the opinion stated in this text that John was 'Too poetic'. There again a judgmental stance. That he sounds like a 'traveling story teller. What were Jesus' students(disciples) when they were sent out in twos to spread the "Good News" with no provisions, no texts to read from, everything they needed provided by GOD? They were just that, 'traveling story tellers' with the additional fact being their story was true, and their messages were of a life and death decision for the people., salvation and all that Jesus taught that came to Him from the FATHER, or eternal death, separation from GOD. The lessons being valuable life lessons that were ignored by pagans, gentiles and many jews alike, (e.g. Love: Forgiveness; Good Works (being fruitful); To ignore the treasures of the earth; to focus on the treasures in heaven; Hope and Faith all head the list of what pleases our FATHER in heaven, all desired for HIS creations to possess. GOD is Spirit, to have GOD come into our life and have his indwelling in each of HIS children, we too must be Spiritual creations. It has been said that The Kingdom of GOD is within us, as are the answers to all of our questions, is all we have to do is open our hearts to Jesus, and to love GOD through the LIVING sacrifice of HIS Son..........loving Jesus.........so simple........so loving.........so forgiving.......so simple.
How do these "lessons" from GOD through Jesus affect us today? How does their meanings relate to my life? And where do they penetrate society? Those words spoken by Jesus to the people over 2000 years ago, spoken to Jews and Gentiles alike, still possess their sting, their comfort, their warmth of a loving GOD today, if we heed the lessons and apply them "Love your neighbor as you do yourself". We do have to apply them, not just on Sunday with a profession riddled with 'show' for others, then oggle their neighbors wife the rest of the week. These lessons, many I've practiced without hesitation, others with some difficulty, and shamefully some not as I should, have taught me several important things in life. I've seen the result of prayer, when 'correctly' offered, answered in GOD's own time (even though time is something man has adopted, not GOD, Who can't have any attachments of time in HIS Kingdom). Sometimes the answer to my prayers has been "No", not what I wanted to hear, but I do realize our FATHER in heaven knows what we need and what we're going to ask for before we do, but always it's for our best interest like any doting FATHER. How do these lessons penetrate our society today? A current example is the outpouring of help, aid and rescue operations during 9/11, and more recently the hurricanes that devastatingly came ashore. Our GOD is alive and well and in full action over HIS creations. We have but to pause and listen to our hearts (another good research subject: heart and soul). HE's right there. Unfortunately, I personally see the corruption, the anti-Jew and anti-Minority movements and attitudes spreading like wild fire. Only GOD knows why. My answer to that is...I...don't...know. On the other side of the coin I see many church congregations and out-reach programs working so hard to help the needy in the inner city. We must maintain our faith and pray constantly for a reversal of the negative that thrives in the inner city also.
Jesus, in the text of this course, has been portrayed as being angry, frustrated, fearful, running away like an 8 year old child, I believe was the line......etc. I have great difficulty believing that the Jesus I've fallen in love with, and who is fully GOD and fully man, who existed from the same beginning without a beginning, with the FATHER, and the Breath of GOD (Holy Spirit; Holy Ghost), would have any reason to fear man, as He has told us to not fear the one that destroys the body only, fear the ONE who can kill the body and soul. Are we to fear GOD? I find no difficulty in believing GOD loves me enough to create me, a spirit with a body, and fear HIM (awe) at the same time. My parents who have already passed, loved me and my brother, yet we feared them because of their strict corrections born out of that love.
Through out the entire course, reference after reference alluded to Karma, or what goes around comes around is the common reference, e.g. in the Scripture writings (again paraphrased) 'if you have a problem with your brother, leave the alter, make things right with your brother, then return and make your offering; or the Golden Rule; love your neighbor as yourself. Judge not least ye be judged.' Was Jesus here to judge? He said "I came into the world not to judge (condemn) but to save it" In the end days we will all stand in front of the Great White Throne.
Here is another side note pertaining to the topic that Jesus appeared to only teach to those who were ready to 'hear'. Don't waste your time teaching those that already know or those who don't want to 'hear'. "Don't cast pearls before swine...". Did people understand (hear) Jesus' "Judge not....." as a teaching of forgiveness that is born of love and not intimidation. A case of Karma.
Another thought on Jesus' teaching (lessons) penetrating our society, is the known fact that if our belief system is based on a foundation of truth, love and hope, everything that stems from that will be strong and firm, which it is in every pocket (congregation) or group of believers joined together with one purpose, for the Glory of GOD and united as the Body of Christ.
Jesus' occasions of His ability to heal from Gospel to Gospel has two objectives apparent. 1) to give Glory to the FATHER, and 2) to ensure the sick and dying possessed true faith, which was the ingredient required for the healing to take place. The variances between descriptions of these incidents is of no import, if you understand the point of their presence in the text. All of Jesus' healings required that "Faith" admission be made from the person being healed or by someone closely associated to the sick person if they were unable to speak for themselves.
The comment was made that the people who happened upon this "Rebel" of a Jew, feared Him. This is not so unusual, as it has been throughout man's history and nature to fear what is new, different and unknown. Ignorance feeds fear. This is probably another reason Jesus spoke in metaphors and parables, those that would 'hear' probably were those who were least afraid of change and something or someone new and different.
What are we guaranteed of? The real beauty of Spirit, is there are no lies. If we speak up for Jesus and His teachings on earth, He will speak up for us in heaven before the FATHER. Deny Jesus here and He'll deny us in heaven. Jesus' wants true believers. He wants those who freely and without hesitation will give up their life for Him, and not those who believe as long as it doesn't cost them anything. If we are true believers that recognize the truth......that the Kingdom of GOD (the Light) resides in us, the Light can be seen in our eyes. If it doesn't show there, then all that exists in that person is loneliness and desolation. If the Light does reside in that person, great is their reward on the spiritual level.
Jesus in some gospels tells the person healed not to tell anyone who healed Him, why? Jesus knows the hearts and character of men (as shown repeatedly when He would hear what others were 'thinking). He was counting on the fact probably, that they would tell more people more quickly than if He had told them to tell everyone they knew, a human characteristic that 'occasionally' arises. Motivation? I'm not sure yet, other than in later Gospel passages Jesus says He does the FATHER's work in the open.
I found this next idea in the course text amusing, when the conclusion was drawn from Jesus' metaphor of the farmer sowing seeds, to be able to say "This is the basis of our judicial system. Better to let 1000 criminals go free than to convict one innocent." But not today, personally speaking, convictions are at an all time high and include the poor who can't afford representation, the mentally retarded incarcerated with all others without adequate care, both receiving a guilty conviction with the truth being the farthest thing from the mind of the judicial system. What is the focus of our judicial system today, you ask? It's very obvious not to weed out the good from the bad. It is however Satan’s old standby to steal souls and it works quite well. I'm sorry to say it's money. Bonus' given for convictions (so the poor and helpless who can't afford adequate counsel, are easy marks for plea bargains and that all mighty dollar for convicting not another human but just a body for bucks) and Federal Grants for more prisons justified by facts like local jails operating at 150% of their capacity to receive MONEY for more prisons and jails and jobs. So which is the cause? Either Satan is winning and stealing more souls or Jesus is failing to find ' workers' to harvest the fruit that is in abundance. I'm of the camp that believes Jesus will be the victor. Our so called "Judicial System" is a big money business and it doesn't matter whether you're innocent or guilty, maybe just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Let me be clear on this point. There are many who work in the judicial system who are of the mind they are making a difference in our system. That what they do, is removing Satan's soldiers from the streets, all with no regard for their salaries, which is indicative of Public Defenders Office who are over worked and the only saving grace, besides Jesus, that the poor, retarded or innocent have. To them, thank you.
Jesus was accused, in the course text of being 'spiteful' when he made the fig tree dry up. Is the intent of this passage made to show the person of Jesus, who is fully man and fully Deity, is capable of letting His human side rule over His Dieity side and loose His temper? I have great difficulty in believing Jesus would "loose His temper" particularly over something as insignificant as a fruitless fig tree. The compassionate, loving Jesus I've come to know would display infinite patience with everyone. He came to earth to be the WAY to our FATHER in heaven, our salvation.
We then see mention again the two great commandments always worth mentioning. 1) To love the FATHER with our whole being. 2) To love others as we love ourselves. Again alluding to Karma?
I'm of the opinion of the parable of the old wine skins and the new wine, that Jesus was implying exactly what would happen when the new (New Covenant) is put among the old (Jewish Pharisees), resulting in something giving way. Fulfilling prophesy, Jesus' work overshadowed the Law but didn't abolish it. He celebrated all the Jewish holidays. He did effect a change from a "legalist" approach, to one of "Grace". As spirits in bodies we are equal before Jesus and equal before all people. In light of that fact we shouldn't hesitate to "wash our brothers and sisters feet".
We read that Jesus cried out asking why the FATHER had forsaken Him on the cross. At this juncture, I accept the premise that the human side of Jesus did in fact overpowered the control and serenity of the Jesus Deity, when taken into account the immense, and unfathomable pain He was being subjected to. (So intense to cover the sins of all mankind that in all probability, as the legions of angels wept, FATHER GOD, in HIS anguish had to turn away-opinion). The question has been raised why He died so quickly when crucifixion of a human took 2-3 days before they died. From my research on this subject, briefly, I'm of the opinion, that by the intensity of the wounds that were inflicted upon Him by His tormentors, as described in Lee Strobel's book, "The Case For Christ", the ferociousness of His attackers and then the subjection to being 'nailed' to the cross (normally those sentenced were tied with ropes), the extreme damage to His frail body, was damage that no ordinary human could have withstood as long as Jesus did. Spiritually, He still new His purpose, and that should not be overlooked, His ultimate destination.......back to the FATHER! HOME! I also believe He suffered just enough to pay all 'mankind's tab' and then there most assuredly was intercession by the FATHER. What Father could refrain from interceding in the intense sufferings of His only Son if within His power to stop it. I would take odds not a single Father would hesitate to intervene. GOD just simply GAVE us our salvation.......HE said "Here's my Son......He's your salvation....it's FREE.............is all I require is that you believe in Him......nothing else, just BELEIVE!" So Jesus expired when the bill was paid and His work completed. On the third day, and forty, He ascended to the FATHER, back home! All of our homes, eventually.
Another note before the main topic of my essay which I've chosen to be the Book of Thomas. At the crucifixion and death of Jesus, simultaneously, the huge curtain in the tabernacle was torn in two from the top to the bottom. In thetabernacle, only the priests were allowed to go behind the curtain that separated the people from GOD. When Jesus died with all of our sins draining His precious blood from His frail body, we were instantly given a High Priest, an advocate to the FATHER, if you will. So the torn separator, the curtain, signified to the people that they were no longer considered to be separated from GOD. Jesus paid the price for our transgressions. He became the open doorway directly to the FATHER and guaranteed salvation just for loving and believing in HIS Son. GOD loves us and wants a loving relationship with us. As I said previously, the Kingdom of GOD now resides in every true believer, of HIS Son, as does the all the answers to all of our questions. We have but to listen......He's there, in our hearts. Faith cannot be hidden. Truth cannot be hidden.
If you don't see yourself and others as spirits in bodies, what we truly are, how can you expect to be one with GOD, Who is SPIRIT also. People don't like change even if it's to their benefit. Change is not safe. It is uncomfortable. They resist it as much as possible. So for a non-believer to truly come to Jesus, is a great leap of faith, but His love and the love of the FATHER, relieve the fear of the experience in a heartbeat.
I can't forget a couple items about the Book of John before I go any farther. In this book we hear of Jesus 'taking some glory for Himself". People who judge those actions with a questionable view are forgetting a very important point. Jesus and the FATHER (and the Breath of GOD) are all existing in an eternal unity. GOD is in Jesus and Jesus is in the FATHER. So it follows that Jesus taking credit for His works for His own glory, is still GLORY for the FATHER.
"What's mine is mine, and what's yours is yours" can't exist if you keep the unity of the Trinity in mind, and again quit quibbling over insignificant details that I believe the FATHER did not intend for us to do. There's also the accusation that Jesus 'ran' away from some tormentors he met in areas where He was not received with open arms. It states He ran away 'like an 8 year old child'. That's not even close to being logical or an accurate description of the characteristic of the Savior. He had nothing to fear. He knew His purpose for being on earth and He knew it wasn't His time yet. So what is the rationale of Him supposedly running away like a child. Personally, I read that sentence and felt a little upset that the thought of Jesus even fearing men for a moment was even possible, much less like a 'child'. The Divine Architect of all creation,(in a more reasonable possibility, if Jesus didn't execute His escape from the angry mobs on His own), facilitated HIS Son's retreat HIMSELF. If we're going to speculate, since no one actually knows, I believe in a more logical light and probability, He walked away from the crowds in a casual walk, no fear. He was safe. His time hadn't come yet, so why would He run?
Referring back to the statement that the author of the Book of John sounded 'too' poetic, casting doubts on the accuracy of John saying he sounded like a traveling storyteller. I would like to reiterate the fact that I hold as truth. All the Disciples(students) Jesus sent out by twos to spread the Good News, relying on GOD alone for all their needs, were essentially just that, traveling storytellers. Entering briefly in the mist of this discussion, re-enters the topic of fear again. That was a very crude, hard and dangerous times that Jesus and His Disciples lived in. They were more possibly concerned with survival, than in making each story they told and retold, matching from town to town. The message was there, but the details varied because they had no written script they could draw from, which fuels the arguments man enters into about the problem of the differences between the Four Gospels, proving or disproving the credibility. Okay, I'm finished.
A point I would also like to cover is the type of people that were drawn to Jesus and His teachings. I would venture to say that besides attracting those who became the true believers, He most likely encountered people who just plain liked the idea of 'living forever'......that's all. These people, in wanting to live forever and that's all, were (are) exhibiting a desire of the body only. Our true nature, spirit, already will live forever, most certainly because of just being 'true believers'. Jesus came to us to provide salvation from eternal separation from the FATHER, an eternal hell. Salvation, the FATHER'S Grace (gift) through Jesus, and forgiveness, with Jesus paying the 'tab'.
The topic of Grace is only briefly inferred in the Four Gospels and really doesn't take it's place in the scriptures until the Book of Acts. The Breath of GOD that is an equal part of the Holy Trinity (Triune Spirit of GOD) sees a lot of action in the Gospels as well as the Epistles and Pauline writings.
The "Comforter", "Breath of GOD" or "Holy Spirit", we're told couldn't come to earth to be with us, to man, until Christ's work was completed, perfected, His crucifixion and three days in hell until His resurrection, His glorification and ascension into heaven to sit at the right hand of GOD. Then and only then, after He ascends to heaven does the Breath of GOD, the Comforter descend to His students (Disciples) on Pentecost, not before.
In closing on my comments centered on the Four Gospels, I would like to point out a statement in the closing text of the course, where it states 'Jesus was grandstanding' at the end of the Book of John! That constitutes an insult and attack on who Jesus is, no matter whether you're a true Christian or a non-believer. Jesus, because of who He is, is the last person that would ever need to 'pump up His ego', for the benefit of Himself or anyone. That statement actually baffles me. Was Jesus 'grandstanding' when He stayed where He was for two extra days before answering the request of the sisters, Martha and Mary, concerning their dying brother, Lazarus, before He went to them? Finding, when He arrived Lazarus, whom Jesus loved (this passage also contains, for those who don't know, the shortest verse in the Bible, John 11:35......"Jesus wept") was already entombed for several days. I'm of the opinion He hesitated on purpose, so He could raise Lazarus from the dead 'to the Glory of The FATHER and HIS edification." Someone asked me why Jesus told Mary and Martha and those in attendance to "remove the stone from the door of the tomb", when He, having all the powers of the FATHER, didn't just move it Himself? I believe this is a great point for discussion. My belief here is, we find a subtle lesson for all mankind, but is most certainly overlooked. Jesus wants us to do what we are capable of ourselves, not relying on the works of others as we stand by and watch. If we can accomplish a deed as a result of our own abilities, why should we pray for favors that we are capable of ourselves.
Now to the topic I chose (finally!), that interested me most, the extra chapters the course I received, The Book of Thomas. In 1945, in a digging in the sands near Nag Hammadi, Egypt, a stone jar was uncovered containing numerous papyrus manuscripts now called the Nag Hammadi Library. They are composed of 13 books containing 52 texts. Most display an esoteric, mystical movement termed Gnosticism. Gnostic Christians challenged the existing authorities, priests and bishops. They believed that a Spiritual Gnostic life devoted to a Spiritual Gnostic Christ allowed them direct access to approach and embrace GOD directly. Four of the most outstanding documents of the Nag Hammadi Library are 1) The Secret Book of James 2) The Gospel of Thomas 3) The Book of Thomas 4) The secret Book of John. The word 'Gnostic' comes from the Greek word gnosis; meaning knowledge. The Book of Thomas is claimed to be a list of sayings from Jesus as told to His reported twin brother Didymus Judas Thomas and recorded by Mathias (Mathew?). (For a vigorous discussion on whether Jesus had any siblings at all, bring the subject up to a Capuchen Catholic Priest). Most if not all, are determined to have been written as late as 140 A.D..
Why is the Book of Thomas considered Gnostic and not another Gospel? The first reason is basically because the Book's rejection by the Church as authentic. The second reason, by the dual definition of Gnostic, questions arise as to what Jesus was implying in the book to His claimed twin brother. First; The Book of Thomas is Gnostic if the origins are of a people who believe, as previously mentioned, that have a divine capacity within themselves that they can believe the Kingdom of GOD is already upon the earth giving them direct access to GOD. It's not considered Gnostic if the assumption is taken that it is in accord with the Gnostic Religion which the Nag Hammadi Library texts are based, a religion that differentiates the GOD of this world (the Jewish GOD) from a higher more abstract GOD. If this is the case then the Book of Thomas is not Gnostic. In any case the Church holds to their belief that it's a 2nd or 3rd century manuscript of heresy, to late in date with very little historical value in regards to Jesus. It will never be accepted into the Bible, because the subject has been closed, due to the biblical canon being formally closed from any debate. The Book of Thomas has sparked a new interest in other "Lost Books of the Bible", as another research topic.
I've discovered the following:
1) "The Secret Teachings of Jesus; Four Gnostic Gospels; translated by Marvin Meyers, which includes a) "The Secret Book of James"; b) "The Gospel of Thomas"; c) "The Book of Thomas"; d) "The Secret Book of John".
2) "The Gospel of Thomas; Hidden Sayings of Jesus"; Translated by Marvin Meyer.
3) "The Nag Hammadi Library"; Translated by James Robinson.
4) "The Gnostic Scriptures"; Translated by Bentley Layton.
5) "The Lost Gospel: The Book of Q; and Christian Origins"; Translated by Burton L. Mack.
The Book of Thomas has sparked a 'life long' interest in me. There is enough written on the subject to hold anyone's interest for quite awhile if so inclined. In contrast, during a conversation with a local pastor, he remarked "I read somewhere the Book of Thomas is heresy and worthless, not worthy of any time spent in it. If you really want to get to know Jesus our Savior, buy yourself a good Bible". Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Conclusion: "The Unvarnished Gospels" or any Biblical Books are not to be read as a three or four night read, upon retiring to put you to sleep. Any Bible deserves "study" not just read. They are and always will be a living, eternal, instructive entity that shouts out to be read over and over while applying Jesus' (and therefore GOD's) plan for the way we are to treat our brothers, sisters and ourselves while we are temporarily housed on earth (to 'practice' our lessons). We can never
cease to learn from them. Once Jesus has become (is) the Illumination, the Light, within us, we begin to burn for more and more, and to share it with others.
My favorite passage from the course is; "GOD's love doesn't need to be proven. It just is."
--Reverend Kipper T. Rowen
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The ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.
The main reason I took this Comparative Religion course was due to the description found at the ULC web site: "This is one of the most informative courses we offer. It is packed full of information about different religions with an emphasis on interfaith studies." This is very true. This course is loaded with information. Not only does it provide the history and background information on all of the worlds big religions, it also includes information on some of the more obscure belief systems. The presentation format makes it easy to compare the similarities of the worlds religions. This is exactly what I wanted and this course delivered.
I enjoyed this degree path: “
