Religious Philosophy

Religious Philosophy                                                                                                                  11/30/2009 Lesson 9 ~ Religious Expressions Questions: Q.1.) Consider your own religious path. What stories are told that serve to enlighten and educate? In other words, what stories are mythical? Answer: As I studied and searched the New Testament, I found this question to be very challenging in order to seek out a statement in Christ's own words that fit the question asked. In return for my effort the lord and the Holy Spirit led me to Matthew, Ch. 5. Verse 3 ~ 16; The B- attitudes, as well as the proceeding verses. (Mythical) in the since that something good comes from what may appear bad. (Mythical) is the promise that is perceived for a devotion to such an idea or perception when put into action as a life style. (Mythical) is the faith that must be endured to achieve such reward. Q.2.) Are any of these myths thought to be actual historical events? Is that important? Would it matter if it was proven that they didn't really happen? Answer:  2a. thought to be historical (Yes) many were supposedly present when Christ gave this inspirational talk. 2b. it is only important to those who hear and through faith, act on it with their whole self being. 2c. I don't feel that it would matter to the faithful, because it is such a strong moral and ethical behavior that it implies as to (how to live) one's life. Q.3.) Can you think of a non-religious myth? Perhaps political, or economic, or ethnic. What is the telling of this myth trying to convey? Answer: A political experience that had a profound religious effect and yet there are those, liken to the Holocaust, say it did not happen or that it was a conspiracy of the government. I am referring to the events of (9/11/2001) that took place in a historical content, but however, due to attitudes since the event have taken on a more self-centeredness perception of the event. The final outcome as to the actions taken will not be settled for years to come. One might even say that it is also true that it too is a day that will live infamy. Q.4.) The Yoruba religion of West Africa tells the religious myth of a fawn named Nala who goes to the water hole at night to get a drink. When she arrives, a hyena corners her and threatens to eat her. Nala points out that she is small, and would never be enough to satisfy the ravenous hyena. She then points out a large wedge of cheese floating in the waterhole that would clearly satisfy him. The hyena dives into the water to get the cheese, and Nala quickly scampers off to safety. However, the hyena quickly discovers that the "cheese" Nala pointed out turns out to be the reflection of the moon on the water. What do you believe is the ethical message that this religious myth is conveying? Answer: In a weird way of looking at this story I noticed a hidden message that would suggest that it is ok to "deceive" in order to save one's life. That it is ok to manipulate the niveness of individuals that might be gullible and or lack significant knowledge to discern a situation. However, on the other hand the message or story conveys an insight to the mental psyche to the perception of survival and the circumstances of the environment may be used to one's advantage. When I look at this story from the point of view of the "hyena", I feel that not only was the hyena possible thinking how lucky the little "fawn" was, but also how foolish he must have felt being duped to such a trick. From a Christian point of view I see the "fawn" as being a new Christian in the faith and as a meek or childlike / young individual, yet wise enough and carnal enough to pull off such a deception and that the "hyena", signifies "Satan", and how nice it would be to be able to pull one over on him and escape unharmed. Yet, the ethical message is lost here because of its deception in the way it conveys the outcome. I recon the best thing the "fawn" could have done is to be patient and wait until daylight or have other fawns go to the watering hole, because there is a general since of safety in numbers. ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Chaplaincy Program

It may be a surprise to some that I very little experience with chaplains.  For 6 years that I was in the US Navy as a flight crew member I never saw a Chaplain.  This includes Vietnam.  They always seem to hang out with the flight officer, but never saw the enlisted.  This maybe because that the war didn't attract many into the military chaplains.  After 6 years in and 3000 flight hours, there were times in which I could have used one. I am current a Chaplain in the American Legion.  Opening and closing meeting with a prayer, doing military funerals, and counseling veterans in PTSD .  I am taking it very seriously.  I have seen them working with the Fire and Police departments, but my belief is that I have to go where God is leading me.  (I hope its first responders) By Rev. Arthur Strauss ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

A Course in Miracles

I have so loved this course and have truly hate to see these lessons come to an end.  These courses have been very life changing to me.  They have so transformed my ways of thinking in all areas of my life. I have totally loved coming to the understanding of how to judge what truth is and seeing life from the perspective of all being an illusion created by our thoughts.  This is very powerful once you grasp it,  I love how this course teaches how to manifest miracles and make them a part of daily life.  Using attention and directed focus and intensity for the desires we have in life. I have found through this course that I am more conscious of my own thoughts and desires and making sure that they are grounded and rooted in truth and love instead of being based on fear,  This course brings great awareness to these things. Through it I have been able to change the way I look at my work and my relationships, all the areas of my life. I have the book a course in miracles but I am very glad that I was able to take this course because I think that it helps to grasp these concepts before reading it. I truly also loved the way that this course changes the perception of self imposed limits and being able to move above that to clearly see that there are no limits. The things I learned in this course have built in me new aspirations and hope as well as causing me to see those around me in an entirely different light. It is not something that you can just read and put behind you, it moves you to change in all areas of your life.  I am so thankful that this course was offered here and I know that it is no coincidence that I have found it. I find myself going back to them often for reference. Rev. Cindy Roskamp ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Master of Religion

 

Master of Religion Program

Final Essay

Rev. Nick Federspiel

 

     Where did our Bible come from and which is the most accurate version of scripture and who speaks for Bible based doctrine?  Lesson 2 digs right into the Decalogue, the Ten Commandments, to me also known as the ten basic commitments as recorded in variant text in Exodus and Deuteronomy.  Lesson 3 discusses the textual edits made by many to resolve the emerging church's diversity in "scripture" and doctrine not to mention politics.  Lesson 4 discusses the missing books which raises the question of how really objective was the canon process. 

     Collectively, is this inerrancy at its worst or inspired God breathed text at its best?  Of all the lessons these initial few are perhaps the most disorienting to a new (and perhaps previously protected) student to the Bible's heritage and Christian history.  Today scholars write book after book discussing just what language the Books of the Bible were written in: Akkadian, Old Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek – which was first, which is the oldest, which is the most accurate?  Does anybody have a clue what is what?  Then many compound the issue and degenerate into condemning the Bible as a whole!

     One truly has to wonder.  In researching issues the course brings to the surface, I went down the following thread, web site by web site including a few books altogether summarized tosses 2 Timothy 3:16 right out the window – for that matter taking 1 Timothy 3:16 with it.  Nineteenth century Julius Wellhausen (1844-1918) in Sources of the Pentateuch claims Moses had nothing to do with the first four books (viswjk.com).  That lead to the suggestion that the four Gospels were written from a master version called the "Q."  Exodus 34, the second set of tablets, was written by "J" c 848-722 B.C.E.  (re: relgioustolerances.org.)  Deuteronomy 5 was written by "D" c 622 BCE."  The Eastern Church considers Exodus 20:2 a preamble, and on and on it goes. 

     The Cave 4 Qs Gospel fragments, 25% in Aramaic we are told, date 1^st century A.D.  The Qs brings to the surface the whole concept of Biblical Criticism which starts with Moses authorship of the Pentateuch being "improbable" (jewishvertuallibrary.org). 

     Given the volumes of data from Biblical Archeology and the remarkable correspondence of the Qs with today's best translations a lot of Bible critics bite the dust.  It turns out all the reported text based bickering and confusion following the emergence of Christianity, under persecution during its initial centuries, created an extraordinarily homogenous message book.  Those today that persist with atheistic views based upon "differences" in this verse and that wastes our time and do the service of Satan by turning many away many thus confused from the word of God.  Many once curious about this new religion were simply mislead and misinformed by "experts." 

     The rubric theory says one of the 'two tablets' was the law and the other the obligations.  That same logic is extend to propose that Exodus is the law and Deuteronomy includes an extension and explanation of the moral obligations introduced in Exodus in regards to the Ten Commandments – which I tend to agree with.  Why?  Well, there is a lot more depth in Deuteronomy about laws, promises, instructions, duty, demands and teaching.  Thus, to me, Deuteronomy is a forty year project review in preparation for the departure of Moses and the assumption of command of Joshua.  It states what it means; and one to one correspondence with Exodus would be, simply, redundant.

     Unless a student has his faithful feet firmly planted on Holy foundations one might sway and slip and slide off the path as one wades through volumes of diverse opinions as to the purpose, cause and effect of Biblical history which is wrought with champions, martyrs, scribes, councils, Popes, Kings, priests, lay witnesses and persecutors; all with scribal pen in the ink well.  I am not a literalist when it comes to Bible interpretation so all this is academically very interesting, but the derivative attacks I concluded long ago were about as valuable as a stock broker's options and his worthless derivatives are today.  They both lead to bankruptcy, one moral and the other ethical and financial. 

I consider scripture to be God breathed, as if it were not in no way would the net result of 3000 years of editing from 600 B.C.E. to 2009 ever have produced a reasonably coherent document with a central theme of moral obligation and commitment, monotheism based upon the obvious, a Creator God, and the sacrifices representing Salvation sought by one Jesus Christ and bound it with one covering that within for all of us who read - be it as it may be an anthology of thought – ONE BOOK - with ten easy to understand rules.

Great course……

Thanks

Rev. Nick Federspiel

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

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

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

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Four Gospels

Four Gospels Final Essay:                                         This particular study has helped to open further my eyes as to the actual history of the Bible and perhaps the early world. This study has a lot of references of early times which elude to the life of Christ both as a Man and a Religious Figure for those that choose that particular path.  This study also has many references to modern day events such as Courts proceedings, Organizations Foundational building etc. as many of these seem to use Bible material or similar to maintain their respective orders. This has caused a bit of friction among the Minions of the World as sometimes there may be a "if you don't believe as I believe" mentality going on however it is an important building block none the less.  I suggest that the Four Gospels of which Five were actually mentioned and historical events put into place to begin to explain modern world, is a really nice way for someone to be able to understand both Old and New World History and also to be able to make sense of ones own existence.  This was and shall be a wonderful study for myself and I would Highly recommend it to others weather in the Seminary Degree program or not as it gives Great references to read.  Many different styles of writing have been used here as well from poetic to straight talk to very old world. These styles have lead us upon a path of many different genres as well. As stated before a lot of history has been discussed in these books and they are not all completely merely fictional religious books as some folks believe the Bible to be a great work of fiction, there are factual references to the world as we know it from a Geographical standpoint at the least within the pages of these works.  There is also some references to works such as belief that what you see is what you get type of stories as well as many different works of interest to many folks out there.  I suggest that one should just pick up a Bible and read as well as get the study guide of The Unvarnished Gospels then they themselves see or experience rather a neat chapter of our lives.  Thanks for reading this final Essay and I look forward to the Degree Card as well as the other courses I'm taking.  As Ever I bid you all to Please Take Care and Be Well,                                                                                  Blessings,                                                                                                   Pastor Leo Merchant ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Kind Words

Appreciation for ULC Seminary Hi Amy, You have not heard from me personally since I became a minister in Dec '07, as I've been occupied with discovering what sort of minister I am. Having studied psychology through the Divinary arts, and later on I stumbled across Huna psychology, and the Secret Science Behind Miracles - By Max Freedom Long, and The Master Key System -By Charles Haanel, and then a few months later I viewed the Secret. Incidentally Huna means secret, and Kahuna (Priest) means Keeper of the Secret. And the journey continues to unfold. I've discovered that I am not attracted to Marrying people to each other, but to the different parts of themselves e.g. Conscious Mind with Subconscious Mind with High Self. Living I've discovered is all about allowing the joy to flow through your life. Realizing that it's all about you in your universe, and that everyone around you are only reflections of you ... and the more you clear your inner clutter and the more you let in the light the better it gets for you and everyone around you. The main reason I'm writing is to tell you that I think you have been doing a fantastic job, and I appreciate you and feel your energy coming through. I'm mighty proud of my church, and am so thankful that I was guided one month exactly after the passing of my grandmother, to be ordained into your church - definitely a defining moment in my life.  Amy, may you receive an overflowing of blessings in every moment, and know that you are loved and appreciated by me here in New Zealand.    Rev. Page  *******************************   The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.  Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.   The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.     Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Christian Religion

Christian Religion Reflections Master of Religion Course   Lesson 5     Comments Rev. Derek Kemp I found this lesson very interesting in that it related the Bible to the world around us showing its relevance to our daily lives. Many people feel that the Bible has no relation to our present existence, feeling that it is out of touch with modern thought.  The content of this lesson proves otherwise when we see the Bible pre-empting modern occurrences. To date the Creation from the Bible, we find that it gives a date of only a few thousand years before the birth of Christ, and this makes people doubt the Bible when science, for all its faults, has proved that the world is millions of years old.  But is this really against the Bible? I believe that the story of the Creation given in the first chapter of Genesis is an attempt by the Jewish religious leaders of the day to provide a background and reason for the beginning of creation. Naturally, they did not have the knowledge that we have today so a plausible (at that time) story was made up to fit the known facts and characters of the religion. As I understand it, science claims that the world was formed by what is termed 'the Big Bang'. Could this not be God's way of creation?  The fact that it was millions of years ago to us, surely matters not to God to whom a thousand years is but as yesterday! Having created the earth, He proceeded to populate it with plants, animals, birds etc in His own good time. Eventually, He made human beings as the culmination of His work, who were in is image in that they were given intelligence and self-will to run the world as they wished.  With all the beauty and majesty of the earth around us, who can doubt the work of a master planner? By Rev. Derek Kemp ******************** The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Prayer

A Prayer for the People in Texas Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God's world by accident. God doesn't make mistakes These words are the cornerstone of my belief system.  They come from my 'other' bible, the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.  These words are the inspiration for my personal recovery, both physically and spiritually.  It's difficult to apply these words to yesterday's horror in Texas, however.  I spent some time in the armed services and went through combat in Viet Nam.  I can understand the need to take lives to protect one's self and those whose lives are entrusted to you.  I can understand police activity that involves the use of deadly force in order to "protect the domestic tranquility".   I understand that this is part of the world in which we live and I trust that these actions are all part of a plan, the nature of which I do not have the need or ability to know.  What I'm having a difficult time wrapping my head around this morning, is the purpose in the killings and wounding of unarmed people who were waiting in line to defend me and our country.  I'm having difficulty accepting this terror as part of a plan of my loving, benevolent God.  It all seems so senseless. It's things like this that really test my faith in God and His plan.  I have to fight off the instinct to demand explanations and insist that this horror make sense.  I truly have difficulty letting God take care of His world and my part in it.  What I have to remember is that I'm understanding exactly everything I'm supposed to at this     time.  I'm exactly where I am supposed to be right now. I'm who I am meant to be, right now.  There is a purpose. There is a plan. And there is no reason to believe that anything is not precisely as it is supposed to be in God's world.  Dear God, thank you for granting me ignorance of Your wisdom, the gift of pain and grief, and the benefit of Your love.  I trust You , absolutely.  I ask that You provide these victims and those around them only that ignorance, pain and grief, and love they are able to benefit from.  May the teaching of Jesus the Nazarene guide us through these next few days. Amen. *******************************   The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.  Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.   The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.     Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Metaphysical Healing

Rev. Dr. Alexandria

Assignment: Research on Different Types of Healing Practices Utilized in Uganda

Metaphysical Healing Course

Pharmaceutical Medicine

In Uganda, pharmaceutical is the mostly commonly accepted form of treatment for healing despite the fact hat it is in a crucial need of repairing, and healing due to the shortage of medicines and quality health care services is extremely limited.  However, who can afford medical services and medicines are in great danger of suffering from the negative effects of being overmedicated. 

African Traditional Medicine

African traditional medicine is the second most common healing practice utilized in Uganda. In African especially among those in rural areas where few clinics are available, most people utilize some form of traditional medicine as a form of healing. African traditional medicine includes treating illnesses by using medicinal plants and other materia medica.  Regular laypersons, diviners, medicine men, witch doctors, and sorcerers can administer such cures.

Ethno Medicine

 Following closely behind African Traditional Medicine and at one time ahead of both the pharmaceutical and traditional medicines was ethno-medicine or folk medicines.  This practice has diminished because of people migrating to larger city areas, away from the elders who possess such wisdom. This includes the practice of utilizing home remedies to cure diseases, based on the common knowledge of the healing properties of plants. Such information is usually passed down from generation to generation.  In ethno-medicine in particular, if there are people in communities who practice such healing forms, it may sometimes accompany mystical or magical rituals before the application of herbal therapy.

Laying-on-of-Hands

Due to the influence of colonial and post-colonial religious practices, the laying-on-of- hands in the Christian religion has become more widespread, and has contributed to the declining practice of Ethno Medicine and Traditional African medicine practices. This practice involves placing the hands of the healer upon the person to be cured with the intent of spiritual energetic healing. However, this practice exists among the non-catholic protestant Christians.

Sorcery

This practice exist to a lesser degree than the above healing modalities, due to the post-colonial practices that continue to exist among the majority population in Uganda. It consists of employing the assistance of the ancestors to employ their power to control negative spirits who are seen as the cause of the illness.  The ancestors assist the healing in gaining power over the negative spirits to bring about a cure in the patient, which is seen as exercising supernatural powers.

Reflexology

This recent healing practiced is influenced by the Chinese culture. It involves the application of acupressure on the feet, especially on the point that corresponds to the organ or body part, in distress and in need of healing.  This modality is most utilized in the larger city areas among the more affluent.

Colon Therapy

Being a more recent practice it is utilized as a healing modality to cleanse the colon from toxins that have accumulated in the body, it too existing among the more elite populous.

Assignment 1: Answering Questions Posed by Potential Client

Dear Mrs. Bonera;

We are pleased to address the concerns your have regarding the treatments we offer towards, your healing process. We hope we have addressed all your concerns and that we will be able to work together towards your recover process.

1. What is spiritual healing? Spiritual healing is the practice of utilizing mysticism, spirits, in the form of healing to heal and restore balance to the body.
2. Will the treatment ease pain and how does it work? Yes, it will ease and eliminate the pain, by dealing with the direct cause of the pain. Doctors over the years have admitted that over 70% of all illnesses are caused psychologically. This means that the brain is cause or center of the pain that is then sent out into different areas of the body. This means there is a form of negative energy that has been transmitted to the body, and it can be balance, hence erased by sending out positive energy to neutralize its painful effects.
3. Do I have to believe in God to make it work? No, faith is not a requirement on your part to make it work. What is required is for the practitioner to have the skills and ability and transfer it to you. Belief in the power of your body to heal itself will however benefit and assist the healing process.
4. Will it be lots of mumbo jumbo for the healing to work? No, it will be a simple process of transferring energy to the effected area, and to other parts of the body, in addition to you drinking water to flush the toxins out of your body.
5. Can you guarantee me a cure? We do not guarantee you a cure, however we are here to assist you and your body in healing itself.
6. Can I stop medication and chemotherapy if you are treating me? No, we do not recommend you stop taking your medication or other treatments prescribed by the doctor. We see our healing modality as a way to assist and potentially speed up the body's process towards recovery from the illness.
7. How much is this going to cost? It depends on what arrangements we can make based on your availability of resources.

If you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to address them to us. We wish you wellness, health and prosperity.

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Ordination with the Free Online Ordination button.

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

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Mystical Christianity

Universal Life Church

Mystical Christianity / Lesson 21:

1. The prophet Joel offers more than the promise of peace to a contrite people. He begins with the vision of classical Biblical famine where the locust is king in all of its monstrous evolutionary forms. To me (Joel was not the 1^st to use that powerful insect symbol) the prophet's imagery illustrates the spiritual development of mankind towards his mystical beginnings. When all is stripped away and men stand afraid, tottering at the brink, looking down into the void, he is now free to dream, prophecy, and is indeed ready to be saved. He (or she) will in turn be ready and willing, armed with the capabilities to save their earthly home and its godly essence. Go back to God! Take everyone and everything relevant (to you) with you even if you must stare into the nothingness which mankind without our Creator has managed to sanctify. Joel's vision of Salvation is clear. God is in you. Use His power – His creative power to heal yourselves and this earthly plane. We are all subject to different slaveries. With God's help to develop our inner strength, we can cast away our chains. Sometimes, we have the feeling that it is the chains that keep us from falling when in actuality, they keep us from FLYING. (I sure went off on a tangent with that question! I couldn't help myself.)

2. When the mystic declares that he is in the world but not a part of the world- that is the Christian's journey – strangers in a foreign land. We all have our obligations to secularism but inside of ourselves, we will discover a path of re-creation: the journey back to Paradise( but then again- perhaps it's always been there.)

3. My challenge is self-discipline. Meditation (I'm a highly distractible person) step by step (through all of my impatience) I may be able to achieve that coveted meditative state. I now live in a large, extended family- a much beloved family but privacy went by the wayside the minute we all moved in together. My adult son, his wife and children have had to put up with my rudimentary Christian studies while they pursue their varied spiritual paths. We do not argue about religion even when Asatru (heathen Germanic faith) and Jesus clash. I have learned and they have learned. I also have to try to remember what it was like to be a struggling young parent with teenagers. These experiences are good for all of us but our adjustment to each other's "everything" is on-going. Meditation? There is no closet to hide in and we are down to one family car (can't hide in there either). I laugh at the thought of finding "alone-time" in the family vehicle when teenagers, dogs and cats are probably in there trying to get away from each other and ME! It just will never happen. If I had the discipline, I would be meditating right now. It is something I look forward to. I'll try again in a few weeks when things calm down.

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Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program.

Master of Religion

Master of Religion - Lesson 4   Lost Scriptures a)    The Jews removed a total of 16 books from the Scriptures and produced for themselves what they considered was the complete Scripture. The Lutherans removed 7 books from the Bible which now do not appear in our Bibles but are retained in the Catholic Bible. Between AD 350 and 400 the Roman Christians discarded the ones written in Greek. b)    The reasoning behind the above was in each case to support their own faith. The Jews did not want any mention of Jesus or his work and preferred to retain the rather vague prophecy of a Messiah yet to come. They also discarded some books by discrimination against some of the writers on the grounds of their status in Jewish society. In some cases rearrangements of the books has taken place and some books have even disappeared. The Lutherans removed the 7 books as they felt they were opposed to Lutheran doctrine. The Roman Christians dispensed with Greek books thus making up the Catholic Old and New Testaments as they are at present. *******************************   The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.  Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.   The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.     Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar