Spirit Quest

Final Essay – Spirit Quest – Master of Metaphysics    

Rev. Nancy Kimes

This study course is a great course for those beginning their path and while serving others through ministerial pursuits. One of the deepest studies in this course is lesson 13, "Your Spiritual Path". Not many know or understand that we choose our parents and our experiences. This understanding is needed to make wiser choices and take responsibility for ourselves. If one learns this it can change the course of their life and make giant steps on their spiritual path. Lessons can be learned quicker and bring more awareness to making conscious choices.

One has the opportunity to sense that their thoughts are things and will project what they are thinking outside as well as inside of themselves, emotions such as fear and love. All thoughts stem from one or the other. This is an opportunity to make conscious choices conditioning the mind for a favorable outcome.

The bigger the lesson the stronger the impulse to change patterns that better serve you and prepares you to live a better life. It also helps when interacting with others.

I am not fond of destroying roses while doing the meditations, which are great by the way, so I replaced roses for bubbles or balloons instead.

Also, there is great information on the chakras. It was hard to choose one subject for this essay as all the chapters are "gems" of knowledge. This course helped me solidify my beliefs and create a deeper connection and foundation for those beliefs.

Sometimes, I tend to get somewhat philosophical when talking to someone about spiritual matters. This course helped bring me back to the basics clearly and concisely so those who are beginning their path can ease into this knowledge. The lessons provide stepping stones of beliefs they can grow into. This course will help everyone! 

In His service,

Dr. Rev. Nancy Kimes              

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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. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change.

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Buddhism

Buddhism The Buddha is said to offer 84,000 categories of teachings to present them in twenty weeks in their historical and their practice context in a concise overview manner is a daunting task indeed. The course while not an in depth teaching of Buddhism succeeded in giving a good secular view of Buddhism. The questions asked could be better formulated and many of the references could be updated, some of the suggested reading was out of print. The Buddha teaches us how to overcome suffering with The Four Noble Truths and it is the basis for all of the rest of his teachings. Better than just solving the problems others he gives them the tools to solve their own problems and end their suffering. he teaches us we must be our own savior. Through out the years of religious study I have come to believe that all religions are talking about the same experience and that which is unthinkable and unspeakable is the same for all. The conflict which arises is when we conceptually fabricate an explanation and rely on the words of others rather than experience for ourselves the great wonder of creation. The Buddha was a guide to the path of self exploration and knowledge in order to end ones own suffering. The method he used was meditation. The simplest and most effective way to experience this is simple. Seek seclusion Sit Still Be quiet All that can be known will be revealed, since we are that which we seek. On November 15th I will enter a two month retreat and upon completion I will then begin a three year three month retreat at the Garchen Buddhist Institute in Chino Valley, Arizona. Thank you Rev. Mark for your moderation and thank you Rev. Amy for all the hard work that you have done. Many Blessings and Prayers Rev. Don Bowes aka Konchog Jimpa a Drikung Kagyu monk. ******************** 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. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Christian History

There are several miracles in the saga of the rise and survival of Christianity.  One is the resurrection of Jesus Christ and another the resurrection and survival of the church after persecution after persecution and meddling by the irrelevant, irresponsible, self centered, dishonest and of course the despotic – that is from both the outside and the inside.   I sometimes have to wonder which the greater miracle in the history of Christianity.  Psalms 37:11 and Matthew 5:5 comforted the meek, but blood of the bold Apostles and courageous martyrs flowed everywhere for centuries. 

The Acts of the Apostles in the Bible, and per lesson 3, showed the strength of the Holy Spirit in motivating ordinary men without any other significant birthright of wealth and political influence to preach the new covenant of Christ. This was done so well that the Pharisee element of the 'Jerusalem church' collaborating for all intent and purpose with the Romans had to resort to terror and annihilation as the basic strategy to preserve both of their ill constructed heritages.  The word spread in accordance with Acts 1:1-8 indeed worldwide.  Of course as in lesson 3 the 'Good News' was not always spread as an engineered event as it was a flight for survival with the quasi exiled in Samaria and Rome appealing there to the Gentiles and the approachable Jews for converts and strength in numbers.  The enemy became a safer haven and more fertile ground than the homeland of Christianity. That home was pillaged in 70 A.D. and the Promised Land was plowed under over the graves of a half million in 135 AD.  Eusebius and Josephus write extensively on the persecutions and the heroes of the church.

Somehow, as discussed in lesson 6, the church survived the first fifty through one hundred years to struggle through the bureaucratic process of development of government and liturgy as reported in subsequent lessons.  That took a thousand years to mature and yet it was throughout chaotic and resulted in the schism of 1054.  One wonders if the term 'Bible based' vs. 'man made' was ever used to resolve the disputes that took another thousand years to be somewhat repaired – a work still in progress. Time passes and ecumenical councils challenged politics, pagan heritage, and heresy doctrine and cult scripture in 1^st through 4^th centuries BCE to do the impossible and define (canon) scripture as we know it today. Yet archeologists today have unearthed the discarded heretic gospels and the same debates continue anew.  I find it truly inspiring that the tireless efforts of untold heroes and several scholars managed to stabilize the word so that 2 Timothy 3:16 survived as hallowed text and may well prevail another thousand years. Others shall I say 'less devoted to Christianity' must be so worried or their frenzied fanatics would not be so furiously implemented with flawed word and bombs.

Although not a point of the lessons in this history course, the libraries containing the sacred texts, as originals they may have been each in its own time and place, were burned and dismantled right along with the temples and the devoted readers and scribes.  Today the 'church' is questioned in part because it can not produce tangible proof of Moses' notes or Solomon's decrees or Aramaic clay tablets of the preaching of Jesus Christ. Today the lawyers seem to have instilled in modern society the necessity for "proof" while they toil to invent 'lawyer speak' and strategies that seems to challenge any statement as some how vague and vulnerable to question. Can anything be proven, or is faith and spirit indeed the rock that Peter used as a foundation for the church; capable of prevailing and withstanding any force brought against it for two thousand years?

Once the legislators of this country were educated as historians and now the majority is lawyers.  Which seem to have accomplished and which seem to have demolished?

Indeed if anything at all is proven by the history of the Christian Church, it is that 'the word' is indeed stronger than the sword and 'the truth' is an impregnable defense against all false prophets.  'The way' was cluttered with potholes but the philosophy and the essence of Christianity prevailed.  One would hope the young would appreciate the lessons of history forwarded by historians rather than listen to the flawed arguments of a self indulging lawyer. Let the pendulum swing to return reverence to the historian and respect those he reports on so that history will indeed avoid repetition, but instead be the rock upon which wisdom, progress and meaningful accomplishment worthy of our inherited image of His creation mirroring His Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:26); for historians and ministers are today's apostles of Acts 1:7-8.

Great course – well done and appreciated.

Rev. Nick Federspiel

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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. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change.

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Wiccan Studies

Wicca Basic Training Course

Final Exam Essay - How Wicca Has Changed My Life

          This course gave me a cleansing clarity about life and how my studies can benefit those around me.  "An ye harm none, do as thou wilt" has been my motto, my coat of arms, so to speak.  The knowledge I gained will keep my soul traveling on that path of white light, and it also allow me to share the goodness of that light with others.

          Wicca is a special belief that uses Nature and cleanses negativity.  I have several people and a couple of friends who come to me regularly with heaviness in their hearts and souls, and I have been able to cleanse their psyches and give them a foundation in the basic belief that Nature and goodness will help them to a healing path.

          That said, this course has been better than any book I could buy.  It added to what I have already learned through intensive reading, but provided me with actual scenarios of the proper way to perform rituals, etc.  Setting up an altar properly was very important; the only addition I made was my love of purple, so I do surround myself with it whenever possible.

          I have been able to help friends and others to understand that Wicca is not a negative thing but a belief system that draws on the white light in Nature to make us one with it.  We come from Nature, at death we return to it, and during our lifetimes, we thank Nature by the basic and advanced rituals taught in this course.  I have helped them to understand that Nature's white light is like an outpouring of grace and to be careful for what they wish. 

          It has also helped me to show that what we give comes back to us triply and am proud to say that I talked a couple of people out of verbal or job retaliations that would blacken their aurae and bring them a negative karmic payback.  I was fired from my job in June because I had been ill - my former boss actually fired me via email because I was sick and couldn't go in to the office.  He told me my replacement was starting July 6^th but if I felt up to it, I could go in those last few days of June to help him with his billing.  I didn't go but not out of spite: I truly did not have the strength.  Yet I did a blessing at home for him.  And yes, he did receive his karmic payment which I heard about literally as a fluke.  A friend of mine who works for another firm within his office space and she said he hired the new person at an hourly rate that was a lot lower then mine and that she is not working out.  Her bosses even said "when you buy cheaply, you don't get the best."  Did I gloat?  No - I hoped for enlightenment for him.

          A typical reaction would have been a nasty call or email to him, but I took three cleansing breaths and re-assessed the situation.  Those cleansing breaths brought me clarity and I was able to see that it was his law practice to run as he pleased.  I wrote him a brief note saying I was sad the job had not worked out because I thought we made a good team and wished him all the best.  Had I not done that and remembered the Rede, I would have done something stupid, I'm sure.

          This course has helped me embody the Wiccan beliefs I have always had even further.  I feel that I am more whole in mind and soul because of this wonderful course.  It has given me the ability to comfort those around me who need it, and to help them see that with the help of Nature and white light and grace, they can reshape their lives and cleanse their souls.

Rev. Rito Milo

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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. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change.

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Mystical Christianity

Final Essay for Mystical Christianity

Presented by Ernest Kayorie

I have recently completed Mystical Christianity which I found to be an informative and inspirational study of the Sacred Feminine, a concept that, although recently popularized by mystery novels and movies has long been ignored by conventional scholarship.  The information was well researched, thoughtful and insightful.  Although each of the sections can stand on its own as in depth introductions to the topic of spirituality, the ones that captivated my interest were the overview presented of Matthew Fox's contributions to the resurgence of interest in the mystical traditions of the West and the section on the rediscovery of Jesus of Nazareth.

Although I was vaguely familiar with Matthew Fox's work, the material presented in the course stirred my interest and seemed to be a catalyst for me because after reading and re reading the section on Matthew Fox in the course, I went to our local library and took out three of his books and promptly read them familiarizing myself with his work in establishing the concept of creation-centered spirituality.  As Jane Strohl of Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary notes in Word & World  8/1 (pg 42), "Matthew Fox has struck a responsive chord in the hearts of many spiritual seekers, both within and without the institutional church."

Many years ago, as a young seminarian studying for the Catholic priesthood, I was severely cautioned against falling prey to pantheistic thoughts because I tried to relate to my peers and mentors the glories that I was experiencing during extended meditation sessions.  Upon reflection, I had to agree with their concerns because pantheism did not adequately describe my experiences.  Matthew Fox's description of panentheism and the revival of the mystical traditions of the West aptly provided a framework for this writer's thoughts from then until now.  Thomas Berry, author of  The Great Work, The Dream of the Earth and The Universe Story calls Matthew Fox "the most creative, the most comprehensive, surely the most challenging religious-spiritual teacher in America" and I can't agree more.

The rediscovery of  Jesus of Nazareth, both historically and spiritually and the implications that this might have on the Christian tradition are extremely well represented in Mother Maryesah Karelon's lessons.  She has presented numerous theories that cannot but tease the intellect and urge the reader to do more research and study.   Over the centuries, the efforts of the early Church fathers to justify the existence of this teacher and how he was to be represented produced a ridiculously unapproachable figure.   The recent work done through the Jesus Seminar group and accompanying scholarship presents more options to consider as we search for a more meaningful relationship with this teacher/mystic called Jesus.

All of this being what it may, Mother Maryesah's course materials will definitely hold a special place on my bookshelves.  I certainly can see myself referring to them often and for this alone, she is to be commended as a teacher and educator.  This writer hopes to see more courses written by her and presented for study in the seminary curriculum.

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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. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change.

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Paganism

Final paper for Paganism Course: Life is Sacred.  Nature is Sacred.  Humanity is Sacred.  Every particle of creation is Sacred.  So believe the Pagans of the past and present.  Why then are there so many religions and so many lost souls walking around in a daze, looking for something to believe in and hold to as their core of existence? I have spent, literally, a lifetime looking for the truth of my creation and my Creator.  I have studied many religious groups and their beliefs.  I have joined some in hopes of finding the truth.  But alas, nothing.  I have always been curious and my mind craves knowledge.  Knowledge based on what is, and not on what we wish it would be. I found great comfort in studying Paganism.  Finally, a group of people who understood creation and the Creator.  Simple, straightforward, belief in the Sacred.  In Paganism, the human is not some flawed, frightened  little creature, cowering in the corner, waiting for his master to inflict unbearable punishments on him.  The human is Sacred.  We make our own decisions and live our own lives and we hold ourselves entirely responsible for the outcomes, so say the Pagans, and they are absolutely correct. We must not hurt or cause harm to anyone or anything.  We must have a sense of honor and self respect.  We must also respect all that has been created and is there for us to share in it's greatness.  Blessed be to all and everything. I sat on the beach, looking out onto the ocean and marveled at it's beauty and trembled at it's strength.  I felt very small and  I felt respect for the water's power over us.  I wondered, what is religion anyway?  And where do I fit in this picture?  Who or what is God?  I pondered and meditated on this for  many years.  Now, I believe that God is not a he or a she or even and it.  God is the great force of life, the great blast of energy inside the Big Bang!  I pictured it as a rocket in the fourth of July fireworks show.  God is the gigantic explosion and we are all the little bits of fire that falls to the earth, right after the explosion.  We are all part of the great essence.  All part of that which is God, which is life itself.  That force, that energy is within us and that is who we are. As I sat on the beach, in my mind's eye, I saw, there walking out of the water,  a shape of a monk with his hood covering his features.  I thought, OK?! What is this about?  Who are you?  When the figure was a few inches away, the monk pulled back the hood and to my astonishment.......it was me! Of course!!  It is me!  It has to be me!!  The only way to find God is in me and in so doing become closer to creation and all it's Blessedness. The Pagans have it right.  Sacredness, self responsibility, Blessedness are what will make our existence on this earth worthwhile.  We are not flawed, sinful creatures, needing to be saved from ourselves.  We are guardians of the earth, keepers of the truth, and God's expression of love.  Many religions try to make us feel ashamed of our bodies, of our thoughts, of our feelings and they love to tell everyone how they will burn in the pits of hell!  Follow us or you will be sorry.  We will teach you what to believe and what to do. It is not my intention to offend anyone's beliefs,  what I write here, is simply my point of view as to the path I have chosen for myself.   Paganism is a religion and it has clergy,  but it has no dogma and it is the individual's responsibility to behave in such a manner as to cause no harm to another.  I have found myself comforted in studying Paganism.  it has shown me a world before organized religion and controlled religious beliefs.  We were created free and happy.  I am not here to be a source of entertainment  for some higher being, but to enjoy life.  Paganism was here at the beginning.  The Pagans knew the wonders of the creation and the Creator. I say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".  That applies to my chosen way of spirituality. There are many pagan paths from which to choose what fits your beliefs.  I tend strongly towards the Druid path of spirituality.  Others, Wicca and so forth. Thank you for offering this course. I have studied Shamanism, Druidism, and Wicca, each in their own individual courses.  This course pulled it all together for me and now life seems a little happier and fuller. Blessed be, till we speak again. Rev. Nitza Luz Melgar, ULC Minister ******************** 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. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Comparative Religion

UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH SEMINARY Comparative Religion Course Rev.  Kythera  Ann Rev. Elizabeth FINAL ESSAY This course was a bargain for the price.   Despite the fact I already had college credits from a similar class, there was quite a bit of new information presented - and presented in a unique format making it quite worthwhile. The graphics were valuable and kept the rote and mundane information more interesting. I was particularly impressed with the flow chart which provides an overview of the timeline/overlaps regarding the development of major religions.  In one snapshot there is a considerable amount of information.   The lesson of the virgin-birth-of-the-one-true-savior offered new insights and was particularly interesting.   I was well aware of the commonality of the many creation stories,  and i knew more than one religion held beliefs in a virgin-birth-of-a-savior story - making the neat, efficient one-page summary particularly helpful. The large number of definitions will allow the text from this course to remain a valuable asset for years to come.  It serves as a reference book that combines the width of an encyclopedia with the detail of a dictionary.   I did not gain that much new insight from  this course but I most definitely gained a confirmation that much of what I believe is more easily substantiated now.    I also gained additional web-links and additional resources for all topics discussed in the course. The presentation of the course regarding the vocabulary of all world religions.....the commonality of terms used.....the sensitivity paid in discussing things sacred, and the professional and neutral tone is worth noting as well.   There is an even tone throughout the entire course and a gentle, nonjudgmental statement of facts. The lovely graphics did present a bit of a problem of me to download as I am on an ancient and rural phone line and a (31) page document (loaded with graphics) was a source of some "crashes".   However, I realize I am a minority with that situation as most students will be connected to high speed access.   The other situation is that of the cumbersome result of all this great information and the fabulous graphics.    Truly the valuable and artistic graphics are great - in fact so great I wanted to put them in plastic pages.   However the weekly addition of (20 +) pages  makes the end result a bit unwieldy.    As a reference item on a desk it takes up a good deal of space with a 3 - 4 inch binder that weighs a hefty amount.   If there would have been an option to  BUY a traditional text to accompany this class I certainly would have opted to do so.  The time (and frustration) of downloading, using up reams of paper and ink cartridges would have been better served to just purchase a traditional book-but that is a very minor issue. My only other frustration was that some weeks it was far more like a classroom of terms (dictionary-like) than a comparative study.   There were some weeks when  the lesson compared specific similarities between religions and contrasted those with differences between specific religions, however, for my interest there was not enough of that information. Again, this is a minor observation and only one person's preference.   It in no way should be taken as a criticism of the value of the course.     It is, again, a bargain for the price charged.    I paid far more at the university and was not treated to half as much interesting information.   Nor did we receive the enriching and highly artistic graphics. I would be VERY interested in taking another course from Rev. Kythera Ann as this course offered a chance to move forward ...and allowed a path of new question for me to explore. Rev. Elizabeth ******************** 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. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirituality

UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH SEMINARY Defining Spirituality Course Rev. Chuck Rev. Elizabeth Final essay The most fascinating part of this course was the discussion of god/God as an ever maturing entity.   That was a completely new concept to me and one I rather enjoyed pondering.  The multi-discipline approach (science, philosophy, etc.) was also unique from other presentations so that too was quite refreshing. The teacher had a great capacity to present complex ideas in common parlance.  He also demonstrated considerably more than a passing understanding of the verifiable material presented. The romp through science was a great start to this course and I found the physics-lite portion of particular interest.    I wish I had bumped into some of these concepts when in college, as the material was the same, however this rendering was far more interesting. The section on Marx too was particularly interesting.  Again, the history was not new per se but the context in which it was placed allowed me to widen my understanding and for that I am grateful.  Early on I surmised that the teacher of this course has (in the past or currently) a Christian point of view.   Not a denominational affiliation - but an understanding of life's purpose and a relationship with God that aligns most often and most closely to my understanding of that shared by most Christians.    He does not state that - but that is my take away.    If correct, that point of view cannot help but color the lens and/or filter of his understanding. He makes every effort to be objective and certainly at every point is sensitive and accepting of other points of view as being of worth.    For that I am appreciative.   If that is his belief, there is no harm in sharing that fact directly. The last lesson in this course was a gutsy, personal and touching.   It has an impact.    Perhaps even a positive impact.    While it is not inappropriate in the context of this course - a more objective and less personal ending would have suited me better.    Classroom work is different from spiritual testimony and in a classroom setting one does not expect such a personal account. It is NOT a negative but it is a startling conclusion to a course that begins with science, traces the philosophers throughout the centuries and ends denoting the limitations of religion on personal growth. One final point in summation, I very much appreciated the condensed, clear and intelligent presentation of the materials and would encourage Rev. Chuck to offer a follow up course. ******************** 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. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Metaphysical Healing

Metaphysical Healing: Final Lesson This course has touched me in a number of ways. Katharine's insight and spirituality embodies each technique and historical piece of information on the traditional and indigenous healers of South Africa. I found it intensely interesting to learn that there are over 35,000 healers in that country. It has made me wonder as to how many healers practice in the United States, and why these practitioners are not as recognized as their counterparts in South Africa. I would liked to have learned or seen more studies outside of South Africa. The information in this series was (at best) limited. The Native American and European cultures that have become more acceptably integrated into American culture have long and respected knowledge and practices that apply to the healing arts. Wicca, and other nature based philosophies, have ingrained in them, the knowledge of herbs and plants that are both beneficial and potentially harmful. While there is much to be gained and given from the practice of the laying on of hands, it would seem that it is also as important to know what herbs, plants, aromatherapy, materials for ritual…etc…are used and for what side effects accompany them. One of the final lessons on distance healing was probably the most inclusive of step by step technique and what 'tools' to use in the preparation. Perhaps an expansion would be well and good for another course study. A couple of the most important and interesting techniques that I gained from this course, is the examination of the aura and the techniques for relaxation, which are, by any other name, Hypno-therapy, and meditation. I have been able to practice these methods with my Husband with excellent results in helping him to manage his painful shoulders and back, which are a result of stress and physical labour. I am looking forward to reviewing all of the material over and over, so that I can become adept in fulfilling my calling as a healer as well as a minister and counselor. In fact, these all work together for the balance and harmony, the health and well being of everyone. Along with the medical profession, I believe that there should always be holistic alternatives available. Perhaps America will see the benefits of partnering with traditional healers, here in the US, to allow a more fruitful and complete form of healing the body, might mind and soul. It is my true belief, that if God has given you a gift, then it is your responsibility to hone it and share it, to give the glory to God for it's purpose and humble gratitude for its nature. I am grateful for the opportunity to have studied this course, to continue to hone my own skills (gifts) and the guidance that this study course has offered, to do so.  Rev. Krissy Mahrling-Harding ******************** 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. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Christian Studies

Four Gospels

Evolution of the Importance of Dress through to the Gospels of Jesus of Nazareth

by Christopher B. Adams Jr.

© 2009, All Rights Reserved.

Abstract:  Through the Gospels of Jesus of Nazareth, God alters the sacrosanct importance of dress and clothing from that shown in the Old Testament of the Bible.

Table of Contents:

Introduction……….….……...1

Findings………….………..…2

Conclusion………….……..…4

            Works Cited…….…………...4    

Introduction:  According to Christian tradition, the Word of God, the Creator of mankind and the universe, can be found in the Holy Bible; the Bible, a series of narratives and proclamations written by a collection of authors, is viewed Christianity to be a divinely inspired text.  The first half of the Bible, known as the Old Testament, details the creation of the universe by God and the history of the Israelites, his chosen people, until the birth of Jesus of Nazareth in approximately 4 BCE (Wikipedia).  Jesus of Nazareth, also known as Jesus Christ, is viewed by Christians to be the Messiah and the physical manifestation of God on earth.  The birth of Jesus and his life and teachings are chronicled in the section of the Bible known as the Gospels.  By comparing the Old Testament and Gospels, the evolution of the Will of God due to the coming of Jesus Christ can therefore be seen.  In performing this comparison, it is one of the less obtrusive verses of the Gospels that I found the most interesting.  On Mount Olive the night of the Last Supper, Jesus is apprehended by Roman soldiers for charges of heresy.  During the apprehension, the Gospels subtly note the following:

"And one guy, a teenager, was following him (Jesus), wrapped in a sheet and nothing else.  And they (the Roman soldiers) seized him, but he jumped out of the sheet and ran off naked." (Mark 14:51, Mark 14:52, Gaus)

This statement is often viewed figuratively to represent the symbolic release of Christ from this life by his crucifixion at the hands of the Romans (Matthews).  However, my hypothesis is that verse is not metaphorical, but instead illiterates an important shift in the Will of God through the coming of Christ: as Jesus' crucifixion absolved mankind of sin, so too does God relinquish the requirement that man physically and symbolically separate himself from God with prescribed clothing and dress.  I will illustrate and defend this point through the following findings.

Findings:  The Old Testament of the Bible first makes reference to clothing in the Book of Genesis through the story of Adam and Eve.  These first human beings, Adams and Eve, naïvely live in the paradise of the Garden of Eden and lack any knowledge of life outside the Word of God.  However, giving into temptation and curiosity, they commit the first sin against God by eating from the forbidden Tree of Knowledge (New International Version).  By eating the fruit and receiving wisdom of the Divine, Adam and Eve immediately became aware of their lack of clothing and rushed to cover themselves:

"Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves." (Genesis 3:7, New International Version)

By committing this sin, mankind is ejected from the Garden of Eden and never allowed to return.  These fig leaves, man's first clothing, become the first objectification of mankind's newfound separation from God.

Clothing gains greater importance further on in the Old Testament; God reveals His Word to the prophet Moses, detailing the prescribed dress of the Levites, the group of Israelites designated to serve in the Tabernacle:

"He is to put on the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments next to his body; he is to tie the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are sacred garments; so he must bathe himself with water before he puts them on." (Leviticus 16:4, New International Version)

The Tabernacle, the symbolic seat of God on earth, served as the interface between the Israelites and the Divine (New International Version).  It is here that God decreed man is to wear a series of sacred garments and be cleansed by a ritual bath before even coming into His presence.  This clothing separates man from God at their closest acquaintance; even at this juncture, this degree of separation is demanded between mankind and the Divine.

            However, through the Gospels, a change in the importance God places on the physical form is seen.  During one of his sermons, Jesus is questioned by a group of Pharisees, a sect of Jews viewed as overly legalistic, concerning why he and his companions did not cleanse themselves before eating (Gaus).  Jesus responds to his followers:

"…Don't you see that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the belly and is thrown out into the toilet?  But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and those things pollute the person.  For out of the heart comes evil designs, murders, adulteries, whoring, thefts, perjuries, blasphemies… those things pollute a person, but eating with unwashed hands doesn't pollute a person." (Mathew 15:17-20, Gaus)

The evolved Will of God, manifested through the words of Jesus, shows little regard for the body and physical form, and instead places greater importance on character and spirit.  To further illustrate this, Jesus instructs his disciples to treat all others with love and compassion, even if the emotion is not reciprocated:

"And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well." (Matthew 5:40, Gaus)

While this verse presents the more obvious message that one should obey the Golden Rule, that one should treat others as they themselves would like to be treated, it also depicts another important point: material objects, such as clothing, can be freely given away as they are no longer essential in God's view and come second to the happiness and well being of man.

            The decreased importance of the physical form and therefore clothing can also be seen in the dress of Jesus' followers.  As Jesus is viewed by his followers to be the embodiment of God on earth, it would be expected that those he traveled with would have taken the greatest care in their appearance and manners as they are in the presence of the Devine.  But instead, the opposite occurs: the more formal clothing prescribed in the Old Testament is exchanged for the plebian dress of the common person.  As stated previously, on Mount Olive the night of the Last Supper, Jesus is apprehended by Roman soldiers for charges of heresy.  During the apprehension, the Gospels subtly note the following:

"And one guy, a teenager, was following him (Jesus), wrapped in a sheet and nothing else.  And they (the Roman soldiers) seized him, but he jumped out of the sheet and ran off naked." (Mark 14:51-52, Gaus)

As described before, this statement is often viewed figuratively to represent the symbolic release of Christ from this life by his crucifixion at the hands of the Romans (represented by the young man releasing himself from his clothes at the hands of the Romans) (Matthews).  However, by performing a more straightforward examination of this verse, one can see that this follower of Jesus had very little clothing on and was not wearing any undergarments.  The argument can be made that this was an exception to the norm and that the majority of Christ's followers may not have dressed so "casually."  However, that cannot refute the fact that Jesus, the manifestation of God on earth, readily allowed a follower dressed so informally to remain in his close company.  As all of Jesus' immediate followers were common working people (Gaus), their clothing options were most likely limited due to economics.  It would therefore be expected that such casual dress was not only acceptable, but even most likely commonplace.

Conclusion:  While certain attire may be prescribed for Christian religious settings in modern times, close examination of the Gospels indicate that this was not the case during the life of Jesus of Nazareth.  Instead, the scriptures indicate that the dress of Jesus' followers was most likely simple and casual, obeying the vernacular fashion of the time instead of the more ornate and constrictive clothing edict of the Old Testament.  Through the teachings of Jesus, many Christians strive to achieve a closer and more personal relationship with God.  Perhaps, through further analyses of the Gospels and by setting aside artificial constraints, this goal can be better put into reach.

Works Cited:

Gaus, Andy.  The Unvarnished Gospels. Boston: Shambhala, 1988.

Holy Bible, New International Version. Biblica. New York: Zondervan, 1973.

"Jesus." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 15 September 2009. < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus>.

Matthews, Marry W. "The Naked Young Man in Mark 14:51-52." Rheophilia. 15 September 2009. < http://www.extremelysmart.com/insight/accurate/Mark_14_51-52.php>.

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Shamanism

Master of Shamanism Final Essay:

Learning From the Earliest Human Spiritual Practitioners

By Rev. Daniel L. Moore

  Of all the 'religions' among people, shamans seem to stand out by their very nature of not being defined by a denomination or religion.  I have always been fascinated by these spiritual men and women found among groups like the Eskimos and Siberians.  I had lots of questions and this course provided answers.

            I have been blessed by this course in its approach.  Rather than a "how-to" of ministry, this is a research into shamanism.  The instructor provided a well-documented course that led me to continue research on my own. 

            There is not body of literature left behind by ancient shamans.  What is learned comes from the written observations of others.  The oral history that is transmitted has been captured to some degree.  It is from these sources that we can begin peeking into the earliest spiritual practices of humanity.  We can begin to see the connections with early and modern spiritual practices. 

            I was able to discern some interesting parallels between shamans and the Old Testament personalities.  Shamans walk with the spirit(s).  They are the channel between this world and the spirit realm.  They can be used to heal and warn people.  The early prophets found in the Old Testament seem very similar in practice. 

            Some shamans seem to be called contrary to their wishes.  Certainly Jonah did not wish to do God's will when called to warn Ninevah.  Some shamans come from a line of shamans.  Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are one family lineage of prophets found in the Old Testament.  Shamans seem independent and do not lead congregations but can be mobile.  They move from village to village as needed.  This was true of several Old Testament prophets.  Elijah and Elisha were mobile prophets who moved from town to town. 

            Shamans were into holistic medicine long before modern medicine considered it.  They were the first psychologists, psychiatrists, pharmacists, hypnotists, and physicians among humans.  They were great observers of the human condition.  In many shamanistic circles, this knowledge would be passed down from mentor to protégé or parent to child (where shaman ministry is inherited). 

            I, like the instructor, do see some shamanistic elements in the Bible.  The instructor really brings out the differences and similarities between Shamanism and the Bible.

            The shaman in the modern view is not considered a pastor but more a prophet per the instructor.  This makes sense to me.  Prophets are dreamers.  They had no agenda but God's.  They can be on the fringe (like John the Baptist in the wilderness).  They are in rhythm with God.   Something we all need to do more of.

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Christian Studies

FINAL ESSAY FOR THE COURSE THE FOUR GOSPELS REV. ROBERT JAMES SHAND MS, D.DIV. As a minister of The Free Church of Universal Life, I have a close personal connection to all of the gospels of Jesus the Nazarene.  This course both challenged and frustrated me on several levels.  After many years of study and research of the "alternate" gospels, I found myself confronted with this seemingly simple interpretation of the four traditionally accepted gospels.  The text presented these books in a way that was both simplistic and enlightening.  This text even further confirmed my belief that there was only one source for all of these gospels.  As presented, the gospels are almost a verbatim narration of one story that was circulated throughout early Christendom.  This is not surprising, however.  When Jesus sent his followers out to teach in His name, they took with them the oral narrative of the life of Jesus. And in at least one situation, this narrative was written down and circulated to the early Church.  The original version of this written story is lost to history. But what we now read as the four gospels of the Bible, I believe, is a close approximation of that early text.  That the 4th century Christian leaders who met to determine the "true" Bible saw these four narratives as inspired by God is not that difficult to understand.  Imagine being in a crowded room with hundreds of people, each with particular points of view and a cannons of beliefs that seem either too conservative or liberal to those you profess.  And during these weeks and months of deliberations four stories seem to surface, each from a different country, written in a different language, and each being put forth as the "truth".  In those days, only one or two generations away from paganism and polytheism in Rome, seeing four documents stating essentially the same exact thing must have seem divine.  After much discussion and debate, these early Christian leaders could agree that these four nearly identical stories must present the true account of the life and ministry of Jesus. This theory is not intended to diminish the importance of the Word.  It only highlights the need to read and understand other narratives of the teachings of Jesus.  I believe that Jesus the Nazarene was, and is, the Messiah sent by God, the Creator.   But, the four gospels do not present the entire teachings of Jesus.  In recent history we have been able to see and read other documents which shed more light on Jesus the Nazarene and his life and teachings.  These new texts allow for a rethink of the four traditional gospels.  It is important to note that none of the new documents suggest anything that pulls the gospels into question or that might diminish Jesus and his teachings.  The one exception might be that Jesus may not have actually died on the cross and ascended to heaven, but lived to marry and have children.  Even if that was true, it doesn't take away from His message.  But that is another essay.  By Rev. Robert Shand ******************** 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. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Gospel of Thomas

Subject: Final essay for Masters of Gospel of Thomas Rev. Linda Francis I began my studies with ULC with the Spirit Quest class and 64 credit hours later I end my Doctorial program with the Masters of the Gospel of Thomas. This first and last class are the two classes that I have found most useful in my personal life quest for spiritual growth.  I read the Gospel of Thomas ten years ago with my late husband, where we discussed it meaning together. What a shame he is not here to have shared this class with me for the discussion gave much more depth and meaning than when I read it the first time.  Sometimes, Rev Thompson gave a personal interpretation I was not sure I agreed with but for the most part I liked and could agree with his explanations of the text.  His use and explanation of Arabic culture and language were most helpful in understanding the Gospel of Thomas.  I especially liked text number 102 and his explanation of "Grief to the Pharisees, for they are like dogs in a cattle manger. The dog will not eat and the will not allow the cattle to eat."  While growing up in a long line of minister for several generations I come to view them as the Pharisees, who not only refused to see the light of truth or even listen to others views when it came to religion but insisted they and they alone were right. As more and  more members (especially female) of the family became highly educated the turned away from formal religion and were shunned by the "older" family members. Many are my own age and in their middle age years are finding faith or "spiritual truth" for themselves outside of the formal church.  I recall in my younger days reading The Celestine Prophesy.  This book and the series that follow touch on this topic, explaining that both the church and the government wanted these "real" "spiritual truths" hidden from the public.  Using fear, judgment, guilt and shame both the church leaders and the government were able to control the people.  If a "spiritual truth" took these tools away then their power of control was lost.  But the fact is when love is the central rule above all else we govern ourselves and do not need church leaders or government for control.  The control comes from within.   In fact, this scripture reminds me of the Bush years (and foolishly I voted for him) after 911 when both government and fundamental religion came together to almost destroy democracy through fear.  Thanks Rev. Thompson for a most informative class.              I have been in school most of my life getting degree after degree and I said this would be my last but then I saw the news of your new Chaplain program. Perhaps it is not the end after all.  While a few classes were not all that interesting most were most inspiring.  Cannot wait to see what you offer in this new program.       Rev. L. Francis ******************** 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. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar