Chaplaincy Studies

Master of Chaplaincy Studies

By Michael Barth

          This course in Chaplaincy Studies was very good and well written.  This course helped me learn that being a chaplain is not easy.  A chaplain has to know a lot and also be available even if he or she is not at the chapel or office.

          I realize now that chaplains need to be versed in other faiths besides there own.  I know that I will have to learn more about other faiths to be a good chaplain.  I do know some things about other faiths because of taking other classes through the ULC Seminary but I will expand my knowledge so I can be better versed in other faiths.  So, I will have to keep studying other faiths as part of my program in becoming an ULC chaplain.

          Another thing I did not realize prior to taking this course was some skill level of the person who would like to be a chaplain.  Such skills include listening, eye contact, body posture, gestures, voice, and observation.  A good chaplain will also respond by being objective and avoid judgment and expressions of disgust or disapproval.  Also, the chaplain should be faithful, of good character, of good testimony, sound in doctrine, and able to teach.  I think I had some notion of this about a chaplain but did not realize this until I took this course.

          One thing I did not consider until I took this course is to know my limitations on what I can do.  I need to know the areas where I can help people the most.  I am really good with people with addictions because I have overcome my own addictions.  Also, I have helped people make it through life's general problems but I have no experience in grief counseling.  So I will have to keep my limitations in mind in order to help the right people.  If someone comes to me and I cannot help them, I must be able to tell them that and refer them to someone who can help them.  Also, another thing I need to be careful of is not to burn out.  I need to make sure that I take time for myself in order to eat, sleep, and relax.  The course does point out that burn out was big after Hurricane Rita.

          Ceremonies was another great lesson in this course.  I had always thought that a local clergy person did the ceremonies such as the Fourth of July, Veterans' Day, Memorial Day, and so on.  I did not realize that chaplains could also serve this function too.  In the military, it could be a change of command or a wedding between military personnel.  Other type of ceremonies could be retirement parties or anniversaries too.  So the numbers of ceremonies could go on and on.

          Also, this course was very good at pointing at some basic things.  Some of the basic things this course pointed out was having a cell phone or pager so people can be in contact with you if an emergency should arise.  Another thing is having a kit that would include such things as a Bible, some scratch paper, business cards, a calendar, and other such things.  I did not consider these things before taking this course.  Also, having the right clothes as a chaplain is important to look professional.  This is something that I will have to obtain along with business cards.

          I did not realize that there were so many places that a chaplain could work at.  I did know hospitals, jails, prisons, and the military had chaplains but did not know that there were chaplains at truck stops, airports, apartment complexes, shopping malls, school campuses, nursing homes, and at some businesses.  I did not know chaplains worked at all these places.  Learning this was really helpful since it gives me a great deal of places to chaplain at.

          I also learned that chaplains go back to the Romans.  The Romans would have priests who would carry out religious functions for the military.  This was new to me.  I had thought previously to taking this course that chaplains were of a more recent development.  The Druids had chaplains too for their military.  The oldest form of chaplains goes back with the military.  I found this history fascinating too and was well worth reading and learning.  In American history, chaplains go back to the Revolutionary War when the Continental Congress authorized chaplains.

          Another thing that I learned was that a lot of these places have requirements for being a chaplain.  I did not realize this.  I just thought that being a chaplain from a place of worship was good enough.  Some places of educational requirements like education through Clinical Pastoral Education and a Master of Divinity along with age requirements.  Also, some places require that you belong to the professional organization for chaplains.

          I also learned that when you do have a chaplaincy program going, you also need to learn about where you are doing it.  For example, if you are a chaplain at a hospital or prison, you need to know the rules of where you are doing it at.  Also you may need to study its' history, formal organization, and the tradition and unspoken customs.  Also, when you start a chaplaincy program, you need to develop relationships, follow the rules, be consistent, and be available to people.

          This course was well written.  It covered a lot of the basics for being a chaplain.  It also had a lot of resources that I went and looked up on the internet just for further research for my only knowledge.  I think this course could go into more detail about some of the topics that it covered, but I would otherwise not change anything to the course.  The author did know his subject material and seems to have been a chaplain for a long time which showed throughout this course.

          As a result of this course, I will study other religions further by taking other courses through the ULC Seminary and by reading other books that deal with other faiths.  Also, once I feel comfortable with my knowledge, I will start being a chaplain somewhere like the local hospital here.  Also, I need to learn how to do different types of ceremonies too.  One of the biggest things I learned in this course was the chaplains have to be well versed in other faiths and also have to be well versed in doing different types of ceremonies for people.

          I would definitely recommend this to other ULC ministers.  This course will definitely broaden your scope, especially if you are considering becoming a chaplain.  I would also recommend to other ULC ministers to do the Chaplaincy Program through the ULC Seminary.

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Become ordained with the Universal Life Church, which is free and lasts for life.  You can use the Free Online Ordination, button to fill out the form.

Rev. Long, a member of ULC for many year, has created this seminary to help train our ministers. The Seminary also has a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and free minister training. Those who have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning have enjoyed its ongoing growth and change.

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Buddhism

Questions 1. Does the story of Siddhartha Guatama, particularly in the years before he became the Buddha, ring true? Yes Is it legend or hearsay? Both Does it matter? No 2. What does enlightenment mean to you? To me enlightenment means having true compassion without limitations to sex, creed, caste or sexual orientation.  There are good in all and through work and practice we all can achieve this higher state of being. 3. Do you believe that enlightenment is possible? Enlightenment is possible for all through rigorous work and practice regardless of sex or caste. Is there more than one way to be enlightened? Yes If so, what? 1) Enlightenment comes from work and practice.  2) It can also comes from knowing yourself with no external refuge. or 3) Combine raja yoga with rigorous thought and concentration, find new strength in food and comfort and vow to attain relief from all suffering. Questions 1. Which of these guidelines do you think is the most important?  Renounce desire Why?  The cause of suffering is desire and desire is the root to all violations of Ethical Conduct, i.e. Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood. 2. What is the unifying concept of these guidelines?   To attain perfect enlightenment 3. What do you think the Buddha would have to say today about "Right Livelihood?"   He would know this to be someone on the path to enlightenment. Can you think of any positions in today's workforce that he might use as an activity one should avoid? Corporate executive, car salesman, lawyer, armed forces, raising animals for slaughter...  etc  In other words, avoid deception and do not violate the principles of Right Speech or Right Action. Questions 1.      Could the fact that the Dharma wasn't written by the Buddha himself be problematic? Some interpretations would say yes. If so, in what ways? It is asked, "How much of the Buddha is left and how much of the writer is placed in the Dharma for their own gain?" These are the ways. 2.      Imagine you are preparing to go for refuge. What necessary changes would you need to make in your life first?  My only change would be continued commitment in taking refuge to pursue enlightenment.  I will remain on the path of the ten grave precepts and add to this way of life the three pure precepts.  3.      When going for refuge, are you relying on forces outside of yourself for peace of mind, or are the Three Jewels ultimately found inside yourself?   Though it is true that the Three Jewels are found outside one's self, ultimately these are found inside yourself and taking the Three Jewels inside yourself is a commitment to reorient your life around them.  The principle person one must go to for salvation is his or herself. "Be lamps unto yourselves," the Buddha said. Questions 1.      Why do you think Buddhism resonated so deeply with so many kings and rulers?      It was a common factor that resonates across borders and opened up lines of communication toward peace.  Their eyes were finally open to the death and carnage left by their conquests before the decision to rule according to Buddhism. 2.      What elements were necessary for the spread of Buddhism?      a. Recitation & Translation; Dao-an translated much of the dharma into written Chinese and are responsible for much of the spread of Buddhism throughout China.      b. Kings decided to rule their kingdoms according to Buddhism.      c. Missionaries were assigned to travel the known world, preaching the dharma.      d. Buddha's teachings were finally written down for the first time in Sri Lanka.      e. Sutras written in Sanskrit, the true account of the life and teachings of the Buddha, are said to be a turning point in the spread of Buddhist thought. 3.      What, if anything, could rulers of today's world learn from the dharma?      They could learn from the dharma how to rule their kingdoms with kindness, compassion, charity, and tolerance. Rev. Val Frederick ******************** Become ordained with the Universal Life Church, which is free and lasts for life.  You can use the Free Online Ordination, button to fill out the form. Rev. Long, a member of ULC for many year, has created this seminary to help train our ministers. The Seminary also has a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and free minister training. Those who have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning have enjoyed its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Religious Philosophy

Religious Philosophy I can only speak for myself God gave us all thing and in his word we have the best of all that is is one an only Son. His word came to us from the Hebrew Greek,and Latin. It was by the inspiration of God that the Bible was wrote to us all we need to do is read in the book of 2 Tim. 3:16-17 and believe what we read. 2.We are borrowing from all the one's that was just talking about, and we still it is the truth. Now can we say that they are doing anything wrong by taking good out of all they know to make the world a better place.I am glad it is not for me to judge. maybe we are not that much of a difference if we look at it from that way. Can we be sure of our on way of believing, and we are right, and they are wrong did we not borrow from John Calvin, and other,s.1-2. No we borrowed from others, but I don't think that what we have has diluted, and it's value has not diminished our faith.                                                                                                                                                 2.-1. I think that more of us could learn a little from what we know about them. From what we have been reading about them in this lesson,about how they are or must be a caring ,and sensitive,socially tolerant people. I think that if you are not sincere with it the truth will come out,and I think l that is a real and good , sure way of knowing that it is legitimate,and the way tha the dominant culture treats them so wrong or poorly their on government does because of their position say that they are savage's. Now how would that make you feel about our on country is it because we think our on  government is against us. More and more every day I feel that way,but we must keep on keeping on and this is the way I think.  1. No it does not give me or nobody else the right to do just what they wont to some may like to kill,but some would do anything 1.-2 We can kill for food by this I am saying a buck we should not kill any thing just for the sport of killing for no reason at all surely not just for a rack, but as human being's we kill because it is there and no other reason to me I think if you kill it you better like it. 1.-3 No again w should always take only what is needed for us to live,and not anything more. To me that would be wrong, but I did not see it that way for a long time. Truth is I well tell you or anyone that I was like those people a few years back. That fill's like age's now that my Lord changed the stone I had we call a heart now it is soft and tender full of love for every one and every thing now I not that person anymore thank GOD because I would be died by this time.                                   2. Myself I think that china does not have the resource's that they need for just any kind of organic type of food as we do, but we are slowly using them up like all the other thing's in our world we are destroying it to.   1.No I believe that we are in the place where GOD want's us to be, the Holy Spirit is our teacher and one more is teaching us that is his word that we study ,but not as much as we should. These are where we get our knowledge. When we do not the thing's that we know is wrong that is when our social advance's come to us from God by the Holy Spirit that lives in us all,and science as we know is from our bible if we would stop and think about it.                                                                           2. The Social problem is very important and more so than the others I think not. Psychological problems are to me is also important. To be a whole and complete human so I think each one of the two is as important as the other. Only when we need them in the place where we are I believe that is when we need them the most,and I believe at one time or another we need  help from both of them. Now I think that I have confused us all long enough for now. Rev. Johnnie Woodall ******************** Become ordained with the Universal Life Church, which is free and lasts for life.  You can use the Free Online Ordination, button to fill out the form. Rev. Long, a member of ULC for many year, has created this seminary to help train our ministers. The Seminary also has a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and free minister training. Those who have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning have enjoyed its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

A Course in Miracles

The first item to challenge my concept of free will came from this course.  I had always believed that free will was my innate ability to travel in what ever direction I choose to go spiritually.  Without boundaries, as so to say.  To me the concept of free will being the giving up of directions and paths chosen by by me to be the exact opposite of what I had conceived free will to be.  Though I resisted this alternate concept of free will from the onset, I am beginning to grasp its true depth of meaning.  Changing my thoughts of convention has never been a fast process for myself.  I at first viewed the concept of surrendering the guidance and purpose of my life to God was tantamount to slavery.  By fully accepting that I am a creation of God, then it would only seem to be natural that I should follow that course and directions set by my creator, my father.  That is a personal problem that logic should simply answer, yet I am stubborn (ego). As far as all creation being the sons and daughters of God, with Jesus as our elder brother was an easy concept for me to meld with my preconceptions developed from my series of studies over the years.  Even in the good book,Jesus had made this concept of spiritual brothers and sisters to be clear. The man versus the lesson, broadened my concepts of what his life's mission was .  I was raised with the emphasis being on the physical Jesus more than his actions, coupled with the teaching that we are not his equal in any fashion and that we should admire and emulate the persona.  Through various teachings, including this course, I have come to re-examine the focus of what I was taught and to in essence abandon the physical man and to grasp the Message of Jesus.  By accepting Jesus as a spiritual teacher, I have began to have faith in the unbelievable, the miracles that have always been taking place and not isolated to an era of time past.  This course has again broadened my understanding of the purpose of his visit, and given me a greater understanding of his spiritual life. To me prayer was always a give me, asking for what I thought I wanted or needed to make life a little better for myself or another.  Here I have taken a radical change in viewpoint.  While reading this course, words i heard as a child by President john Fitzgerald Kennedy came to my mind.  Blazened into my consciousness were the words, " Ask not what your country can do for you.  Ask what you can do for your country".  For the life of me, I had never made the connection to not asking what God could do for me, but what I could do for God. When it comes to healing depression , fear and relationships, I must agree that spiritual wellness is the key to a balance life of happiness.  Yet, I must respectfully disagree in that there are changes to the brain that are chemical in nature when serious trauma had unfolded, whether it be of a short and violent nature of having taken place over many years of one's life.  In my personal experience, I have found that spiritual growth will always be confounded by the inability to trust and the unwillingness to change from a know to an unknown.  This where medications and professional counseling have a place in restoring  and maintaining some semblance of balance in those encumbered by the socially dreaded disease of mental illness.   Try an experiment, tell other that you suffer from moderate to sever mental illness and see their reaction.  Then you will be able to grasp the trust issue, more often than not they will either treat you as if it were contagious, or will attempt to change the subject. Miracles happen every day around us.  We are all capable of making them happen, if we just listen to the small quiet voice of God in each of us.  Miracles are rarely the catching of an airplane falling from the sky.  I believe that they are mostly seeing the pain in others that we ourselves have experienced and bridging that gap.  By making a bridge, they can begin to speak of it, and unleash the pain from a place hidden from far within.  What I have seen as ironic, though it is easy to help another, it is sometimes impossible to accept the same healing hand from another. What am I. In our societies we teach that we are what we own, what standing we hold, what we appear to be like, and so on.  This course had helped me further redefine what I am.  A spiritual being made from love and filled with love. This course had given me such food for thought.  I has radically changed some of what I firmly believed, reinforced other beliefs I have and has challenged me to re-think some of the foundation of my beliefs.  More so and most importantly, I believe that the lessons of the course will help me come closer to accepting that I can touch the spiritual face of God, and allow myself to begin to trust in what I know is true.  What I have just written seems like an oxymoron, and does not make sense.  Trust me, to me it does. Rev. James Price ******************** Become ordained with the Universal Life Church, which is free and lasts for life.  You can use the Free Online Ordination, button to fill out the form. Rev. Long, a member of ULC for many year, has created this seminary to help train our ministers. The Seminary also has a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and free minister training. Those who have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning have enjoyed its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Religious Philosophy

Master degree course for Religious Philosophy Lesson 13 Food for thought; Questions: Which view best describes your personal relationship with nature — dominion, cooperation, or reverence? How is this view played out in your everyday life? How does it (consciously or subconsciously) impact the way you live your life, earn a living, and function within society? Does whatever religious faith you follow share this view of nature? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the religious functionality of your faith with regard to the natural world? Answers by part to questions:             1.) Cooperation, it has taken a life time to realize the impact that we have had on the environment. We are all learning to be more receptive to our "foot print" on the planet. As a minister I also look at my world and have created away through doctrine to justify my impression and impact on my daily life by looking at the situation with a reverence as well. In this way I keep myself in check to adhere to both respects.         2.) I have taken a general interest in certain renewable energy technologies that utilize the natural elements that nature provides and convert it to our daily use, while keeping the footprint as low as possible. This is not only good for the planet but it is also good for the soul as well as humanity. As for economics, it will be a major player in our modern capitalistic culture. Again, I feel it to be a win, win situation for all mankind for generations to come.         3.) I have found through the study of many religious beliefs that most take their responsibility to the environment seriously and they along with several non-profit organizations keep us ever mindful of the fact that we are not only the problem but, also the solution. Even though many folks have been trying to make it known for quite some time, we as the human race are now waking up to the facts and I think it is in just the nick of time. We can undo a lot of what impact we have done to the environment through the years but we are now making a committed effort to resolve the situation as well as making it cost effective and profitable in order to generate new economic stability for the human race. As ministers, we can "get away with" speaking on and including scripture to help influence the people we come into contact with on a daily basis. Spiritual people seem to have a better grasp on the outlook of this matter and can convey an active solution to the problem of communication, simply by putting their belief into action. As by living a life style by example through a conscious effort. Showing that one person at a time can and will make a difference. ******************** Become ordained with the Universal Life Church, which is free and lasts for life.  You can use the Free Online Ordination, button to fill out the form. Rev. Long, a member of ULC for many year, has created this seminary to help train our ministers. The Seminary also has a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and free minister training. Those who have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning have enjoyed its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Comparative Religion

Comparative Religion This course was invaluable as well as extremely interesting. I never knew so many different religious practices existed. I was also surprised to find how similar they can be, and to reaffirm there is only one God. Some of the information challenged my own belief system. I was able to find a deep appreciation with not only my own chosen religion, but the ability to accept other forms of religion, as a means of providing ministry, to people from a variety of backgrounds. The information about Masons was interesting since my Grandfather belonged to the Masonic Lodge, and spent the remaining days of his life in care of the Masonic Lodge in Northern California. The information provided such a background in different areas of religion, that I felt like I had a front row seat, around the world. The pictures were a big favorite of mine. I'm a very visual person, and find it easier to retain information, if I can relate it to pictures. I feel I gained a broader appreciation, and understanding of other religious practices. I'm sure I will feel pulled in a certain direction, based on my own religion. I will ultimately be able to realize that worship, comes in many forms. I especially appreciated the beautiful pictures. The illustrations were great, and even though I took this class via internet, the pictures printed out beautifully. Praise be to ink jet color! I also found the summarizing at the end of some of the lessons invaluable. So much information was presented, it was great to re cap the important areas. I've acquired a great library, due to the suggested reading. I have found some very interesting books, which build on the information I now have. I've been able to share some of the books with my brother, and gained a better relationship in the process. The Lord truly works in mysterious ways. I feel truly blessed, as I shared with my brother, he noticed a peace, and a difference in me. I can't think of anything I liked the least. Any information that makes you think, as well as challenges your soul, is great. I truly am thirsty, and can't wait to take more courses. If you had to improve any of the content, or maybe its just my perception. Some of the information went so deep, I found myself getting lost in it. This of course is my first attempted study in a seminary class. I have taken classes as a child, and took classes as an adult, while teaching preschool at St. Angela De Merici in Brea, Ca. I sincerely want to take more classes in my endeavor to minister, to many in need. I definitely feel the Lords pull on a daily basis. I also hope to one day soon, visit ULC and make new friends. Thank you so much for this opportunity. I hope to take more classes with Rev. Kythera Ann. I like the way her information was presented. I also found some of the books she suggested, were great. I now subscribe to Sojourners magazine, and find the articles interesting. Bless all of you! Rev. Patricia A. Vallett ******************** Become ordained with the Universal Life Church, which is free and lasts for life.  You can use the Free Online Ordination, button to fill out the form. Rev. Long, a member of ULC for many year, has created this seminary to help train our ministers. The Seminary also has a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and free minister training. Those who have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning have enjoyed its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Religious Philosophy

 Religious Philosophy  by Rev. Johnny Woodall

 Always will I trust and believe the bible is the truth nothing can change that. Knowledge comes from God and he gave us all brains enough to know he is the true and only God and all things are possible for him,{but one that is sin}.  Science has a earthly kind of knowledge and not one of the Spirit one that knows God so they can't have the faith or belief that it take's to know that the bible is the truth. What I am saying is that they have to much knowledge in the wrong thing's, and that blind's them to the truth.                                                                                                                                                                            

2. If God said it that is the truth an all miracles  are not in the bible I know for sure because I am one of his miracles. So can  do a act that can't be  answered by science is that not a miracle?  

3. As I said in the words above that God done it and the bible saying he did and yes I believe it to be the truth,and yes I believe that the natural science's can see the truth because their knowledge is not of the world, but from God himself.   

4. No I believe that all the miracles in the bible has been explained, and we just have to trust in, and know in our heart that they are true.  

5. Yes I do believe that God has, and always had the believe that God is in control of law of nature, and in control of how it goes because it is his to control.   

6.  No I don't think that any of those miracles were exaggerated for any reason religious or any thing other, but to glorify God and that is my belief,and my answer not anyone's, but mine   

7.  I think not becausethat would be saying where is my room, and I am not going to hurt me or any body elso. How can I say that I love God, and hurt his Children? 

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Religious Philosophy in the beginning to me had no business being on or in the same book, but after starting this course well thing's started to look a little different. As I began to read the first lesson it was beginning to make some change's in my thought's. How about in some ways it help me, but some would confuse me to. Like our vehicle for the journey some what had me at a stand still until I stop to think about what it was telling me. Then a light came on and I seen things in a different way even being a relatively new field of study, and it is different from one belief to another I can how see the purpose for both. History tells us that this study started in the 18th century,and the funny thing is that they were not christians and don't want to be. Now I can go on and on about where it began,but to make some kind of comment  on some of the other thing's that I have learn I must move on. Religious Ethic's, and Fundamental's, I believe that if we don't have truth, faith and love and a devotion and trust in our religion it is as nothing because it is.

Worship is another way to know if we are right with our Lord. Another way is if he is in me then I should be in him, and if that is true the part about Ethical System would take care of it's self. I have always believe that good Christian people try to bring up their children  in the same way that is as a good christian does it always work no not at that time, but later on in their life it take's on it's self.

We may never understand all that God has for us or do we need to know,all the thing he has I don't think so,but that is just me. We should not be to worry about that because we can not change reality all we can do is try to understand as much as possible, and that is all. Organized Religion's and Cult's that was something that I knew nothing about until I started this course I learn that anytime a group of people meet to worship is an organized religion. I believe that from the beginning because it say's so in the bible if I am not wong. Also I learn all kind's of religion's, Hindu's,Muslim's,Buddhist's and Sikh's, so the population of the world two third's of them does not claim to be christian's that mean's 70% are in a Cult. Now for what I have learn in this course I  can't write it all down because it would take forever,and it would make a book as I said before so it is best if I tell you I learn a lot of thing's and let that be enough,what I have already should be.

In lesson 4 about the Great Ape's I am not smart enough to talk about them. Paul R. Ehrlich is to smart for me he is a professor, I am not anything, but a confessor of sin, and a bible believing christian, and that is not being smart that is the truth.  I know this is not going to sound right, but I have to ask is it not true that a pig is smaart as well? that is something I heard before. Dr James B Harrod has a study on chimp's behavior, and I am not saying he don't know what he is talking about, but I have been to the zoo, and I hope that I am not any kin to the chimp's that I saw in there, but maybe I am and I still hope not.Am I stupid are something because I don't think we are related to no ape of any kind. No or pig nether maybe because I believe in what God has to say, and like I said I am not trying to be funny or anything, but I can't see us as anything, but a man if that makes me stupid I am so just call me stupid. Man as I believe them to be was made by God, and for God to have a Father and son type of relationship with in the beginning, and man mess it up the same way as he always done by being disobedant like Adam and Eve. we are the same as they were.

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Become ordained with the Universal Life Church, which is free and lasts for life.  You can use the Free Online Ordination, button to fill out the form.

Rev. Long, a member of ULC for many year, has created this seminary to help train our ministers. The Seminary also has a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and free minister training. Those who have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning have enjoyed its ongoing growth and change.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spiritual Awareness

Justin M. Oles

Universal Life Church Seminary

Master of Spiritual Awareness

Final Essay

            I figured that since the final discourse of this course gives you a bunch of questions to answer that I would answer those questions and call that my essay.  Looking at several other essays on the web page that seemed to be the general consensus so here goes.

            The first insight tells us that the universe will present us with opportunities to meet our spiritual goals and destiny.  We must keep our eyes, minds and hearts open to see these opportunities.  It gives us the awareness of a path for us to follow, it shows us that both our spiritual lives and our mundane lives are a journey, not simple a destination.  By looking out for opportunities to help ourselves and others we are able to more effectively learn the lessons we are meant to learn during each lifetime.

      I began to question my traditional religious beliefs as an adolescent largely because a lot of the answers I got were "because that's the way it is" or "because the bible says so."  I never had a personal connection with God and I never felt his presence in my life in the way that Catholics and Christians explained it.  Some people were very aggravated not having an answer themselves and just taking things on blind faith.  Others were more open minded and tried to explain things using biblical fact that directly contradicted historical and scientific fact.  I found later that often this was due to their ignorance and that frequently religion and science can work hand in hand to prove both as being factual.  I also found that if the historical contexts were taken as relative and not literal as they often are by the religious extremists that the two will in fact mesh.

            As was taught in middle school about why people hurt others it is often to make themselves feel better.  The sad part is that while this may make you feel better temporarily it does nothing in the long run.  In fact, it only leads to the spread of more hostility as those your hurt often do the same to another to gain back their self worth, thereby causing a never ending cycle of pain and suffering.  If people would help others rather than hurt them they would find that this gives a longer term feeling of happiness and is often reciprocated by others thereby increasing the pleasure and self worth felt.  A good way to begin this process is to try to give everyone you meet a truthful compliment of some sort.  This will make you feel better and make them feel better, a win-win.  If you put someone down it may make you feel better but it will make them feel worse, a win-lose, and ultimately a lose-lose in the long run.

            As a minister and servant of others we often find ourselves helping people with situations we are ill equipped to deal with.  While sometimes the logical solution is the best it often fails to deal with the emotional aspect of the issue.  By asking the right questions and learning how to receive and interpret the answers we are better equipped to aid others in their lives.  In doing so we are also better equipped to help ourselves as live will often throw issues our way in our own lives that we have no idea how to deal with.

            As humans are better able to understand each other and themselves there will be less fighting and war, people will help others so there will be less poverty and hunger and people will be more able to relate to others so there will be less discrimination and prejudice.  People are here on earth to learn how to be better beings through reincarnation and development of the soul over several lifetimes.

Ultimately these lessons have taught how to better and more happily life with ourselves and others.  It taught how one person can make a difference in the world and how all of us should strive to be better people individually and therefore as a whole.

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A Course in Miracles

Justin M. Oles

Universal Life Church Seminary

Doctor of Metaphysics

"Metaphysics and Miracles"

            This course started out rather interesting, talking about the different levels of our mind and thought processes and how they lead to certain types of thought and how they all interconnect.  From there it moved into a more psychological method of explaining how an over or under developed ego can lead to different ways of viewing and reacting with the world around us.  Both of these chapters made sense and had a basis in logic and rational thought. 

Lesson three started to get into a mythological theory based on a myth I have not seen and heard of anywhere scholastically that I personally think the writer made up completely on her own.  Then in lesson 4 the author goes on to explain that love is the cure to all the world's problems and that all of said problems are caused by fear.  Personally I find this to be a rather touchy feely, simplistic method of looking at the world and at religion.  Although many people do follow this mindset they seem for the most part to be the cultists on the fringe of society, the people that follow individuals like David Koresh and end up finding themselves in predicaments like the Kool-Aid® incident in Jonestown.

As the course goes on it gets deeper into the above mentioned touchy-feely theory of thinking and then starts to sound like this course is based on the Matrix with this world being nothing more than a dream in which we have total control because we are in ourselves gods.  While there is some credence to the theories about miracles, or as others would call it magic, the method used to describe it is to be blunt off in left field.  The author is also fond of quoting Deepak Chopra while not fully explaining the quotes.  The author uses these quotes to try to explain parts of the theory that the author seems unable to fully explain on her own thus explaining the misunderstood with a quote that will even more easily be misunderstood.  Needless to say this is a bad technique.

As the course goes on it starts to get somewhat back into reality.  The theories presented will probably work for some people and there are some good ideas but it starts to pull away again in later lessons when it goes on to tell you that all of your problems are cause by a lack of love.  Now I understand that love and happiness and laughter have healing effects but I have yet to see any evidence where they can consistently heal disease or save lives.  There are plenty or stories of extreme cases where dying people have held on in order to help others or where they came to peace with themselves and were healed.  There are also plenty of cases where people have just decided they were going to win and have, and vice versa.  I believe whole heartedly in the benefits of holistic medicine but I'm not going to rely on it completely for my health and well being.

Lesson 17 delves deeply into ways to help or hurt relationships, both romantic and with the deities or spirits.  It explains that one of the most often causes of failed relationships is that we want something from our partner.  Not that we want to give something to our partner.  It goes on to explain that this manifestation of the ego causes you to blame your partner for not giving you what you wanted and later causes resentment.  It says to think more on what you can give to your partner and to take responsibility for what you are thinking and what you want.  For example, if something your partner does makes you angry take ownership of that anger.  When you bring it to them say "I get angry when you do that" instead of saying "you make me angry when you do that."  This rewording changes the meaning very little but it forces you to take responsibility for your emotions thus putting the onus on you for feeling that way and not on your partner for doing something.  In the end, it expresses that you are upset and that its because of something your partner does, but at the same time it doesn't place blame on others.

All in all I feel this course was useful in that it presents another view of things and that it broadens your horizons as long as you keep you mind open.  Basically, I feel that if one maintains and open mind while still staying grounded that the theories in the course can help most people.  I would however caution people who tend to go all in every time or who don't live in the same state of consciousness as the rest of us to steer clear or at the very least take everything with a grain of salt.  I look forward to reading more things by this author as it made me look at things a different way, caused me to really think, and brought about some internal conflict as to what I believe. 

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Rev. Long, a member of ULC for many year, has created this seminary to help train our ministers. The Seminary also has a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and free minister training. Those who have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning have enjoyed its ongoing growth and change.

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Biblical Egyptology

Moses and Bible Chronology Biblical Egyptology By Robert J. Heyer Many persons dismiss the stories of Moses and Exodus as mythology. It seems that the secular press is quick to accept these so called experts and assume that there is no archaeological and scientific evidence to support the Biblical accounts of Moses and the Exodus. When a person takes the time to examine the facts they will see there is actually quite a bit of evidence to support both the existence of Moses and the Exodus. In fact, there is no evidence to be found that would prove the Biblical accounts to be false. What follows is a brief examination of how the study of Bible chronology affects the understanding of Biblical accounts of Moses and the Exodus. Many of the problems that are commonly cited to discredit the existence of Moses are related to dates. Biblical chronology has always been problematic and been a prime source of citation for Bible skeptics and detractors. The best starting point for Biblical scholars would be to rethink many of the oldest chronologies that are currently in use. For many years scholars have been working backwards, assigning dates and then looking for the archaeological evidence to support the timelines. The opposite method should be used, letting the archaeological evidence create a new and useful chronology. Numbers are the main problem with our understanding of the Bible. We hear accounts of men that lived what seems to be impossible ages. We also see measurements that make accounts seem unlikely, Noah's Ark is a good example of this. Modern engineers are quick to point out how unlikely it would have been to build Noah's Ark to the dimensions listed in the Bible. Many seize on this fact and say that scientists dispute the existence of Noah's Ark. When however the measurements are looked at scaled down some we see that what would have resulted would have been a highly stable and seaworthy craft. It seems more likely we have interpreted the measurements wrong in our many translations and handing downs of such an ancient story. The same can be said for measurements of time. For many years scholars have been trying to assign a timeline to events of the Bible. Almost all of these accounts rely totally on the Bible for starting points and time markers. The problem with this approach is that if we are using dates and numbers that are incorrectly understood, then all the measurements we make with them are erroneous.  Most chronologies are based on the passage in 1Kings 6:1 where it states that  the Exodus from Egypt occurred 480 years before the fourth year in the rule of King Solomon. This places it somewhere near 1445 B.C.. This has been the starting point in the search for archaeological proof for the Exodus. But, what if we assume that the number 480 is not an actual number.  Instead, it might be a symbolic number that represents a certain number of generations.  Or even more possible what if the real number was lost in oral passing of the stories and changed with written down for the first time.  This would mean we have been looking in the wrong place for archaeological evidence. My suggestion is that we let the archaeology tell the story instead of trying to bend it to fit.  The sad fact is it may be decades between relevant archaeological finds that relate to Exodus.  So it is only natural that scholars, in their haste, have tried to set the timeline to their own needs.  Perhaps there is plenty of archaeological evidence there we can use to get the actual dates of Exodus if we just look for it.  Let's start with an examination of the events most likely to be preserved in the archaeological evidence. It doesn't seem likely there would be much written about the great exploits of Moses in ancient Egyptian writings.  We know of very few people that were not directly related to the rulers of Egypt and their continuation of their religious practices.  There is little popular literature available, especially when it comes to news of common people. We must remember that the written history left for us by the Pharaohs is what they wanted us to know and believe.  They went to great lengths to extinguish the writings of their forbearers so there is very little chance they would memorialize an enemy of the state like Moses.  There are some events that would, however, be preserved.  One would be proof that there were indeed Jews in Egypt.  Another might be for evidence that young Jewish males were ordered put to death.  The finding of these events in the written or archaeological record would seem a good place to date the life of Moses. Of all the Biblical events involving Moses, the ten plagues would seem the mostly likely to have left both written and archaeological evidence.  We would expect to find some type of political accounts of such suffering as caused by the plagues.   A large scale dying of young male children would also leave some strong physical evidence behind for some lucky archaeologist to stumble on.  We should be looking for these types of evidence to use as time markers for finding the true date  for the life and exploits of Moses.  Other archaeological markers could be looking for evidence for settlements in the desert for the wanderings of the Jews.  There should be physical evidence left behind from all their wanderings.  Not only will their discovery be useful in the dating of Exodus, but will also be invaluable in the plotting of the actual routes taken. In Summary, it seems to me that many of the issues with proof of the existence of Moses and the Exodus revolve around an incorrect Bible chronology for this time.  There is a tremendous amount of archaeological evidence to support the events when one steps away from the currently used chronologies.  A good review of this evidence can be seen in the Universal Life Church Seminary course on Biblical Egyptology by  Rev. Nick Federspiel.  Another less conventional, but highly interesting account of archaeological evidence, is presented by Simcha Jacobovici in his documentary on the subject.  When the erroneous current timeline is removed there is little reason to doubt the Bible accounts.  It is hoped that further archaeological evidence will help clarify the timeline to better fit the available artifacts. ******************** Become ordained with the Universal Life Church, which is free and lasts for life.  You can use the Free Online Ordination, button to fill out the form. Rev. Long, a member of ULC for many year, has created this seminary to help train our ministers. The Seminary also has a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and free minister training. Those who have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning have enjoyed its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Metaphysical Healing

Metaphysical Healing             The most poignant lesson I learned from this class is that I am, in all probability, never going to be a true meta-physician.  All joking aside, I feel that metaphysical healing is a wonderful and legitimate supplement to modern medicine.  I have dabbled in focusing/wielding energy for a number of years but, and you can call me ignorant for this because I certainly did, I had no idea that traditional healing encompassed so much training and time.  My biggest surprise was learning that traditional healers spend as much (if not more) time training to be healers as doctors of modern medicine do.  There is so much more that goes into metaphysical healing than I ever considered, from preparing the patient by scanning to combing the aura to diagnosis and the actual act of healing.  I was quite honestly overwhelmed by how much must be learned to become a healer.  One thing I really liked about the class was that some information I already knew, such as the fact that illness is reflected in the aura.  The thing I liked the least, and one of the main reasons I will never be a traditional/metaphysical healer, is the patience it takes.  I have found throughout the years that while I have a great deal of patience, I do not have patience when it comes to rituals, and this type of healing involves some amount of ritual.  I've never had the patience for meditating for long periods, which is required in healing to clear your head so that you may focus on the patient.  I would contend that I don't need to meditate to clear my head, and that I don't need to go through some of the ritualistic motions in order to heal, but I would be told I am wrong. I would have a very long way to go if I were to choose the path of healer.  I originally took this class because my best friend has diabetic neuropathy in his feet, and I wanted to see if I could learn better methods of healing to help him with it.  The methods offered in this course are indeed better, but alas, I do not think I have the skill set to be a metaphysician, so he is just going to have to live with foot massages.  If anyone wishes to learn what it takes to become a meta-physician, this class is a treasure trove of information.  I would recommend it to anyone with leanings toward the healing arts.  God bless! Rev. Ira Potter ******************** 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

Master of Religion

To begin I would like to thank Bishop Pat and Rev. Amy for allowing me to take this course, it was truly and educational experience for me.  With this being said I will get right to my Essay on this Master of Religion course. Not ever participating in a bible study course of a formal type, I was not completely shocked to know how many authors and changes the bible had gone through over all the time that has pasted since it's first known inception.  I never stopped and took the time to physically count and recollect the number of contributions and contributors.  When going from the Old to New Testament I had a realization of how the bible is not unlike a lot of manuscripts and ancient writings of its caliber.  They all have been re-written, interpreted, re-written and interpreted so many times by so many people and to this day are still being interpreted and probably re-written with all of the new technologies that have come about.  It would not shock me to see the acceptance of some sort of 21st Century Bible or Testament in which new interpretations are included and possibly some of the old re-written for the youth of tomorrow to understand.      A lot of the first chapters I have heard of or completely understood with one exception.  The Ten Commandments section I found to be amazing.  I never really new or realized, even when studying references to them, that they had undergone so many changes from the current versions we are indoctrinated to in our biblical education.  I had never, to my recollection, been tasked with understanding or studying them and had always understood them as to be as Charleton Heston had brought them down from the mountain in the movie we watched over and over again through my childhood and till this day.  When it was brought up in this course I had to ask for myself and look to see if this was indeed true.  I felt so stupid and uneducated with this new finding.  I will also say that it was the hardest of all the sections of the lessons I read to this day.  Knowing of how hard it must have been to come to a reasonable and understandable educational database for students to read and learn from I can understand why it was so hard to read.  To make reference to all the changes, interpretations, omissions and then putting them in a study reference style was truly educational in itself for me. The bible study section when reference was made to other study reference materials I was truly amazed how easy it was for me to interpret some of the material after downloading and using the E-Sword materials to study with.  I made things truly easier and has enabled me to take a new approach to my studies.  I have actually found much enjoyment in reading further pages of the bible.  I would say I have probably read more of the bible in the past few months than I have in my life.  I have read sections in the past that gave me an understanding of it, but never to the extent as of recent. The other sections from counseling, prostitution and drugs, divorce through to the end of the lesson I can relate to more in my current status in life.  I have done a lot of volunteer work with various types of personalities and degrees of individuals in my daily life.  I have performed some counseling duties involving prostitution, drugs, divorce and marriage.  I have helped families with concerns over loved ones during troubled times.  I can relate because, as Rev. Amy may recall, this is how I received one of my many callings to pursue Ministerial duties.  I find it to be very educational, as well as, heart-warming, no matter what the issue may be.  I find counseling to be a tremendous part of our duties and recommend everyone get some training and education in this area and participate.  No matter what form of counseling you do it is very rewarding when you see, hopefully good, outcomes to your assisting other human beings with the issues and troubles in live.  Even some of the bad endings are not always that bad either.  If a marital counseling turns out ending with a couple not getting married after the initial counseling, maybe it was just not meant to be.  It gives them something to work on and understand, hopefully allowing them to work on issues that may have prevented the marriage, at that time, but will enable it at a later time.  When I was young I was unfortunate or fortunate to receive education on the elements of divorce and the Catholic Church. My parents were divorced when I was very young and I could not understand why, after so many years of attendance every Sunday at our church, we would not be allowed to attend any for.  We went to a very strict Catholic Church where sermons were still given in Latin.  When it was heard that my parents were divorced we were shunned from the Church.  It was then I took a hard look at the church and could not believe they would do such a thing and what gave them the right.  I was very disturbed about this till I was in my mid to late 20's when I started realizing I needed to further my education and return to the church.  When I was married for the first time, having waited for 30 years for the right woman, I married my first and only wife, Cheryl.  She was raised in the Catholic Church and very strictly.  As the years went on she helped me to understand more and I was able to tap her mind for help in this unit with asking her opinion and knowledge and having some quite in depth conversations over various parts of the bible. I cannot end without commenting on the relationship with the government and the church.  I do agree with what was discussed in this part of the course and would like to add the fact that I wish the United States and our Leaders would take a serious look at how we were founded, as a country and re-visit the past involvement of the church and state (government).   I feel by recent changes in the world we have given in to various groups taking more and more of religion out of our daily lives starting with our children in the schools and progressing to the endangerment of having "In God We Trust" taken off of all monies issued by the government.  I feel if this occurs it will definitely hurt religion as it is today. We will need to strive even harder at involving our children and grand children in religion to save religion as now know it today.    In my opinion with the help of our current president and others it is being picked out of the government as you would pick old mortar out of bricks, replacing it with a synthetic material.  They are slowly being allowed to dig at the bricks of religion that built this country and has kept it strong, making it less and less bound together, responsible for some of our recent downfalls.  With strength in numbers and perhaps from friends in other countries that still support religious values as a part of their government we will be able to stop this cleansing of our nation of religion.  Unfortunately due to some of these recent cleansing activities, I have thought of what it may be like to digress backwards and return our family to Ireland and re-establish our roots there where religion is still a valuable part of the government. I know it is sinful not to support our government, as God's words have told us, but I will be honest in saying I can not 100% support the leadership of today.  I tend to find myself in more times of disagreement than agreement.  I too served our, what used to be a Great Country, in the military, when we were respected for doing so, but am not convinced this honor and respect still is present.  Something has to change, but not at the cost of religion. All in all I would say this Course was very enlightening and educational.  I could probably go on and on for a bit longer, for sometimes I am a person of very long winded opinion, but will end with this last paragraph.  I learned a lot and will continue to learn with the elements I have picked up from participation in this lesson.  I will however say there are some somewhat negative elements I did experience too.  I do not want to be too critical but the only negative issue about the course I found was some of the grammatical and spelling errors.  I had to look and research several times to fully understand some of the materials in the chapters.  I do not know if some of the errors were intentional or actually missed due to the nature of the old terminology mixing with the new terminology.  I would like to suggest that someone possibly review the material and verify it for errors.  I do not know when the material was written but perhaps it is time for some review, if it hasn't already been done.  If the errors were intentional I would like to apologize and in either case I will be re-reading the course as I do with all of them to insure I have not missed anything and will use them for future reference with tabbing.  Once again I would like to Thank everyone for the opportunity to participate in this course and hope the information I have written fulfills the required essay for you to enable me to receive the proper recognition for its completion. Rev. Charles E. Callahan, D.D. ******************** 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