We’re all a little insane…
Good idea for the name.
I was trying to see how the online study group forum worked. I haven’t figured out where the create topics button is.
I also had a couple other questions I wanted to ask them as well. I’m actually wondering if the Urantia movement is dying out. I know of several religious movements that have died over the years… some of them quite literally. The people all died and left no one to replace them. Will that happen to our movement? Will we be a footnote in someones dusty and unread history of religious movements? I remember one movement in particular known as the Shakers. In college I learned about them in music class. There were only five left of that faith community. They were all elderly and when they died, the movement would die. That is why I have a passion for the youth. That, plus I’m 33 and am the youngest in the ub study group I attend.
How do we maximize our study of The Urantia Book?
77 posts · 10 participants · started Jun 14, 2016, 1:56 AM
I was trying to see how the online study group forum worked. I haven’t figured out where the create topics button is.
I asked that question back when the forum first opened. They said it was coming. I’ve been patient, but I’m now convinced that it will never happen. Don’t hold your breath.
I wanted to ask them as well. I’m actually wondering if the Urantia movement is dying out.
No, I think it’s moved to Facebook and other social media platforms. I don’t do Facebook because it’s creepy. I think an email went out recently recruiting seasoned readers for the Facebook Urantia Study Group, or something like that. I deleted it, sorry. Someone here, probably Bradly, would know.
33 years old huh? I’m old enough to be your grandmother. Anyway, I think it’s wonderful that young people are interested in studying TUB. It means that there is a future, so keep it up!
I’m one of the few people my age who doesn’t do facebook either… and much of my reasoning agrees with yours.
So you are saying that, like me, the only interaction that you get with the ub community is on this forum and in your local study group?
I’m still here
typically as background noise for lack of a better way to put it.
its not always easy for me to participate in conversations, I tend to do more reading and appreciating.
still thinking about Bonitas question #2
i believe as with all biblical quotes, the authors use them to expand and clarify what has value in their writings.
as the divine counselor also talks about sons of God, what about the the experiential trinities?
and what do you think is meant by “covers himself with light as a garment” ?
another thought: the truth of the statement could refer to the Creator Sons and a fact of the statement could refer to God manifesting his nature as the original trinity-just thinking.
- chucksmith1982 wrote: So you are saying that, like me, the only interaction that you get with the ub community is on this forum and in your local study group?
Yes, except there is no study group in my area. And because the UB community attracts mostly wackos, I am not interested in starting one either. Can’t handle it, frankly. My days of entertaining the absurd are over. Common sense, basic and simple, is about all I can deal with now.
Gene wrote: and what do you think is meant by “covers himself with light as a garment” ?My first thought was the three types of light: material light, intellectual insight and spiritual luminosity.
0:6.9 Light — spirit luminosity — is a word symbol, a figure of speech, which connotes the personality manifestation characteristic of spirit beings of diverse orders. This luminous emanation is in no respect related either to intellectual insight or to physical-light manifestations.
I think spirit luminosity has to do with personality and the Father’s personality spreads out over all reality like a garment. Also, they say that the spirit luminosity of the Father cannot be seen by mortals except by the spiritualized mind.
1:3.3 The glory and the spiritual brilliance of the divine personality presence is impossible of approach by the lower groups of spirit beings or by any order of material personalities. The spiritual luminosity of the Father’s personal presence is a “light which no mortal man can approach; which no material creature has seen or can see.” But it is not necessary to see God with the eyes of the flesh in order to discern him by the faith-vision of the spiritualized mind.
But here we’ve moved on already to section 3 of the first paper, supplemented by the Foreword, which begins to answer a question asked in section 0.
Amen to that Bonita! Seems like the wackos are taking over sometimes. There is no local study group in my area either. I am a part of a UB study group that meets using Zoom. As for your observation that we are jumping ahead to section 3, my thoughts on that are go ahead. Even if my method isn’t used, anything can spark a discussion.
- chucksmith1982 wrote: I am a part of a UB study group that meets using Zoom.
That’s very interesting. UB study by video conferencing is definitely futuristic. I’d participate in something like that if I had any idea how to set it up. My technical ability is limited, although I do amaze myself sometimes. Still having trouble with the so-called smart TV though. One of us is not so smart, as it turns out. I’m guessing it’s me.
Anyway, I do like the idea of writing down lists of questions to share publicly. That is one of the problems here. If you have noticed a lot of the postings have been just inspirational quotes and essays. That’s fine, but it doesn’t generate discussion. Questions always seem to generate discussion. People want to help others answer questions, it’s human nature to want to help. I don’t think it matters a whole lot how the questions get answered as long as people are interested in trying to answer them by studying the book a little deeper each time.
Forums are places where viewpoints, ideas and opinions are shared. I think inspirational material is good, but there should be more exchange of ideas. Rodan had something to say about that; he gave four reasons for human association (160:2.6-9) and they’re all very good. My favorite is: Many noble human impulses die because there is no one to hear their expression. (160:2.6)
You can use Zoom by phone as well as computer. For the phone version you simply need the phone number to Zoom and the id number of the meeting you want to participate in.
For the software version a member of the group emails you an invitation and you click on the link provided. The software is downloaded to your computer and it is just a matter of clicking on it and following the directions. I don’t know how to set one up either. People use Skype as well. You might want to check out the study group directory to see if there is a virtual study group near you… If not, I’m sure any of them would be glad to have you. That’s the advantage of online study groups.
Don’t feel bad about the Smart TV. I have a problem with Smart phones. I much prefer dumb tvs and dumb phones. Call me old fashioned, but that’s just me.
As for posting the questions publicly, I’m not sure if it would attract enough people to make it worthwhile. I find the lack of interest in this topic rather depressing. You and I have been the only ones who have shown any sustained interest in the subject under discussion. I’d hate for us to be the only ones interested. Based on the lack of sustained response, I think that that is what would happen. I think my idea for “starting a fire” just “fizzled out.”
- chucksmith1982 wrote: I find the lack of interest in this topic rather depressing. . . . I’d hate for us to be the only ones interested.
I hear you, I really do. Months and months have gone by on this forum where only two people have talked to each other and then it usually ends up being just one person talking to him/herself. For some reason I think most people who come here only read and don’t post, and there’s no way to know if anyone is actually reading your posts, so I can certainly understand why you think it would be a waste of time. But it’s a shame that it is this way. A real shame and depressing too, I agree.
But here’s the thing. One of the hurdles to spiritual growth is discouragement. We’re told that the angels are always trying to stimulate our growth by challenging us. If we give up with every little disappointment, then evil is winning. I often give into ennui myself, but I regret it every time. That’s why my favorite quote in TUB is 26:5.3. It says we’re supposed to invigorate in the presence of difficulties. The harder it is the more excited we’re supposed to get, and that always puts a smile on my face.
The trick, of course, is being able to recognize the difference between trying to act out something that is true, versus acting out something that is not true. Both can be difficult. Truth can be difficult because it takes psychic effort. Untruth is difficult because it is unreal and cannot work no matter how hard you try. I think the difference is the level of personal satisfaction and happiness. If it’s making you miserable, then it’s probably a waste of time. Only you can know for sure. But, if you don’t actually try you’ll never know.
Urantia mortals can hardly hope to be perfect in the infinite sense, but it is entirely possible for human beings, starting out as they do on this planet, to attain the supernal and divine goal which the infinite God has set for mortal man; and when they do achieve this destiny, they will, in all that pertains to self-realization and mind attainment, be just as replete in their sphere of divine perfection as God himself is in his sphere of infinity and eternity. Such perfection may not be universal in the material sense, unlimited in intellectual grasp, or final in spiritual experience, but it is final and complete in all finite aspects of divinity of will, perfection of personality motivation, and God-consciousness
This quote to me, summarizes Gods mandate to be perfect even as he is.
I can think about it in relation to attaining finaliter status or, perhaps learning to be perfect and become replete in self realization and mind attainment here on Urantia and at every Morontia world we live on and so on for every phase of existance between Urantia and finaliter status???
kind of a measuring tool. But that would suggest that perfection is relative.
I’ll add that being replete in self realization and mind attainment says you are aware of your perfection??
Gene wrote: But that would suggest that perfection is relative.
It is for us:
2:2.4 Out in the universes, perfection must necessarily be a relative term, but in the central universe and especially on Paradise, perfection is undiluted; in certain phases it is even absolute. Trinity manifestations vary the exhibition of the divine perfection but do not attenuate it.
Gene wrote: I’ll add that being replete in self realization and mind attainment says you are aware of your perfection??No, I don’t think so. Perfection is like goodness. True goodness is unconscious. I tried to explain this, a little bit, in my last post on the soul thread. Not sure I made a lot of sense there, but I tried.56:10.12 Goodness is the mental recognition of the relative values of the diverse levels of divine perfection. The recognition of goodness implies a mind of moral status, a personal mind with ability to discriminate between good and evil. But the possession of goodness, greatness, is the measure of real divinity attainment.140:8.26 Jesus always insisted that true goodness must be unconscious, . . .Hi Chuck,
Is it possible for todays’ student to use this same method in a personal study?
Personally, I find your interest to re-initiate the study group, a very ”up to date” mode in 2016, noble cause. Your reference to the same method used in 1930 is logical and sound.
History tend to repeat itself. Way back to the Garden, after trying improve methods to set up the garden and surroundings ….74:5.6 he fell back on Van’s method of organization.
That’s very interesting. UB study by video conferencing is definitely futuristic.
…. so much ”futuristic” it is a pre–reconnection with …
67:2.3(755.5)Meantime the system circuits had been severed; Urantia was isolated. Every group of celestial life on the planet found itself suddenly and without warning isolated, utterly cut off from all outside counsel and advice.
I agree Chuck when Bonita emphases to handle it simple. Simplicity is always a sure mode to develop your idea whom may flourish to an ideal.
We are the express mode of The Supreme. All on this forum, have motives to do the will of Our Father. It is the job of Seraphic guardians in concert wit T/A to socially and spiritually bring childs of Gods here. Some are ignorants, blind to, foolish, other intelligent, knowledgeable, wise.
Is that what we have to deals with or is that what God have to deal with?
Is our personal opinion ( “personal opinion” in this context to mean “experience with other personalities”) , individual perception matter?
…
You ask interesting questions. I think our opinion does matter, as to suggest otherwise would negate the matter of free will. As for me being the one to start this study group, quite frankly, I don’t see it happening right now. Someone else is welcome to do so however. I just don’t see the interest shown for such a prodject, not enough to warrent starting it at least. Look at how many people showed interest when I first posed the question. Oh yes, a few people showed initial interest, but, when the topic was being discussed, only me and one other appeared to be interested in actually starting such a study group.
I may contribute to it, but I will not be the one to start it. Call me impatient, but I like to see visible results. While Bonita and myself did show interest, a study group can not endure unless others join. Based on the initial reception of my ideas, I just don’t see enough interest in the proposal.
Well, it’s good to hear another person with the same level of concern over the lack of participation here. And I agree that it does take the wind out of your sail and make you want to do other things than study. You know how Gene wanted to talk about angels and then didn’t? Well, angels are in charge of groups of people and they also stimulate human relationships, probably in groups. Perhaps this is not a group the angels are interested in stimulating. My feeling is, if it takes so much effort to get people interested in something, then you’re doing it all wrong. Either that, or it shouldn’t be done at all. It’s hard to tell.
G’day all,
It might happend to each of you when something “dear to your heart”and do not see a way trough, conscious or unconscious your mind switches to standby mode.
Your last 2 posts … Chuck and Bonita initiate such position.
Here is the result of an expecting respond.
It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult. Seneca111:1.9 (1217.4) Mind is your ship, the Adjuster is your pilot, the human will is captain.Where there is a will, there is a way. If there is a chance in a million that you can do something, anything, to keep what you want from ending, do it. If there is no wind,grab the paddles and train.Thanks for the cattle prod Andre. The only problem is that Chuck and I can study but it will get dull real soon if no one joins in. Last year, or so (can’t remember exactly) I left the forum for a while. The entire time I was gone there were only two posters here talking to one another and sometimes only talking to themselves. It was so sad to watch, I couldn’t bear it. And then poor Rick. He spent years on OPAD which was supposed to be a similar study program and participation was as rare as hens teeth. I’ve given up trying to figure out why and have just accepted the fact that it is this way and probably always will be as long as I’m alive. It’s not a standby mode as much as a resolution to move on to other things. Gotta keep busy.
I’ll just say that it’s kind of a downer to see all these posts complaining about how other members are not participating to the degree that others on this forum expect. Each of us has our unique capacity and our own style of studying TUB. A lack of responses to posts doesn’t mean that the sharing and studying is of no use; one has no idea of how many are reading and pondering the insights shared here, even if they do not feel they have anything to add in the way of a public reply on the thread.
A case in point:
Thanks for the cattle prod Andre. The only problem is that Chuck and I can study but it will get dull real soon if no one joins in. Last year, or so (can’t remember exactly) I left the forum for a while. The entire time I was gone there were only two posters here talking to one another and sometimes only talking to themselves. It was so sad to watch, I couldn’t bear it. And then poor Rick. He spent years on OPAD which was supposed to be a similar study program and participation was as rare as hens teeth. I’ve given up trying to figure out why and have just accepted the fact that it is this way and probably always will be as long as I’m alive. It’s not a standby mode as much as a resolution to move on to other things. Gotta keep busy.
It’s rather harsh and unjustified, in my opinion, to refer to Rick as “poor Rick” with regard to his amazingly unselfish and dedicated work in providing the OPAD. While I agree that participation on those threads seemed to have been rare, it is a resource that remains online for new and longtime readers to plumb in perpetuity. I, for one, have the OPAD bookmarked as a resource I return to again and again as I read the TUB and I always gain an enhanced understanding of the text after reading Rick’s and others’ insights paper by paper, page by page.
With regard to the method of study that Chucksmith proposes in this thread, it sounds amazing and very rigorous. I would love to have the time and energy to delve so deeply in the material but right now I just don’t. I work full time and have children at home. Maybe when I am retired I can devote adequate periods of study but right now it is very catch as catch can; a few minutes here, a few minutes there.
It’s rather harsh and unjustified, in my opinion, to refer to Rick as “poor Rick”
Don’t know why you think that Keryn. Rick lamented about this himself. I am simply commiserating with him. If you think commiserating is harsh, then I’m living in a different universe than you.
Even though I had read the book several times before OPAD, my understanding of it improved exponentially over the past five years. So often it improved because someone added their perspective and opened a new avenue for thinking about the item at hand. I do wish there had been more of those additions. OPAD became more a blog than a study group after the long initial period of interest and participation. Blogs have their place, but it was not the intention.
G’day all,
Keryn, you said and underline ways of what I labeled ” the silent audience ”.
Using my logic , it isn’t difficult to imagine it. Celestial students admitted on Urantia after ion’s time from the waiting list, those invisible brotherhood on the planet whom get together and observe our actions/reactions. All those in the distant future, those for whom The 5th revelation was written for, who could access those registered gems of earlier years done by us, leaders*/teachers/facilitators. All the Keryns and Kerynes participants in the ”silent audience” who cradle the baby in one hand and hold the TUB in the other.
Let’s express The Supreme and let Him care about the consequences.
Affectueusement,
André
∗ leaders: def. They set direction, build an inspiring vision, and create something new. Leadership is about mapping out .
It’s rather harsh and unjustified, in my opinion, to refer to Rick as “poor Rick”
Don’t know why you think that Keryn. Rick lamented about this himself. I am simply commiserating with him. If you think commiserating is harsh, then I’m living in a different universe than you.
Even though I had read the book several times before OPAD, my understanding of it improved exponentially over the past five years. So often it improved because someone added their perspective and opened a new avenue for thinking about the item at hand. I do wish there had been more of those additions. OPAD became more a blog than a study group after the long initial period of interest and participation. Blogs have their place, but it was not the intention.
I am reminded of the time that narrated in paper 151, “Tarrying and Teaching by the Wayside” in which Jesus talked for more than an hour to the assembled groups on “The mission of adversity and the spiritual value of disappointment“. This is the occasion during which he told the parable of the sower, and the apostles each attempted to interpret it.
151:2.6 (1691.1) The words which Thomas spoke had a quieting effect on all of them. He caused them to recall what Jesus had taught them on former occasions, and before Jesus resumed speaking, Andrew arose, saying: “I am persuaded that Thomas is right, and I would like to have him tell us what meaning he attaches to the parable of the sower.” After Jesus had beckoned Thomas to speak, he said: “My brethren, I did not wish to prolong this discussion, but if you so desire, I will say that I think this parable was spoken to teach us one great truth. And that is that our teaching of the gospel of the kingdom, no matter how faithfully and efficiently we execute our divine commissions, is going to be attended by varying degrees of success; and that all such differences in results are directly due to conditions inherent in the circumstances of our ministry, conditions over which we have little or no control.”
It is understandable that Rick and others would feel disappointment in the woeful participation on the OPAD threads, but on the positive side, we can remember what Jesus said to the downcast young man in paper 130:
130:6.4 (1438.1) “This day, my son, you are to be reborn, re-established as a man of faith, courage, and devoted service to man, for God’s sake. And when you become so readjusted to life within yourself, you become likewise readjusted to the universe; you have been born again — born of the spirit — and henceforth will your whole life become one of victorious accomplishment. Trouble will invigorate you; disappointment will spur you on; difficulties will challenge you; and obstacles will stimulate you. Arise, young man! Say farewell to the life of cringing fear and fleeing cowardice. Hasten back to duty and live your life in the flesh as a son of God, a mortal dedicated to the ennobling service of man on earth and destined to the superb and eternal service of God in eternity.”
