Greetings tas and Bonita….and all. I should not be putting words in any other’s mouth, but a thorough reading of The Plan does seem to be about an organizational structure of cooperative joint venture for the future of the movement. If I understand this correctly, it is an immensely important topic for consideration and contribution by all students who are eager for others to posses this guide and lamp to the pilgrim’s trail of ascension. The ascension plan is well defined and exhaustively described in the UB for the individual seeker and transcender – how to transfer the seat of identity.
But the “keys to the kingdom on earth” were left to mortals to work out by the Master. The manner in which he refused to sort out differences between his apostles and John’s apostles is an important consideration here and why I’m inclined generally to agree with Bonita. These are material and social and mortal-group issues discussed in the Plan that seem to fall into this very category to me. We cannot go back – ever – to the past or the ideal of the past. We must move forward, wiser and smarter, by our experiences.
It has dawned on me that Barbara is here to preach to the choir and floating a balloon in a safe environment for feedback. What I mean is that the Association, sponsor of this particular site, remains closely affiliated, very loyal to, and works hand in hand with the Foundation. We gladly and eagerly recognize the Foundation’s still-critical role in publishing, translating, and disseminating the text. We organize volunteer activists to associate and gather in study groups, conferences at every level from local to international, to establish associations on the local and national level, and to create a supporting organization that delivers resources to the readership. Our focus is very global and our growth is greatest overseas, requiring a structural resource-response that is expanding in projects and capacity FOR the readership.
Our leadership is established first in the locals from the study groups’ body of students, who then elect national representatives, of which the President and Vice President of the Nationals form our Representative Council who establish policies and priorities, that are then executed by the International Service Board, which raises funds and organizes committees to serve those projects and priorities. We’re a bottoms-up, grass-roots, organization of activists serving the will of membership – in cooperation with and support of the Foundation (which does not determine our leadership, policies, or priorities).
And without reservation, I agree with the premise that a vehicle for the cooperative support of the growing readership (or movement as it may be called) offers some essential advantages to the degree that agreement can be reached on priorities and projects that connect this growing student body in meaningful ways. There are many historical errors, from the Romanization and creation of a priesthood, to the experiences of the Brotherhood 30 years ago, to Marty’s antics 20+ years ago to the current state of affairs. So I don’t think dissemination is precisely the focus here, albeit it is included in some manner. There is so much interest in the Revelation. It now grows exponentially. Perhaps faster than the scholarship of long time readers is able to respond.
Educational process and connectivity of the readership is an issue for consideration. Do we just dump books from the sky? Or do we offer support to those with book in lap? If not us, then who? Shouldn’t there be an organized effort to connect students and teachers? Shouldn’t there be resources of study besides the book itself? I think that’s the issue addressed by the Plan. I too hope the focus becomes forward from where we stand. The future does not wait….see, there went a second of it already!
So, I think we are being asked to consider if a united, democratic, and responsive organizational resource center – most specifically one that is educationally focused and based on that pattern given by the first 4 epochals is the desired and natural celestial pattern for epochal dispensational dissemination. The radial effect. For a digital age on a world with no visible, on planet celestial leadership to guide that organization. Precisely the situation the apostles and disciples found themselves in when the Master ascended. They who bickered over who was most favored while the Master washed feet.
Perhaps after 2000 years with the Spirit of Truth ministry and the 5th Epochal Revelation in hand, mortals might now do better with these “keys” to which we are entrusted as believers?
Most excellent topic to consider. Peace.
"Live loyally today—grow—and tomorrow will attend to itself. The quickest way for a tadpole to become a frog is to live loyally each moment as a tadpole."
