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URANTIA Book Dissemination

77 posts · 15 participants · started Feb 17, 2015, 8:11 PM

BradlyParticipant
Mar 30, 2015, 12:58 PM
chuck….here’s a link to a discussion of the 40/50 day issue at Truthbook from a couple of years ago and it includes some additional links for your research too. Someone here may know of a similar discussion at Invisionzone…the Association’s first Forum, recently archived here.

Glad you are here. I’ll see about your other question(s) as time allows. Peace.

http://truthbook.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4598&hilit=pentecost

"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."
chucksmith1982Participant
Mar 31, 2015, 5:58 AM
Thanks for the link. I haven’t read it all, but enough to get the idea of what it was about. It was a verry lively discussion! People certainly had oppinions on that subject… I’ll have to look at the links to get an idea of the research provided, but I was able to get an idea of the conclusions reached. Thanks again.
BonitaParticipant
Apr 1, 2015, 1:05 PM
I’ve been thinking about the Pentecost issue for years and I’ve finally settled it in my mind. It’s unlikely that my ideas will resonate with everyone, but I’ll put them out there for the record . . . subject to change if new info appears.

The quote that settled it for me is the following:

194:1.1 The apostles had been in hiding for forty days. This day happened to be the Jewish festival of Pentecost, and thousands of visitors from all parts of the world were in Jerusalem.

Pentecost was a festival, which culminated on the fiftieth day, but the festivities began well before the last day. Up to two million people would come to Jerusalem for these festivals and they would have to arrive prior to the final feast day in order to make preparations for the appropriate sacrifices. As it states further in 194:1.1, some people lingered in Jerusalem since Passover, but many thousands came for the final week of the Festival of Weeks, or Pentecost. The festivities lasted for over a week culminating in the ceremonies of the final day of Pentecost. In the UB the Feast of Tabernacles is described similarly; and likewise, Jesus’ first Passover visit to Jerusalem lasted over a week. So, as I see it, the day the Spirit of Truth arrived (Christian Pentecost) was at the beginning of the week, or so, of the festival which lead up to final day of celebration, the Jewish Pentecost, Shavuoth.
chucksmith1982Participant
Apr 1, 2015, 10:20 PM
Thanks for the reply. Regardless of what people think, at least they can see where you are coming from. As for me, I’ll have to think about it, but your reasoning makes sence.

Chuck
BradlyParticipant
Oct 5, 2015, 7:06 PM
For those of you who are not on the Tidings newsletter email list, I am posting a link to a page here at the Association website which gives multiple accounts of some of the dissemination successes (and challenges) the Association and Foundation faces in our efforts to get the UB into the hands of those already reading and seeking the Revelation. The first story about Malawi is most interesting and quite a tale of dissemination adventure! Another pallet of books shipped into a different country in Africa was hijacked at the border and held for a ransom by some port “official” (bribery is a common obstacle to our work abroad). The Dissemination Committee wisely decided to pay extra for “guaranteed” delivery, which cost too much but ended up being less than 20% of the “fee” (extortion) imposed, which our shipper paid to complete the delivery of books and satisfy the guaranteed delivery. There are those who are actually smuggling the UB into the Mideast.

While the obstacles are many (including money for books and shipping, delivery hazards, etc.), to read the stories of those who cannot get their own UB but are students engaged in study groups, local associations, etc. is thrilling to those of us so dedicated and engaged in dissemination. The celestials and Most Highs did not give us this book to bury this “talent” or preserve it in pickle juice – each who comes to hold the Revelation dear to their own enlightening should consider how to make this gift available to all who want one. This is NOT evangelism! It is merely supplying an existing (and growing) demand from an ever expanding readership. Thanks to all those who support the efforts of the Association by volunteering and donating….couldn’t do it without you! Enjoy the stories here:

https://urassoc.arko.nyc/category/dissemination/

"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."
VernParticipant
Oct 13, 2015, 4:55 AM

Bradly wrote: …make this gift available to all who want one.

Hi Brad, I’m just back from our ANZURA Annual conference, theme was “faith & courage.” I’m mindful of taking “reason to the full philosophic limit” as we dare to launch out in service.

In times of Jesus it was saving souls for the kingdom, these days it’s putting revelation on the path truth seekers travel.

The message is simple………..God is our Father, we are family……..bonded by enduring affection of family in a friendly universe.

It’s the content between the covers that takes root in the thirsty soul and comes to life as living faith in the heart of the hearer.

in gifting us revelation in book form, our universe family are showing great confidence in our ability to move forward having learned the harsh lessons of the futility of promoting religious growth through “sacred” books. With the arrival of The Urantia Book we now have a book with a scared truth contained wthin, however, it needs people to discover this truth for themselves, that it may come alive in them.

It is the message not the object that has value.

Let us be wise in its dissemination.

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SabinatuBlocked
Oct 13, 2015, 9:57 AM
@Vern – the act is ours, the consequences, God’s.

Publish and distribute a book. That’s all that was asked. Translations were not requested – if anything, it is mentioned a few times by UPaper authors that one world language is the ultimate goal….

For me, the translations into many languages has always “felt” like an impatient attempt…just an opinion. Especially since the amount of people who have read the book in English is actually decreasing as a % – meaning it has not kept pace with the exploded world population since 1934.

I am fluent in 2 languages and conversant in two more, plus studied speech communication at university, so I am pretty sure that the revelations that depend on the precision of the English vocabulary the authors used will not translate correctly into many other languages. Look at just the word “personality” as presented in the Foreward…

I am kinda sure that if a Divine Counselor, for instance, wanted translations, that kind of awesomeness, as kids say, could have provided TUB in other earth languages by themselves, no?

Just an opinion ,we are all going to have one

Glad it was a good conference!

Find anyone interested in not teaching “atonement”? LOL
Richard E WarrenParticipant
Oct 13, 2015, 10:36 AM
Hmmm…if there were no translations there would be little interest in Latin America (where the revelation is already deeply rooted in many nations from Mexico to Argentina). There would be no study groups in Italy, Germany, Sweden, Estonia, Spain, Poland or Russia, where secularism is making broad advances. Translations are the life blood of our vastly and rapidly expanding readership. Urantia is starving for this new statement of the truth of God and his word NOW. The old religion is quickly withering, and just as quickly do we need revelation to take its place.

Saying translations are not needed sounds much akin to Islamists who declare the Quran must be read in Arabic, or Christians who demand the Bible be read in Latin or Greek. Not translating the UB would long delay its life giving, liberating message to billions. The greatest boon to the Eastern hemisphere will be when the Mandarin, Japanese, Hebrew, Turkish and Arabic translations are complete, I think. Giving to the translation funds is like giving water to the parched, thirsty, dehydrated family of humanity. Imagine how many English speakers would have read the UB since its publication 60 years ago, if it was printed only in Thai, or Swahili?!

Richard E Warren
VernParticipant
Oct 13, 2015, 12:08 PM

Sabinatu wrote: …translations into many languages…

Sharing, we are informed, is Godlike.

Having translations in the familiar mother tongues of diverse cultures, to my thinking, is an act of generosity and indicative of brotherhood.

We have been informed of the “Angels of the races” who minister to the diversity of cultural thought, characteristic of various racial groups. To my thinking, having The Urantia Book written in the uniquely intimate language of a particular racial group is a bridging device of virtue. English was not my first language, it lacks the intimacy of my mother tongue, Latvian. I have known English speaking Urantia Book readers who prefer reading the translation in their native language because of this vital experience of familiarity. I have asked them if the conceptual integrity is retained and they say, yes, even more so.

The angels of the races. Those who work for the conservation of the evolutionary races of time, regardless of their political entanglements and religious groupings. On Urantia there are remnants of nine human races which have commingled and combined into the people of modern times. These seraphim are closely associated with the ministry of the race commissioners, and the group now on Urantia is the original corps assigned to the planet soon after the day of Pentecost. ^[Paper ^{114:6.9, page 1255:8]}

Anyway, the Urantia Foundation has gained valuable knowledge though the experience of producing transltions over the years, a very thorough and methodical process is in place now to ensure maximum fidelity of meaning. I believe the Chinese translation is progressing well.

Originally, the seraphim were definitely assigned to the separate Urantia races. But since the bestowal of Michael, they are assigned in accordance with human intelligence, spirituality, and destiny. Intellectually, mankind is divided into three classes: ^[Paper^{113:1.2, page 1241:4]}

1. The subnormal minded — those who do not exercise normal will power; those who do not make average decisions. This class embraces those who cannot comprehend God; they lack capacity for the intelligent worship of Deity. The subnormal beings of Urantia have a corps of seraphim, one company, with one battalion of cherubim, assigned to minister to them and to witness that justice and mercy are extended to them in the life struggles of the sphere. ^[Paper^{113:1.3, page 1241:5]}

2. The average, normal type of human mind. From the standpoint of seraphic ministry, most men and women are grouped in seven classes in accordance with their status in making the circles of human progress and spiritual development. ^[Paper^{113:1.4, page 1241:6]}

3. The supernormal minded — those of great decision and undoubted potential of spiritual achievement; men and women who enjoy more or less contact with their indwelling Adjusters; members of the various reserve corps of destiny. No matter in what circle a human happens to be, if such an individual becomes enrolled in any of the several reserve corps of destiny, right then and there, personal seraphim are assigned, and from that time until the earthly career is finished, that mortal will enjoy the continuous ministry and unceasing watchcare of a guardian angel. Also, when any human being makes the supreme decision, when there is a real betrothal with the Adjuster, a personal guardian is immediately assigned to that soul. ^[Paper^{113:1.5, page 1241:7]}

It comes down to a question of justice. When we know all Adjuster indwelt mortals are sons and daughters of the Father, why should only the English speaking ones benefit before the others? Fairness dictates such an imbalance is corrected. The revelation is meant for all mankind, the faster it becomes accessible, the better is the potential for its essential message to gain registry in the minds of the many. Anyway, it’s quite possible a whole different lingual cultural group could embrace the teachings in advance of its adoption within the English speaking nation of its reception. We do have historical precedent, of Jesus being welcomed somewhat less than wholeheartedly, in the culture of his birth. Will The Urantia Book spread like wildfire among English speakers before its message alights the religious lives of the majority of Finnish speakers?

It’s possible a different lingual culture has a greater percentage of “The supernormal minded” mortals than the culture of English speakers with a large percentage of “The subnormal minded” mortals. Or even in a culture with large numbers of “The average minded” mortals where the largest percentage are seventh or sixth psychic circle achievers but lesser percentage are third circle or second circle achievers.
BradlyParticipant
Oct 13, 2015, 4:40 PM
Thanks Vern for the update on the conference! I’ll be looking for pictures, etc., posted in the News section. As you know, readership and study groups are exploding around the world right now with regional conferences sponsored in S. America as well as many in Europe in the next couple of years. The Association now has local/national associations in 26 countries….and still growing! To serve the growing readership and work in-service and study with those around the world is quite exhilarating to be sure. I think there are now International Service Board members from 7 different countries and committee volunteers from at least a dozen. Exciting times!!

My wife and I have taken 3 classes with UBIS over the years with students in each class from 3-7 different countries in each class of 20 students. UBIS just implemented a new multi-lingual software that allows much greater globalization of their student body in each class and is now offering classes in different languages and the fastest growing study groups are language based on-line groups unrestricted by geographic proximity.

I often wonder if the timing of the UB was to allow all those early errors to be resolved and overcome by the time of this instant, universal internet of global communication? We witness an exponential increase in UB awareness and interest right now. Despite all the real and fictitious history of the movement being bandied about, it might be interesting to note that the Foundation, the Association, and the Fellowship are jointly attending the Parliament of World Religions this week (and have done so multiple times in the past) and have formed multiple joint committees which provide opportunity for team based mutual and cooperative and coordinated efforts in service. Next year there is a joint conference planned as well. I am confident this gift of epochal revelation will successfully complete its global seeding mission despite any and all human errors which might attend its dissemination.

"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."
tasParticipant
Oct 13, 2015, 6:14 PM

Vern wrote:

Having translations in the familiar mother tongues of diverse cultures, to my thinking, is an act of generosity and indicative of brotherhood.

I think Vern the generosity and brotherhood aspect is easily overlooked, I’m glad you mention it.

While some translations have been more top down in coming about, and there’s a tendency to think of translations as being from organizations, primarily Urantia Foundation, the reality is that the genesis of most of them were from the ground up. A lot of them are from the generosity of individuals based on inner personal motivations to service. That’s not to minimize the important work the UF does to then print and distribute their work, but that the work exists at all is because translators have often generously given a decade or so of their lives to these efforts. It’s happened often enough that it should be seen as inevitable translations will continue to happen.

In honor of Luiz Carlos Dolabella Chagas who recently graduated, here is his story for example:

http://www.urantia.org/news/2015-09/remembering-luiz-carlos-dolabella-chagas

The Portuguese translation now is one of the most popular I give out. The translations have been huge gifts and a boon to the distribution of the UB’s teachings.

Yesterday, October 12th, was the 60th anniversary of the publication of The Urantia Book (Oct 12, 1955). Instead of just one language – English – to reach some of the people in the world, the translations are significant channels to allow living waters to go out and reach a lot more people where they are.
BradlyParticipant
Oct 13, 2015, 7:22 PM
Greetings tas…..and well said. As I recall, the very first translation was such an act of personal devotion, love, and service. It was the Finnish I believe, translated by one or two readers and some help from other speakers/readers. Many translations have originated in this way as a bilingual or multilingual student self determines a need and starts such a project. There is a reader in Denmark that’s over 10 years into his Danish translation who often requests word or phrase translation assistance on another forum. All are dedicated to an as accurate translation as is possible…..and the Foundation is on third to fifth editions in some cases, constantly revising based on reader feedback.

I think the Foundation is being responsive to demand as much as it is making any form of policy related to translations. The cost of publishing/printing the UB is barely covered by sales but the Foundation receives huge support specifically for translations; again, a response to the readership.

It’s easy to be against things…..which accomplishes nothing at all. But to support the sincere endeavors of others in service ministry always brings results….but not always the ones expected perhaps? All who work in the garden of love will smell the roses and feast on the fruit which comes….always.

"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."
SabinatuBlocked
Oct 14, 2015, 1:22 AM
@tas, thanks for providing this information – “just the facts, ma’am” – always a good place to start a conversation:

“…While some translations have been more top down in coming about, and there’s a tendency to think of translations as being from organizations, primarily Urantia Foundation, the reality is that the genesis of most of them were from the ground up. A lot of them are from the generosity of individuals based on inner personal motivations to service….”

Okay, so now all we need to watch out in regards to the well-promoted “secondary works” UF idea is for a “Paul” – well meaning but still wrong in the big picture….maybe? Time will tell.

In the spirit of “…just the facts, ma’am…” – NO ONE, and I do mean NO ONE, that I have ever asked, face to face, if they heard of The Urantia Book replied in the affirmative in the Boston to Washington DC corridor of USA – the most populated area, btw, from 1934 to now. One of the charms of the area used to be the rainbow of people from every corner of the planet who felt blessed to be living in USA where they could choose what parts of their former culture/race/creed they could hang on to and share as the best in them with everyone else in the ‘hood. Free to leave the not-good behind and bring only the best out. Everyone has good and not-good features.

I also believe it is clearly mentioned in TUB that that fact (one language, one unified government (states agreeing to a Federal overlay), even back in 1934, was a plus. One common language, which happened to be English. How else can I make the point about it being just a fortuitous feature, and not as Rick assumed I meant it?

I’m not sure if or when a “Most High” decision was made during this/that time (1934 to now), akin to the one made 2000 years ago about who would be the 4th epochal revelation’s human spiritual leadership for the planet, that has removed a wider distribution of TUB in the USA? Was using that fortuitous “immigration” feature a mistake? What was the mistake? Because I discern from the comments being made on this topic that many of you have moved on from USA to South American countries. Are you sure you gave enough time and exposure to the FER through TUB readership here in USA where we have so many from all over the world using a common language?
VernParticipant
Oct 14, 2015, 1:37 AM

Sabinatu wrote: …in USA where we have so many from all over the world using a common language?

Yes, Sab a good point to support the many reasons The Urantia Book was delivered to the USA.

Will the people run with it? Have courage to change course leading to the dead end of material distraction?

A good friend recently spoke regarding the translations of The Urantia Book; simply refer to the “Publication Mandate.”

Second Paragraph (last sentence) “It’s presence is also required to engage the attention of persons of means who may be thus led to provide funds for the translation into other languages.”

Sixth Paragraph: (5th sentence) “Thousands of study groups must be brought into existence and the book must be translated into many tongues.”

My friend also mentioned this:

…the ultimate goal of a global common language, is yet far off in the distant future along with the One World Government.. and here I am referring to the one arrived at with the consent of all human beings around the globe; not just those few “Power Brokers” who are aiming for a New World Order….for their own benefit.

The whole question of “sovereignty” is a topic worthy of consideration in itself.
BradlyParticipant
Jul 2, 2017, 2:43 PM
I am refreshing this topic as there has been recent discussion about dissemination on a couple of unrelated topics.

The UB’s presence in the world today is the culmination of many forms of dissemination by many thousands of disseminators over the past 60 years. Questions have been raised here as to the need for the Revelation at all and/or the need for dissemination at all and/or the value of organizations dedicated to dissemination and the differences, if any, between organizational priorities and methodologies, and finally….what are the many forms of dissemination utilized now and which are most effective.

Thanks to all who share their experiences, opinions, insights, and hopes related to dissemination.

"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."
BonitaParticipant
Jul 2, 2017, 3:06 PM
I just want all the folks out there, especially George, to know that I will not be contributing to this thread, so feel free to say anything you want. I will not comment on anything, positive or negative. If you feel that my opinions get in the way of your discussion, then you have no need to worry about that here. That’s a promise.

Sorry to interrupt . . . carry on.
nelsongParticipant
Jul 2, 2017, 4:57 PM

Van Amadon wrote:

The continuing display of INTOLERANCE and HYPOCRISY is breathtaking in this place. The only thing being disseminated here is REPULSION. To any new readers and curious truth seekers who may be contemplating spending time to study the Urantia Book in depth, DO SO ON YOUR OWN. The only person who can explain what is revealed, is the Almighty God who indwells you. He’s the only study group you’ll ever need and the only one that really matters.

Bologna!

[Reply edited by Moderator-1]
nelsongParticipant
Jul 2, 2017, 5:32 PM
https://prowhiteparty.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/crybullies1.jpg

This forum needs safe spaces
BradlyParticipant
Jul 2, 2017, 6:27 PM
Well…an interesting restart. Thanks for the serious humor nelson! Humor can be a helpful tonic in the release of stress and disagreement. While anger is a stone hurled into the hornet’s next. Perhaps we might regain our equilibrium along with some patience and tolerance for one another and our differing perspectives?

"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."
AndréParticipant
Jul 2, 2017, 6:45 PM
… didn’t agreed …. often very good things have been said on this forum. It was inspiring and helpful for seekers of Truth.

But also there is too often a childish and immature atmospheres whom tint the ambiance. Readers of TUB whom preferred to subtract instead to add to a individual unwise opinion.

Suggestion:
- instead to wait for mods to moderate or sanction those unwise opinion why if can’t add just ignore and pass over that post ?
- isn’t there an example Deities tolerate for further maturation among their children ?
André

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URANTIA Book Dissemination

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