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What is spiritual brotherhood?

234 posts · 7 participants · started Jun 18, 2015, 9:25 PM

MaraParticipant
Jun 18, 2015, 9:25 PM
I am starting this topic as a follow-up to this one “Explanation for the removal of a post” ( #15427 ) followed a topic started several days later titled “What is inexcusable?” ( #15496 ) My hope is that all of us can expand our insights and comprehension of spiritual brotherhood. I’ll start with several references to get you thinking about this important topic. We already know “the kingdom of heaven is the spiritual brotherhood of man founded on the eternal fact of the universal fatherhood of God.” And,

The kingdom of heaven is neither a social nor economic order; it is an exclusively spiritual brotherhood of God-knowing individuals. True, such a brotherhood is in itself a new and amazing social phenomenon attended by astounding political and economic repercussions. (P.1088 – §3; 99:3.2)

Do you think this spiritual brotherhood of God-knowing individuals includes people of every faith? Do you think people of every faith would be attracted to the spiritual brotherhood – the kingdom of heaven- as Jesus teaches?

Jesus offered no rules for social advancement; his was a religious mission, and religion is an exclusively individual experience. The ultimate goal of society’s most advanced achievement can never hope to transcend Jesus’ brotherhood of men based on the recognition of the fatherhood of God. The ideal of all social attainment can be realized only in the coming of this divine kingdom. (P.2093 – §5; 196:2.11)

Is spiritual brotherhood the same as social brotherhood?
BradlyParticipant
Jun 19, 2015, 2:04 PM
No, I don’t think so. Spiritual brotherhood is the cause for the effect of social brotherhood. All true love springs from the Spirit and our First Source and Center. All such love is a powerful cause for endless effects.

The spiritual brotherhood contains only those who choose to live thusly and be directed by the Divine love. All such believers belong to this kingdom and brotherhood/sisterhood family. All others are self-excluded, no matter their beliefs, faiths, and proclamations.

We may only come to know who’s who by the fruits evident in motives, intentions, priorities, and acts freely chosen and expressed by each. The collective result of those who bear such fruit is the spiritual family of God. Those have made entrance into the friendly universe of God’s creation.

Man may progress, collectively, by cooperation which serves the each and all, by the mutual self interest and benefits which do accrue to such progress…..but until love dominates and hate subsides, the social “brotherhood” awaits a more replete spiritual awakening and the truly spiritual brotherhood to become the force it will inevitably be….someday.

"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."
AnonymousInactive
Jun 19, 2015, 4:01 PM

Bradly wrote:

Man may progress, collectively, by cooperation which serves the each and all, by the mutual self interest and benefits which do accrue to such progress…..but until love dominates and hate subsides, the social “brotherhood” awaits a more replete spiritual awakening and the truly spiritual brotherhood to become the force it will inevitably be….someday.

???

(1468.3) 133:0.3 One day while resting at lunch, about halfway to Tarentum, Ganid asked Jesus a direct question as to what he thought of India’s caste system. Said Jesus: “Though human beings differ in many ways, the one from another, before God and in the spiritual world all mortals stand on an equal footing. There are only two groups of mortals in the eyes of God: those who desire to do his will and those who do not. As the universe looks upon an inhabited world, it likewise discerns two great classes: those who know God and those who do not. Those who cannot know God are reckoned among the animals of any given realm. Mankind can appropriately be divided into many classes in accordance with differing qualifications, as they may be viewed physically, mentally, socially, vocationally, or morally, but as these different classes of mortals appear before the judgment bar of God, they stand on an equal footing; God is truly no respecter of persons. Although you cannot escape the recognition of differential human abilities and endowments in matters intellectual, social, and moral, you should make no such distinctions in the spiritual brotherhood of men when assembled for worship in the presence of God.”
BradlyParticipant
Jun 19, 2015, 9:22 PM
Some text to better articulate my thoughts above:

170:3.8 (1862.5) It therefore is evident that the true and inner religion of the kingdom unfailingly and increasingly tends to manifest itself in practical avenues of social service. Jesus taught a living religion that impelled its believers to engage in the doing of loving service. But Jesus did not put ethics in the place of religion. He taught religion as a cause and ethics as a result.

170:3.9 (1862.6) The righteousness of any act must be measured by the motive; the highest forms of good are therefore unconscious. Jesus was never concerned with morals or ethics as such. He was wholly concerned with that inward and spiritual fellowship with God the Father which so certainly and directly manifests itself as outward and loving service for man. He taught that the religion of the kingdom is a genuine personal experience which no man can contain within himself; that the consciousness of being a member of the family of believers leads inevitably to the practice of the precepts of the family conduct, the service of one’s brothers and sisters in the effort to enhance and enlarge the brotherhood.

170:3.10 (1862.7) The religion of the kingdom is personal, individual; the fruits, the results, are familial, social. Jesus never failed to exalt the sacredness of the individual as contrasted with the community. But he also recognized that man develops his character by unselfish service; that he unfolds his moral nature in loving relations with his fellows.

170:3.11 (1862.8) By teaching that the kingdom is within, by exalting the individual, Jesus struck the deathblow of the old society in that he ushered in the new dispensation of true social righteousness. This new order of society the world has little known because it has refused to practice the principles of the gospel of the kingdom of heaven. And when this kingdom of spiritual pre-eminence does come upon the earth, it will not be manifested in mere improved social and material conditions, but rather in the glories of those enhanced and enriched spiritual values which are characteristic of the approaching age of improved human relations and advancing spiritual attainments.

4. Jesus’ Teaching About the Kingdom

170:4.1 (1862.9) Jesus never gave a precise definition of the kingdom. At one time he would discourse on one phase of the kingdom, and at another time he would discuss a different aspect of the brotherhood of God’s reign in the hearts of men. In the course of this Sabbath afternoon’s sermon Jesus noted no less than five phases, or epochs, of the kingdom, and they were:

170:4.2 (1862.10) 1. The personal and inward experience of the spiritual life of the fellowship of the individual believer with God the Father.

170:4.3 (1863.1) 2. The enlarging brotherhood of gospel believers, the social aspects of the enhanced morals and quickened ethics resulting from the reign of God’s spirit in the hearts of individual believers.

170:4.4 (1863.2) 3. The supermortal brotherhood of invisible spiritual beings which prevails on earth and in heaven, the superhuman kingdom of God.

170:4.5 (1863.3) 4. The prospect of the more perfect fulfillment of the will of God, the advance toward the dawn of a new social order in connection with improved spiritual living — the next age of man.

170:4.6 (1863.4) 5. The kingdom in its fullness, the future spiritual age of light and life on earth.

170:4.7 (1863.5) Wherefore must we always examine the Master’s teaching to ascertain which of these five phases he may have reference to when he makes use of the term kingdom of heaven. By this process of gradually changing man’s will and thus affecting human decisions, Michael and his associates are likewise gradually but certainly changing the entire course of human evolution, social and otherwise.

Me here: please note that only believers in the gospel of a paternal God and family of creation are included in the above descriptions and by the quote posted by Midi. This “spiritual brotherhood” is not defined nor determined by believers or unbelievers – it is only defined on high.

There is no question we are commanded to love one another and serve others in love and act as ambassadors of this kingdom when once we join this family/kingdom. We cannot discriminate in our love without inviting the opportunity for error/evil to visit such judgments.

I find the issue of like minded groups joined in service ministry a more complicated issue for consideration. Mara began this topic as a “follow-up” to the issue of removing a post which represented content and claims that are contrary to the host organization of this website and forum. This organization – Urantia Association – has thousands of members around the world and they have adopted the policy and their standards for membership.

Is this self defining aspect exclusionary for those who disagree? Or is it inclusionary for those so inclined and in agreement? What is the model or pattern found in the Master’s ministry? What might be learned in consideration of 12 apostles – only – and 12 others that were John’s – and a separate corps of disciples – and another of messengers – and those of other groups by other affiliations and definitions? Does unity mean one group that satisfies all people? Can such a thing ever happen when in the hands of mortals? Interesting topic.

"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."
AnonymousInactive
Jun 19, 2015, 11:57 PM

Bradly wrote:

Does unity mean one group that satisfies all people? Can such a thing ever happen when in the hands of mortals?

Interesting questions? However, with the two above, I’m not sure if “unity” would be a viable term, but possibly “united” under specific causes or needs, which can be defined, one of which could be “tolerance” for multiple ideas and ideals, which would include personal and group opinion(s)? I believe that it can happen with mortals but, unfortunately it would require the ability to have an open minded type of speech (platform) as a starter, where specific words or thought should not be band, possibly only reworded with synonyms which are less offensive?
MaraParticipant
Jun 20, 2015, 12:45 AM

Bradly wrote: Spiritual brotherhood is the cause for the effect of social brotherhood.

Spiritual brotherhood is invisible. “The true church–the Jesus brotherhood–is invisible, spiritual, and is characterized by unity, not necessarily by uniformity.” (195:10:11 . They call it the “true church,” the invisible Jesus brotherhood, and I think the ideal is individually attained when the individual elects to mete out to to people that treatment which he himself would be accorded, even that treatment which he conceives that God would accord them. (118:8:10).

As MidiChlorian wrote: regarding mankind and the many kinds of human differences we have physically, mentally, and other differentials of human ability, “. . . you should make no such distinctions in the spiritual brotherhood of men when assembled for worship in the presence of God.” When people are assembled to worship, and I do mean worship, not something else, they do experience spiritual unity up to the capacity of their receptivity. I would be even so bold as to say that if they do not experience the awesomeness of God during worship, then they have not yet been born again into the invisible kingdom of heaven – the spiritual brotherhood of all God’s creatures.

But . . . “Religious peace–brotherhood–can never exist unless all religions are willing to completely divest themselves of all ecclesiastical authority and fully surrender all concept of spiritual sovereignty. God alone is spirit sovereign.” (134:4:4) Personal transformations and planetary adjustments must occur sooner or later in order to realize social brotherhood.

( 52:6:2 ) Even on normal evolutionary worlds the realization of the world-wide brotherhood of man is not an easy accomplishment. On a confused and disordered planet like Urantia such an achievement requires a much longer time and necessitates far greater effort. Unaided social evolution can hardly achieve such happy results on a spiritually isolated sphere. Religious revelation is essential to the realization of brotherhood on Urantia. While Jesus has shown the way to the immediate attainment of spiritual brotherhood, the realization of social brotherhood on your world depends much on the achievement of the following personal transformations and planetary adjustments:
MaraParticipant
Jun 20, 2015, 1:16 AM

Bradly wrote: Does unity mean one group that satisfies all people?

I think that because there are many cultural and racial differences in viewpoint/s among the many peoples of our world we will not have nor should we have one group that satisfies all people. Just my opinion. People have their preferences. Some may prefer ecclesiastical authoritarianism – the many religions of authority. If that is what you mean, Bradly. Others have rebelled against those religions and have invented new religions – those that arose from the pronouncements of charismatic prophets/gurus dating from the 19th Century forward to now. If those are the groups you are talking about. Not sure.

I can think of three kinds of groups. 1. groups that focus on the worship of God; 2. social groups that focus on non-spiritual matters; 3. the hybrid group – mixing the spiritual with the non-spiritual.

In your question, to what type of group are you referring?
BradlyParticipant
Jun 20, 2015, 4:31 PM
Well…..group, congregational, and institutional religions are, we are taught, to be focused only on the enhancement of the personal and individual religious experience – and should not be social or political groups or secular. They should be ministries of love, truth, beauty, and goodness – or so I understand it.

Spiritual groups is a confusing term to me as I would think they too are like churches or religions – focused on the spiritual adventure of the individual.

So there are secular groups organized around a cause (environment, human rights, education, child welfare, hunger, etc.) and there are service groups where individuals support causes by participatory, hands on volunteerism.

Some of those groups are the hybrid format as Mara says above. I think the Urantia movement, especially the organizations of the movement fall into this hybrid category? Some few of these have taken on the form of actual religious groups but most, and by far the largest ones, are focused primarily on the dissemination of the UB, supporting gatherings of readers/students in study groups, conferences, class rooms, etc. where learning about the book and gaining access to books is the priority – it is not a religion but its participants and supporters are engaged religionists in recognition that each religionist is having a unique and personal religious experience – the groups do not impose creeds, dogmas, ceremony, priesthood, etc. upon these individuals.

The topic here originated from a post being removed as a violation of a stated and published policy of the site sponsoring group. Another topic here at the forum – The Michael Plan – was started by one who says that the entire UB movement should return to a singular organizational structure despite all the variety and disparity that exists with individual and groups within the current, multiple organizational spectrum.

I like what Midi said about “united” which indicates, to me, that a wide spectrum of groups with distinctions between each group, might better consider a form of a united cooperation rather than a homogeneous singular representative organization. I agree and think it a far more workable format than the attempt to gather all into some single organization. On the secular level, there are many environmental groups for example, that may often cooperate or collaborate or join voice in support or opposition of issues they hold in common. But the diversity of the many different groups themselves contributes to the activation of volunteers, donors, and supporters by personalized appeal rather than the inherently flawed theme of trying to be all things to all people and consolidate all such into a single organizational structure….where the attempt to find agreement as to purpose and priority would be endlessly contentious I think.

I like diversity and options and definitive distinctions from which to personally select those groups and causes that appeal to my experiential perspective of meaning and value. There is only one spiritual brotherhood but there are many forms of association and group endeavor. It would be good if the UB movement could be “united” and without uniformity which I find the current multi-faceted and distinctive organizations offer today. And why I agree with the policy discussed and referenced – surely there is room for a group and a forum that does not give voice to or support for those who claim the power to speak for God or celestials to other mortals; and I do not find such a policy to be exclusionary – it is inclusive for myself and those who hold to that which we share together to have a group that is not disturbed by such claims and practices which are allowed and even supported by other, distinct, groups of also like minded individuals.

"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."
MaraParticipant
Jun 20, 2015, 10:25 PM

Bradly wrote: Spiritual groups is a confusing term to me as I would think they too are like churches or religions – focused on the spiritual adventure of the individual.

Perhaps goals and mission statements, rather than creeds, clarify orgs. – religious and non-religious ones too I think.

99:5:7 Just as certainly as men share their religious beliefs, they create a religious group of some sort which eventually creates common goals. Someday religionists will get together and actually effect co-operation on the basis of unity of ideals and purposes rather than attempting to do so on the basis of psychological opinions and theological beliefs. Goals rather than creeds should unify religionists. Since true religion is a matter of personal spiritual experience, it is inevitable that each individual religionist must have his own and personal interpretation of the realization of that spiritual experience. Let the term “faith” stand for the individual’s relation to God rather than for the creedal formulation of what some group of mortals have been able to agree upon as a common religious attitude. “Have you faith? Then have it to yourself.”

But what about UB study groups? Both UB organizations promote them. They are autonomous. I hope they are focused on the spiritual adventure of the individual. I hope they are not trying to make a church or a religion by studying the UB in this manner. A study group might incline toward one organization or another, or, toward neither org. All depends on the leaders and hosts of the individual study group.

My study group (it’s not really mine, as it has a life and vitality of its own even if I am not present) has hosted many visitors over the years, but we are a core group of long time readers with a lot of experience in group dynamics, insight and dedication to our purpose of the in-depth study of the book. A few years back visitors in the persons of a husband, his wife and their two children were welcomed by us. To visitors we always explain how we take turns reading, going around the circle. As the evening progressed, it became evident to us the husband wanted to talk about his revelation – a manuscript he had written. It was very awkward for us, but we insisted upon our plan of studying the UB. They returned the following week, and again we forestalled the husband in his promotion of his treatise. The third week was a repeat of the first two. All of us were astonished by his tenacity, but we were equally tenacious in the pursuit of our adventure with the the material we were already studying.

Between the third and fourth week, as we privately communicated with each other over the days, the group decided to bar this family from our study group. Several people phoned the husband to inform him. I wrote him a letter of what I hope he interpreted as a kind one. The basic message to him addressed the purpose of our study group,(to study the UB) and to suggest to him that he should start his own group. We do not have to entertain people who want to hijack our purpose. And in this particular case the individual I mention claimed his mother was impregnated by an alien, he being the result of such impregnation, and that he was a very “special” person.

I think spiritual brotherhood, being invisible, surly is shared by people who have some sort of mental imbalance on a scale of one to ten, when, during a more balanced time, the spiritual hunger and thirst can be quenched by the water of life, the divine Spirit.

34:6:8 It is the presence of the divine Spirit, the water of life, that prevents the consuming thirst of mortal discontent and that indescribable hunger of the unspiritualized human mind. Spirit-motivated beings “never thirst, for this spiritual water shall be in them a well of satisfaction springing up into life everlasting.” Such divinely watered souls are all but independent of material environment as regards the joys of living and the satisfactions of earthly existence. They are spiritually illuminated and refreshed, morally strengthened and endowed.
MaraParticipant
Jun 21, 2015, 4:59 PM

Bradly wrote: There is only one spiritual brotherhood but there are many forms of association and group endeavor.

I’d like to be able to put my finger on spiritual brotherhood. If I were able to do that, others certainly would likely see it differently. Is spiritual brotherhood a gift given to us? Do we have to attain it? Is it an experience? Does it come and go, depending on our mental fluctuation? Is it a worldwide, universe-wide spiritual influence? Is it like the spiritual pull of Be-you-perfect-even-as-I-am-perfect?

155:6:8 Every race of mankind has its own mental outlook upon human existence; therefore must the religion of the mind ever run true to these various racial viewpoints. Never can the religions of authority come to unification. Human unity and mortal brotherhood can be achieved only by and through the superendowment of the religion of the spirit. Racial minds may differ, but all mankind is indwelt by the same divine and eternal spirit. The hope of human brotherhood can only be realized when, and as, the divergent mind religions of authority become impregnated with, and overshadowed by, the unifying and ennobling religion of the spirit — the religion of personal spiritual experience.
BradlyParticipant
Jun 21, 2015, 6:23 PM
Thanks Mara for the thoughts and quotes both. So this is another definitional distinction in the UB, that religious “groups” are not religions but like minded, goal sharing groups of religionists. There’s a lot of concern amongst many, perhaps most, Urantia Book readers that the movement and its organizations not become “a” religion – or sponsor any form of church. Some of us are more comfortable with prayer and song and praise at UB events while others are quite critical of such things.

I find the UB quotes a reasonable distinction between the secular and religion….religious is not secular nor is it group or institutional religion. So then, organized efforts of those holding the same ideals and goals is a good thing, an evolutionary progression, wherein and whereby the individual is strengthened in their service efforts by the affiliation with that group or those groups which help them in their expressions of love, duty, loyalty, friendship, cooperation, and fraternity.

"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."
AnonymousInactive
Jun 21, 2015, 7:50 PM

Bradly wrote:

So then, organized efforts of those holding the same ideals and goals is a good thing, an evolutionary progression, wherein and whereby the individual is strengthened in their service efforts by the affiliation with that group or those groups which help them in their expressions of love, duty, loyalty, friendship, cooperation, and fraternity.

You mention “organized efforts of those holding the same ideals and goals” being a good thing, however could that be a misinterpretation when being applied to one of the goals for “light and life”, where a merger to one race, would require a non-loyalty, to control over any one race, or peoples. The subject has moved into a religious faction, however it would also apply to a racial factor as recent events have indicated that “fraternity” could never be achieved giving or allowing for personal or individual prejudice, where giving one will allow for a group prejudice.

When any group, lead by individual prejudice becomes a supremacy over others, will there always be an use verses them attitude, thereby any effort to add “love” to any equation would fail. You have added “love” to many other group equations presented here, but what kind of “love” are we really talking about? The “love” of or for others, or the “love” of for an idea which may become a misguided ideal, which will work itself into an augmentation from the Golden Rule to a do unto others before they have a chance to do unto us, mentality.

When we define “love” as parental love, for our children, how do we teach them to “love” one another, when we as parents present examples which seem to differ from what many think or feel that our Fathers love for us, is? Therefore, we may find that “love” is only a word which may be defined differently by many, and should really be defined by the fruits of one’s labor of “love.”
BradlyParticipant
Jun 21, 2015, 9:53 PM
I would certainly agree that the self forgetting love content within any individual or group determines its potential, value, and results. Love is reality expression and mortals may indeed experience and share this reality in service. Efforts may be clumsy and results unplanned but love is never wasted nor without effect – it is the great cause. Sincerity with love is a powerful force in the universe and here among us mortals.

Fraternity is all around us and is gaining in strength and influence – despite the horrific examples of its lack in still far too many quarters and corners of our world. Radicalism remains a grotesque contrast of fear and hate born by small minds and smaller hearts.

There is only one race – the human race. Finding peace and fraternity between different colors of people in the same human race and giving women full status as humans will combine, eventually, to thrust our world forward toward the inevitable era of light and life. Those individuals and groups who give service to such causes by their caring and sharing generous spirit natures work FOR light and life now in such effort. All such efforts are rewarded, immediately and forevermore, as such acts reverberate through the universe of universes.

Mistakes in effort resulting from pure motive and honest intention are irrelevant in time but the effort made as an expression of love is itself noble and enduring.

103:5.7 (1134.5) The pursuit of the ideal — the striving to be Godlike — is a continuous effort before death and after. The life after death is no different in the essentials than the mortal existence. Everything we do in this life which is good contributes directly to the enhancement of the future life. Real religion does not foster moral indolence and spiritual laziness by encouraging the vain hope of having all the virtues of a noble character bestowed upon one as a result of passing through the portals of natural death. True religion does not belittle man’s efforts to progress during the mortal lease on life. Every mortal gain is a direct contribution to the enrichment of the first stages of the immortal survival experience.

103:5.8 (1134.6) It is fatal to man’s idealism when he is taught that all of his altruistic impulses are merely the development of his natural herd instincts. But he is ennobled and mightily energized when he learns that these higher urges of his soul emanate from the spiritual forces that indwell his mortal mind.

103:5.9 (1134.7) It lifts man out of himself and beyond himself when he once fully realizes that there lives and strives within him something which is eternal and divine. And so it is that a living faith in the superhuman origin of our ideals validates our belief that we are the sons of God and makes real our altruistic convictions, the feelings of the brotherhood of man.

100:2.2 (1095.6) Spiritual growth is first an awakening to needs, next a discernment of meanings, and then a discovery of values. The evidence of true spiritual development consists in the exhibition of a human personality motivated by love, activated by unselfish ministry, and dominated by the wholehearted worship of the perfection ideals of divinity. And this entire experience constitutes the reality of religion as contrasted with mere theological beliefs.

100:2.3 (1095.7) Religion can progress to that level of experience whereon it becomes an enlightened and wise technique of spiritual reaction to the universe. Such a glorified religion can function on three levels of human personality: the intellectual, the morontial, and the spiritual; upon the mind, in the evolving soul, and with the indwelling spirit.

100:2.4 (1096.1) Spirituality becomes at once the indicator of one’s nearness to God and the measure of one’s usefulness to fellow beings. Spirituality enhances the ability to discover beauty in things, recognize truth in meanings, and discover goodness in values. Spiritual development is determined by capacity therefor and is directly proportional to the elimination of the selfish qualities of love.

"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."
MaraParticipant
Jun 22, 2015, 1:06 AM

Bradly wrote: 100:2.4 (1096.1) Spiritual development is determined by capacity therefor and is directly proportional to the elimination of the selfish qualities of love.

You selected some really wonderful quotes! Lot’s to think about. I’m so glad you’re with us too, Midi. One thing is for sure: “. . .man’s nearest and dearest approach to God is by and through love, for God is love. And all of such a unique relationship is an actual experience in cosmic sociology, the Creator-creature relationship–the Father-child affection.” ( 3:4:7 ) Cosmic sociology?

There is the each relationship, and the all relationship.

( 12:7:10 ) This very love of God for the individual brings into being the divine family of all individuals, the universal brotherhood of the freewill children of the Paradise Father. And this brotherhood, being universal, is a relationship of the whole. Brotherhood, when universal, discloses not the each relationship, but the all relationship. Brotherhood is a reality of the total and therefore discloses qualities of the whole in contradistinction to qualities of the part.

MidiChlorian wrote: When we define “love” as parental love, for our children, how do we teach them to “love” one another, when we as parents present examples which seem to differ from what many think or feel that our Fathers love for us, is?

I’ve wondered about something similar to your question, pertaining to my own life. For myself I am at peace with my own father who passed away decades ago. Did he do the best he could? Only God knows. But my father forbade in the house anything, including music, that could be construed as religious. He was harsh, and I craved to receive from him his affection and love. I have gotten over it. It did not hold me back.

( 142:7:4 ) He next explained that the “kingdom idea” was not the best way to illustrate man’s relation to God; that he employed such figures of speech because the Jewish people were expecting the kingdom, and because John had preached in terms of the coming kingdom. Jesus said: “The people of another age will better understand the gospel of the kingdom when it is presented in terms expressive of the family relationship–when man understands religion as the teaching of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, sonship with God.” Then the Master discoursed at some length on the earthly family as an illustration of the heavenly family, restating the two fundamental laws of living: the first commandment of love for the father, the head of the family, and the second commandment of mutual love among the children, to love your brother as yourself. And then he explained that such a quality of brotherly affection would invariably manifest itself in unselfish and loving social service.

Brotherly affection, loving your brother as yourself or do unto others as you would have them do unto you, manifests itself in unselfish and loving social service. Unselfish and loving social service reminds me very much of cosmic sociology. How does cosmic sociology relate to spiritual brotherhood. Or does it?
VernParticipant
Jun 22, 2015, 5:24 AM

Bradly wrote: The spiritual brotherhood contains only those who choose to live thusly and be directed by the Divine love.

Acceptance of the fact of sonship with God. A consciousness of sonship status, which can be experienced independently of membership of a specific ‘religious’ group.A Member of a family does not need to prove his or her existence within the family, he/she “is” family irrespective of conscious acceptance of this truth. Once accepted as true, personal experience with other believers in the Father, makes it real as a ‘living’ experience—deeper appreciation of things, meanings and values, ever striving to be God-like, identification with truth, beauty and goodness. Manifestation of fruits-of-the spirit as a self-aware member of the spiritual brotherhood.

The eye of the spirit can see the Thought Adjuster achieving expression in the lives of our companions—fellow travellers with the same paradise destination, equal status in the Father’s household. Father’s love has no conditions, it’s freely given, only qualified by the child’s capacity to accept it and give it in return. By their fruits, we know family.
BradlyParticipant
Jun 22, 2015, 12:32 PM
Vern wrote:

Acceptance of the fact of sonship with God. A consciousness of sonship status, which can be experienced independently of membership of a specific ‘religious’ group.A Member of a family does not need to prove his or her existence within the family, he/she “is” family irrespective of conscious acceptance of this truth. Once accepted as true, personal experience with other believers in the Father, makes it real as a ‘living’ experience—deeper appreciation of things, meanings and values, ever striving to be God-like, identification with truth, beauty and goodness. Manifestation of fruits-of-the spirit as a self-aware member of the spiritual brotherhood.

Me here: There is some definitive distinction between family members who take the second phase of the gospel presented by the Master to heart. Many believe in God but do not then transcend into the family concept of all beings belonging to the family of God and creation. This is a critical element to the universe reality of love and the elimination of hate and anger and blame that poisons the mind and actually prevents a God believer from “being” in the family into which we are all born when the TA arrives. I mentioned “self-exclusion” above and it is a demonstrable error that prevents the mind from that peace that passes all understanding and the sublime poise of one who lives “in” the family of this friendly universe.

One who fears and hates has not yet become a member of the spiritual brotherhood as a true believer I do not think. Violence and hate in the name of God is a real perversion and denies the absolute truth and reality of love. Indeed, I would claim that those who live in love and service but without any declarations of belief in God, are far closer to truth and far less poisoned in mind in their spirit progress.

Love cannot be deceived nor be deceptive in its reality – the primal cause of the effects demonstrated by the fruits of the spirit. Love brings forth its fruit regardless of one’s beliefs, knowledge, or proclamations. Beliefs, knowledge, and proclamations without love bring forth nothing at all of value or with meaning. Or so I think.

Jesus used the term “kingdom” in several ways, one of which is the kingdom of “believers” and none of which was “all people”. An interesting distinction.

"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."
MaraParticipant
Jun 22, 2015, 9:51 PM

Vern wrote: Acceptance of the fact of sonship with God . . . .

I am touched by your eloquent post, Vern.

Bradly wrote: There is some definitive distinction between family members who take the second phase of the gospel presented by the Master . . . .

I wanted to comment about those “five phases, or epochs, of the kingdom” you posted earlier #15531. The first phase is the personal – man and God; the second phase is the “enlarging brotherhood of gospel believers, the social aspects of the enhanced morals and quickened ethics. . . .” resulting from phase one, as you aptly pointed out, Bradly. If we self-identify as cosmic citizens (phase three), we and the citizenry of the cosmos finds ourselves within the arena of ever more perfecting cosmic relationships, and perhaps the advanced courses of study of of this matter might be denominated cosmic sociology. Phase two (170:4.3 (1863.1) specifies the brotherhood as those citizens who are gospel believers. (They tell us phase four is the next age of man! Check it out.) So I agree with you on this . . .

Bradly wrote: Jesus used the term “kingdom” in several ways, one of which is the kingdom of “believers” and none of which was “all people”.

From God’s view there are two groups of people. From the universe view there are two great classes.

“There are only two groups of mortals in the eyes of God: those who desire to do his will and those who do not. As the universe looks upon an inhabited world, it likewise discerns two great classes: those who know God and those who do not.” (133:0:3 )

This reference pertaining to the eyes of God and the eyes of the universe in both group and class, does not further qualify mortals of Urantia in the way Jesus does when he refers to the kingdom as the kingdom of “believers.” Maybe I am not understanding this rightly. I thought “believers” pertained to believing him, Jesus, following him Jesus. But then again, he always said Thy will be done, “I have absolute confidence in my heavenly Father’s overcare; I am consecrated to doing the will of my Father in heaven.” “I have come only to do the will of my heavenly Father. . . .” ” Be ever obedient to the Father’s will.” “I have come into this world to do the will of my Father and to reveal his loving character to all mankind.”

Postscript: I found an amazing statement about the Lucifer rebellion – the aftereffects which made our world so mixed up. Hear what Jesus said, “And I have come to make a beginning of setting these things in order. But many ages will be required to restore this part of the universe to former paths and thus release the children of men from the extra burdens of sin and rebellion. The presence of evil alone is sufficient test for the ascension of man–sin is not essential to survival.” ( 148:5:2 )
MaraParticipant
Jun 22, 2015, 11:32 PM

Bradly wrote: What is the model or pattern found in the Master’s ministry? What might be learned in consideration of 12 apostles – only – and 12 others that were John’s – and a separate corps of disciples – and another of messengers – and those of other groups by other affiliations and definitions?

First, leadership must be provided. The way Jesus organized the Twelve is very fascinating to me. Re civilization: ” And the quantity of such wise leadership has never exceeded one per cent of the population.” ( 81:6:42 ) Re: the universe of universes:

(181:2:16 ) “In my universe and in my Father’s universe of universes, our brethren-sons are dealt with as individuals in all their spiritual relations, but in all group relationships we unfailingly provide for definite leadership. Our kingdom is a realm of order, and where two or more will creatures act in co-operation, there is always provided the authority of leadership.”

It seems the social architects have much to do with three or more in a working group.

( 39:3:6 ) Two beings are regarded as operating on the mating, complemental, or partnership basis, but when three or more are grouped for service, they constitute a social problem and therefore fall within the jurisdiction of the social architects.

( 39:3:5 ) Social architects do everything within their province and power to bring together suitable individuals that they may constitute efficient and agreeable working groups on earth. . . .

I doubt it was by mere coincidence the Twelve were selected.

The Twelve and John’s disciples were left to their own unique and purposeful social problem when John was imprisoned and afterwards. They certainly had their organizational issues to deal with.

The women’s corps and anyone else both before and after the Master’s life on earth must sort out these organizational and social problems.
VernParticipant
Jun 23, 2015, 6:12 AM

Mara wrote: …two great classes: those who know God and those who do not

Yes, I guess that’s what it boils down to.

Regarding the spiritual brotherhood which is something worth belonging to, unity matters, uniformity does not.

The true church—the Jesus brotherhood—is invisible, spiritual, and is characterized by unity, not necessarily by uniformity. Uniformity is the earmark of the physical world of mechanistic nature. Spiritual unity is the fruit of faith union with the living Jesus. The visible church should refuse longer to handicap the progress of the invisible and spiritual brotherhood of the kingdom of God. And this brotherhood is destined to become a living organism in contrast to an institutionalized social organization. It may well utilize such social organizations, but it must not be supplanted by them. ^[Paper ^{195:10.11, page 2085.3]}

A faithful agondonter is something to be.
MaraParticipant
Jun 23, 2015, 6:54 PM
I have no idea if anyone else is benefiting from this topic, but I can tell you I certainly am and new understandings have opened up for me, because in my search for understanding, I am like a bloodhound on a scent to get to the bottom, or if you will, the top of it. And my search has taken me far and wide into both the book and into my own deep thoughts. Here is a recent discovery I made. It might be old hat to you, but I’m going to take you on my discovery-trail.

170:5:11 The kingdom, to the Jews, was the Israelite community; to the gentiles it became the Christian church. To Jesus the kingdom was the sum of those individuals who had confessed their faith in the fatherhood of God, thereby declaring their wholehearted dedication to the doing of the will of God, thus becoming members of the spiritual brotherhood of man.

Spiritual brotherhood is the God brotherhood, the faith in God brotherhood, the doing the will of God brotherhood. Spiritual brotherhood is when we-see-the-Creator-Son-we-see-the-Universal-Father brotherhood! Wow!

1:5:5 In the local creations (excepting the personnel of the superuniverses) God has no personal or residential manifestation aside from the Paradise Creator Sons who are the fathers of the inhabited worlds and the sovereigns of the local universes. If the faith of the creature were perfect, he would assuredly know that when he had seen a Creator Son he had seen the Universal Father; in seeking for the Father, he would not ask nor expect to see other than the Son. Mortal man simply cannot see God until he achieves completed spirit transformation and actually attains Paradise.

I must be kinda dense, ’cause this is just now sinking into me by way of an ah ha moment.

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