Mystical Christianity

Part One -Annunciation "Magic" of Ancient Egypt    

From my reading and understanding (not comprehensive by any means), Egyptian theology actually paralleled Christian concepts which would later develop. Long before the heretic king, Akhenaton, who attempted to change Egypt's polytheistic viewpoint to emphasis on the one god, that of the sun = the Aten, the region of Memphis broke through with a theology of its own. The "Memphite Theology" called upon the creative forces of nature much akin to the highly skilled artists/architects/artisans of ancient Egypt. Their chief god's name was Ptah, and he is considered Father-god to all subsequent deities.

  Ptah's power lay in the power of the spoken word. Some sources compare his power of creation with the Hebrew book of Genesis = "Let there be light and there was light" (Genesis 1:3). This power is called by scholars "annunciation". In John 1:1,2 we find the same annunciation "magic" if you will = "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Ptah put the Word into creative action.

  Atum is the term the Memphite theologians used to describe the raw material of creation whereas Ennead was similar in function to the potter's hands in forming the angles and curves of an artistic piece. Ptah's tongue articulated the magic words pushing the sound and the glory of creation between his teeth into the heavens and earth. Through Ptah's heart, pulses the spirit of the gods followed by mankind and the lesser but not less important life forms. Ptah's heart thinks the Father-god's divine thoughts, while his tongue expresses the forms he wishes to create. All identifying features and life processes were then built with Atum, the material of creation, sculpted with god-like meticulousness by Ennead, interpreter of Ptah. Formation in the god's mind,  his ideation of what he would create and its purpose is termed as "perception" and Ptah's articulation, the Word, which enters the world by divine will as creative speech, is "annunciation". Though not unique to the ancient world, within Egyptian theology, these ideas remain exclusive to Memphis.

  The Greeks had similar creation myths which scholars believe to be partly translatable into early Christian mythos.

 Part Two:   Hathor, protectress of women

 In our Mystical Christianity lessons, much emphasis is given to the feminine side of Christed individuals. In researching various sources for this concluding essay, I came upon Hathor who figured prominently as the goddess of joy and feminine love. She is depicted at various times in ancient Egypt as both the wife and mother of the god, Horus. Since both Horus and Hathor were sky-deities, they are usually pictured with either solar disks (Horus-a sun god) or in Horus' case, a falcon head which kept careful watch on the activities of humankind. Hathor, however, had the distinction of being seen in either the role as wife or mother, wearing the countenance of several "grounded" animals: the cow who nourished pharaohs and children (and hid Horus every evening in her breast as the sun set),a ewe, and during playful moments could assume the head dress of male animals as well. Her symbol or fetish was the sistern, a musical instrument which had the power to soothe and drive away evil spirits. Hathor often entertained herself with dance and music, wine and wild love-making. In the later era of the great Egyptian dynasties, Hathor became associated with the journey of the dead. This became so wide-spread that a dead person, previously known as an "Osiris", became supplanted in title to a "Hathor".

  Hathor, at this period of time, was known also as the "Lady of the Sycamores". The story is told that the goddess hid in a grove of these trees at the edge of the desert to startle, then welcome, the newly dead and assist in guiding them on their final journey. She was also known to hold the ladder which the dead would climb on their path to Paradise. Hathor was present frequently in funeral processions in various roles as protectress of the deceased's living children, a symbol of new beginnings which for the Egyptians was very true, and venerated along with her husband (or whatever relation that region attributed to her) Horus. Images or statuary of both were present during the processions and in their shared sanctuaries.

  At Dendera, large celebrations were held in honor of Hathor where her most famous sanctuary was located. Even worship of her husband, Horus, could not eclipse the participant's joy at these festivals where Hathor was the center of attention. Her birthday was New Years which added to the occasion. Songs were sung and composed and wine was abundant. Party-goers left happy and intoxicated.

  Various stories are told concerning Hathor. The most famous is about the time Hathor disguised herself as the Eye of Ra. She was about to use the power of Ra's Eye to destroy the human race when Ra himself intervened by pouring beer (blood red in color) over the field where her deadly vision was fixed. Hathor saw herself reflected in the liquid and then with a godly thirst, drank all the beer. She became so inebriated that she forgot about her murderous mission and mankind was spared.

  Worship of Hathor was wide-spread and she was known by various titles according to region. In Phoenicia, she was called "the Lady of Byblos"; in Somaliland, her name was "Mistress of the Land of Punt.." In the Sinai, her title was "Mistress of the Land of Mefket".

Bibliography:

EGYPTIAN MYTHOLOGY by Paul Hamlyn, Westbrook House, Fulham Broadway, London, Copyright 1965

WHAT LIFE WAS LIKE ON THE BANKS OF THE NILE: Egypt 3050-30 B.C .by the Editors of Time-Life Books, Alexandria, VA, USA, Copyright 1990

ANCIENT EGYPT, General Editor David P. Silverman, Oxford University Press, New York & London, Copyright 1997

TIMEFRAME 1500-600 B.C.,: Barbarian Tides, by the Editors of Time-Life Books, Alexandria, VA, Copyright 1987

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Mystical Christianity

Part One -Annunciation "Magic" of Ancient Egypt    

From my reading and understanding (not comprehensive by any means), Egyptian theology actually paralleled Christian concepts which would later develop. Long before the heretic king, Akhenaton, who attempted to change Egypt's polytheistic viewpoint to emphasis on the one god, that of the sun = the Aten, the region of Memphis broke through with a theology of its own. The "Memphite Theology" called upon the creative forces of nature much akin to the highly skilled artists/architects/artisans of ancient Egypt. Their chief god's name was Ptah, and he is considered Father-god to all subsequent deities.

  Ptah's power lay in the power of the spoken word. Some sources compare his power of creation with the Hebrew book of Genesis = "Let there be light and there was light" (Genesis 1:3). This power is called by scholars "annunciation". In John 1:1,2 we find the same annunciation "magic" if you will = "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Ptah put the Word into creative action.

  Atum is the term the Memphite theologians used to describe the raw material of creation whereas Ennead was similar in function to the potter's hands in forming the angles and curves of an artistic piece. Ptah's tongue articulated the magic words pushing the sound and the glory of creation between his teeth into the heavens and earth. Through Ptah's heart, pulses the spirit of the gods followed by mankind and the lesser but not less important life forms. Ptah's heart thinks the Father-god's divine thoughts, while his tongue expresses the forms he wishes to create. All identifying features and life processes were then built with Atum, the material of creation, sculpted with god-like meticulousness by Ennead, interpreter of Ptah. Formation in the god's mind,  his ideation of what he would create and its purpose is termed as "perception" and Ptah's articulation, the Word, which enters the world by divine will as creative speech, is "annunciation". Though not unique to the ancient world, within Egyptian theology, these ideas remain exclusive to Memphis.

  The Greeks had similar creation myths which scholars believe to be partly translatable into early Christian mythos.

 Part Two:   Hathor, protectress of women

 In our Mystical Christianity lessons, much emphasis is given to the feminine side of Christed individuals. In researching various sources for this concluding essay, I came upon Hathor who figured prominently as the goddess of joy and feminine love. She is depicted at various times in ancient Egypt as both the wife and mother of the god, Horus. Since both Horus and Hathor were sky-deities, they are usually pictured with either solar disks (Horus-a sun god) or in Horus' case, a falcon head which kept careful watch on the activities of humankind. Hathor, however, had the distinction of being seen in either the role as wife or mother, wearing the countenance of several "grounded" animals: the cow who nourished pharaohs and children (and hid Horus every evening in her breast as the sun set),a ewe, and during playful moments could assume the head dress of male animals as well. Her symbol or fetish was the sistern, a musical instrument which had the power to soothe and drive away evil spirits. Hathor often entertained herself with dance and music, wine and wild love-making. In the later era of the great Egyptian dynasties, Hathor became associated with the journey of the dead. This became so wide-spread that a dead person, previously known as an "Osiris", became supplanted in title to a "Hathor".

  Hathor, at this period of time, was known also as the "Lady of the Sycamores". The story is told that the goddess hid in a grove of these trees at the edge of the desert to startle, then welcome, the newly dead and assist in guiding them on their final journey. She was also known to hold the ladder which the dead would climb on their path to Paradise. Hathor was present frequently in funeral processions in various roles as protectress of the deceased's living children, a symbol of new beginnings which for the Egyptians was very true, and venerated along with her husband (or whatever relation that region attributed to her) Horus. Images or statuary of both were present during the processions and in their shared sanctuaries.

  At Dendera, large celebrations were held in honor of Hathor where her most famous sanctuary was located. Even worship of her husband, Horus, could not eclipse the participant's joy at these festivals where Hathor was the center of attention. Her birthday was New Years which added to the occasion. Songs were sung and composed and wine was abundant. Party-goers left happy and intoxicated.

  Various stories are told concerning Hathor. The most famous is about the time Hathor disguised herself as the Eye of Ra. She was about to use the power of Ra's Eye to destroy the human race when Ra himself intervened by pouring beer (blood red in color) over the field where her deadly vision was fixed. Hathor saw herself reflected in the liquid and then with a godly thirst, drank all the beer. She became so inebriated that she forgot about her murderous mission and mankind was spared.

  Worship of Hathor was wide-spread and she was known by various titles according to region. In Phoenicia, she was called "the Lady of Byblos"; in Somaliland, her name was "Mistress of the Land of Punt.." In the Sinai, her title was "Mistress of the Land of Mefket".

Bibliography:

EGYPTIAN MYTHOLOGY by Paul Hamlyn, Westbrook House, Fulham Broadway, London, Copyright 1965

WHAT LIFE WAS LIKE ON THE BANKS OF THE NILE: Egypt 3050-30 B.C .by the Editors of Time-Life Books, Alexandria, VA, USA, Copyright 1990

ANCIENT EGYPT, General Editor David P. Silverman, Oxford University Press, New York & London, Copyright 1997

TIMEFRAME 1500-600 B.C.,: Barbarian Tides, by the Editors of Time-Life Books, Alexandria, VA, Copyright 1987

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Metaphysical Healing

Assignment: Number three

Student: Rev. Dr. Edonna Alexandria

Course: Metaphysical Healing

ESOTERIC PHYSIOLOGY

1. Answer each of the following questions.

a) Write a paragraph on the Human Aura:   The Human Aura is the protective invisible shield which surrounds the physical body,  it is composed of seven shields that span out around the body in an elliptical formation, much like the elliptical orbits that follow the path and rotations of the planets around the sun.  It provides protection to the body and allows information to flow through.  Information flows in and out, providing a two way communication system from the universe, immediate earth areas and the body.

b) Why do we have subtle bodies?  We have these subtle bodies to: 1) protect our physical body. 2) Provide a communication system between the physical and spiritual words.

c) Name the different energy systems.1) etheric, 2) Emotional, 3) Mental, 4) Astral, 5) Etheric template, 6) Celestial, 7) Ketheric, 8) Auric

d) What is the function of auric fibers? The auric fibers provide protection to the physical body by picking up signals from our surroundings; Caution us ; vitalize our physical and subtle bodies with life force energy.

e) where are the spinal nerves located? In the spinal cord.

2. Describe the Circulatory system in the physical. The circulatory system in the physical carries oxygen to the tissues and waste products away from.  It is the major transport system of the body involving the heart and blood.

3. Describe the Circulatory system of the Etheric.  It allows energy to be carried though the tissues physical body which assist the body in draining itself of negative etheric energy away from the body and into the auric field.  The auric energy field is a colorless like fluid which contains billions of cells that are excreted by the chakra system.  The auric cells circulate through the acupuncture meridians and exited the body along the auric cells by passing through the skin.  If this auric Sheath is damaged, the auric fluid will begin spilling out and experience in the physical body as exhaustion which will cause physical weakness.

4. Write a short paragraph on the Physical Aura. The personality of the human is created by the physical aura, which is contained in the physical body consisting of the etheric , emotional and cognitive bodies utilized to breath, think and feel.

5. What does the Etheric Body look like? It is similar to the blue/gray print of an architect.  It is an outline of the body much like that of a negative of a photograph.  It looks like the shadow of the physical body.

6. How does the Etheric body differ from the Emotional Body? The etheric body is lighter and more weightless compared to the body; additionally it creates the chakra system and is the first level where disease will reveal itself.

7. What are the main functions of the chakras? The main function of the chakra system is to vitalize and energize the body by transmitting energy through the blood system and to serve as a communication channel with the universal life force energies.

8. What is the color of the Astral Body? Rose Pink.

9. What function does the Astral Body serve? It serves as the mediator between the physical and spiritual aura, thus communicating between ourselves and the higher spiritual planes of consciousness

10. Why do we need a "silver cord"?To keep us connected the astral body because without it the physical body could not exist.   When that cord is cut, our astral body leaves the physical body which dies, while the spiritual continues to live its immortal existence.

11. Describe the Spiritual Aura. The spiritual aura is the embodiment of the higher spiritual self which allows us to communicate with beings that exist on the higher spiritual planes of consciousness and awareness.

12. Complete this sentence: The Auric Sheath is extremely strong and is resistant to penetration and  protects the fields.

13. Where are the major chakras located externally? Along the outside of the endocrine system.

14. Name them and give the corresponding endocrine glands. The

a. Crown--Pituitary

b. Forehead--Pineal

c. Throat--Thyroid

d. Heart--Thymus

e. Solar Plexus--Pancreas

f. Sacral/Naval--Ovaries/Testes

g. Base of Spine--Adrenals/Top of Kidneys

********************

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

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

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Metaphysical Healing

Assignment: Number three

Student: Rev. Dr. Edonna Alexandria

Course: Metaphysical Healing

ESOTERIC PHYSIOLOGY

1. Answer each of the following questions.

a) Write a paragraph on the Human Aura:   The Human Aura is the protective invisible shield which surrounds the physical body,  it is composed of seven shields that span out around the body in an elliptical formation, much like the elliptical orbits that follow the path and rotations of the planets around the sun.  It provides protection to the body and allows information to flow through.  Information flows in and out, providing a two way communication system from the universe, immediate earth areas and the body.

b) Why do we have subtle bodies?  We have these subtle bodies to: 1) protect our physical body. 2) Provide a communication system between the physical and spiritual words.

c) Name the different energy systems.1) etheric, 2) Emotional, 3) Mental, 4) Astral, 5) Etheric template, 6) Celestial, 7) Ketheric, 8) Auric

d) What is the function of auric fibers? The auric fibers provide protection to the physical body by picking up signals from our surroundings; Caution us ; vitalize our physical and subtle bodies with life force energy.

e) where are the spinal nerves located? In the spinal cord.

2. Describe the Circulatory system in the physical. The circulatory system in the physical carries oxygen to the tissues and waste products away from.  It is the major transport system of the body involving the heart and blood.

3. Describe the Circulatory system of the Etheric.  It allows energy to be carried though the tissues physical body which assist the body in draining itself of negative etheric energy away from the body and into the auric field.  The auric energy field is a colorless like fluid which contains billions of cells that are excreted by the chakra system.  The auric cells circulate through the acupuncture meridians and exited the body along the auric cells by passing through the skin.  If this auric Sheath is damaged, the auric fluid will begin spilling out and experience in the physical body as exhaustion which will cause physical weakness.

4. Write a short paragraph on the Physical Aura. The personality of the human is created by the physical aura, which is contained in the physical body consisting of the etheric , emotional and cognitive bodies utilized to breath, think and feel.

5. What does the Etheric Body look like? It is similar to the blue/gray print of an architect.  It is an outline of the body much like that of a negative of a photograph.  It looks like the shadow of the physical body.

6. How does the Etheric body differ from the Emotional Body? The etheric body is lighter and more weightless compared to the body; additionally it creates the chakra system and is the first level where disease will reveal itself.

7. What are the main functions of the chakras? The main function of the chakra system is to vitalize and energize the body by transmitting energy through the blood system and to serve as a communication channel with the universal life force energies.

8. What is the color of the Astral Body? Rose Pink.

9. What function does the Astral Body serve? It serves as the mediator between the physical and spiritual aura, thus communicating between ourselves and the higher spiritual planes of consciousness

10. Why do we need a "silver cord"?To keep us connected the astral body because without it the physical body could not exist.   When that cord is cut, our astral body leaves the physical body which dies, while the spiritual continues to live its immortal existence.

11. Describe the Spiritual Aura. The spiritual aura is the embodiment of the higher spiritual self which allows us to communicate with beings that exist on the higher spiritual planes of consciousness and awareness.

12. Complete this sentence: The Auric Sheath is extremely strong and is resistant to penetration and  protects the fields.

13. Where are the major chakras located externally? Along the outside of the endocrine system.

14. Name them and give the corresponding endocrine glands. The

a. Crown--Pituitary

b. Forehead--Pineal

c. Throat--Thyroid

d. Heart--Thymus

e. Solar Plexus--Pancreas

f. Sacral/Naval--Ovaries/Testes

g. Base of Spine--Adrenals/Top of Kidneys

********************

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

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

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

A Course in Miracles

A Course in Miracles I have so loved this course and have truly hate to see these lessons come to an end.  These courses have been very life changing to me.  They have so transformed my ways of thinking in all areas of my life. I have totally loved coming to the understanding of how to judge what truth is and seeing life from the perspective of all being an illusion created by our thoughts.  This is very powerful once you grasp it,  I love how this course teaches how to manifest miracles and make them a part of daily life.  Using attention and directed focus and intensity for the desires we have in life. I have found through this course that I am more conscious of my own thoughts and desires and making sure that they are grounded and rooted in truth and love instead of being based on fear,  This course brings great awareness to these things. Through it I have been able to change the way I look at my work and my relationships, all the areas of my life. I have the book a course in miracles but I am very glad that I was able to take this course because I think that it helps to grasp these concepts before reading it. I truly also loved the way that this course changes the perception of self imposed limits and being able to move above that to clearly see that there are no limits. The things I learned in this course have built in me new aspirations and hope as well as causing me to see those around me in an entirely different light. It is not something that you can just read and put behind you, it moves you to change in all areas of your life.  I am so thankful that this course was offered here and I know that it is no coincidence that I have found it. I find myself going back to them often for reference. Rev. Cindy Roskamp ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

A Course in Miracles

A Course in Miracles I have so loved this course and have truly hate to see these lessons come to an end.  These courses have been very life changing to me.  They have so transformed my ways of thinking in all areas of my life. I have totally loved coming to the understanding of how to judge what truth is and seeing life from the perspective of all being an illusion created by our thoughts.  This is very powerful once you grasp it,  I love how this course teaches how to manifest miracles and make them a part of daily life.  Using attention and directed focus and intensity for the desires we have in life. I have found through this course that I am more conscious of my own thoughts and desires and making sure that they are grounded and rooted in truth and love instead of being based on fear,  This course brings great awareness to these things. Through it I have been able to change the way I look at my work and my relationships, all the areas of my life. I have the book a course in miracles but I am very glad that I was able to take this course because I think that it helps to grasp these concepts before reading it. I truly also loved the way that this course changes the perception of self imposed limits and being able to move above that to clearly see that there are no limits. The things I learned in this course have built in me new aspirations and hope as well as causing me to see those around me in an entirely different light. It is not something that you can just read and put behind you, it moves you to change in all areas of your life.  I am so thankful that this course was offered here and I know that it is no coincidence that I have found it. I find myself going back to them often for reference. Rev. Cindy Roskamp ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirituality

Prayer
By Rev. Hope Macdonald-Vellone

In the reading of this course and some additional research I have done, I can see the similarities between science and the Bible, as well as the differences. In my own personal spiritual path, we believe that all Gods are one God. They just go by different names. In this course, I believe it to be the same, even with science-minded people. Whether they believe there is a God or not, they do believe there is a higher power. Even if that higher power is numbers, they see it as something greater then themselves.

 I would like to address the creation hypotheses for a moment. In Genesis 1:1-3,

1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

2. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

3. Then God said "let there be light"; and there was light.

Can we see how this can correlate with science and the Big Bang Theory? As a child growing up and attending church we were told that a life-time to us was but a blink of an eye to God. The way I see this is that if the blink of an eye to God is but a hundred years, a day would be thousands, if not more. (No one can ever be sure of this). No one is ever sure if indeed there was a "Big Bang". Other than scientists knowing that the universe is expanding and that it had to start from somewhere, no one knows for sure. Just like the Bible. No one knows for sure if this is how creation was actually started. But I do believe that they go hand in hand.

Science Vs. The Bible.

The Theory of Evolution:

 Charles Darwin's theory that life came from the oceans again coincides with parts of the Bible. Genesis 1:20-21.

 Then God said, "Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens."

 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw this and it was good.

 This was the fifth day.

Genesis 1:26-27

 Then God said, "Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God he created him; male and female He created them.

 Darwin's theory that life came from the ocean could be true. Again, no one knows for sure. Who is to say that the time that passes in a day to God could be hundred of thousands or Millions of years and in Darwin's theory, with time on our side being ever so slow compared to that of God's, it could indeed seem that man came from the ocean; that this is where life started.

 There is a beautiful analogy that I believe covers all religions, faiths, spiritual paths and belief systems, science and so forth.

 Imagine if you would, a beautiful mountain. On top of that mountain is God, Mohammad, Allah, The Goddess, Shiva, the Master Architect or whatever Higher Power one may believe in.

 Everyone wants to get to the top of this mountain. There are many different paths for people to take. People need to find the path that is right for them.

 Now some people tell others about their path and that their path is the right one, the only way and to follow them. They lead them to the top.

 Some people tell others they know the best path to take to get to the top and in doing so trying to get everyone to follow them, wind up only going in circles at the base of this mountain.

 Some people may take an easy route, while others tend to take a harder path, all to attain the same dissension. Some people's path may be lonely and they go solo. Others are in groups with support. It doesn't matter how you get to the top only that one tries.

 Some people sit at the bottom of this mountain trying to calculate the best way to get to the top. Others wonder why bother? Maybe they will find another mountain they will come to climb.

 The above analogy illustrates how God is inside each and every one of us. To some it could be the Great Mother, and to others it could be this gray haired, bearded older man or it could be the infinity symbol. I believe that this Omnipotence comes to us in whatever why it sees best for the individual.

 I have always believed in the thought process that the cup is half full, rather then half empty. All belief systems are beautiful, no matter what they may be. Science has some wonderful theories, as does religion. I believe they all go hand in hand. No matter what path one may walk.  

All Gods are one God.   

       

Rev. Hope Macdonald-Vellone

********************

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

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

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirituality

Prayer
By Rev. Hope Macdonald-Vellone

In the reading of this course and some additional research I have done, I can see the similarities between science and the Bible, as well as the differences. In my own personal spiritual path, we believe that all Gods are one God. They just go by different names. In this course, I believe it to be the same, even with science-minded people. Whether they believe there is a God or not, they do believe there is a higher power. Even if that higher power is numbers, they see it as something greater then themselves.

 I would like to address the creation hypotheses for a moment. In Genesis 1:1-3,

1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

2. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

3. Then God said "let there be light"; and there was light.

Can we see how this can correlate with science and the Big Bang Theory? As a child growing up and attending church we were told that a life-time to us was but a blink of an eye to God. The way I see this is that if the blink of an eye to God is but a hundred years, a day would be thousands, if not more. (No one can ever be sure of this). No one is ever sure if indeed there was a "Big Bang". Other than scientists knowing that the universe is expanding and that it had to start from somewhere, no one knows for sure. Just like the Bible. No one knows for sure if this is how creation was actually started. But I do believe that they go hand in hand.

Science Vs. The Bible.

The Theory of Evolution:

 Charles Darwin's theory that life came from the oceans again coincides with parts of the Bible. Genesis 1:20-21.

 Then God said, "Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens."

 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw this and it was good.

 This was the fifth day.

Genesis 1:26-27

 Then God said, "Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God he created him; male and female He created them.

 Darwin's theory that life came from the ocean could be true. Again, no one knows for sure. Who is to say that the time that passes in a day to God could be hundred of thousands or Millions of years and in Darwin's theory, with time on our side being ever so slow compared to that of God's, it could indeed seem that man came from the ocean; that this is where life started.

 There is a beautiful analogy that I believe covers all religions, faiths, spiritual paths and belief systems, science and so forth.

 Imagine if you would, a beautiful mountain. On top of that mountain is God, Mohammad, Allah, The Goddess, Shiva, the Master Architect or whatever Higher Power one may believe in.

 Everyone wants to get to the top of this mountain. There are many different paths for people to take. People need to find the path that is right for them.

 Now some people tell others about their path and that their path is the right one, the only way and to follow them. They lead them to the top.

 Some people tell others they know the best path to take to get to the top and in doing so trying to get everyone to follow them, wind up only going in circles at the base of this mountain.

 Some people may take an easy route, while others tend to take a harder path, all to attain the same dissension. Some people's path may be lonely and they go solo. Others are in groups with support. It doesn't matter how you get to the top only that one tries.

 Some people sit at the bottom of this mountain trying to calculate the best way to get to the top. Others wonder why bother? Maybe they will find another mountain they will come to climb.

 The above analogy illustrates how God is inside each and every one of us. To some it could be the Great Mother, and to others it could be this gray haired, bearded older man or it could be the infinity symbol. I believe that this Omnipotence comes to us in whatever why it sees best for the individual.

 I have always believed in the thought process that the cup is half full, rather then half empty. All belief systems are beautiful, no matter what they may be. Science has some wonderful theories, as does religion. I believe they all go hand in hand. No matter what path one may walk.  

All Gods are one God.   

       

Rev. Hope Macdonald-Vellone

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Spiritual Mind

Understanding the Western Spiritual Mind By Rev. Amy Heiser     The course Defining Spirituality was fascinating to me.  On the last page of lesson 18 the story regarding Socrates in relations to the difficulty we embark on this path of Ministry – It was good to read this, as I too had similar experiences.   Incorporating Spirituality into this modern life is a hard task at first because you are challenged to think about what you believe and to have faith in your beliefs; which really makes you reflect within.  Also, there are many people in the world who are quick to judge.   As Ministers we will meet others who sometimes expect us to solve their problems rather than finding their own power within.   I have learned that we can't take on problems of other people in such a way that we try to save them.  They are on their journey for a reason, so we need to help them find their lesson.  I feel it is part of our job as Ministers not merely help others, but to teach others how to help themselves.  This is a difficult job, as some people might not be ready to do that.     This course did help me understand various perspectives leading to how people think and therefore behave.  To understand the difference (and similarities) between the science minded and spiritual minded – I needed that lesson a long time ago!  That exact debate has come up in my study groups many times and I never knew how to handle it.  I am so thankful that this lesson gave me information and knowledge that I can refer back to in such situations in the future.     I loved the section in lesson 3 where it discusses the imagination.  I came to understand the power of imagination a long time ago.  When I was a teenager I let my thoughts, feelings and imagination take control.  Later in life, when my daughter was 3, we were getting ready for a family gathering.  I set up a dress and tights for my daughter to put on, and then I ran around the house like a chicken with my head cut off.  My daughter began itching her legs and yelling "Mom, there are spiders on my legs".  In the hustle and bustle I blew it off saying "There are no spiders, finish getting ready".  She argued "No mommy, there are spiders and they itch".  After going around and around I finally stopped and said "No, there are no spiders; it's just your imagination".   She responded, "Well Mom, my imagination hurts."  NOW that stopped me dead in my tracts.  What a statement for a three year old, for how true this can be.   This experience taught me that we must discipline our thoughts and our imaginations, and when we can do that in a balanced way then we can truly create our realities – then anything is possible.     Although my beliefs are slightly different, as I do strongly believe in morals and ethics yet I believe in the concept of Karma vs Sin.   As humans we are prone to make mistakes and have judgment errors.  We cannot always know every side of a situation, therefore we make choices and decisions based on what we know and perceive.  This is being Human.   I believe our purpose here is to have experiences.  As humans we don't appreciate what we have until it's earned or gone (this sometimes can include spirituality) but then when we get back what we lost, we can truly appreciate it and be grateful; or appreciate the next similar opportunity.  We will either see the experience as a blessing and learn our lesson at hand, or repeat the experiences until that lesson is learned.    I too was brought down like Rev. Chuck in the last lesson.  The scenarios are different but the feelings the same.  My scenarios came from someone I called a friend.     I trusted this person, gave this person all I could.   I thought God lead to me this person to guide them, to teach them something.   As this relationship continued, we started to "agree to disagree" about most things and in a subtle ways I was criticized, put down, and condemned.  I lost my foundation, my peace and how to stand up for myself.    This led me to be untrusting of others and defensive in my behavior.    My gut feeling told me I should walk away from this friend but I didn't understand why, I didn't realize the mental abuse that was occurring, so I did not listen and I actually did the opposite and put myself into the relationship more.  Finally I did not give this friend what she wanted and the bomb exploded.  Behind my back this "friend" attacked me publicly (online blogs) in which I had no way to defend myself.  This friend took my actions and added her own intentions and set out to take me down.   This really messed with my head, my ideas about life, who I was and who I was supposed to be.    I called out to the Deity/God/Universal Energy  for help.  I was lead to The Celestine Prophecy,  Wayne Dyer,  Deepak Chopra,  - and many other authors who had similar life philosophies , which made me feel  "normal". – I no longer had to "agree to disagree".     I once again found acceptance with myself, and through that acceptance I found my peace again.         What I learned from that experience was that WE have a choice who we allow into our lives.  This choice is OUR responsibility.    If we allow people who are aggressive or abusive into our lives and we ignore these traits, then we either become like them or we become victim to them.  So, one big life lesson is we MUST choose our relationships wisely.      Since then, I have recognized the people that were always in my life supporting me; those who recognized my positive traits, who encouraged me to be all I can be.  I have also met new people and common interest groups who understand me, just the way I am.  I learned that people who make you feel good are the people good for your life.  I have learned that relationships are about relating.   Through all this I have found wholeness again.   While I continue my personal journey I hope to take the experiences I had thus far, with the knowledge I am gaining from the ULC courses to help others as they seek their own truth, peace and enlightenment.        Thank you.    ~ Reverend Amy Heiser ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spiritual Mind

Understanding the Western Spiritual Mind By Rev. Amy Heiser     The course Defining Spirituality was fascinating to me.  On the last page of lesson 18 the story regarding Socrates in relations to the difficulty we embark on this path of Ministry – It was good to read this, as I too had similar experiences.   Incorporating Spirituality into this modern life is a hard task at first because you are challenged to think about what you believe and to have faith in your beliefs; which really makes you reflect within.  Also, there are many people in the world who are quick to judge.   As Ministers we will meet others who sometimes expect us to solve their problems rather than finding their own power within.   I have learned that we can't take on problems of other people in such a way that we try to save them.  They are on their journey for a reason, so we need to help them find their lesson.  I feel it is part of our job as Ministers not merely help others, but to teach others how to help themselves.  This is a difficult job, as some people might not be ready to do that.     This course did help me understand various perspectives leading to how people think and therefore behave.  To understand the difference (and similarities) between the science minded and spiritual minded – I needed that lesson a long time ago!  That exact debate has come up in my study groups many times and I never knew how to handle it.  I am so thankful that this lesson gave me information and knowledge that I can refer back to in such situations in the future.     I loved the section in lesson 3 where it discusses the imagination.  I came to understand the power of imagination a long time ago.  When I was a teenager I let my thoughts, feelings and imagination take control.  Later in life, when my daughter was 3, we were getting ready for a family gathering.  I set up a dress and tights for my daughter to put on, and then I ran around the house like a chicken with my head cut off.  My daughter began itching her legs and yelling "Mom, there are spiders on my legs".  In the hustle and bustle I blew it off saying "There are no spiders, finish getting ready".  She argued "No mommy, there are spiders and they itch".  After going around and around I finally stopped and said "No, there are no spiders; it's just your imagination".   She responded, "Well Mom, my imagination hurts."  NOW that stopped me dead in my tracts.  What a statement for a three year old, for how true this can be.   This experience taught me that we must discipline our thoughts and our imaginations, and when we can do that in a balanced way then we can truly create our realities – then anything is possible.     Although my beliefs are slightly different, as I do strongly believe in morals and ethics yet I believe in the concept of Karma vs Sin.   As humans we are prone to make mistakes and have judgment errors.  We cannot always know every side of a situation, therefore we make choices and decisions based on what we know and perceive.  This is being Human.   I believe our purpose here is to have experiences.  As humans we don't appreciate what we have until it's earned or gone (this sometimes can include spirituality) but then when we get back what we lost, we can truly appreciate it and be grateful; or appreciate the next similar opportunity.  We will either see the experience as a blessing and learn our lesson at hand, or repeat the experiences until that lesson is learned.    I too was brought down like Rev. Chuck in the last lesson.  The scenarios are different but the feelings the same.  My scenarios came from someone I called a friend.     I trusted this person, gave this person all I could.   I thought God lead to me this person to guide them, to teach them something.   As this relationship continued, we started to "agree to disagree" about most things and in a subtle ways I was criticized, put down, and condemned.  I lost my foundation, my peace and how to stand up for myself.    This led me to be untrusting of others and defensive in my behavior.    My gut feeling told me I should walk away from this friend but I didn't understand why, I didn't realize the mental abuse that was occurring, so I did not listen and I actually did the opposite and put myself into the relationship more.  Finally I did not give this friend what she wanted and the bomb exploded.  Behind my back this "friend" attacked me publicly (online blogs) in which I had no way to defend myself.  This friend took my actions and added her own intentions and set out to take me down.   This really messed with my head, my ideas about life, who I was and who I was supposed to be.    I called out to the Deity/God/Universal Energy  for help.  I was lead to The Celestine Prophecy,  Wayne Dyer,  Deepak Chopra,  - and many other authors who had similar life philosophies , which made me feel  "normal". – I no longer had to "agree to disagree".     I once again found acceptance with myself, and through that acceptance I found my peace again.         What I learned from that experience was that WE have a choice who we allow into our lives.  This choice is OUR responsibility.    If we allow people who are aggressive or abusive into our lives and we ignore these traits, then we either become like them or we become victim to them.  So, one big life lesson is we MUST choose our relationships wisely.      Since then, I have recognized the people that were always in my life supporting me; those who recognized my positive traits, who encouraged me to be all I can be.  I have also met new people and common interest groups who understand me, just the way I am.  I learned that people who make you feel good are the people good for your life.  I have learned that relationships are about relating.   Through all this I have found wholeness again.   While I continue my personal journey I hope to take the experiences I had thus far, with the knowledge I am gaining from the ULC courses to help others as they seek their own truth, peace and enlightenment.        Thank you.    ~ Reverend Amy Heiser ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar