Subject: Fw: IRENA SENDLER IS DEAD We must never forget . . . . .
******************************* 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 |
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Saturday, October 31, 2009
Remember the Holocaust
Friday, October 30, 2009
Mystical Christianity
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
SHAMANISM
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
A Course in Miracles
Monday, October 26, 2009
Shamanism
Rather than begin with telling of my lessons, I would like to bring forth some of my opinions and ideas that may improve the course. First, I believe that the length of the course should be included in the on-line description along with the mention of a final exam. Also, 20 weeks seems like a long time for this discourse. It may be more beneficial to send the entire course in the form of a booklet and when the individual feels they have had sufficient time to study and grasp the material, then they can notify you and you can administer the essay requirements prior to issuing the certificate of completion. I found that a week between lessons was too long a period for myself to retain information from one class to another. And I found many, many typographical and grammatical errors in the courses. Now with that off my chest I would remark that it came as a great surprise the vast information you supplied in regards to Shaman. Regrettably, I was of the incorrect mind set that Shamanism was solely Native American based. I was equally surprised to find that Shamanism was not restricted to just males but rather originated from females. I found it truly remarkable to learn that Shaman exist in almost all countries. I also learned that there were different types of Shaman such as Shaman healers, Shaman, and medicine men and that they are all different but could also be the same. I certainly never expected to learn that Egyptians and Greeks has Shaman. In all honesty, when I enrolled in this course I was attempting to learn more about Native American Shamanism. I think that a more detailed course should be created along this area of study. I also would like to see more detail of the actual ceremonies performed and the purpose behind each. It was, however, interesting to learn of the different meaning and purposes of the robes and masks and drums that Shaman utilize. I still have questions as to whether a Shaman is someone who has learned the trade, inherited the tradition or was simply born into it. I am curious as to whether Shamanism can, in fact, be learned and applied in today's modern society. So although the course was extremely interesting and informative, there are still many questions that I personally would like to have resolved. I also realize that this may never happen in totality. Rev. Alan Kelly ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link. Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar |
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Metaphysical Healing
Master of Metaphysical healing First let me say that I am grateful to have this opportunity to be able to partake in the lesson. It is understandable how throughout the ages humans have lived in fear of what they do not understand. The practice of any type of healing is as old and intriguing as the universe itself. From the first person to figure out what plant caused what reaction to the hands on faith works of today. Slowly ideals of what is traditional for healing are changing. Sadly a lot of the indigenous tribes which have practiced traditional healing for their entire existence are slowly disappearing due to modern progress. It is uplifting and a blessing that there are some individuals that have the awareness that all things are connected and that modern medicine and traditional medicine can co-exist. I find it interesting that no matter how you examine true healing, it is all a matter of spirituality. It is important that any healer have a base knowledge of body function to help assess any treatment. However it is imperative that that healer also have a secure understanding that the soul and spirit must be treated as well. In treating the spirit and body we can use many different methods from hands on to spirit quests, oils and aromas, even working with energy fields. I think that the most important here is that the healer has to make the spirit and physical connection of the one in need of healing. They have to make that connection for both to receive that divine energy. There is also another faucet to this healing triad. Let us not forget the mental aspect. Sometimes it is not always physical. Healing is also about breaking old behaviors and self destructive patterns and helping secure a spiritual connection. It may have to go as deep as a life recall in order to understand the damages so the healing process can begin or the process may be as simple as stating some loving, healing and some type of positive affirmations each day. With all the things that happen in the medical world these days, it becomes ever troublesome to find some one to trust. This is even harder for those in the fields of Natural Healing. I truly find it appalling that some one would take such a divine gift and cause harm or give false practice. I believe that in order to respectfully assist any one in the healing process you need to make sure that they are open fully to the experience. Be certain that you have knowledge of any prior treatments, both traditional and medical. I also feel that it is imperative that you get as much back ground information (fears, traumas, etc) as they are comfortable in giving. It is my thought that you can not fully treat the person if you do not understand why they came to you in the first place. I feel that any one making a conscious decision to pursue this path has a strict moral and spiritual obligation to adhere to the Healers Oath. Many Blessings Ed Click ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link. Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar |
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Buddhism
Answers to questions on Buddhism: LESSONS: 1. Does the story of Siddhartha Guatama, particularly in the years before he became the Buddha, ring true? Is it legend or hearsay? Does it matter? The fundamentals of the story rings true. The fundamentals are essential questions in everybodys life: What is life? What's suffering? Is there an alternative to suffering? What's a way to overcome suffering? I agree with Buddha in his philosophy: Life is dukkha (Suffering, with no apparent cause) - there is a cause for the suffering (avidya or ignorance) - the cause can be abated - and there is a path (margo yoga) to freedom. So, this Buddha story is focusing on the true human problems/solutions. Perhaps some details (dates, persons, miracle stories etc.) are symbolic descriptions or not 100 percent true or fantasy, halluzination - what ever. But this is not important. Important is the message - everybody should overcome false beliefs and dogmas and clean his mind, liberate his mind, make the the world more peacefully... etc. One Example: a questionable part of Buddhas story is the fight with Mara (the equivalent of the devil). I think that Mara is real when he is not. He is an aspect of the human psyche, desire, addictions and attachments. When the mind will become free, Mara will disappear. 2. What does enlightenment mean to you? Enligtenment means to me: - Liberation from greed, anger, and ignorance - Embracing that we (all beings) are all connected - Living honestly - Knowingness - Letting go - Being present and compassionate - Peace of mind 3. Do you believe that enlightenment is possible? Is there more than one way to be enlightened? If so, what? Yes, in my opinion enlightenment is possible for me, you and everyone. There are many ways to make life more enlightened. Prayer and meditation, chanting and preaching, study holy scriptures and practise sacred sexuality, dancing, silence, ... all religious ways (who recognizes freedom and tolerance, human rights and true love) are bridges to enlightenment. But - there are also "religious" sects who preys the man. They believe in a punitive God, eternal hell and sinfulness of man. If man believes in his culpability and badness he's not able to become free. Positive religions help man to feel good, connected, strong and full of love. These religions open the doors to enlightenment. My individual favourite way is regularly meditation, service for others and yoga. ******************************* 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.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use. 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 |
Monday, October 19, 2009
A Course In Miracles
At this moment… At this moment, life is happening. At this moment, not the past, not the future but at this very moment. When we stay in the moment all other focuses fade away, we stay in-focus at the same time we are out-of-focus. At this moment, your moment is different than mine but we all are on the same field working with no Ego, no fear, no anger, no pain and no petty issues. At this moment is when Magic happens. For when we are in the moment everything falls into place as actions and questions become clear and obstacles are removed. These difficulties are created and controlled by the Ego. The Ego cannot be part of the moment for in the moment is God. Once we leave the moment we fall prey to the Ego and all the fallible that it entails. Prejudices, wars and power are all part of the Ego. If we are to become one with God we have to practice the focus of the moment. Each moment, is just a simple touch of the infinite and as the ticking of time goes by we must learn to lengthen the moment creating an eventual eternity of one single moment. Then and only then, do we really become one with God. God is the creator of the moment. The moment is his son Jesus. To get to God you must go through Jesus. By focusing on the moment you now focus on Jesus and allow yourself access to God. Each moment extended gets you closer to being one with God. Darkness of thoughts lead to the Ego controlling the person which then leads to creating power and wars issues that ultimately can destroy our world. The Ego is a way-ward thought of the past or future and takes you away from God. By focusing on other things the Ego is allowed to grow and take over causing the person physically, mentally & spiritually to become stressed leading to an unhealthy, diseased and dying person. When we are in the moment we retain health, vitality and access eternal youth. But what is the Ego? The Ego is that which takes you out of the moment, it pulls, tugs, and twinges it way in. Thoughts of what if, why that, why me, if only, are just a small sample of what the Ego likes to play with. As long as you entertain these thoughts the Ego grows and darkens. Ego cannot survive in the light of the moment. As we go about our daily lives we need to be vigilant to what and where our thoughts flow. This requires practice and loving patients with ourselves along with forgiveness of the unintended wander be aware and bring yourself back to the moment. Do not let the Ego take over. We must intentionally go forth with determination and create a moment. At this moment we make a better world. At this moment we smile because we are that much closer to God. Rev. Savrina Griego ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link. Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar |
Religious Philosophy
Religious philosophy Summary of Course Dr Patricia Wormeck THD, ND I do believe after taking this course, that I have found my spiritual place in the world. After completing my Doctorate in Theology, I came to realization that I cannot be a part Of any organized religion. This course helped me define my position in the world of religion. Immediately in the course the definition for religious philosophy was a study in non bias, or non personal agendas or opinions. Most written material, books, courses, etc. have agendas that the author wishes to express. I might include possible include the books of the bible, but that would be my opinion. The point of the course is that we do not want to study in that way. Studying facts and points of view of various religions is acceptable. The basis for the whys and wherefores of religion organizations and why people need religion is discussed, as definitions of words such as precepts and concepts. I was very interested in the discussion of the makeup of the brain that determines whether a person has spiritual tendencies or not. Apparently the more serotonin receptors a person has, the less spiritual they tend to be. The serotonin seems to given them comfort. With this definition, I must have fewer receptors and therefore need the comfort of spirituality. The above definition is not the only reason for spirituality. Maybe God has programed us to be spiritual to refine ourselves for out afterlives, and maybe not. The love of ideas and what men think can also be motivators. I loved this course, and it has opened a few field for me. Thanks so much. ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link. Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar |
Friday, October 16, 2009
Religious Philosophy
Universal Life Church Seminary Master of Religious Philosophy Lesson 4 ~ Organized Religions Rev. Fr. A. R. M. Manley Q. 1): If those zoo keepers are right in thinking that gorillas "get something" out of a wake when one dies, what does that say about religion? Does it diminish faith and make it "just biological" if we were to discover that the great apes do it also? What do you think: are these gorillas expressing some type of proto-faith, or are the zoo keepers 'anthropomorphizing' (assigning human attributes to animal behavior) the gorilla behavior? A. 1): This statement refers to the great apes as being "some what human". In reality they are not, they are however, animals that have some human traits. The old adage "monkey see, monkey do" comes to mind when I precive the notion that apes are religious by some fluk of nature or natural aspect. It is inconcivable that this concept or trait can be construed as a form of religious intent. I know and have seen animals from many forms of life take notice to one of their own that has passed on or better yet sat by and grieved the loss of life from their companion. This trait does not in my opinion give or even should be given in respect to the idea of religious interruption. Yet it is an understandable trait of compassion that is noticed when we have the ability to witness the act of grievous intent. As for the questions references to "proto-faith or anthropomorphizing" is absurd for the reason I have mentioned. The act of grievance is an outward expression of compassion. Q.2): If Karl Marx was correct, and religion is only useful in maintaining the political and economic status quo, does it really matter whether that religion believes in Heaven and Hell or whether it accepts reincarnation? How could religion work as this "opium of the people" in each type of society? A.2): Faith is the aspect of believing in what is not tangible, but excepting it on the merit of the level of enlightenment by the Devine powers that reveals its truths to the individual believer. The existence of "Heaven and Hell" by faith must exist in order for the believer to be truly faithful and or fearful in the spirituality of the unknown. By keeping the aspect of morality and conciseness in the forefront of the mind and heart of one's particular belief we can presume that they do exist because of the many studies and translations by prophetic individuals of past cultures that now influence our understanding of reality and spirituality. If it is to be classified as the "opium of the people" then I say we as a world society need more of it. Q.3): Finally, what if Sir Frazer and Sir Tylor were correct (being American, it does sound strange to refer to people as "Sir" and mean knighthood)? They considered religion to be the end result of enough people accepting the "answers" offered by some savage philosopher – someone who had thought about the 'great questions of life' and had come to some conclusions. Can you think of anyone from the 20th century who might be thought of in this way? You don't need to agree with them; but, they would need to be someone who had pondered these questions, come to conclusions, and then had others follow their teachings – eventually organizing into a structured religion. Anyone come to mind? If not, how about the 19th century (1800s)? A.3): One that comes to mind would be Joseph Smith and Brigham Young the founder of the Mormon Church also known as the Church of Latter Day Saints and also the cult factions of Jim Jones leader of the Peoples Temple movement and also there is the incident at WACO, Texas with the followers of the Branch Davidians of David Koresh. Even though these are not all cults they have had a profound impact on individuals and communities. Some would even say that Charles Manson is a prophetic man that has his own following. -- Reverend Father Andrew R. M. Manley ******************************* 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.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use. 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 |
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Four Gosepls
Final Essay on the Four Gospels Rev. Derek Kemp I have found this course very challenging and absorbing to read and study giving me a different perception about the Four Gospels than before. The modern translation supplied with the course opened new points of view in a down-to-earth way making it much more readable than conventional translations, particularly for this type of course. I am not in agreement with everything in the notes but they have been caused me to stop and think more deeply about the gospels. The point has been made that Jesus at times becomes frustrated or angry or even childish. This view is understandable but surely, we are forgetting that the central fact of the Christian faith is that Jesus is both divine as the son of God and also human as the son of humanity - in effect a sort of dual personality which must have been difficult even for him to reconcile from time to time. He did not come straight into the world as a figure from heaven (would he really have been accepted if he had ?- I doubt it!) but was born of a woman in very humble circumstances and lived his life among mankind for about 30 years so that he could experience and understand human problems and failings. At the same time, when he started his ministry, his divine nature enabled him to heal and do other miraculous works, which one might have expected would convince the people that here was someone special. So I feel that the human element is bound to show through when his hearers are being deliberately dense or misunderstanding him. We, as humans, must have been in situations that caused us to be angry or frustrated when people we were talking to refused to understand. As to being childish, the Jews were about to stone him for blasphemy, and to run away until tempers cooled would have been a sensible thing to do. The Pharisees and lawyers were always asking trick questions and producing rather stupid stories to try to trap him but never seem to want to understand his replies. They were the learned section amongst the Jews and should be able to follow his meaning through their own knowledge of scripture. The Pharisees and lawyers were honoured amongst the people by getting the best seats in the church, at dinners and generally being on a higher plane by expecting as of right the salutations of more humble men. They refuse to understand his message because they do not want to change their lifestyle which is so good even under the Romans - though the life offered by Jesus would surely be better. The Jewish faith was protected in the Roman empire and they did not want to change the status quo. In other words, they are more concerned with this world and its benefits (like many people today) than the heavenly world proclaimed by Jesus. They and the leaders of the synagogue wanted to keep in with the Romans and they fear that Jesus' teaching could attract reprisals from Rome. This would upset their lives and create problems they did not want. Can one wonder that Jesus is frustrated and angry on occasions as he would expect the Jewish leaders to be ready for his message and support him, not to cause rebellion against Rome, but to stir up the Jewish faith and the lives of the people to a better understanding of God? I feel that this study has helped to heighten my perception as well as, to some extent, changing it for the better. Rev. Derek Kemp ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for Free, for Life, right now, use the Free Online Ordination, button -- Click the link! 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. As an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've enjoyed watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar |
Biblical Egyptology
Biblical Egyptology Course By Richard A. Helmersen The question about the existence of evidence supporting the Biblical Exodus was dealt with exhaustively in this course. When I underwent theological training thirty years ago, I was taught that there was absolutely no evidence outside of the Bible supporting the Exodus. That was the prevailing view among intellectuals of the day, but Dr. Federspiel has done a good job of updating my knowledge on the subject, and I would have to agree with him that there is indeed substantial evidence supporting aspects of the Biblical account. He did not give absolute proof of the Exodus, but there is certainly a preponderance of evidence that something approximating the Biblical account took place nearly three thousand five hundred years ago. Although I was told there was no extra Biblical evidence supporting the Exodus, I accepted its existence as both a matter of faith and with the knowledge that the Bible was not written as a fictional account but was attempting to be factual and was taken very seriously by Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Though I had been taught that the first eleven chapters of Genesis were essentially tribal myth and not to be taken literally, from Abraham on there was extra Biblical support and archeology has supported the facts quite well. Numbers may have been exaggerated or numerological schemes, but there was support for the existence of the people and places discussed in the text. Because the Exodus is included in the part of the Bible dealing with history and was taken by the Hebrew people as factual, I have always accepted the basic facts of the story. That does not mean that I accepted all the events as literally true, as they were recollections of people passed down through the centuries, of a heroic past. We in the modern world often exaggerate the exploits of our ancestors, and I expected no less from the Children of Israel, however in the basic facts, I always thought there must be general truth, which would include their arrival in Egypt several hundred years before the Exodus, and the leadership of a person named Moses to take a group of Semitic people out of that land. It didn't need to look like the Hollywood version of the story to be generally true. There may have been a relatively small number of Jews leaving Egypt and settling in Palestine for the story to be true in my mind. Dr. Federspiel has convinced me that my assumption was indeed correct and something indeed happened. Furthermore, although it appears that a great deal of Egyptian history was lost to internal squabbling, fighting, wars, and natural disasters, enough circumstantial evidence exists to support the presence of quite a large number of Semites in Egypt who arrived in Jerusalem. I was interested to discover that a staff was found in Jordan of Tuthmoses IV –Moses II inscribed with Egyptian hieroglyphic writing and Graham Phillips presumed it belonged to Moses. Though it is not proof, it is an interesting theory which I feel needs further study. Certainly it proves that Egyptian and Semitic people had contact with each other in the area of modern day Israel . One thing that appears certain is that Moses was a real person. He is referenced by both Manetho and Artapanus. Manetho states that the Egyptians "troubled by calamities, in order that the divine wrath might be averted, expelled the foreigners…their leader said to have been Moses." If a pagan Egyptian priest living three hundred years before the Common Era has a record of a person named Moses who was kicked out of Egypt to appease the gods, Moses probably existed. Moses is a popular Egyptian name, not Hebrew. It is doubtful that the Hebrew authors of the story would have made up the name from thin air. Just the fact that they were able to come up with an Egyptian name for their hero suggests some knowledge of Egypt . To have an Egyptian pagan priest confirm the basic facts of the story is more than an interesting coincidence. It suggests that the basic events of the story actually took place and had a significant impact on Egypt. Remember that Manetho was remembering an event that took place more than a thousand years before his time. We don't remember trivial events that long. Something significant must have taken place. As a matter of fact, with the evidence of an Egyptian priest, I am convinced that the Exodus was more significant an event than I had originally thought. My expectations for the Exodus were small. I figured a small number of people left Egypt and settled in Palestine . I really downplayed the plagues in my mind, being the recipient of a liberal theological education. After looking at the evidence submitted by Dr. Federspiel, I am forced to accept the possibility that even the plagues and miracles may have some validity. If the plagues were recorded and remembered for a thousand years in Egypt, they must have happened and Moses must have been credit for them. Furthermore, it seems quite likely that the military defeat in the " Reed Sea " may have happened too, as that would be significant reason the remember Moses. It is too bad that a fire destroyed the Alexandria Library and anti pagan fervor during the Christian era, lead to the destruction of so much material in Egypt. It is also too bad that early European Archeologists collecting samples from ancient Egypt were so sloppy that they destroyed priceless papyri codices and fragments. Because so much material has been forever lost, we will never have the full picture of Moses and the Exodus, however to say there is no evidence that survives today appears to be far from the truth. We have a great deal of circumstantial evidence preserved by Josephus and Eusebius. Furthermore, there is possible archeological evidence being unearthed today, though our understanding of the hieroglyphs makes it very hard to interpret. With time and further work on interpreting of Egyptian Hieroglyphs, it seems certain that the existence of Moses will be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for Free, for Life, right now, use the Free Online Ordination, button -- Click the link! 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. As an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've enjoyed watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar |
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Christian Studies
Wiccan Studies
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