Spirituality

Master of Spiritualism/Defining Spiritualism

Final Essay

By Dennis Zerull

Conceivably defining spiritualism could be a bit like defining the Universe. The possibilities are endless and the definitions in form or language could fill volumes of texts in the largest of libraries around the world. When one thinks for a moment of each and every individual's experiences both positive and negative just upon this planet alone, not to mention the experiences in different dimensions not yet understood, it brings me back to a simple thought from Carl Jung. Jung said "the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being".

This course touches upon that light buy the author's own experiences as well as using examples of some of the worlds best known philosophers works recorded to date. While some of these philosophers had made attempts and what is seen by some as great strides in trying to explain the human condition, they were somewhat successful in developing a course by which man can achieve great goals and others have failed miserably. Such is the case with Marxism to suggest one example. The "one system" that works for all in the utopian way of thought can only lead to the undoing of this illusion at some point. The author does a fine job in pointing out this fact. But when taking this course the student must ultimately decide when it comes to philosophy what course lies ahead and which one they will follow. Yet this course does a good job in taking a look at some of the more popular routes throughout history.

I do find it a bit odd that the author in his last lesson would say that: "I have decided that any philosopher who has never been married (and who if married has not made it through at least ten or more years of marriage) is a philosophy that is less than worthless". I beg to defer. The Dalia Lama has never been married and has proven not only to be one of the great philosophers or our time but a great spiritual leader, author of over 25 books and mentor to millions of people on this planet. It may be because of the great suffering that the author experienced in his life on the road to enlightenment or spiritual experience that this perception is made in his statement. But ultimately I think the point he makes in this course is that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The course one takes is entirely up to the individual.

Some humans are born into a great spiritual condition while others must struggle to find what it is that brings them closer to the God of there understanding or consciousness. Perhaps it is maternal love, empathy, and other positive mental states or unpleasantness that eventually triggered a deep state of calmness, clarity and compassion. Some humans will never find any spiritualism in this life at all.

As humans, simply coping with the internal and eternal challenges that present themselves on a daily basis leaves little time for reflection to evaluate our habitual responses to day–to-day events and consider that perhaps there may be other options. Over time as the author mentioned in his lesson, a deadening sense of suffering can occur and our egos play it out in endless scenarios of pain and misery to were it finally becomes a sense of, this is the way it is and the way I am and there is nothing I can do to change it. In most cases people suffer horribly or aren't even aware of this way of seeing themselves and the world around them. This basic attitude of hopelessness sits in a layer of sludge on the bottom of a lake, present but unseen. Robert Frost once said: "the best way out is always through". Some people can't grasp such a radical alternative right away so we start to suffer from our own thoughts. We may start to avoid people, turn to drugs or alcohol, loose sleep, hide in our homes, or fight with our loved ones until all you can think about is figuring out how to escape. Unfortunately there is no escape because we can't hide from our own minds. Eventually if we are fortunate we finally figure out that the problem is the solution and we begin to understand what the particular situation is. We begin to seek something greater than ourselves. In the Christian tradition it may be the teachings of Jesus or for a Buddhist the first teachings the Buddha gave after he attained enlightenment.

Spirituality or enlightenment is a term that can sound a bit grandiose or unattainable by most people. It is actually quite simple. In terms of thinking it can be as simple as habitually walking through a dark room, bumping into the chairs or a coffee table. One day by luck or accident we brush up against the light switch or a button that turns on the lights. Now suddenly we see the room and all of the furniture in it, the walls, the rugs and perhaps with a deep sense of wondering we actually see it for the first time. We realize the light switch was always there. We just didn't know it or maybe we just didn't think about the possibility that the room could be anything but dark. We have spent our lives navigating in the dark that we've forgotten how to turn on the light.

As humans we also suffer from not getting what we want and not keeping what we have. Whether it is marriage, our jobs, or in some cases our faith in God or your concept of a God or Spirit. Life doesn't stay in place for a moment. All living beings and the contents of this world are impermanent so therefore we should not suffer from attachment to a set of beliefs or perceptions. Change your perception and your experience will change. We all experience a profound desire to survive, to live and maybe experience some moments of peace. Finding peace in silence or meditation helps us to comprehend that thoughts, emotions, judgments and sensations come and go and helps us realize that attachment to our perceptions of who we are or what we are, what we want, what we need or what we don't want are common to all living creatures. Acknowledging that all conditions are bound to change, we can approach each moment with a bit more clarity and allow new avenues in our life to flourish and grow.

The desire for everyone to achieve happiness in this life and the effort we put forth to achieve that goal is done through loving kindness. Buddha knew this and Jesus knew this. Both gave us direction and instruction to practice. Spirituality may come and be perceived in many forms. A thought, an experience, a moment of profound clarity. When you choose to be happy, you can't avoid seeing the same desire in others. When you clearly look at your own fear, anger, or aversion, you can't help but see that everyone around you feels the same fear, anger and aversion. This is wisdom. The awakening of the heart, the recognition of our connection to others is spirituality.

Each morning when I wake up I try to shape my thinking in beneficial ways before I begin my day. I have to watch my own thought process and try to observe my mind so I do not get immersed in it. It helps to extend human values outward, extending from a single person to your family and from your family to their friends. In this way we can not only transform our family but our communities and hopefully our nations and our world. If we cultivate our minds in the way of the spiritual leaders that came before us and we practice what they taught us, it will lead and spread to a better world. Practice the profound. "May my body, my speech, and my mind be used in a more compassionate way so that they become a service to others".

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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.  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.

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Religious Philosophy

Master of Religious Philosophy ~ Lesson 23 ~ Religion and Science - Partners or Competitors Rev.Fr. Andrew R. M. Manley Q.1.) What is your view? Which relationship do you usually accept? Even if you have not previously used these terms, which is your view of scientific and religious knowledge? A.) I personally would agree more with the Religious Philosophers and open minded scientists. Q.2.) Numerous religions recount stories of miracles (events or actions which appear to defy the so-called 'laws of nature'). What are your thoughts on these miracles. A.) Mark Ch. 4 Ver. 9 thru 12; vers.9) And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 10) And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. 11) And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12) That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; This is just one of many examples within the Holy Bible that give some credit to what I believe to be true of Natural Science and Religious acceptance. There are other books,chapters and verses with in the Holy Bible that reinforce my belief that there are intersection between both throughout history. Most of it has to do with acceptance of something new, challenged or perceived as factual until proven other wise. until that time all knowledge is in Gods time to reveal to mankind, and for mankind to except, or not. Q.3.) Do you believe that these miracles are true, but the natural sciences are simply incapable of understanding them (because they are outside their 'field of expertise')? A.) Yes, by the knowledge of the doctrine of the Holy Bible which is by faith, it is so. Science can not prove faith nor can it prove spirituality and God. Q.4.) Do you tend to believe that there is a scientific explanation for these miracles that we just have yet to discover? A.) All things are possible, when we are ready to hear and believe than and only then will we except what is revealed. Q.5.) Do you believe that God (or gods) intervened and set aside these natural laws? A.) I believe in what I know, I also believe in faith and things not yet revealed. So yes, In my thought, my heart, and my knowledge God did and does intervene with natural law as we know it. I emphasize as "we know it". Q.6.) Do you think that the miracles are religiously exaggerated to make a religious point, and that the actual event would be harmonious with the natural laws if this exaggeration had not occurred? A.) I can not tell for sure because I was not present at the time of the accuracies. However, throughout the Holy Bible parables are used to help people to understand and relate to what message is being conveyed at the time. We do the same thing today it is just that our technology and our ability to communicate has advanced far beyond what was understood decades ago. Q.7.) Or, do you think that anyone who believes in miracles should be confined to a facility where they can't hurt themselves? A.) No, absolutely not. There are many things that have happened throughout history that can not be explained and if two or more experience a situation than it, with a small degree of doubt and faith should be accredited to the possibilities of account. ******************** The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training. 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.  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

Comparative Religion

This course reaffirmed for me many long-held beliefs in the commonality of man, as well as helped me discover new connections across traditions and times that I had never known of before but always felt must exist.  I am much more confident in discussing various traditions with others than I was before taking this course, as I was at a loss for the words to describe my ideas. We are all wrapped in God's everlasting grace, though in our limited human vision we can only seem to embrace one of God's infinite versions at a time.  Imagine my surprise, learning in my 40's what I suspected to be true since I was a child: we are all children of God, by whatever names and forms we envision for our Higher Power.  Newly empowered with the right terms and a thirst to learn about my human brothers and sisters, I have reached out to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and atheists.  My rewards are immeasurable, and the friendships I've made are strong and true and based on shared love of the spirit of God that lives within us all.  In the case of my atheist friend, it is the love of humanity that we share. I found nothing in the Comparative Religion course that needed improvement.  I'm pleased with the content and I refer to my printed discourses often for information and refreshers.  Occasionally I would run into a broken or outdated link, but not to be dismayed, I'd google my way to alternate sites for related information and allow the journey to circle me back to Kythera Ann's material for the week.  Her writing style and presentation is exceptionally beautiful, professional, and of the quality that one finds in a hard bound book.  My expectations were not only met but exceeded and made me want to delve further into each subject when I was finished reading the discourse.  I'm definitely going to continue learning with ULC courses as the format is perfect for me.  Living with MS (multiple sclerosis) means having to be flexible and always be prepared to go with Plan B should my true ambitions fall through for the day.  The unpredictable nature of the disease means rigid classroom schedules are an insurmountable obstacle.  ULC gives me back my Plan A and allows me to read and research on my time as my situation allows.  That translates for me into a fuller learning experience and not just an exercise in stressful deadlines and commutes.  My gratitude is immeasurable.  Finishing this course, my first course at ULC and the first class I've been able to finish since MS, means something incredibly special to me.  I am looking forward to working my way through another course and then another.  Thank you for your time and consideration.  Peace be yours! Joy Lynn Zen Rosenberg ******************** 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.  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

Shamanism

An Upside Down Perspective Our culture, environment, and social constructs dictate who we become, writing messages on memory neurons that weave the web of what becomes our worldview. Maturing is the art of making sense of this network of information, applying aspects to our characters while discarding others. The journey of life, being, and the sense of self is a discovery into the soul, manifesting itself in the who of what we portray ourselves, outwardly. Without inward reflection, integration, and contemplation, we are simply puppets of our environment, our culture, and our society. Birth implies a journey into being human from a spiritual existence somewhere outside of learning to live in a machine that functions differently from what we know as spiritual beings. Once human, we must conform to the limitations of this machine, or risk being labeled mentally ill. Mental illness is the Western world's descriptive for what the machine can not understand. It provides the necessary distance from the fear that this unknown territory manifests and it provides justification to remain apart. To embrace the unknown is to gain understanding, acceptance, and connectivity. My journey in being human has been the challenge of standing between these two world views. One foot is standing on my near-death experience as a child where a calling to embrace the spiritual conflicts with the other foot that stands in rational thought and reason. Having a Native American Great Grandmother who served as the Shaman for her tribe compounds this world view and challenges my decisions. Topping off this ancestral role is my educational background in psychology, specifically, mental health. At midlife, this dual conflict must be resolved. Through this series of lessons I have been able to sort through this decision. From different world perspectives, these lessons have shown me how to make sense of why this decision is needed. I find it ironic that the last lesson was supported by Saybrook, the graduate school of choice when 9/11 hit home on the east coast. My flight to California that week had been canceled due to a false diagnosis that I had a brain tumor, which turned out to be a wake up call. I did not understand why I felt doom and gloom for two weeks, prior to 9/11. I also heard the cries of souls two weeks before the tsunami and again with hurricane Katrina. Through another 28 events that altered my world view, I fled to Australia, where an upside down life changed me forever. I returned with a greater understanding and appreciation for the connectivity of life. I embraced my gifts as part of who I was and I embraced my non-Western worldview. I know we are heading into major change and I know, it is important to hold on for the ride. These lessons have given me a greater respect for my heritage and roots, where rare gifts were once hard to live with. We deep gratitude, I end this course. Rev. Eileen Tapper ******************** 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.  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

Religious Philosophy

Religious Philosophy Rev.Fr. Andrew R. M. Manley Q.1.) What does "dominion" mean to you? Does it entitle you to kill anything you want? For food? For sport? What about non-living natural resources? Does dominion give you the right to take whatever you want or need, and not worry about the long term impact? A.) Dominion, is the essence of productivity and creativity. It means the ability to feed the human race, to cloth the human race and to sustain the human race. With out the ability of dominion we as the human race would not exist. But along with dominion comes responsibility for with out responsibility we again would cease to exist by exhausting the worlds resources. Q.2.) The Chinese invented paper, gun powder, wine, and numerous other things that we now take for granted. And yet, it was the West that developed the "scientific method", and the West that created the entire "field" of science. Since China was clearly capable of brilliant individual inventions, why do you suppose the organic development of science happened in the West rather than in China? A.) The answer to me is some what simple and that being, education and the ability to acquire and advance the resources needed to expand on the experimentation and exploitation of curiosity. The advancements of technology surpassed the Orientals  means of distribution and communication. Being intellectual in the Orient took prestige and influence to prosper but, the ability to produce institutions of higher educated individuals was made effective to the masses of all economic society in Europe. ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the 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

Spiritualism for me materialized as though a bucket of ice water had been tossed onto my soul.  The younger years of my life were relatively placid:  I did all the things that my family and society expected of me but there was always an emptiness and questioning inside.  I felt lost, no, bereft of spirit and knew I needed to reclaim it. Physical ministering to those who need it is the easy part.  Food, clothing, shelter:  these are the most basic needs and thus the easiest to give.  Nourishment of the spirit?  You have to dig down deeply within yourself to find that answer.  For me it was like an epiphany because I would lay awake at night and literally watch my life play before me as if on a movie screen.  And I realized that while I had a soul, I had no spirit. Materialism played a part in the old Rita:  getting out there, working, earning money, and that was it.  There was no fulfillment because my soul and spirit were getting nothing from it.  My rude awakening came in 1987.  I hadn't been feeling well for a while; I'd put off doctors' visits and tests because I couldn't bear to miss a day of work.  And then I had no choice.  I had my fourth miscarriage and needed emergency treatment.  While performing the procedure, my doctor noticed an irregular formation indicative of State I cervical cancer.  I was 32 years old and came to in the recovery room effectively neutered - he had performed a total hysterectomy.  Then I was told that the deformities and Stage I development noted was a unique one:  usually found in the daughters of women who had been treated with DES during difficult pregnancies.  I was 32 and unable to bear any more children.  I was a failure and stereotypically, worthless as a woman. When I asked my mother she cried bitterly and I believe she blamed herself.  At that moment I hit rock bottom and knew I had to pull not only myself up, but also my mother.  God had spared me - but why?  That was when I realized that perhaps it was for a higher purpose.  It took a long, long time for me to gather the strength to look within myself and to confront the Rita I had become over the years.  I didn't like her very much and told her to get with the program.  I needed to heal my soul and that has been my life's journey ever since.  I understand that we are not meant to know all Divine intentions, but that we accept them gladly, no matter how difficult they are, because they are part of the purpose God has for us. I faced a lot of personal demons and there were times I could not look into the mirror of my soul without shielding my eyes.  God's love for us is whole because it embodies our spirits and we cannot separate the two. My ULC courses have made me more aware than ever of the spirit and I see the Divine Hand in every thing, every day.  We are all children of the Spirit and I feel that these courses put me into a unique position - to help others find and heal their wounded spirits and to understand that a rich soul can benefit you far more than a thick wallet.  The ULC has helped me find purpose which is why I am seeking chaplaincy. Rita S. Milo ******************************* 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

Chaplaincy Studies

Master of Chaplaincy Studies  Rev. Terry G. Rempel                                                                               What a wonderful and interesting course. Rev. Dan Moore is an amazing person. Not only is he very knowledgeable with matters dealing with the chaplaincy but I also found him very spiritual. A lot of times it wasn't what he said but the way in which he said it. If he writes any more courses I'm certainly going to be taking them. I learned a lot from taking this course.  What I really like about the chaplaincy is its ecumenical approach. Although I'm a Christian I've always considered myself a very tolerant and ecumenical Christian. When I first considered taking the Master of Chaplaincy Studies course I had always thought that Chaplains were mostly all Christian and were all Pastors and Ministers of some sort. I was surprised to find that there are many Chaplains that embrace other faiths besides Christianity and I think that's just great. In this intolerant world that we live in today I think that what the world needs today is more Chaplains.  A Chaplain is certainly a Unique Minister as Rev. Dan suggests. People today are always on the go (some would say going nowhere fast). People change careers, move to different cities, go to war, go on vacation etc.,etc. A Chaplain has to be a very creative type of Minister. Not only does He have to serve people that seem to be always moving, but He has to serve people that are of a different faith than his own. This requires a level of tolerance and creativity that a normal Minister in a Church setting might never face. A Chaplain is basically a servant of God. There will always be hurting people and where there is hurting people that is where the Unique Ministry of the Chaplaincy should be.  Chaplains are people that are called to this unique type of Ministry. They have come to a stage in their lives when they want more than just the material or the face value so to speak. This usually happens even before the person is born, although we might not realize it until much later in life.The Bible speaks of God calling you even while in the womb. Rev. Dan calls this the Mark of the Divine, which is basically a hunger for something more, something bigger than physical life. Basically it is a desire or hunger for God as you understand Him or Her at your stage in your spiritual journey.  The Chaplain has to be a good listener, an objective listener. A Chaplain should have a thirst for knowledge not only spiritual knowledge but also worldly knowledge. He or She should have a child like curiosity about everything in life, being a life long student should be one of their goals. Also reading 1 Timothy and Titus (Bible) periodically to remind us that Chaplains,Ministers, etc., should be faithful, have good character, be of good testimony, practice sound doctrine (must know his scriptures) and be able to teach (good communication skills). Finally, as Rev. Dan says the Chaplaincy is a Ministry of presence, it is as if God is present when the Chaplain is present.  In this course I learned that trustworthiness, confidentiality, and compassion are a must. Chaplains/Ministers are called to a higher standard. Society also calls Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers etc., to a higher standard, but since Chaplains deal with the moral and God issue there higher standard is truly unique. Being a Chaplain is not for the faint of heart. It can sometimes be a very demanding profession as I've learned. A Chaplain deals with people when their at there worst. A Chaplain might receive a call at 3AM in the morning to accompany police officers to an accident scene. Or be asked to let family know that a child has been killed in an accident. Chaplains also have to be trustworthy, people have to be able to trust you, this will come only with time as you develop relationships and a good foundation of trust is built. Trust is built mostly by mouth control, knowing what to say and what to keep private. Quite simply Chaplains don,t gossip period. In the course it makes mention that information given to you belongs to the person giving the information. There are some legal Exceptions of course, but if you want to share information get permission first.  The Chaplain Ministry I believe and I've learned should also be a ministry of healing. Human beings are social creatures and as social creatures touch is important for health and well being. This is also a scientific fact. There have been studies done with infant children that prove this. Newly born infant babies that are handled and touched fare a lot better than those that aren't. The healing touch is truly a miracle and I believe we all have this ability.Its all a matter of the intent behind the touch. Before leaving this paragraph on healing, I can't forget to mention the healing power of prayer. When the average person thinks of a Chaplain/Minister they think that here is an individual that has God with them more so than a non Chaplain/Minister. With this belief system in effect this puts the Chaplain in a unique situation where prayer can often be very effective. The power of belief is an awesome thing. Prayer should always be used in A Chaplains Ministry of healing. Don't forget though when healing occurs, God gets all the glory.  I learned a lot in this course, but one thing I've learned is to know your physical limitations." Know thy self" is the old axiom. Chaplains I've learned can sometimes be very driven. This of course is very understandable, and a Chaplain should be motivated they are answering a very important call after all. The gist I got from one of the lessons in this course is that the spirit is willing but the flesh can sometime be weak. So with this in mind its important to always remember to take a rest from time to time. Take a day off, make sure to plan for and take vacations, also taking and occasional sabbatical might be a good idea. What it all boils down to is to "beware of burn out" as Rev. Dan says. You can't help others unless you help your self as well.  I think what helped me most about this course was the way in which it was written. This not to say that there wasn't a lot of knowledgeable facts because there was. What I'm trying to say is that I could discern information spiritually more than just knowledgeably. This certainly made the course interesting. And to be honest I always anticipated my next lesson.  This was an excellent course that I really enjoyed taking. The only thing that would improve on this otherwise excellent course I think would be more on counseling. Maybe an entire course alone could be written on this very important topic. I for one would certainly enjoy taking that course.  I was asked at the end of this course what I hope to accomplish as a result of taking this course. The most obvious answer of course is I want to become a Chaplain. I'm a 50 year old Christian man who's experienced a lot in life (lots of ups and downs) and feel I have a lot to offer experience wise. I understand that as a Chaplain/Minister one has to be very knowledgeable about matters relating to life, but I also think that life experience is also critical. When you've been there and done that so to speak I believe its easier to relate to people and council and help them more efficiently. One of the reasons of me wanting to become a Chaplain at this stage in my life is because I've made a lot of mistakes through the years. If I could just help one person avoid some of the mistakes that I've made this would bring me great joy. To see peoples lives being changed for the better and on track again gives me a spiritual high and all I can say is praise God!  Anyway as a way of ending this essay, I would just like to say, that whoever happens to read this would wish me good luck and pray for me. Terry G. Rempel ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the 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