Master of Religion

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Masters of Religion Program

Rev. Nick Federspiel

     Where did our Bible come from and which is the most accurate version of scripture and who speaks for Bible based doctrine?  Lesson 2 digs right into the Decalogue, the Ten Commandments, to me also known as the ten basic commitments as recorded in variant text in Exodus and Deuteronomy.  Lesson 3 discusses the textual edits made by many to resolve the emerging church's diversity in "scripture" and doctrine not to mention politics.  Lesson 4 discusses the missing books which raises the question of how really objective was the canon process. 

     Collectively, is this inerrancy at its worst or inspired God breathed text at its best?  Of all the lessons these initial few are perhaps the most disorienting to a new (and perhaps previously protected) student to the Bible's heritage and Christian history.  Today scholars write book after book discussing just what language the Books of the Bible were written in: Akkadian, Old Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek – which was first, which is the oldest, which is the most accurate?  Does anybody have a clue what is what?  Then many compound the issue and degenerate into condemning the Bible as a whole!

     One truly has to wonder.  In researching issues the course brings to the surface, I went down the following thread, web site by web site including a few books altogether summarized tosses 2 Timothy 3:16 right out the window – for that matter taking 1 Timothy 3:16 with it.  Nineteenth century Julius Wellhausen (1844-1918) in Sources of the Pentateuch claims Moses had nothing to do with the first four books (viswjk.com).  That lead to the suggestion that the four Gospels were written from a master version called the "Q."  Exodus 34, the second set of tablets, was written by "J" c 848-722 B.C.E.  (re: relgioustolerances.org.)  Deuteronomy 5 was written by "D" c 622 BCE."  The Eastern Church considers Exodus 20:2 a preamble, and on and on it goes. 

     The Cave 4 Qs Gospel fragments, 25% in Aramaic we are told, date 1^st century A.D.  The Qs brings to the surface the whole concept of Biblical Criticism which starts with Moses authorship of the Pentateuch being "improbable" (jewishvertuallibrary.org). 

     Given the volumes of data from Biblical Archeology and the remarkable correspondence of the Qs with today's best translations a lot of Bible critics bite the dust.  It turns out all the reported text based bickering and confusion following the emergence of Christianity, under persecution during its initial centuries, created an extraordinarily homogenous message book.  Those today that persist with atheistic views based upon "differences" in this verse and that wastes our time and do the service of Satan by turning many away many thus confused from the word of God.  Many once curious about this new religion were simply mislead and misinformed by "experts." 

     The rubric theory says one of the 'two tablets' was the law and the other the obligations.  That same logic is extend to propose that Exodus is the law and Deuteronomy includes an extension and explanation of the moral obligations introduced in Exodus in regards to the Ten Commandments – which I tend to agree with.  Why?  Well, there is a lot more depth in Deuteronomy about laws, promises, instructions, duty, demands and teaching.  Thus, to me, Deuteronomy is a forty year project review in preparation for the departure of Moses and the assumption of command of Joshua.  It states what it means; and one to one correspondence with Exodus would be, simply, redundant.

     Unless a student has his faithful feet firmly planted on Holy foundations one might sway and slip and slide off the path as one wades through volumes of diverse opinions as to the purpose, cause and effect of Biblical history which is wrought with champions, martyrs, scribes, councils, Popes, Kings, priests, lay witnesses and persecutors; all with scribal pen in the ink well.  I am not a literalist when it comes to Bible interpretation so all this is academically very interesting, but the derivative attacks I concluded long ago were about as valuable as a stock broker's options and his worthless derivatives are today.  They both lead to bankruptcy, one moral and the other ethical and financial. 

I consider scripture to be God breathed, as if it were not in no way would the net result of 3000 years of editing from 600 B.C.E. to 2009 ever have produced a reasonably coherent document with a central theme of moral obligation and commitment, monotheism based upon the obvious, a Creator God, and the sacrifices representing Salvation sought by one Jesus Christ and bound it with one covering that within for all of us who read - be it as it may be an anthology of thought – ONE BOOK - with ten easy to understand rules.

Great course……

Thanks

Rev. Nick Federspiel

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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.

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Christian Studies

Master of Religion - Lesson 4   Lost Scriptures a)    The Jews removed a total of 16 books from the Scriptures and produced for themselves what they considered was the complete Scripture. The Lutherans removed 7 books from the Bible which now do not appear in our Bibles but are retained in the Catholic Bible. Between AD 350 and 400 the Roman Christians discarded the ones written in Greek. b)    The reasoning behind the above was in each case to support their own faith. The Jews did not want any mention of Jesus or his work and preferred to retain the rather vague prophecy of a Messiah yet to come. They also discarded some books by discrimination against some of the writers on the grounds of their status in Jewish society. In some cases rearrangements of the books has taken place and some books have even disappeared. The Lutherans removed the 7 books as they felt they were opposed to Lutheran doctrine. The Roman Christians dispensed with Greek books thus making up the Catholic Old and New Testaments as they are at present. ******************************************** 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

Remember the Holocaust

Subject: Fw: IRENA SENDLER IS DEAD We must never forget . . . . .    The prize doesn't always go to the most deserving   Irena Sendler There recently was a death of a 98 year-old lady named Irena. During WWII, Irena, got permission to work in the WarsawGhetto, as a Plumbing/Sewer specialist. She had an 'ulterior motive' ... She KNEW what the Nazi's plans were for the Jews, (being German.) Irena smuggled infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried and she carried in the back of her truck a burlap sack, (for larger kids..) She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto. The soldiers of course wanted nothing to do with the dog and the barking covered the kids/infants noises.. During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants. She was caught, and the Nazi's broke both her legs, arms and beat her severely. Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out and kept them in a glass jar, buried under a tree in her back yard. After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived it and reunited the family. Most had been gassed. Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes or adopted. Last year Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize ... She was not selected.   Al Gore won, for a slide show on Global Warming.   Powerful message, especially the "cartoon."  Let us never forget! 63 years later In  MEMORIAM  - 63 YEARS LATER Please read the little cartoon carefully, it's powerful. Then read the comments   at the end.   I'm doing my small part by forwarding this message. I hope you'll consider   doing the same. In Memoriam  It is now more  than 60 years after the Second World War in Europe ended This e-mail is  being sent as a memorial chain, in memory of the  six million Jews, 20 million Russians, 10  million Christians and 1,900 Catholic priests  who were murdered, massacred, raped, burned,  starved and humiliated with the German and Russian Peoples looking the other  way!  Now, more than ever, with Iraq , Iran , and others, claiming the Holocaust to  be 'a myth,' it's imperative to make sure the world never forgets, because there are others who would like to do it again.  This  e-mail is intended to reach 40 million people worldwide!  Join us and be a link in the  memorial chain and help us distribute it around  the world.  Please send this e-mail to people you know and ask them to continue  the memorial chain.. ******************************* 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

Mystical Christianity

Lesson 22 = Mystical Christianity = Spirituality and Sexuality:

1. My path of spirituality (the path that eventually chose me not the other way around) is not always the easiest one to follow successfully. Being a good Christian is something which I have to work hard on everyday. Add that to the information about "chakras" and I realize just how unintegrated my life is at this point in time. Unintegrated and unbalanced, more influenced by situations beyond my apparent control than I should be. I pray to be able to thrive in difficult circumstances and recognize my strengths (not to dwell on my short-comings). When the chakras are in balance, your power is more easily tapped into and weaknesses are pushed into the background or just plain eliminated. To return to the Christian aspect because that is important to me = you think passivity is the Christian way? Through prayer (hopefully, this will help to align and balance the Chakras and help along my understanding) I have discovered assertiveness which never existed before and a lot of previously untapped spiritual energy. Some might label it, the "Holy Spirit", the Comforter, whatever it is called; I have called its guidance into my life. I need to work on so much to achieve healthy, positive balance.

2. Most people's views of sexuality are influenced by up-bringing in one way or another. Families may discourage the topic while other parents display its healthier aspects (to a point of course) in loving, respectful relationships and open, honest discussion. Sexuality, a natural function of the human being can run the gamut from strictly procreative (void of pleasure) to favorite spectator sport (excessive, possibly dangerous (diseased etc.).Somewhere in between is GOOD SEX = freedom, abandonment to your earthly senses, enjoyment and exploration. Sex is always better with someone you trust and can talk to after the fact as old-fashioned as it sounds. Sharing the experience and caring about your partner's needs (if he reciprocates), these things are vital. All of this does not have to occur in a committed relationship or in the context of traditional marriage. I believe that responsibility, trust and love help out a lot but to each their own. Tuning your senses and relaxing to be able to enjoy pleasure are important. Your body responds more readily when physicality and mental attitudes are in sync.

3. Shadow selves are the image that you present to the world, not necessarily what an individual is truly like on the inside. In difficult times, a wrong word thrown into the ring could make a situation worse and as the lesson states, "we should have known better". Our shadow selves make the affront and our inner beings try to remedy it. The trick is balance and if I understand correctly, that's why the Chakras are so important. To be happy in our world, we do need to fine tune each aspect of physical, emotional, spiritual power and set them to work in harmony. I really need a "Chakra for Dummies" handbook because right now, my grand-daughter, an Anime (check out 'Naruto' episodes) fan could explain more about it and even some pretty complicated eastern philosophy! 

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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. 

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SHAMANISM

Rev. Bryan Rice

MASTER OF SHAMANISM COURSE

                    INTERMEDIARY, PROPHET, HEALER

      Shamans are common archetypes that have shown up throughout history all over the globe. Originally, shamans, as they are called today, most everywhere, had historical roots in Siberia. Over time, the role that shamans have played, first in tribes and clans, and now, more commonly, in other settings, has solidified and become distinguished from medicine men/women, though they are still called that in some cultures, witch doctors (not so common), priests, (with a distinction between the two titles being more clear in the modern day), and intermediaries. 

            Shamans and priests shared similar duties of healing and performing rituals. As a certified Shamanic Therapy Practitioner, I see the roles as being separate despite performing ceremonies and rituals.  As mentioned in the lesson entitled Shamanism vs. Christianity, there were definite distinctions made between priests and shamans. Though priests are intermediaries in various religions, between creation and God, shamans play a more direct intermediary role, being guided by not only God, but entities such as Archangels, Angels, Spirit guides, and Power Animals. Shamans, one might argue, have one foot in ordinary reality and one foot in non-ordinary reality, a place where shamans journey in a dream-like state, when theta waves have helped to induce an ecstatic trance.  

             Shamans journey for a variety of reasons, whether to heal themselves, others in their communities, or creation. Though priests are healers too, shamans are more reliant on travel through non-ordinary reality of Shamanic Consciousness, in the sense that they retrieve a person's lost power there, find someone's soul fragments there, or gain knowledge of foreign energy intrusions when performing extractions.  They, like priests do perform exorcisms, which are similar to extractions.  Priests may call upon the Holy Spirit if a Christian and invoke angels when they use sacramental healing, but they are more rooted in ordinary reality. 

            Priests and shamans both have magik-like spiritual powers, at least priests of today do, one's who claim to be able to turn bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. Shamans "magik"-like abilities are found in their ability that I previously mentioned -  maneuvering through non-ordinary reality, which I must say, consists of an upper world, a middle world, and a lower world. Christendom and shamanic religions differ on their view of the underworld. In shamanism, there is no "hell" or place of torment, nor "a lake of fire".

            Some of Jesus the Christ's healing ministry was very shamanic-like. I must agree with the author of this course, that shamanism, though traditionally thought to be pantheistic, meaning worshipping all of creation, believing that everything is divine, it does and can have a place for a Christian, despite the Old Testament's speaking out against divination, which is part of a shaman's work. Though primarily healers, shaman's if they can in fact fit into the Christian paradigm of the world, would exist on the fringe as prophets, on the edge of society. Keep in mind that most prophets were a threat to institutionalized religion because  they spoke out against the misuse of power in religions. 

     So why shouldn't shamans be allowed to be Christians?  They don't worship the devil, they honor creation, and they too work with spirit-beings and seek the ultimate good for people in their communities. That is what the Christ did. Christian missionary work with indigenous in different countries was similar to witch hunts in dealing with pagans of any kind. But really, if a Christian is honest, paganism in various ways became integrated into early Church practice. 

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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.

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A Course in Miracles

"Becoming the Channel for the Miracle Maker"

A Final Essay for the Doctor of Metaphysics Course

By Daniel L. Moore

            In the beginning, God created the first couple to reflect God's glory.  The instructor, guided by "The Course of Miracles," believes that sin came about because the Son of God forgot to laugh.  I differ as I am guided by the Holy Scriptures which teaches that sin began in the heart of Lucifer (aka, Satan, the Great Red Dragon, the serpent) who rebelled against God and later came to deceive and destroy humanity.

            That said, I do believe in many of the principles found in the course that help a person to go back to the "original design" of God – to reflect Divine Glory.  It does require a change of thinking for the Christian.  The Apostle Paul often taught the churches that they were to "put off the old man," that is the old way of living in fear, guilt and shame.  They were then encouraged to put on the "new man" which is the character and conduct of a follower of Christ.  It is a new way of life that is grounded in love and fueled by the Holy Spirit.

            In becoming a channel for the "Miracle Maker" (God by way of the Holy Spirit working in each Christian), meditation is a good tool.  From the book of Psalms the reader is instructed:  "Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah" (Psalms 4:4 NKJV).  This puts the focus off of self and then upon God.  This allows one to gain closeness to the Divine and seek out God in fellowship.  In this process, we learn to let go of selfish desires and replace them with divine desires.  In this time of prayer we can grow more in love with God and God's creation.  Note the Apostle Paul wrote about proper desire:

            "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" (Philippians 1:9-11 NASB).

            We are not created to be aimless robots.   We are created for purpose and thus we should pursue lives of purpose.  Purpose gives direction.  It also requires intentionality.  If I believe my purpose is to create music that pleases others, then I cannot just sit around wishing.  I need to practice and practice and practice.  I need to set aside all distractions and focus.  This requires attention.  A master mechanic becomes one because he or she pays attention – to the big picture and to the small details.  The grandeur of majestic buildings, the paintings that catch life with unique expressions, the song with that tune we cannot shake, and the modern gadgets all around us are the results of the wonderful alchemy of purpose, intention, and attention blending together.

            God had a vision when God created the universe.  As a reflection of Divine glory, we are to be visionary.  This means to look forward.  The past can be a trap if we allow past mistakes to bury ourselves in guilt.  Learn the lessons but forgive the mistakes and sins.  Move one! 

            Channels for God to work miracles through do not work alone.  We are "lone rangers" but a body connected to the Head – Jesus Christ.  Help is offered, should be requested, and to be taken.  Help can come from a friend, a co-worker, a family member, a stranger, and the Holy Spirit.  To be created in the image of the Triune God, a community of Three Persons, is to be created into a community of God's family.  Our greatest help is God.  We sometimes don't like the answers given – but who truly knows best?  God. 

            Miracles can occur when we allow God to work.  This requires following God's instructions.  I met an evangelist who served as a pastor to "shantytown" in lower Mississippi.  His congregation never grew above one hundred.  He did many baptisms a year.  He would go visiting the people and often would ask those living in the shanties, "Do you want to see miracles in your life?"   He would invite them to a Bible study.  He told me, "And they saw miracles.  When they quit smoking and drinking alcohol, they had a miracle – they had money to pay the rent and electric bill.  When they quit doing drugs – another miracle as they could buy groceries!  When they cleaned up and applied for jobs – a miracle!  They were hired.  When they saved money – a miracle!  They were able to buy something without stealing from others.  We saw miracles all the time!"

            The miracles are there.  We just need to adjust ourselves to be the channels for God's blessings, pray for help, become more purposeful, and stand back to watch – another miracle!

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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.

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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