Master of Metaphysics by Rev. Nancy Kimes

Final Essay – Spirit Quest – Master of Metaphysics        This study course is a great course for those beginning their path and while serving others through ministerial pursuits. One of the deepest studies in this course is lesson 13, "Your Spiritual Path". Not many know or understand that we choose our parents and our experiences. This understanding is needed to make wiser choices and take responsibility for ourselves. If one learns this it can change the course of their life and make giant steps on their spiritual path. Lessons can be learned quicker and bring more awareness to making conscious choices.   One has the opportunity to sense that their thoughts are things and will project what they are thinking outside as well as inside of themselves, emotions such as fear and love. All thoughts stem from one or the other. This is an opportunity to make conscious choices conditioning the mind for a favorable outcome.   The bigger the lesson the stronger the impulse to change patterns that better serve you and prepares you to live a better life. It also helps when interacting with others. I am not fond of destroying roses while doing the meditations, which are great by the way, so I replaced roses for bubbles or balloons instead.   Also, there is great information on the chakras. It was hard to choose one subject for this essay as all the chapters are "gems" of knowledge. This course helped me solidify my beliefs and create a deeper connection and foundation for those beliefs.   Sometimes, I tend to get somewhat philosophical when talking to someone about spiritual matters. This course helped bring me back to the basics clearly and concisely so those who are beginning their path can ease into this knowledge. The lessons provide stepping stones of beliefs they can grow into. This course will help everyone!    In His service,   Dr. Rev. Nancy Kimes               ******************************************** 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 longtime member of ULC, we created the seminary site to help train our ministers and our site has created a great ULC Forum. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and some outstanding online seminary courses. 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. The ULC Seminary has created an RSS Feed. RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication and through the magic of the internet, we can post articles and news stories and have them appear right on your personal computer screen through Yahoo, MSN, AOL or Google. It's a great way for you to keep in constant touch with what's new at the Seminary. Please use any of these buttons below, you can personalize your or Google page to give you a daily, self-updating feed of information from the Seminary. For more information on how to do that, go to the RSS Feed page or click the appropriate button. Try our new free toolbar at: http://ULCSeminary.OurToolbar.com/

Master of Buddhist Studies by Rev. Don Bowes

The Buddha is said to offer 84,000 categories of teachings to present them in twenty weeks in their historical and their practice context in a concise overview manner is a daunting task indeed. The course while not an in depth teaching of Buddhism succeeded in giving a good secular view of Buddhism. The questions asked could be better formulated and many of the references could be updated, some of the suggested reading was out of print. The Buddha teaches us how to overcome suffering with The Four Noble Truths and it is the basis for all of the rest of his teachings. Better than just solving the problems others he gives them the tools to solve their own problems and end their suffering. he teaches us we must be our own savior. Through out the years of religious study I have come to believe that all religions are talking about the same experience and that which is unthinkable and unspeakable is the same for all. The conflict which arises is when we conceptually fabricate an explanation and rely on the words of others rather than experience for ourselves the great wonder of creation. The Buddha was a guide to the path of self exploration and knowledge in order to end ones own suffering. The method he used was meditation. The simplest and most effective way to experience this is simple. Seek seclusion Sit Still Be quiet All that can be known will be revealed, since we are that which we seek. On November 15th I will enter a two month retreat and upon completion I will then begin a three year three month retreat at the Garchen Buddhist Institute in Chino Valley, Arizona. Thank you Rev. Mark for your moderation and thank you Rev. Amy for all the hard work that you have done. Many Blessings and Prayers Rev. Don Bowes aka Konchog Jimpa a Drikung Kagyu monk. ******************************************** 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 longtime member of ULC, we created the seminary site to help train our ministers and our site has created a great ULC Forum. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and some outstanding online seminary courses. 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. The ULC Seminary has created an RSS Feed. RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication and through the magic of the internet, we can post articles and news stories and have them appear right on your personal computer screen through Yahoo, MSN, AOL or Google. It's a great way for you to keep in constant touch with what's new at the Seminary. Please use any of these buttons below, you can personalize your or Google page to give you a daily, self-updating feed of information from the Seminary. For more information on how to do that, go to the RSS Feed page or click the appropriate button. Try our new free toolbar at: http://ULCSeminary.OurToolbar.com/

Master of Christian History by Rev. Nick Federspiel

There are several miracles in the saga of the rise and survival of Christianity.  One is the resurrection of Jesus Christ and another the resurrection and survival of the church after persecution after persecution and meddling by the irrelevant, irresponsible, self centered, dishonest and of course the despotic – that is from both the outside and the inside.   I sometimes have to wonder which the greater miracle in the history of Christianity.  Psalms 37:11 and Matthew 5:5 comforted the meek, but blood of the bold Apostles and courageous martyrs flowed everywhere for centuries.  The Acts of the Apostles in the Bible, and per lesson 3, showed the strength of the Holy Spirit in motivating ordinary men without any other significant birthright of wealth and political influence to preach the new covenant of Christ. This was done so well that the Pharisee element of the 'Jerusalem church' collaborating for all intent and purpose with the Romans had to resort to terror and annihilation as the basic strategy to preserve both of their ill constructed heritages.  The word spread in accordance with Acts 1:1-8 indeed worldwide.  Of course as in lesson 3 the 'Good News' was not always spread as an engineered event as it was a flight for survival with the quasi exiled in Samaria and Rome appealing there to the Gentiles and the approachable Jews for converts and strength in numbers.  The enemy became a safer haven and more fertile ground than the homeland of Christianity. That home was pillaged in 70 A.D. and the Promised Land was plowed under over the graves of a half million in 135 AD.  Eusebius and Josephus write extensively on the persecutions and the heroes of the church. Somehow, as discussed in lesson 6, the church survived the first fifty through one hundred years to struggle through the bureaucratic process of development of government and liturgy as reported in subsequent lessons.  That took a thousand years to mature and yet it was throughout chaotic and resulted in the schism of 1054.  One wonders if the term 'Bible based' vs. 'man made' was ever used to resolve the disputes that took another thousand years to be somewhat repaired – a work still in progress. Time passes and ecumenical councils challenged politics, pagan heritage, and heresy doctrine and cult scripture in 1st through 4th centuries BCE to do the impossible and define (canon) scripture as we know it today. Yet archeologists today have unearthed the discarded heretic gospels and the same debates continue anew.  I find it truly inspiring that the tireless efforts of untold heroes and several scholars managed to stabilize the word so that 2 Timothy 3:16 survived as hallowed text and may well prevail another thousand years. Others shall I say 'less devoted to Christianity' must be so worried or their frenzied fanatics would not be so furiously implemented with flawed word and bombs. Although not a point of the lessons in this history course, the libraries containing the sacred texts, as originals they may have been each in its own time and place, were burned and dismantled right along with the temples and the devoted readers and scribes.  Today the 'church' is questioned in part because it can not produce tangible proof of Moses' notes or Solomon's decrees or Aramaic clay tablets of the preaching of Jesus Christ. Today the lawyers seem to have instilled in modern society the necessity for "proof" while they toil to invent 'lawyer speak' and strategies that seems to challenge any statement as some how vague and vulnerable to question. Can anything be proven, or is faith and spirit indeed the rock that Peter used as a foundation for the church; capable of prevailing and withstanding any force brought against it for two thousand years? Once the legislators of this country were educated as historians and now the majority is lawyers.  Which seem to have accomplished and which seem to have demolished? Indeed if anything at all is proven by the history of the Christian Church, it is that 'the word' is indeed stronger than the sword and 'the truth' is an impregnable defense against all false prophets.  'The way' was cluttered with potholes but the philosophy and the essence of Christianity prevailed.  One would hope the young would appreciate the lessons of history forwarded by historians rather than listen to the flawed arguments of a self indulging lawyer. Let the pendulum swing to return reverence to the historian and respect those he reports on so that history will indeed avoid repetition, but instead be the rock upon which wisdom, progress and meaningful accomplishment worthy of our inherited image of His creation mirroring His Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:26); for historians and ministers are today's apostles of Acts 1:7-8. Great course – well done and appreciated.   Rev. Nick Federspiel ******************************************** 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 longtime member of ULC, we created the seminary site to help train our ministers and our site has created a great ULC Forum. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and some outstanding online seminary courses. 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. The ULC Seminary has created an RSS Feed. RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication and through the magic of the internet, we can post articles and news stories and have them appear right on your personal computer screen through Yahoo, MSN, AOL or Google. It's a great way for you to keep in constant touch with what's new at the Seminary. Please use any of these buttons below, you can personalize your or Google page to give you a daily, self-updating feed of information from the Seminary. For more information on how to do that, go to the RSS Feed page or click the appropriate button. Try our new free toolbar at: http://ULCSeminary.OurToolbar.com/

Wiccan Studies course essay by Rev. Rita Milo

Wicca Basic Training Course   Final Exam Essay - How Wicca Has Changed My Life             This course gave me a cleansing clarity about life and how my studies can benefit those around me.  "An ye harm none, do as thou wilt" has been my motto, my coat of arms, so to speak.  The knowledge I gained will keep my soul traveling on that path of white light, and it also allow me to share the goodness of that light with others.             Wicca is a special belief that uses Nature and cleanses negativity.  I have several people and a couple of friends who come to me regularly with heaviness in their hearts and souls, and I have been able to cleanse their psyches and give them a foundation in the basic belief that Nature and goodness will help them to a healing path.             That said, this course has been better than any book I could buy.  It added to what I have already learned through intensive reading, but provided me with actual scenarios of the proper way to perform rituals, etc.  Setting up an altar properly was very important; the only addition I made was my love of purple, so I do surround myself with it whenever possible.             I have been able to help friends and others to understand that Wicca is not a negative thing but a belief system that draws on the white light in Nature to make us one with it.  We come from Nature, at death we return to it, and during our lifetimes, we thank Nature by the basic and advanced rituals taught in this course.  I have helped them to understand that Nature's white light is like an outpouring of grace and to be careful for what they wish.              It has also helped me to show that what we give comes back to us triply and am proud to say that I talked a couple of people out of verbal or job retaliations that would blacken their aurae and bring them a negative karmic payback.  I was fired from my job in June because I had been ill - my former boss actually fired me via email because I was sick and couldn't go in to the office.  He told me my replacement was starting July 6th but if I felt up to it, I could go in those last few days of June to help him with his billing.  I didn't go but not out of spite: I truly did not have the strength.  Yet I did a blessing at home for him.  And yes, he did receive his karmic payment which I heard about literally as a fluke.  A friend of mine who works for another firm within his office space and she said he hired the new person at an hourly rate that was a lot lower then mine and that she is not working out.  Her bosses even said "when you buy cheaply, you don't get the best."  Did I gloat?  No - I hoped for enlightenment for him.             A typical reaction would have been a nasty call or email to him, but I took three cleansing breaths and re-assessed the situation.  Those cleansing breaths brought me clarity and I was able to see that it was his law practice to run as he pleased.  I wrote him a brief note saying I was sad the job had not worked out because I thought we made a good team and wished him all the best.  Had I not done that and remembered the Rede, I would have done something stupid, I'm sure.             This course has helped me embody the Wiccan beliefs I have always had even further.  I feel that I am more whole in mind and soul because of this wonderful course.  It has given me the ability to comfort those around me who need it, and to help them see that with the help of Nature and white light and grace, they can reshape their lives and cleanse their souls. ******************************************** 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 longtime member of ULC, we created the seminary site to help train our ministers and our site has created a great ULC Forum. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and some outstanding online seminary courses. 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. The ULC Seminary has created an RSS Feed. RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication and through the magic of the internet, we can post articles and news stories and have them appear right on your personal computer screen through Yahoo, MSN, AOL or Google. It's a great way for you to keep in constant touch with what's new at the Seminary. Please use any of these buttons below, you can personalize your or Google page to give you a daily, self-updating feed of information from the Seminary. For more information on how to do that, go to the RSS Feed page or click the appropriate button. Try our new free toolbar at: http://ULCSeminary.OurToolbar.com/

Final Essay for Mystical Christianity by Rev. Ernest Kayorie

Final Essay for Mystical Christianity Presented by Ernest Kayorie   I have recently completed Mystical Christianity which I found to be an informative and inspirational study of the Sacred Feminine, a concept that, although recently popularized by mystery novels and movies has long been ignored by conventional scholarship.  The information was well researched, thoughtful and insightful.  Although each of the sections can stand on its own as in depth introductions to the topic of spirituality, the ones that captivated my interest were the overview presented of Matthew Fox's contributions to the resurgence of interest in the mystical traditions of the West and the section on the rediscovery of Jesus of Nazareth.   Although I was vaguely familiar with Matthew Fox's work, the material presented in the course stirred my interest and seemed to be a catalyst for me because after reading and re reading the section on Matthew Fox in the course, I went to our local library and took out three of his books and promptly read them familiarizing myself with his work in establishing the concept of creation-centered spirituality.  As Jane Strohl of Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary notes in Word & World  8/1 (pg 42), "Matthew Fox has struck a responsive chord in the hearts of many spiritual seekers, both within and without the institutional church."   Many years ago, as a young seminarian studying for the Catholic priesthood, I was severely cautioned against falling prey to pantheistic thoughts because I tried to relate to my peers and mentors the glories that I was experiencing during extended meditation sessions.  Upon reflection, I had to agree with their concerns because pantheism did not adequately describe my experiences.  Matthew Fox's description of panentheism and the revival of the mystical traditions of the West aptly provided a framework for this writer's thoughts from then until now.  Thomas Berry, author of  The Great Work, The Dream of the Earth and The Universe Story calls Matthew Fox "the most creative, the most comprehensive, surely the most challenging religious-spiritual teacher in America" and I can't agree more.   The rediscovery of  Jesus of Nazareth, both historically and spiritually and the implications that this might have on the Christian tradition are extremely well represented in Mother Maryesah Karelon's lessons.  She has presented numerous theories that cannot but tease the intellect and urge the reader to do more research and study.   Over the centuries, the efforts of the early Church fathers to justify the existence of this teacher and how he was to be represented produced a ridiculously unapproachable figure.   The recent work done through the Jesus Seminar group and accompanying scholarship presents more options to consider as we search for a more meaningful relationship with this teacher/mystic called Jesus.   All of this being what it may, Mother Maryesah's course materials will definitely hold a special place on my bookshelves.  I certainly can see myself referring to them often and for this alone, she is to be commended as a teacher and educator.  This writer hopes to see more courses written by her and presented for study in the seminary curriculum.     ******************************************** 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 longtime member of ULC, we created the seminary site to help train our ministers and our site has created a great ULC Forum. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and some outstanding online seminary courses. 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. The ULC Seminary has created an RSS Feed. RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication and through the magic of the internet, we can post articles and news stories and have them appear right on your personal computer screen through Yahoo, MSN, AOL or Google. It's a great way for you to keep in constant touch with what's new at the Seminary. Please use any of these buttons below, you can personalize your or Google page to give you a daily, self-updating feed of information from the Seminary. For more information on how to do that, go to the RSS Feed page or click the appropriate button. Try our new free toolbar at: http://ULCSeminary.OurToolbar.com/

Mystical Christianity Information from the ULC Seminary

Mystical Christianity / Lesson 21:   The prophet Joel offers more than the promise of peace to a contrite people. He begins with the vision of classical Biblical famine where the locust is king in all of its monstrous evolutionary forms. To me (Joel was not the 1st to use that powerful insect symbol) the prophet's imagery illustrates the spiritual development of mankind towards his mystical beginnings. When all is stripped away and men stand afraid, tottering at the brink, looking down into the void, he is now free to dream, prophecy, and is indeed ready to be saved. He (or she) will in turn be ready and willing, armed with the capabilities to save their earthly home and its godly essence. Go back to God! Take everyone and everything relevant (to you) with you even if you must stare into the nothingness which mankind without our Creator has managed to sanctify. Joel's vision of Salvation is clear. God is in you. Use His power – His creative power to heal yourselves and this earthly plane. We are all subject to different slaveries. With God's help to develop our inner strength, we can cast away our chains. Sometimes, we have the feeling that it is the chains that keep us from falling when in actuality, they keep us from FLYING. (I sure went off on a tangent with that question! I couldn't help myself.)   When the mystic declares that he is in the world but not a part of the world- that is the Christian's journey – strangers in a foreign land. We all have our obligations to secularism but inside of ourselves, we will discover a path of re-creation: the journey back to Paradise( but then again- perhaps it's always been there.)   My challenge is self-discipline. Meditation (I'm a highly distractible person) step by step (through all of my impatience) I may be able to achieve that coveted meditative state. I now live in a large, extended family- a much beloved family but privacy went by the wayside the minute we all moved in together. My adult son, his wife and children have had to put up with my rudimentary Christian studies while they pursue their varied spiritual paths. We do not argue about religion even when Asatru (heathen Germanic faith) and Jesus clash. I have learned and they have learned. I also have to try to remember what it was like to be a struggling young parent with teenagers. These experiences are good for all of us but our adjustment to each other's "everything" is on-going. Meditation? There is no closet to hide in and we are down to one family car (can't hide in there either). I laugh at the thought of finding "alone-time" in the family vehicle when teenagers, dogs and cats are probably in there trying to get away from each other and ME! It just will never happen. If I had the discipline, I would be meditating right now. It is something I look forward to. I'll try again in a few weeks when things calm down.     ******************************************** 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 longtime member of ULC, we created the seminary site to help train our ministers and our site has created a great ULC Forum. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and some outstanding online seminary courses. 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. The ULC Seminary has created an RSS Feed. RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication and through the magic of the internet, we can post articles and news stories and have them appear right on your personal computer screen through Yahoo, MSN, AOL or Google. It's a great way for you to keep in constant touch with what's new at the Seminary. Please use any of these buttons below, you can personalize your or Google page to give you a daily, self-updating feed of information from the Seminary. For more information on how to do that, go to the RSS Feed page or click the appropriate button. Try our new free toolbar at: http://ULCSeminary.OurToolbar.com/

Master of Paganism by Rev. Nitza Melgar

Final paper for Paganism Course:   Life is Sacred.  Nature is Sacred.  Humanity is Sacred.  Every particle of creation is Sacred.  So believe the Pagans of the past and present.  Why then are there so many religions and so many lost souls walking around in a daze, looking for something to believe in and hold to as their core of existence?   I have spent, literally, a lifetime looking for the truth of my creation and my Creator.  I have studied many religious groups and their beliefs.  I have joined some in hopes of finding the truth.  But alas, nothing.  I have always been curious and my mind craves knowledge.  Knowledge based on what is, and not on what we wish it would be.   I found great comfort in studying Paganism.  Finally, a group of people who understood creation and the Creator.  Simple, straightforward, belief in the Sacred.  In Paganism, the human is not some flawed, frightened  little creature, cowering in the corner, waiting for his master to inflict unbearable punishments on him.  The human is Sacred.  We make our own decisions and live our own lives and we hold ourselves entirely responsible for the outcomes, so say the Pagans, and they are absolutely correct.   We must not hurt or cause harm to anyone or anything.  We must have a sense of honor and self respect.  We must also respect all that has been created and is there for us to share in it's greatness.  Blessed be to all and everything.   I sat on the beach, looking out onto the ocean and marveled at it's beauty and trembled at it's strength.  I felt very small and  I felt respect for the water's power over us.  I wondered, what is religion anyway?  And where do I fit in this picture?  Who or what is God?    I pondered and meditated on this for  many years.  Now, I believe that God is not a he or a she or even and it.  God is the great force of life, the great blast of energy inside the Big Bang!  I pictured it as a rocket in the fourth of July fireworks show.  God is the gigantic explosion and we are all the little bits of fire that falls to the earth, right after the explosion.  We are all part of the great essence.  All part of that which is God, which is life itself.  That force, that energy is within us and that is who we are.   As I sat on the beach, in my mind's eye, I saw, there walking out of the water,  a shape of a monk with his hood covering his features.  I thought, OK?! What is this about?  Who are you?  When the figure was a few inches away, the monk pulled back the hood and to my astonishment.......it was me!   Of course!!  It is me!  It has to be me!!  The only way to find God is in me and in so doing become closer to creation and all it's Blessedness.   The Pagans have it right.  Sacredness, self responsibility, Blessedness are what will make our existence on this earth worthwhile.  We are not flawed, sinful creatures, needing to be saved from ourselves.  We are guardians of the earth, keepers of the truth, and God's expression of love.  Many religions try to make us feel ashamed of our bodies, of our thoughts, of our feelings and they love to tell everyone how they will burn in the pits of hell!  Follow us or you will be sorry.  We will teach you what to believe and what to do.   It is not my intention to offend anyone's beliefs,  what I write here, is simply my point of view as to the path I have chosen for myself.   Paganism is a religion and it has clergy,  but it has no dogma and it is the individual's responsibility to behave in such a manner as to cause no harm to another.  I have found myself comforted in studying Paganism.  it has shown me a world before organized religion and controlled religious beliefs.  We were created free and happy.  I am not here to be a source of entertainment  for some higher being, but to enjoy life.  Paganism was here at the beginning.  The Pagans knew the wonders of the creation and the Creator.   I say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".  That applies to my chosen way of spirituality.   There are many pagan paths from which to choose what fits your beliefs.  I tend strongly towards the Druid path of spirituality.  Others, Wicca and so forth.   Thank you for offering this course. I have studied Shamanism, Druidism, and Wicca, each in their own individual courses.  This course pulled it all together for me and now life seems a little happier and fuller.   Blessed be, till we speak again. Rev. Nitza Luz Melgar, ULC Minister ******************************************** 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 longtime member of ULC, we created the seminary site to help train our ministers and our site has created a great ULC Forum. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and some outstanding online seminary courses. 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. The ULC Seminary has created an RSS Feed. RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication and through the magic of the internet, we can post articles and news stories and have them appear right on your personal computer screen through Yahoo, MSN, AOL or Google. It's a great way for you to keep in constant touch with what's new at the Seminary. Please use any of these buttons below, you can personalize your or Google page to give you a daily, self-updating feed of information from the Seminary. For more information on how to do that, go to the RSS Feed page or click the appropriate button. Try our new free toolbar at: http://ULCSeminary.OurToolbar.com/

Master of Comparative Religion Essay by Rev. Elizabeth

UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH SEMINARY Comparative Religions Course Rev.  Kythera  Ann December 27, 2008 FINAL ESSAY This course was a bargain for the price.   Despite the fact I already had college credits from a similar class, there was quite a bit of new information presented - and presented in a unique format making it quite worthwhile. The graphics were valuable and kept the rote and mundane information more interesting. I was particularly impressed with the flow chart which provides an overview of the timeline/overlaps regarding the development of major religions.  In one snapshot there is a considerable amount of information.   The lesson of the virgin-birth-of-the-one-true-savior offered new insights and was particularly interesting.   I was well aware of the commonality of the many creation stories,  and i knew more than one religion held beliefs in a virgin-birth-of-a-savior story - making the neat, efficient one-page summary particularly helpful. The large number of definitions will allow the text from this course to remain a valuable asset for years to come.  It serves as a reference book that combines the width of an encyclopedia with the detail of a dictionary.   I did not gain that much new insight from  this course but I most definitely gained a confirmation that much of what I believe is more easily substantiated now.    I also gained additional web-links and additional resources for all topics discussed in the course. The presentation of the course regarding the vocabulary of all world religions.....the commonality of terms used.....the sensitivity paid in discussing things sacred, and the professional and neutral tone is worth noting as well.   There is an even tone throughout the entire course and a gentle, nonjudgmental statement of facts. The lovely graphics did present a bit of a problem of me to download as I am on an ancient and rural phone line and a (31) page document (loaded with graphics) was a source of some "crashes".   However, I realize I am a minority with that situation as most students will be connected to high speed access.   The other situation is that of the cumbersome result of all this great information and the fabulous graphics.    Truly the valuable and artistic graphics are great - in fact so great I wanted to put them in plastic pages.   However the weekly addition of (20 +) pages  makes the end result a bit unwieldy.    As a reference item on a desk it takes up a good deal of space with a 3 - 4 inch binder that weighs a hefty amount.   If there would have been an option to  BUY a traditional text to accompany this class I certainly would have opted to do so.  The time (and frustration) of downloading, using up reams of paper and ink cartridges would have been better served to just purchase a traditional book-but that is a very minor issue. My only other frustration was that some weeks it was far more like a classroom of terms (dictionary-like) than a comparative study.   There were some weeks when  the lesson compared specific similarities between religions and contrasted those with differences between specific religions, however, for my interest there was not enough of that information. Again, this is a minor observation and only one person's preference.   It in no way should be taken as a criticism of the value of the course.     It is, again, a bargain for the price charged.    I paid far more at the university and was not treated to half as much interesting information.   Nor did we receive the enriching and highly artistic graphics. I would be VERY interested in taking another course from Rev. Kythera Ann as this course offered a chance to move forward ...and allowed a path of new question for me to explore. Rev. Elizabeth ******************************************** 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 longtime member of ULC, we created the seminary site to help train our ministers and our site has created a great ULC Forum. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and some outstanding online seminary courses. 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. The ULC Seminary has created an RSS Feed. RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication and through the magic of the internet, we can post articles and news stories and have them appear right on your personal computer screen through Yahoo, MSN, AOL or Google. It's a great way for you to keep in constant touch with what's new at the Seminary. Please use any of these buttons below, you can personalize your or Google page to give you a daily, self-updating feed of information from the Seminary. For more information on how to do that, go to the RSS Feed page or click the appropriate button. Try our new free toolbar at: http://ULCSeminary.OurToolbar.com/

Defining Spirituality Essay by Rev. Elizabeth

UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH SEMINARY Defining Spirituality Course Rev. Chuck December 27, 2008 final essay The most fascinating part of this course was the discussion of god/God as an ever maturing entity.   That was a completely new concept to me and one I rather enjoyed pondering.  The multi-discipline approach (science, philosophy, etc.) was also unique from other presentations so that too was quite refreshing. The teacher had a great capacity to present complex ideas in common parlance.  He also demonstrated considerably more than a passing understanding of the verifiable material presented. The romp through science was a great start to this course and I found the physics-lite portion of particular interest.    I wish I had bumped into some of these concepts when in college, as the material was the same, however this rendering was far more interesting. The section on Marx too was particularly interesting.  Again, the history was not new per se but the context in which it was placed allowed me to widen my understanding and for that I am grateful.  Early on I surmised that the teacher of this course has (in the past or currently) a Christian point of view.   Not a denominational affiliation - but an understanding of life's purpose and a relationship with God that aligns most often and most closely to my understanding of that shared by most Christians.    He does not state that - but that is my take away.    If correct, that point of view cannot help but color the lens and/or filter of his understanding. He makes every effort to be objective and certainly at every point is sensitive and accepting of other points of view as being of worth.    For that I am appreciative.   If that is his belief, there is no harm in sharing that fact directly. The last lesson in this course was a gutsy, personal and touching.   It has an impact.    Perhaps even a positive impact.    While it is not inappropriate in the context of this course - a more objective and less personal ending would have suited me better.    Classroom work is different from spiritual testimony and in a classroom setting one does not expect such a personal account. It is NOT a negative but it is a startling conclusion to a course that begins with science, traces the philosophers throughout the centuries and ends denoting the limitations of religion on personal growth. One final point in summation, I very much appreciated the condensed, clear and intelligent presentation of the materials and would encourage Rev. Chuck to offer a follow up course. ******************************************** 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 longtime member of ULC, we created the seminary site to help train our ministers and our site has created a great ULC Forum. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and some outstanding online seminary courses. 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. The ULC Seminary has created an RSS Feed. RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication and through the magic of the internet, we can post articles and news stories and have them appear right on your personal computer screen through Yahoo, MSN, AOL or Google. It's a great way for you to keep in constant touch with what's new at the Seminary. Please use any of these buttons below, you can personalize your or Google page to give you a daily, self-updating feed of information from the Seminary. For more information on how to do that, go to the RSS Feed page or click the appropriate button. Try our new free toolbar at: http://ULCSeminary.OurToolbar.com/

Master of Metaphysical Healing by Rev. Krissy Mahrling-Harding

Metaphysical Healing: Final Lesson (20)   This course has touched me in a number of ways. Katharine's insight and spirituality embodies each technique and historical piece of information on the traditional and indigenous healers of South Africa. I found it intensely interesting to learn that there are over 35,000 healers in that country. It has made me wonder as to how many healers practice in the United States, and why these practitioners are not as recognized as their counterparts in South Africa. I would liked to have learned or seen more studies outside of South Africa. The information in this series was (at best) limited. The Native American and European cultures that have become more acceptably integrated into American culture have long and respected knowledge and practices that apply to the healing arts. Wicca, and other nature based philosophies, have ingrained in them, the knowledge of herbs and plants that are both beneficial and potentially harmful. While there is much to be gained and given from the practice of the laying on of hands, it would seem that it is also as important to know what herbs, plants, aromatherapy, materials for ritual…etc…are used and for what side effects accompany them. One of the final lessons on distance healing was probably the most inclusive of step by step technique and what 'tools' to use in the preparation. Perhaps an expansion would be well and good for another course study. A couple of the most important and interesting techniques that I gained from this course, is the examination of the aura and the techniques for relaxation, which are, by any other name, Hypno-therapy, and meditation. I have been able to practice these methods with my Husband with excellent results in helping him to manage his painful shoulders and back, which are a result of stress and physical labour. I am looking forward to reviewing all of the material over and over, so that I can become adept in fulfilling my calling as a healer as well as a minister and counselor. In fact, these all work together for the balance and harmony, the health and well being of everyone. Along with the medical profession, I believe that there should always be holistic alternatives available. Perhaps America will see the benefits of partnering with traditional healers, here in the US, to allow a more fruitful and complete form of healing the body, might mind and soul. It is my true belief, that if God has given you a gift, then it is your responsibility to hone it and share it, to give the glory to God for it's purpose and humble gratitude for its nature. I am grateful for the opportunity to have studied this course, to continue to hone my own skills (gifts) and the guidance that this study course has offered, to do so. ******************************************** 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 longtime member of ULC, we created the seminary site to help train our ministers and our site has created a great ULC Forum. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and some outstanding online seminary courses. 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. The ULC Seminary has created an RSS Feed. RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication and through the magic of the internet, we can post articles and news stories and have them appear right on your personal computer screen through Yahoo, MSN, AOL or Google. It's a great way for you to keep in constant touch with what's new at the Seminary. Please use any of these buttons below, you can personalize your or Google page to give you a daily, self-updating feed of information from the Seminary. For more information on how to do that, go to the RSS Feed page or click the appropriate button. Try our new free toolbar at: http://ULCSeminary.OurToolbar.com/