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The Urantia Book and Our Christian Heritage
Prepared by The Reverend Meredith J. Sprunger
Grace Evangelical and Reformed Church
215 N. Slate St., Culver, Indiana
Rarely does one find a book on theology or religion which has the potential of
changing the conceptual patterns of our culture. Over twenty years ago a small
group of United Church of Christ ministers discovered a stimulating volume
entitled The Urantia Book. Urantia Foundation published this book in 1955.
Since that time other clergymen and tens of thousands of laypersons have become
interested in this unusual book. The overwhelming consensus is that it will
receive universal recognition. This challenging book is a fascinating document
for personal spiritual growth and intellectual development. It may become the
most important source of information revitalizing the church and restructuring
theology since the Reformation.
The growing number of ministers and religious leaders discovering the book are
surprised that a publication of this spiritual quality and potential has
remained virtually unknown for over twenty-five years. A partial answer is
because the publishers have not promoted it. They believe that the low key
evolutionary process of person to person introductions is the wisest method of
acquainting people with the book. In addition, there are three major factors
which have discouraged clergymen and other Christian leaders from a serious
evaluation of its message:
- It comes from a source that is not known and trusted by religious and theological groups.
- It is a large book (2,097 pages) and some sections can be difficult to read.
- It claims to be new revelation and understandably causes suspicion, if not
fear or hostility.
Hopefully, we have left those days of cultural naiveté when claim or authority
are regarded as a criterion of truth. Revelatory authenticity is a secondary
consideration. The primary challenge posed by The Urantia Book is pragmatic.
Does it have something creative and constructive to contribute to our modern
philosophic-religious outlook? Evaluated on the basis of spiritual insight,
philosophical coherence, and reality-centeredness, it presents, in the judgment
of thousands of people who have critically examined it, the finest world view of
religion available to contemporary society.
The Urantia Book, like any other book on religion, should be read critically but
with an open, spirit-guided mind. It is not, and should not be seen as, a
challenge to the Canonical literature of the church. Canonical literature,
including the Bible, is the result of divine initiative and guidance that has
been tested by centuries of experience and wisdom in the church. The Urantia
Book , like all other contemporary literature, can only serve as an adjunct to
the scriptural sources of faith in the church. You will find that it supports an
enlightened Biblical approach to religion. Most people have a greater
appreciation of the Bible as a result of reading The Urantia Book. Although
individuals may determine the personal value of the book in a relatively short
time, its worth and place in the church can only be determined by generations,
if not centuries, of experience.
An Integrated Universe
The Urantia Book presents an integrated, holistic view of the universe. It
combines the best traditional concepts of God with the most meaningful present
day concepts (Tillich, Teilhard de Chardin, Whitehead) into a uniquely coherent
system.
A hierarchical, structured astronomical universe, teaming with millions of
inhabited planets, is paralleled by a similar spiritual cosmology. The book
presents a superior understanding of our planetary history, dynamics, and
destiny. Evolution functions as the key physical and spiritual modus operandi of
the universe. The mechanisms of the physical universe are integrated with the
purposes of mind and spirit overcontrol. An excellent summary of the development
of religion and the growth of civilization is given with conciseness and
insight. The authors’ penetrating analysis of religion, culture, and the family
is of exceptional quality.
The last section of The Urantia Book contains an extended version of the life
and teachings of Jesus. This inspiring presentation of the bestowal mission of
Jesus to our world brings life and authenticity to the sketchy New Testament
story. Its teachings are basically acceptable to all religions. They emphasize
the religion of Jesus which is unifying rather than the religion about Jesus
which tends to be divisive. The central challenge of contemporary human beings
is to make a balanced effort to achieve God-consciousness. Growth toward
perfection (God) is seen as the fundamental motivation of life. This growth is
evolutionary, culminating, and virtually endless.
A Resource not an Imperative
Although the message of The Urantia Book is solidly rooted in the perennial
philosophy and religious experience of the past, it does present an enlarged
view of the universe and God. Religious institutions usually find expanded
knowledge and insight difficult to assimilate. Light can blind as well as guide.
Truth that is presented prematurely brings frustration and rejection. The
Urantia Book, therefore, may be disturbing to some people even though it is
supportive and positive toward all people and all human efforts in the search
for truth and spiritual understanding. The Urantia Book is among the most
significant sources of spiritual guidance available to present day society, but
it is not an end in itself, nor is it a necessary means to spiritual
enlightenment. Its potentials for individual and social growth, however, are so
great it should be highly recommended to all who are interested in the creative
possibilities of a spiritual renaissance in our society. Its message is balanced
and profound. Its approach is open and benign. There are no threats or coercions
to “believe.” It seeks to work in and through the evolutionary process and
within the social institutions of our world.
The Urantia Book strives to stimulate the spiritual regeneration and
evolutionary advancement of all humankind. It points out that the kingdom of God
is an invisible spiritual fellowship that is destined to become a living
organism transcending social institutions. The authors of the book seek to
encourage and strengthen all religious institutions toward the fulfillment of
their unique potentials in ministering to the spiritual needs of humanity.
How Can The Urantia Book Contribute to Our Christian Heritage?
There are three basic reasons for ministers and Christian leaders to take the
time to read The Urantia Book:
- The book is being discovered by thousands of people at an increasing rate. You may find it helpful to having a working knowledge of the quality and scope of its message.
- In the judgment of many ministers and Christian leaders, the book contains the greatest stimulus to spiritual growth in contemporary literature. You may wish to examine the basis for this opinion.
- You may be a searcher for philosophical and religious truth. If so, you are aware of the limitations of our historic philosophic-religious resources. You will find The Urantia Book one of the most enlightening sources of spiritual
truth you have ever read.
Hopefully, these reasons will motivate you to read this book. Through its pages
you will discover new aspects of reality and deeper insights into living
spiritual truth that will enhance your work and daily living. The Urantia Book
has a wealth of resource information and insight to help solve problems in our
complex society. It presents the highest principles of judicious thinking and
healthful living. Its message emphasizes balance and maturity while teaching
respect for established traditions, laws, and usages. The spiritual universe is
so realistically and authentically portrayed, it can be instrumental in lifting
one’s life to a new level of spiritual effectiveness.
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