Become a Minister

If you want to get ordained and become a minister through the Universal Life Church, you can look through the essays and other information here and see what other people are getting excited about.

Monday, January 09, 2012

Spiritual Attitude Check

It's Time for a Spiritual "Attitude Check"

Self-evaluation is a necessary part of spiritual growthLet's take a look at our spiritual reflections in the mirror of God's Word.


In warfare, many times it becomes necessary for soldiers to go through an "attitude check" before a battle. At this critical moment, a soldier must assess the dangerous reality of what he or she is about to face and muster courage and confidence to enter the battle ready to fight and come out of it alive. It's a mind-set that keeps a soldier from looking back in fear and instead keeps him or her moving forward to victory. When an army is at a turning point in the battle, it is especially important that they check their attitudes, because such a win-or-lose situation could affect their future as a nation.



This task is also essential for each member of God's Church to do so we may be counted among the Armageddon survivors of the Great Multitude. At Revelation 7: 9, 10, 14 we learn about these survivors, we read, “After these things I looked, and behold, a Great Multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!...These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” How near is Armageddon? Evidence abounds that we are living when the coming of God’s Kingdom and his war of Armageddon are very near! ( Matthew 24:3-12; 2Timothy 3:1-5) While this vital news has been ignored almost totally by the news channels of the world, Almighty God’s people are sharing in spreading it worldwide. This good news we tell is not only that God will cleanse the earth of all corruption but that, under the rule of his Kingdom government, the entire earth will be made into a delightful, garden-like paradise.



What Is an "Attitude Check"?

An attitude check is a process of evaluating your principles and your determination in light of present circumstances and conditions that surround you. An attitude check can be painful if you have been letting down, not performing to the highest standards of the leader—in our case, Jesus Christ. However, it should be a positive motivator that assists us in making the necessary changes in our lives that will lead us to winning the battle we are involved in—gaining eternal life and entering into the family of God (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).


Ever since God, through Jesus Christ, recreated the heavens and the earth, the most important battle and mission for God's people has been internal—a battle in the mind and in the thought processes. We are surrounded in this world by a hostile environment made up of people and governments that hate God and God's way of life—and for the most part, this hatred is unbeknownst to them.


The world is filled with opportunities, gadgets, concepts, ideas, attitudes and other powerful influences that shape mankind's mental framework. These influential forces are, for the most part, inspired by the god of this world, Satan the devil. Satan understands mankind's proclivity to follow the undercurrent of "popular opinion" (Ephesians 2:1-3). We seek out newer and better things, are only satisfied in the short term, are easily distracted and at times act as people pleasers. If we are not careful on a daily basis, we can fall into the trap of adjusting our lives and thought patterns to be in line with the best practices and best standards of the world around us instead of always adjusting and refocusing on the high standards of our elder Brother Jesus Christ.


Some may say none of us measure up to that standard, and that would be true. However, Jesus Christ came to earth and set the example for us to follow. Our job is to work hard daily, through God's Holy Spirit in us, to follow Jesus Christ and become like Him (John 12:26; Galatians 3:27-29). We must not allow ourselves to fall into living by the best standards of this world, because they will lead us in the wrong direction (Romans 12:1, 2).


So let's take an attitude check today and look into our reflections in the mirror of God's Word. Philippians 4:8 is a passage we normally consider to be a list of things we should "meditate on," but it is also a list of seven internal character traits we should strive to develop. In his commentary, Adam Clarke tells us that "think on these things" (King James Version) means we should "esteem them highly, recommend them heartily and practice them fervently" (emphasis added).


God inspired Paul to list these traits for us to meditate upon often to see how we measure up to these standards. These standards reflect the mind of Jesus Christ and the areas of His mind that need to be developing within each of us—the members of the Body of Jesus Christ.

Let's check our own attitudes in relation to these virtues and see how we individually measure up to Jesus Christ.





"Whatever Things Are True"

Paul begins the verse with the Greek word for "true," alethes, which means openness, not concealing, living a life of truth. People growing in alethes have nothing to hide. They are right with God; they have repented of past sins and are led by God's Holy Spirit. They are open and honest in conversations with others and, when alone, maintain closeness with God and fight the downward pulls that surround them and that tug at them daily. By being genuine at all times, both inwardly and outwardly, they are not hypocrites.

John 4:24 reminds us that God must be worshipped "in spirit and truth." A true member of Christ's Body cannot act one way, putting on a vain show on the Sabbath day, while living entirely different when alone. One must live the truth at all times. In Ephesians 4:24 God inspired Paul to write, "Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."



"Whatever Things Are Noble"

Here the Greek word is semnos, meaning to be serious-minded, venerable, respected, esteemed, admired, honorable and honest. Again, being noble or honest requires one to exhibit this attribute inwardly and outwardly, publicly and privately.

To be genuinely noble requires God's Spirit working in us, as well as a commitment on our part to follow the lead and inspiration of God's Spirit. God calls us in our sins. We are not noble or wise at that time. But after repentance, baptism and receiving God's Spirit, we begin to put on the nobility of Jesus Christ daily through prayer, Bible study, fellowship, meditation and fasting. We grow in becoming a new creation—a new man (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:20-24).



"Whatever Things Are Just"

In Greek, the word translated "just" is dikaios, meaning to be equitable in character and action, to be innocent, not crafty or cunning, and to be righteous—keeping the commandments physically and spiritually.

God hates the act of playing favorites. God does not look on the outward appearance or judge people by what they appear to be. God looks on the heart, the inward man (1 Peter 1:17). God looks at us the way we really are. He is absolutely fair with each one of us.

A true member of the Body of Christ must be growing to be just, not one who "plays politics" to get recognition or position. That's why God instructs His ministers not to "lay hands on anyone hastily" (1 Timothy 5:22). We must cast away our proclivity to join cliques and to give opportunities to those who look good outwardly. Hebrews 12:22-24 tells us that those who become just and overcome the downward pull of playing favorites and politics will maintain their registry in heaven as members of God’s Church.



"Whatever Things Are Pure"

The Greek here is hagnos, which means to become clean, innocent, modest, chaste and pure. Because the world around us is becoming more corrupt at an astounding rate, we must be ever vigilant to maintain the purity of Jesus Christ in us. We cannot become prey to or fall into the trap of adjusting our lives to the best practices of this world. If we do, we will be falling short of the standard God set for us as members of the Body of Jesus Christ.

We must not conform to this world but be transformed, changed, become totally different from the way we were when we were in the world (Romans 12:1, 2). We can only do this through daily two-way communication with God—proper prayer and Bible study—which leads us to obedience and overcoming through daily repentance. Then every day, our once dirty robes become pure and white and our inward man becomes more and more like Christ (2 Corinthians 4:16).



"Whatever Things Are Lovely"

"Lovely" is translated from the Greek word prosphiles, meaning to be friendly toward others and not perverted. When we think of loveliness, a flower, a painting or our children usually come to mind. Men describe their wives as lovely. But to God, all of His people are lovely if they are growing in friendliness and unity, overcoming bitterness and critical opinions and avoiding profanity, which is so common and prevalent in today's media-driven world. We all must become lovely, harmonious, unified and pure-minded before God and each other. If we do, we will become increasingly more Christ-like and pleasing to God.



"Whatever Things Are of Good Report"

"Good report" is from the Greek word euphemos, meaning to be well spoken of, reputable, of high moral and ethical standards. We all have made some mistakes in the past, before God called us and placed us in His Church. And unfortunately, we continue to make mistakes after our calling. Some of our former or present neighbors, associates, relatives and friends may think we have "lost it" because of our beliefs and our obedience to God. Additionally, we may have marred our own reputation and caused others to hold us in lower esteem by erring in some way or by offending others. is what counts. If we have made mistakes, we must repent before God and ask Him to help us make things right with our fellow man, according to His will. We must ask Him for the courage and the strength to make the necessary changes in our lives and begin building our reputation back day by day through God's Spirit in us (Proverbs 3:11,12).

Understanding the Judgement Day should give us strength and hope in these bleak hours of this age. The Bible gives a joyous picture of the Judgment Day. It is not a day to be dreaded or feared. Note what the Bible says of God: “He has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; whereof he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.”(Acts 17:31) This judge appointed by God is, of course, Jesus Christ.

We can be sure that Christ will be fair and just in his judgment. A prophecy regarding him at Isaiah 11:3, 4 assures us of this. So, contrary to popular opinion, he will not judge persons on the basis of their past sins, many of which may have been committed in ignorance. The Bible explains that at death a person is set free or released from any sins he has committed. It says: “For he who has died has been freed from sin.” (Romans 6:7) This means that when a person is resurrected he will be judged on the basis of what he does during Judgment Day, not on what he did before he died.



Judgment Day, therefore, is not a literal 24-hour day. The Bible makes this clear when it speaks of those who will share with Jesus Christ in doing the judging., (1 Corinthians 6:1-3) “I saw thrones” the Bible writer says, “and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them.”  These judges are Christ’s faithful holy followers who, as the Bible goes on to say, “they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with him one thousand years.” So Judgment Day will be 1,000 years long. It is the same 1,000-year period during which Christ and his 144,000 faithful anointed followers will rule as “new heavens” over the “new earth.”—Revelation 20:4, 6; 2 Peter 3:13.



The Bible psalmist wrote of that glorious time: “Let the field and all that is in it exult! Then all the trees of the woods shall sing for joy before Almighty God; for he comes, For he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness.”—Psalm 96:12, 13.

During Judgment Day those who survive Armageddon will work to make the earth a paradise. Into this paradise the dead will be welcomed back. (Luke 23:43) What happiness there will be when families long separated by death are joined together again! Yes, how pleasant to live in peace, to enjoy good health and to receive instruction regarding God’s purposes! The Bible says: “when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26:9) During Judgment Day all the people will learn about Almighty God, and they will be given every opportunity to obey and serve him.

It is under such paradise conditions that Jesus Christ and his 144,000 associate kings and priests will judge humankind. People who choose to serve Almighty God will be in a position to receive everlasting life. But, even under these best of circumstances, some will refuse to serve God. Though the wicked one should be shown favor, he simply will not learn righteousness. In the land of straightforwardness he will act unjustly. “Let favor be shown to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness; in the land of uprightness will he deal wrongfully, and will not see the majesty of Almighty God.” (Isaiah 26:10) So after being given full opportunity to change their ways and to learn righteousness, such wicked ones will be destroyed. Some will be put to death even before Judgment Day ends. (Isaiah 65:20) They will not be permitted to remain to corrupt or spoil the paradise earth. It will truly be a grand privilege to be resurrected on earth during Almighty God’s great Judgment Day.

In describing the situation on Judgment Day, Jesus said: “Don’t marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice, and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. I can of myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous; because I don’t seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me. ” (John 5:28-30) What is this “resurrection of life,” and what is the “resurrection of judgment”? And who receive them?

We have clearly seen that when the dead come forth from the grave, they are not judged by their past deeds. Rather, they are judged on the basis of what they do during Judgment Day. So when Jesus mentioned “those who have done good” and “those who have done evil,” he was referring to the good things and bad things that they would do during Judgment Day. Because of the good things they do, many of those resurrected will progress to human perfection by the end of the 1,000-year Judgment Day. Therefore their return from the dead will prove to be a “resurrection of life,” for they will attain to perfect life without sin.

On the other hand, what about those who practiced bad things during Judgment Day? Their return from the dead will prove to be a “resurrection of judgment.” What does this mean? It means a judgment or condemnation to death. So these persons will be destroyed either during or by the close of Judgment Day. The reason is that they do bad things; they stubbornly refuse to learn and practice righteousness. What is righteousness? “For all your commandments are righteousness.”---Psalm 119:172

 The apostle John saw in vision what takes place immediately before Judgment Day. He wrote: “I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away…I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and…The dead were judged.” (Revelation 20:11, 12) So before Judgment Day begins, this present system of things made up of “the earth and the heaven” will pass away. Only those serving God will survive, while all the wicked are destroyed at Armageddon to be resurrected to judgement at later time. Remember, they will be freed from their sin by their death—1 John 2:17; Romans 6:7.

Therefore, it is not only the resurrected “dead who will be judged during Judgment Day. The “living who survive Armageddon, as well as any children they may have, also will be judged. (2 Timothy 4:1) In his vision John saw how they are judged. I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works.”—Revelation 20:12, 13.

What are the “books” that are opened from which “the dead” as well as “the living are judged. They are inspired writings or books that contain Almighty God’s laws and instructions. By reading these all people on earth will be able to know God’s will. Then, on the basis of the laws and instructions in these “books,” everyone on earth will be judged. Those who obey the things written therein will receive the benefits of Christ’s ransom sacrifice, and they will gradually grow to human perfection.

By the end of the 1,000-year Judgment Day nobody on earth will be in a dying condition because of Adam’s sin. Truly, in the fullest sense everyone will have come to life. This is what the Bible refers to when it says: “The rest of the dead didn’t live until the thousand years were finished.” (Revelation 20:5) The reference here to “the rest of the dead” does not mean that others are resurrected at the end of the 1,000-year Judgment Day. Rather, it means that all persons come to life in that they finally reach human perfection. They will be in the same perfect condition as were Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. What will happen then?

Having done all that God has given him to do, Jesus Christ “hands over the kingdom to his God and Father.” This is at the end of the 1,000-year Judgment Day. By then all enemies will have been put out of the way. The last of these is the death inherited from Adam. It will be destroyed! Then the Kingdom becomes the property of Almighty God God. He rules it directly as King.—1 Corinthians 15:24-28.

How will Almighty God determine whose names are to be written in the “scroll of life,” or “the book of life”? (Revelation 20:12, 15) It will be by a test upon humankind. Remember how Adam and Eve failed under such a test, and how Job, when tested, kept integrity. But most humans that live to the end of the 1,000 years will never have had their faith tested. Before they were resurrected they were ignorant of Almighty God’s purposes. They were part of Satan’s wicked age of things; they were “unrighteous.” Then, after their resurrection, it was easy for them to serve Almighty God because of living in Paradise without any opposition from the Devil. But will these billions of humans, who are then perfect, serve Almighty God if Satan is given the opportunity to try to stop them from further doing so? Can Satan do to them what he did to the perfect Adam and Eve?


To settle such questions, Almighty God lets Satan and his demons loose from the abyss where they have been for the 1,000 years. What is the result? The Bible shows that Satan is successful in turning some persons away from serving Almighty God. These will be as “the sand of the sea,” meaning that their number is undetermined. After this test is carried out, Satan and his demons, and also those who do not pass the test, are thrown into the symbolic “lake of fire,” which is the second (eternal) death. (Revelation 20:7-10, 15) But those whose names are found written in “the book of life” will remain in the glorious earthly paradise. Having their names written in “the book of life” means that Almighty God judges them to be perfectly righteous in heart, mind and body and thus worthy of living forever in paradise on earth. With this in mind we should be changing our attitudes now so we do not risk loosing out to permanent death in the millennium.—rjk/a7dcog

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Master of Chaplaincy Program

http://ping.fm/5NJVp Chaplaincy
Chaplaincy Program Essay:
A Journey
A Mission
A sacred Covenant
Submitted by Rev. Tommy Bowers


Throughout our lives, most of us are nurtured in countless ways. Physically, we care for ourselves through nutrition and exercise. Mentally, we have psychiatrists who prescribe medications for various mental illnesses. However, the spiritual nature of mankind is tragically neglected by most institutions. It is a subject that has become so convoluted and intertwined with the negativity of religion that people dare not touch it.

I have learned in the course, however, that true spirituality does not necessarily require a specific belief system. Expressing spirituality can range from holding an elderly person’s hand in death, reassuring a child that all will be well just before a surgery, or being the bearer of the sad news to the family of a suddenly deceased loved one. Thus, I have discovered my countless, God-given gifts that could be cultivated and used productively as a chaplain.

The course has taught me the vast nature of opportunities for a chaplain. I always thought that chaplains were found in churches and that their jobs were limited to hospitals and funeral homes. I have unveiled a new level of knowledge through this course. A chaplaincy can be a paying job, can involve organizations and institutions ranging from counseling, if qualified, to working for a police force. Also, a chaplain can bring comfort through their sincerity and silence while in the presence of grieving individuals and families. Furthermore, I have discovered that a chaplain can bring their credentials to the table when pursuing other occupations such as marriage counseling. The possibilities are endless.


One of my greatest God-given assets that will serve my duties of chaplaincy well is my strong sensitivity to others. I can often be around a person and sense that they are struggling. Also, numerous friends and colleagues frequent me for comfort and reassurance during a personal crisis. Often, such needs are met by my being a good listener, which I’ve learned from this course is a valuable asset in itself. To pick up on other’s sensitivities avails me the opportunity for personal reflection and a greater understanding of myself which, in turn, gives me resources to offer another person. To look people directly in the eyes and hear their pain is a trait in which the chaplain need say nothing at times, as people are able to sense when they are being heard and cared about.

Furthermore, attaining my chaplaincy gives meaning to my ordination. Without a spiritual commitment, I believe that a title is simply just that. I’ve often wondered which comes first, the spirituality or the commitment to spirituality. When I became ordained, I felt blessed but confused. I wasn’t aware of what it meant to have such a spiritual title. I skimmed through the pages of the university, trying to find my way. When I found the section on chaplaincy, I sensed that I had come home.

Deciding to take this journey into chaplaincy filled me with a sense of spiritual commitment, safety, and joy. At that point, my ordination at last had heartfelt meaning to me. At long last, I found a path leading me to a place where I could help others through God’s gift of compassion offered through me. In doing so, I have learned from this course the importance in one’s continuity of spiritual practice and growth. Although a chaplaincy does not have to be based on a particular religion, spirituality is the driving force and must be nurtured.

In other cases, religion is an important factor, such as working with a church. On a personal note, I want my chaplaincy to be an all-encompassing, loving spiritual quest in which all things good are honored and respected: One’s beliefs, or lack of, do not minimize their value and thus, all people are entitled to the same love and care given by a chaplain.

On the other hand, the job of a chaplain is not necessarily one of greeting and hugs from the people in need. It is likely not uncommon for the chaplain to take the brunt of an emotional situation, such as a violent death, through the words of the grieving. That is, the chaplain may be in a position to be the receiver of harsh expressions of grief, and must be able to handle such. Although no one has to tolerate verbal abuse, I believe that a chaplain should renounce the situation, perhaps by using the prayer of St. Francis in setting self aside, bringing understanding, light, and stillness.

In such cases, I have learned that a chaplain is better off saying nothing than saying too much. Some situations arise in which no words can bring console. Thus, the chaplain must know that sometimes fewer words are better. Perhaps a brief, general but sincere sentiment such as “I will pray for you,” or “I am sorry about your loss. Please call me anytime, day or night, if I can help you in any way. Perhaps give them a business card and offer to pray with them.

If a chaplain is hired to fulfill a duty within public service, such as the police force, much prudence should be used, as their presence is to help in extenuating circumstances, ranging from crime scenes, accident scenes, and working with police officers in dealing with some of the harsh emotions that are affiliated with their jobs. As this course teaches, police officers are a tight-nit group indeed. It is difficult to break the circular bond that exists among them. The chaplain should respect the parameters but should reassure each officer, collectively or individually, that he or she is available to all officers to assist them in any way possible.

At last, my duty as a chaplain will be in a potential (not frequently) controversial area: That is the niche of paranormal investigations. Having been a member of such an organization for over a year, I have seen a great need arise among investigators. Spiritual advisors and prayers for safety and protection are all too often thrown aside, simply because the availability of such a person is nebulous. Also, many homes need blessing and deliverance prayers with a possible clergyman, or through the guidance of such.

Depending upon the type of case, the [http://ping.fm/A9IWa chaplain] is likely to have the authority to perform the house blessing and prayer without another clergy member present. Such a case would be a cleansing ritual to reinforce the purity of the home. The course has emphasized. However, a few paranormal cases would need the absolute assistant of a more experienced clergy person (in the case of demonic hauntings, assuming that such is within the chaplain’s belief system). This decision is usually made by the team leader of such groups. The best and safest rule is that the chaplain consult a higher clergyman before conducting any rituals whatsoever. The main duty of the chaplain is to oversee the spirituality of the team and to assure their safety.

Most importantly, the families that have been plagued by paranormal happenings have much tumult and chaos among them. The chaplains duty is by far greater after an investigation than during. All too often, investigators make their appearance, collect their data, take photos videos, tell the family of the findings, and leave with no explanation on follow-up or specific instructions on who to call on for spiritual guidance. In such cases, I believe that the chaplain should follow up with the families on a regular basis, offer appropriate spiritual help within the family, such as prayer and counseling (if the chaplain is trained to do so).

Some examples of appropriate actions would be to participate in guiding the family in prayer, inquiring about any further happenings, and immediately contact the group should that be the case. I realize that this area is not emphasized directly in the course, but it is a deprived need that I have noticed and have attempted to remedy with much success. Ephesians contains information about what would be considered paranormal, and could be used as a reference, in some cases, for the family.

Furthermore, spiritual warfare is extremely important and highly underemphasized whenever a team of investigators enter a dwelling. First of all, I believe that I have a spiritual obligation to my team of investigators. Having much training in this area, I emphasize the right and wrongs involved in investigating. As a chaplain, I must drive home the fact that we are not attempting to play with, challenge, or replace our faith through the paranormal. Biblically, these presences are validated, but one must also be very cautious in how far they stretch these endorsements. Also, as a ministry, I could assist my group in techniques that I am already familiar with such as various methods of meditation and pointers for prayer.

A fine line exists in which a vulnerable person could become overly obsessed, too weak from illness or mental problems to participate. I have learned the importance of the duty of having a discerning eye and a protective heart over my team. Also, the crucial nature of “armoring up” spiritually can be taught to help my members in their safety. As the [http://ping.fm/xifO1 ULC] course emphasizes, my spirituality as a chaplain is of utmost importance as I must have it in order to give it. Also, the importance of developing a sacred place for spiritual growth, although I will not necessarily have a ministry, is vital for my team and anyone who else who wants to participate for the aforementioned reasons.


My wishes are to assist my team members, as well as any others who express a need, to discover their relationship with God. I’ve discovered through the teachings of this course that my understanding of God is vast (not narrow and exclusive) and that He is available to all of us in a way that we can understand. I’ve found this through reading the various scenarios presented in the midst of the lessons and asked myself in each case, “What, exactly, am I referring these people to when I give them the needed reassurance? Who am I referring to when I speak of the Almighty?” It was then that I discovered that my understanding of a loving God stemmed from an essential belief system which allows me to relate to Him.

This course, I believe, is not an ending but a catalyst in a whole new beginning. A title alone is simply that. The course clarifies the vague ideas that many have of a chaplaincy. It can be difficult, complex, demoralizing perhaps, and frustrating. Yet, the Almighty has called on a measure of his children to take on the humble duty of serving others in this special way where words, or lack of, may count in tough situations. The course has deemed itself beyond invaluable in explaining detailed scenarios that a chaplain might be faced with. Although I admit, I slacked on a few of the lessons, I’ve learned that we are here to commence, not to be perfect.

My beliefs are strongly centered around the idea that only two forces are at play in our consciousness, and every thought, action, idea or attitude is based on one of these traits: That is love and fear. Being on a loving path, I view the course as a stepping stone to a higher level of love and service. I would recommend that anyone who is truly dedicated to loving thoughts, actions, beliefs, and thanksgiving pursue this course as a means of learning the specifics and logistics of a chaplaincy. In fact, I am going to strongly recommend that two of my valuable team members pursue this course for their own growth and gift-giving abilities.

http://ping.fm/ai92u/chaplaincyprogram.php

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

The 5 Transformations of Religion Throughout Recorded History

This article discusses the value and definition of myths within the Christian religion and the role that women play in the stories of our beginnings. It is part of one course on Mystical Christianity.

The Beginning: Tales Of Our Origin and Creation

Since the dawn of time, cultures have told tales about their origins and of their Gods. The Jewish peoples had been the same, entrusting to us the work of these ancient storytellers memorialized within the very first parts of the testament referred to as the Torah, which Christians refer to as the Bible (Old Testament). The creation stories from the Old Testament (also referred to as the Torah), as a result of misinterpretation and misogyny, have been utilized to dis-empower or downgrade half the human people - not their original intent! The apple from the Garden of Eden has had a unpleasant effect on all of humanity, both men and women, and we can’t start to bridge the gap between the genders and speak of true partnership until we heal the damage caused by the two-headed serpent of fear and blame. It's time.

A Challenging Situation

As it pertains to how to interpret the Bible, women particularly have determined the situation to be difficult, and challenging at best. There seems to be no middle ground - it‘s either read as literal in all ways or is dismissed as merely a way to keep women down. It is essential that we find the middle ground, one that allows us to take from the Bible the intended messages of love and forgiveness, however leaves out the blame and fear that has been mistakenly woven into it. It is time to take a “time-out”; a deep breath, and a more reasoned approach to these sacred texts.

For yes, they're sacred; sacred mythology of a long ago time that continues to speak to us now. Joseph Campbell has taught us that, far from being lies, myths are consummate truths told in metaphorical language. They take us past the literal and into the arena of soul. Myths are stories of the quest by men and women throughout the ages for meaning and significance; seeking to touch the eternal, and to understand the mysterious; to fully grasp who we genuinely are. Myths provide four separate functions. The expert on myths, Joseph Campbell, felt that myths should be considered sacred and filled four core needs in our societies: Metaphysical, Cosmological, Sociological and Psychological.

Campbell stressed that words cannot fully describe the mysteries of existence. Myths are "being statements" and the fullness of this mystery can be experienced only as a result of participating in mythic rituals, many of which are recognized in the Bible. Myths also provide responses to questions not as yet understood by the society in that stage of development. Mythology confirmed the existing social order and enforces it by weaving it as part of the stories themselves, often describing the way the order was shown to them through divine intervention, as evident throughout the tales within the Bible.

Lastly, myths often help people ease through the stages of their life. For example, most ancient cultures used rites of passage when a youth passed thorugh to adult stage. For instance, there are rites for children to move into adulthood, as well as for adults passing into old age, then finally for how to move on to the place that is beyond this mortal coil. Myths, when used as planned, will be able to help individuals to embrace each stage of our lives and move forward with greater ease.

The author, Cullen Murphy, describes 4 separate changes within our culture, related to the Holy Scripture, with a fifth one now developing. The 1st dramatic revolution happened as a result of the Book of Moses, which introduced the concept of there being merely a single God. The Israelites became known by these twin concepts: they were the people of “the Book” who believed in a single God. That set them apart from their neighbors.

When Christianity was born and a new book emerged, known as the New Testament, the second revolution exploded into existence. Fifteen hundred years later we have seen a similar shift within Christianity, this time exalting the authority and importance of Scripture along with the creating of the opportunity for the Bible to be read by the general public, in the vernacular instead of having it read to them by a priest. The fourth dramatic change unfolded as the advances of science and reason challenge the accuracy of the words and stories of the Bible. In modern times, we are in the middle of the 5th change. Women are becoming integral parts of the academic circles and have been developing new insights based on the feminine perspective. with the expectation, to employ a biblical turn, that the present way’s days are numbered.” Murphy makes additional reference to the Book of Daniel, which may be read as being a prophecy for women, relating to the bible. “On a host of matters involving women and the Bible, the writing on the wall is there to be read. And more and more of it shows itself with every passing day.”

This is a small part of one lesson on Mystical Christianity, by Mother Maryesah Karelon, offered through the ULC Seminary.

Sunday, May 08, 2011

Online Ordination

People generally become ordained for three reasons:

To perform the legal function of officiating at someone's wedding,
To further their own spiritual or religious goals or,
As a lark.

ULC - Universal Life ChurchOnline Ordination.

It is our hope that you will take your ordination seriously, as it is a serious rite.

There is much talk about the term 'Instant Online Ordination.' Technically, your ordination is not happening online. The internet is merely a conduit for your application for ordination through the Universal Life Church. When you complete this form, your request for ordination is sent to headquarters in Modesto, CA to be processed and recorded by hand. It is at this time that you will officially become a minister. Congratulations and welcome!

• If you ordain someone else, get that person's express permission first.
• Please check for correct spelling and capitalization and that the email address is correct.

Upon becoming a new minister, you will begin to receive our free monthly newsletter, containing useful ministerial information, monthly specials, and a free ceremony sample. You will also be sent special announcements, breaking news about the ULC and much more.

Within 5-10 minutes after your ordination, you will receive an email message. It's usually immediate and it will be the same message that pops up in the window. Please save this email, in the event that your request for ordination through the Universal Life Church is lost in cyberspace. If you order a credential immediately following your ordination, you will need that email and/or the pop-up email, to verify your ordination with headquarters. Since all of the ordinations are recorded by hand, this may take some time.

Your ordination is for life. You are still ordained whether you have moved, married or lost your credential. If any of these are the case, contact amy@ulcseminary.org to update your information and to find out how to get a new credential.


Self Assurance from the ULC

One thing that divides the achievers from the others is the intuition they have in themselves. Accordingly, if you have the desire to get success that you have been aiming for, the most important factor that you need to work on is to have faith in you. This will pave the way to develop faith in yourself and improve the chances of attaining the success you desire.

At any rate, why is it core to instill the courage in yourself and how will this type of a thinking aid you in capturing success that has been eluding you for a long period of time?

One common mistake that parents and teachers do is they fill in a lot of negativity in their wards without their knowledge. This kind of action reinforces the feeling that nothing can be achieved by the victim. So, everything they think of hits the obstacle of a "I cannot do this" response that is automatically generated within the person's mind.

This negativity in the mind is the number one cause why many people are not able to gain their goals even though they have many large aspirations and dreams in life to make it bounteous and become successful.

Since they have this instilled negativity they are not able to believe in themselves and set forth in their journey towards achievements. So, they end up lamenting that they are not able to reach their goals that they perceive and begin playing the blame game or seek excuses to hide behind it. This creates a setback to efforts exerted in realizing their dreams and dreams remain distant fantasies that they feel will never materialize.

So, in order to reach the goals and aspirations it is essential to shed the negativity that is harboring in the mind and look forward to reaching them by instilling positive thoughts and attitude. This is not possible unless you begin believing in yourself and see yourself as an achiever that is capable of reaching excellent heights that you are destined to reach no matter what.

Unless you really begin believing in yourself and work towards reaching your goals, you will just end up being a nobody and end up being the mediocre person that you have always known yourself to be depending on other shoulders to shoot your gun. So, take a decision today and think carefully whether you need a life of any other common person or would you want to excel beyond everyone and live the life of a successful person. The answer resides within you.

Elwood Goodhue is your friendly next door guy to turn to for motivation. Unlike most gurus he is leading a normal life just like most people. Thus he is able to relate to the feelings and experience of the majority. He strongly believes in helping people in need whenever possible and that everyone is born a winner and to achieve that, one must have self confidence.

More Courses on self-assurance can be found at the Universal Life Church Seminary.

This is an outstanding course on metaphysics: http://tinyurl.com/6d2uecd

Self Assurance

One thing that divides the achievers from the others is the intuition they have in themselves. Accordingly, if you have the desire to get success that you have been aiming for, the most important factor that you need to work on is to have faith in you. This will pave the way to develop faith in yourself and improve the chances of attaining the success you desire.

At any rate, why is it core to instill the courage in yourself and how will this type of a thinking aid you in capturing success that has been eluding you for a long period of time?

One common mistake that parents and teachers do is they fill in a lot of negativity in their wards without their knowledge. This kind of action reinforces the feeling that nothing can be achieved by the victim. So, everything they think of hits the obstacle of a "I cannot do this" response that is automatically generated within the person's mind.

This negativity in the mind is the number one cause why many people are not able to gain their goals even though they have many large aspirations and dreams in life to make it bounteous and become successful.

Since they have this instilled negativity they are not able to believe in themselves and set forth in their journey towards achievements. So, they end up lamenting that they are not able to reach their goals that they perceive and begin playing the blame game or seek excuses to hide behind it. This creates a setback to efforts exerted in realizing their dreams and dreams remain distant fantasies that they feel will never materialize.

So, in order to reach the goals and aspirations it is essential to shed the negativity that is harboring in the mind and look forward to reaching them by instilling positive thoughts and attitude. This is not possible unless you begin believing in yourself and see yourself as an achiever that is capable of reaching excellent heights that you are destined to reach no matter what.

Unless you really begin believing in yourself and work towards reaching your goals, you will just end up being a nobody and end up being the mediocre person that you have always known yourself to be depending on other shoulders to shoot your gun. So, take a decision today and think carefully whether you need a life of any other common person or would you want to excel beyond everyone and live the life of a successful person. The answer resides within you.

Elwood Goodhue is your friendly next door guy to turn to for motivation. Unlike most gurus he is leading a normal life just like most people. Thus he is able to relate to the feelings and experience of the majority. He strongly believes in helping people in need whenever possible and that everyone is born a winner and to achieve that, one must have self confidence.

More Courses on self-assurance can be found at the Universal Life Church Seminary.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Universal Life Church

The Birthday Boy
Well, so maybe I am not a boy but a man of sixty-eight now, haven’t you heard of a person’s second childhood.  O.K. so it may be my third or fourth so who is counting.
Yes it is my  birthday…time is moving so fast…or maybe I am moving so slow. Anyway I get up do this do that and Sandy is home and then we eat enjoy a little conversation, some TV and time with missy and trouble and then bedtime and that is none of your business or TMI as the kids say.
Oh, yes, anyone out there remember me asking for the one hundred fifteen lb. blond female to be in my life.   I have her, but if I ever have occasion to pray that again I must learn to be specific and ask for her to be human as I have one hundred fifteen blond female golden lab in my life now.
Yes we have to be specific in our prayers. But then after being specific we have to end the prayer with this or something better with good for all and harm to none.
It is amazing how many times I have heard of people asking for a specific amount of money to come to them and then they receive it by having a favorite friend or relative make their transition.
Of course when one leaves is not necessarily a tragedy for them only for those of us left here for I firmly believe no one leaves before their time.
When I was shot in 1987 I was given the choice to stay or come back for it was not my time.  I am no one special so this choice may be available for all to go or to stay.
Also we have to remember that when one is seriously ill and we pray for them to release them to their highest good and the good of all with harm to none.
It is so hard for us to lose someone close, yet we must look past ourselves to what is best for all of those around us and for the world. 
Yes, even the little ones that leave us have fulfilled their purpose for being here.  Many times it is for us to focus on those left here. 
WE carry the memories in our heart so that we can carry on here caring for those we love.
For one to dwell on the past whether it is one departed on a physical plane to live a separate life or a loved one has made a transition to a higher plane does no one any good.
Louis L’Amour told us many years ago in one of his books a line that literally saved my life for my bride of three weeks had left me to go back to her live in boyfriend of five years.  I had gotten in my `61 Cadillac hearse camper and drove into the desert outside of Quartsite, AR with only a stack of Louie A’mour books and little or no water when on the third day of reading I read “Love is to live for not to die for’
I got up thirsty with less than a quarter tank of gas and drove into Phoenix to a friend’s  house where I collapsed at their front door.
Yes, love is to live for not die for.  Although there are times that we are called to place our life on the line for those we love. 
The thing we are not to waste our lives needlessly for they do not belong to us as they belong to a higher power that resides within us.
As we learn to listen to this higher power we know when and where to give our life or to keep it.  It all goes back to while there is higher power guiding us it is up to us to make the choice that better serves all  with good and harm to none.
That is how we are to live our lives in MHO with harm to none and good to all as we live our life of purpose.

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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

Sunday, March 06, 2011

Online Ordination

Amy,
You are right. I am a strong person, but always driven to excel and to do more, and never quite happy with yesterday's achievements. The definition to me of achievement is a past action, thus making way for a future action to be built upon it. I am well pleased with having found your website and obtaining ordination through you. Your site offers me the freedom and religious expression to serve the Lord as I know in my heart I should do. I am not in opposition to organized religion, and I still attend my church of 25 years where I received a degree in Bible and Doctrine in 1993. I have taken courses on religions of the world for 35 years at least of all kinds, so I have a great tolerance for all faiths and the freedom of people to worship as they choose. That is not very popular in my church so I don't advertise that personal belief. But it is the first thing God gave man, after He gave him breath,-free will. God doesn't want robots who serve Him without doing so because they want to.
I find that ordination with ULC Seminary is my option to serve God and still allow me to have revolutionary beliefs such as religious tolerance and understanding toward others, yet still maintain my own religious integrity within my ministry. I never saw a future of ordination within my home church. I wasn't dogmatic enough. I am dogmatic on the principles pertaining to salvation, but on issues where the the church is dogmatic in ways that drive away the lost on issues that shouldn't concern the lost, as they are church issues internally and have nothing to do with salvation messages, I feel organized religion is out of order at times. They, like the government, tend to try to control issues that aren't their business to control. And in doing so, they neglect the matters that ARE their business.
I am planning to send off for my ordination credentials, the Reverend title, and Dr of Divinity DD certs and cards this week. I don't know if I'll go ahead and re-ordain or attach my email of ordination from sept 29th or what will be needed.. The reason I feel "arrogant" enough to apply for Doctor of Divinity is that I have studied the religions of the world professionally since I was in first grade in parochial school and have searched for religious answers on a personal quest all my life. I found my own peace at a young age but give every one the freedom to seek their own answers as I sought mine. I will share my own story with those who ask. I believe firmly in the salvation message of Christ and I will not accept any other as truth, but I do not force myself on others. If I want to evangelize such to Christ, I do so through love and example and respect built on a relationship with them. As a result, this is my reason for ordination. I now have a number of un-churched young people and their parents who come to me for counseling, not just advice, but spiritual leading, and they don't receive any spiritual food at all except what they receive from me. Therefore your site affords me all I need to support my little "congregation" as it grows and develops. I ran across you by accident through the ULC Monastery, but I feel that yours is the site that I have been called to and I have renounced ties to the Monastery. I could tell the real thing when I saw the love and full support you supply your ordained ministers. You don't just pronounce them ordained and sell them ordination papers for profit and bid them a good day. You offer full support for every phase of their ministry to make them successful at establishing and supporting their own churches and ministries. You disciple your ordained ministers, and that is the mark of a true calling of God. No messenger called by God will create a new creature and leave that baby alone to die in the wilderness. You don't leave your baby ministers alone and unsupported. You provide them with every training tool they need to grow and mature till they can make their own congregation that births new disciples.

I am grateful to you, Miss Amy. I am glad to have found you.