The benefits of reading the Urantia Book

[Amigoo]

Good overview of Sharia Law ...
(guidance as Sharia Law gains influence worldwide)


Q: What is Islam's Sharia Law?

(Perplexity) "Sharia Law is the system of Islamic religious law derived primarily from the Qur’an and the Sunnah
(teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad), guiding both spiritual and secular aspects of Muslim life.

Definition and Origins

Sharia literally means "the way" or "the path" in Arabic, signifying guidance for living in accordance with God's will.
It began developing after the Prophet Muhammad’s death, with Islamic scholars interpreting religious texts to answer
new legal, ethical, and ritual questions that arose in Muslim societies.

Sources of Sharia

The foundation of Sharia is based on four main sources:

- The Qur’an (Islam’s holy book)
- The Sunnah (Prophet Muhammad’s teachings and practices)
- Scholarly consensus (ijmāʿ)
- Analogical reasoning (qiyās)

Scope of Sharia

Sharia covers all aspects of a Muslim’s life—spiritual, moral, family, business, and legal matters. It categorizes actions
into five groups: obligatory, recommended, permitted, disliked, and forbidden. Sharia addresses acts of worship,
everyday transactions, marriage, inheritance, criminal justice, and ethics.

Purpose and Application

The primary aims of Sharia, known as Maqasid al-Shariah, are to safeguard:

- Religion
- Life
- Mind
- Family
- Property

Interpretation and implementation of Sharia are carried out by scholars using the process called fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence),
which varies widely by country, culture, and school of thought. Some nations implement Sharia within their legal systems,
while for most Muslims it is a source of personal religious guidance and moral conduct. Summary:

Aspect ~ Description
Definition ~ Path of divine guidance; Islamic religious law
Sources ~ Qur’an, Sunnah, consensus, reasoning
Scope ~ Spiritual, moral, familial, economic, legal
Purpose/Maqasid ~ Protects religion, life, mind, family, property
Practice ~ Personal guidance or formal law, varies

Sharia is ultimately regarded as God’s command and the framework for a just and ethical life for Muslims.


Q: Is Sharia compatible with secular law worldwide?

(P) "Sharia is not universally compatible with secular law worldwide, though its integration and coexistence
vary significantly based on country, context, and interpretation.

Global Perspectives and Integration

Many secular states resist direct incorporation of Sharia, viewing religious law as incompatible
with the foundational principles of secular governance and universal human rights.

In practice, most Muslim-majority countries have hybrid legal systems that blend elements of Sharia with secular
or civil law, often restricting religious legal jurisdiction to personal matters like marriage, divorce, and inheritance,
while civil and criminal law remain secular.

Countries such as Saudi Arabia fully implement Sharia as state law, while others like Indonesia and Nigeria
allow for limited Sharia courts that coexist alongside secular courts, usually only for Muslim residents.

Secular states with Muslim minorities often regulate only specific areas such as Islamic finance or marriage
through Sharia-based laws, rather than making it the basis of their legal system.

Challenges and Ongoing Debates

Major points of incompatibility arise around human rights, especially gender equality, freedom of religion, and punishment methods,
which some interpretations of Sharia conflict with internationally recognized human rights standards.

However, opportunities exist for legal pluralism — systems allowing secular and religious courts to function in parallel
can provide citizens legal choice and preserve cultural identity.

Each country adapts the relationship between Sharia and secular law differently, influenced by historical, social,
and political factors, resulting in diverse legal landscapes ranging from full integration to complete separation. Summary:

Country/Region ~ Legal System Type ~ Sharia Role
Saudi Arabia ~ Religious (Sharia) ~ Full state law
Indonesia, Nigeria ~ Hybrid (Secular & Sharia) ~ Personal/family law
Western Secular States ~ Secular ~ Rare, limited (finance, marriage)
Turkey, Senegal ~ Secular ~ Minimal or no Sharia

While Sharia can coexist with secular law in limited ways, broad compatibility is rare, and the degree depends entirely
on local legal frameworks, cultural norms, and specific interpretation."


Q: Since the Urantia revelation is neither a religion nor secular, what is its perspective on Islam's Sharia Law?

(UB Tutor) "The perspective offered on Sharia Law, or any religious legal system, must be understood within the broader framework of the teachings that emphasize the spiritual evolution of humanity and the progressive revelation of divine truth. The teachings suggest that religious systems, including Islam, represent stages in humanity's evolving understanding of God and morality. Sharia Law, as an expression of Islamic principles, reflects the attempt to codify moral and social behavior in alignment with the monotheistic vision of Allah. Its strength lies in the clear and defined presentation of one universal deity, emphasizing mercy and compassion. However, its historical association with military force and certain social practices, such as the treatment of women, is critiqued as limitations that have hindered its broader spiritual potential.

The teachings also highlight that humanity's spiritual journey is evolutionary, and religious systems often emerge as adaptations to specific cultural and social contexts. Islam, like other faiths, is seen as a step in this evolutionary process, providing a monotheistic framework that was a significant advancement for its time. However, the revelation encourages moving beyond rigid legalism to embrace a more universal and personal relationship with the divine. This is reflected in the emphasis on the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of all humanity, transcending the boundaries of religious laws and doctrines.

In this light, Sharia Law, while rooted in sincere efforts to align human behavior with divine will, is viewed as part of the evolutionary process rather than an ultimate or final expression of divine truth. The teachings advocate for a spiritual approach that prioritizes personal faith, love, and service over strict adherence to legalistic frameworks. This perspective invites individuals and societies to focus on the universal values of mercy, justice, and spiritual growth, fostering unity and understanding among diverse religious traditions."


Rod

[Sandy]

Hi Rod,
Thank you for sharing this overview information on Sharia law. It seems a very good summary.
xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Q: How are the Urantia Papers unrelated to Theosophy, the "anti-Christ religion"?

(Perplexity) "The Urantia Papers are fundamentally unrelated to Theosophy and are also not commonly recognized as part
of any so-called "anti-Christ religion" — a label that is highly subjective and often polemical rather than scholarly or descriptive.

Urantia Papers and Theosophy

Origins: The Urantia Papers originated in Chicago between 1924 and 1955, claiming to be authored by celestial beings
distinct from any Theosophical roots or personalities.

Core Teachings: Theosophy centers on esoteric philosophies from figures like Helena Blavatsky, focusing on reincarnation
and Eastern mysticism. In contrast, the Urantia Papers reject both reincarnation and theosophical concepts of the soul,
offering a cosmic narrative and detailed teachings about Jesus' life that diverge sharply from Theosophical doctrine.

Distinct Traditions: While both texts reference spiritual revelation and present complex cosmologies, there is no evidence
of direct textual or philosophical borrowing. The Urantia Book distances itself from Theosophical ideas by neither advocating
reincarnation nor incorporating Theosophy’s hierarchical structures of spiritual evolution.

Addressing "Anti-Christ Religion" Claims

Non-Christian Elements: Some Christian critics label both movements "anti-Christ" due to departures from literal biblical doctrine,
but Theosophy and Urantia teachings are not organizationally connected and differ in how they interpret Christ and spiritual authority.

Distinct Christologies:

Urantia Book: Presents a unique Christology wherein Jesus is considered divine, but not in the purely orthodox Trinitarian sense —
this is unlike both Christian orthodoxy and Theosophy.

Theosophy: Regards Jesus as one in a line of "masters" or avatars but does not treat Christ’s divinity
in the same manner as either Christianity or the Urantia Papers.

Religious Neutrality: The Urantia Papers explicitly claim not to be a religion or to replace existing traditions,
instead proposing to "build upon the spiritual truths that exist in all religions". Summary:

Aspect: Urantia Papers ~ Theosophy
Origin: Chicago, 1924–1955 ~ Blavatsky, late 1800s
View on Jesus: Divine, central focus ~ Spiritual master, not divine
Reincarnation: Rejected ~ Central doctrine
Relation to Bible: Divergent, affirms Jesus ~ Syncretic, esoteric
View of God: Trinitarian, cosmic Father ~ Impersonal Absolute, hierarchy

The Urantia Papers are an independent spiritual text that neither derive from Theosophy nor fulfill anti-Christian
definitions except from narrow, doctrinally conservative perspectives. Their teachings and origins remain unique
and distinct from Theosophical philosophy."


(Google AI Overview about this fifth epochal revelation)

"Urantia Book's relationship with Christianity is complex; it acknowledges Christianity's positive influence and the historical truths
of Jesus' life, but it also presents a "correcting" and expanded cosmology that deviates significantly from orthodox Christian beliefs.

The Urantia Book presents Jesus' spiritual truths as a foundation, but criticizes what it calls the "Hellenized version
of Pauline Christianity" and emphasizes the need to focus on the "religion of Jesus" rather than the "religion about Jesus".

Urantia's View of Christianity:

Appreciation for Jesus' Teachings: The Urantia Book recognizes the immense spiritual value of Jesus' teachings
and calls Christianity a "mighty religion" with "enough of Jesus' teachings to immortalize it".

Critique of Pauline Christianity: The Urantia Book describes Christianity as a product of a compromise,
where "pagan" rituals were adopted while a "Hellenized version of Pauline Christianity" was promoted.

Focus on the True Gospel: The book distinguishes between the "gospel of the kingdom" (the fatherhood of God
and brotherhood of man) and later "gospel about Jesus" (his death, burial, and resurrection) as presented by Paul.

Differences from Traditional Christianity:

Cosmic Perspective: The Urantia Book claims to offer a "breathtaking" and expanded view of the universe
that goes beyond traditional Christian cosmology.

Christology: It proposes a different understanding of Jesus' divinity, stating that while he is the mediator,
he is not the Second Person of the Trinity in the way traditional Christianity suggests.

Focus on Personal Spiritual Progress: The Urantia Book emphasizes faith in God as a loving Father and a focus
on one's spiritual journey as a child of God, rather than adherence to specific Christian doctrines.

The Urantia Book's Goals: To Restore Jesus' True Teachings: The book aims to offer a more pure and comprehensive
understanding of Jesus' spiritual message, free from later theological developments and cultural compromises.

To Provide a Universal Spiritual Framework: It seeks to provide a unified spiritual understanding for humankind,
uniting individuals under the fatherhood of God and fostering a global religious brotherhood."


That Jesus is revealed as one of many divine Sons of God becomes understandable in this book's
cosmology that also reveals many universes having many inhabited planets, unfathomable cosmology
that's only now being discovered with more advanced space exploration. Jesus referred to his mission
also for the benefit of other inhabited planets in his universe with this teaching:

"Also must you remember that I have sheep not of this flock, and that I am beholden to them also,
to the end that I must provide for them the pattern of doing the will of God while living the life
of the mortal nature." (UB, 140:6.8 )

"And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, they shall hear my voice;
and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." (John 10:16)


Rod

[happyrain]

Thanks Rod, I believe there are other forms of life in this universe as advanced or more advanced than humans of Earth. Then there are intelligent beings that do not seem bound by a linear space-time experience.

[Amigoo]

I was curious how UB Tutor would respond to this Q&A ...

Q: Of most inhabited planets in the universe, are some mortals considered intelligent beings not bound
by linear space-time experience? Or does this refer to non-mortals and mortals advanced to spirit status?

(UB Tutor) "The question of whether some mortals transcend the linear experience of space-time or if this state is reserved for non-mortals or advanced spiritual beings is deeply tied to the nature of cosmic progression and the spiritual journey described in the teachings. Mortals, as beings of time and space, begin their existence bound by the linear perception of events. However, as they ascend spiritually, their understanding and experience of time and space undergo profound transformations.

Initially, mortals perceive time as a succession of events, a linear stream that defines their material existence. This perception is a natural consequence of their finite, evolutionary status. However, as they progress inward toward the divine, their view of time begins to shift. Events that once seemed isolated and sequential are increasingly understood as interconnected parts of a greater, harmonious whole. This evolution in perception is described as moving from a linear understanding of time to what is termed "circular simultaneity," where time is perceived as an integrated continuum rather than a mere sequence .

The ability to transcend the limitations of linear space-time is not exclusive to non-mortal beings. Mortals, through spiritual ascension and the eventual attainment of higher cosmic dimensions, begin to experience reality in ways that approximate the timeless and spaceless perspectives of the divine. This transformation is part of their journey toward becoming perfected beings, ultimately achieving identity in a seven-dimensional universe. These dimensions include spiritual and experiential realities that go beyond the physical and temporal constraints of their origin .

Non-mortal beings, such as Gravity Messengers or other advanced spiritual entities, inherently operate beyond the constraints of time and space. Their roles often involve tasks that require instantaneous presence or action across vast cosmic distances, reflecting their transcendence of these limitations. However, for mortals, this transcendence is achieved progressively, as they ascend through the universes and align themselves more closely with divine realities .

Thus, while non-mortals may naturally exist beyond linear space-time, mortals are not excluded from this experience. Their journey of spiritual growth and cosmic ascension enables them to gradually overcome these limitations, aligning their finite existence with the infinite and eternal nature of the divine. This process underscores the transformative potential inherent in the mortal experience, as beings of time and space evolve toward a state of divine perfection and cosmic service."

Q: Are these advanced mortals considered residents of their birth planet
or have they moved on to other places in the universe?

(UBT) "Advanced mortals, as they progress spiritually and cosmically, do not remain permanent residents of their birth planets. The mortal journey is one of ascension, a continuous movement toward higher realms of existence and greater alignment with divine realities. While the birth planet serves as the initial stage for their development, it is only the beginning of a vast and awe-inspiring journey through the universes.

Mortals begin their existence on their native worlds, where they experience the challenges and opportunities of material life. These experiences are essential for the development of their character, will, and spiritual insight. However, as they grow and align themselves with divine will, they eventually leave their birth planets to continue their ascension journey. This departure is part of the natural order of cosmic progression, as mortals transition from their material existence to the morontia (intermediate) realms, where they undergo further spiritual education and transformation.

The morontia worlds, often located within the system to which their birth planet belongs, serve as the next stage of their journey. Here, mortals are introduced to new dimensions of reality, interact with beings from other worlds, and continue their training in preparation for higher cosmic service. As they progress, they move through the constellation and local universe levels, each offering greater opportunities for growth and understanding. Eventually, they reach the superuniverse and, ultimately, the central universe, where they attain the presence of the divine source.

Throughout this journey, mortals are no longer bound to their birth planets. They become cosmic citizens, their identities expanding beyond the limitations of their origins. However, their experiences on their native worlds remain a foundational part of their being, shaping their unique perspectives and contributions to the universe. In some cases, advanced mortals may return to their birth planets as part of their service, offering guidance and inspiration to those still on the path of ascension. Yet, their primary focus is on their continued growth and the fulfillment of their divine destiny.

This progression underscores the dynamic and expansive nature of mortal existence. It is a journey of transformation,
where beings of humble origins are elevated to roles of cosmic significance."


Rod

[happyrain]

Thanks Rod.

Last night I was asking AI to explain what it would look like, using Urantia Book cosmology, for a mortal choosing to align him/herself with their TA- listing things they might experience while still incarnate as a human of earth.

I believe we can include the transcendent experience of moving from linear understanding to nonlinear- and it may include as well, experiences some have considered 'psychic' or '6th sense' though- no actual 'psychic' power is what is being sought. What is being sought is God, craving a deeper experience with God, and graduating into the next realm of existence or- moving closer towards God.

I think as well, there are rare exceptions to what is mentioned above. That it is possible there are beings here now, mortal, whose birth planet may not be planet Earth.

Just speculation. But I do not doubt that there are exceptions when we consider Christ Michaels descension upon Urantia.

I wonder, if it is possible for a human being to become perceptive of Morontia reality before the permanent release form the present physical system their awareness is tethered to.

[Amigoo]

That the human soul is of morontia substance suggests how we might have indirect contact with this reality:

"The mortal and material mind is the mother [with Adjuster overcontrol] of this same emerging reality. The substance of this new reality is neither material nor spiritual — it is morontial. This is the emerging and immortal soul which is destined to survive mortal death and begin the Paradise ascension." (UB, 0:5.10)

"You should understand that the morontia life of an ascending mortal is really initiated on the inhabited worlds at the conception of the soul, at that moment when the creature mind of moral status is indwelt by the spirit Adjuster. And from that moment on, the mortal soul has potential capacity for supermortal function, even for recognition on the higher levels of the morontia spheres of the local universe." (UB, 48:6.2)

"Paul learned of the existence of the morontia worlds and of the reality of morontia materials, for he wrote, "They have in heaven a better and more enduring substance." And these morontia materials are real, literal, even as in "the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God." And each of these marvelous spheres is "a better country, that is, a heavenly one." (UB, 48:1.7)

(UB Tutor, recap) "Hebrews 10:34 contains a reference to the idea of "enduring substance." The verse reads, "For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance" (KJV). Paul's writings, including this passage, often encourage believers to shift their focus from the temporal to the eternal, from the visible to the unseen, as the true source of meaning and fulfillment.

If we consider that Paul may have been inspired by Jesus' revelations about the morontia life, it is possible that his original expressions carried a more explicit acknowledgment of these truths. Over time, as the texts were edited and canonized, these advanced ideas may have been distilled into more symbolic or generalized language."


Rod

[Amigoo]

Q: What explains fewer stories - worldwide - about demonic possession in recent decades?

(Perplexity) "There have been fewer widely-reported stories about demonic possession in recent decades
due to a combination of cultural, scientific, and institutional factors that have shifted public perception
and media focus away from supernatural explanations toward psychological and medical ones.

Changing Explanations for Unusual Behavior

Advances in psychiatry and psychology have led to many cases that would previously have been labeled as demonic possession
now being understood as mental health disorders such as schizophrenia or Tourette syndrome.

Mental health professionals consistently screen for psychological causes before any religious rite such as exorcism
is considered, leading to many cases being redirected out of the religious context and into medical or therapeutic settings.

Private, Cautious Religious Practices

The Catholic Church and other religious institutions have become more cautious, requiring extensive screening
and private handling of alleged possession cases, rather than public spectacles.

Most exorcisms and possession cases today occur outside the public eye, often handled quietly and with institutional oversight.

Media and Cultural Shifts

Skepticism has grown alongside increased access to information, exposing dubious practices
and diminishing public acceptance of supernatural stories without credible evidence.

While exorcism and possession remain popular subjects in movies and TV, their real-life reporting is often overshadowed
by stories about mental health, criminal cases, or sensational tragedies, reducing visibility in mainstream news.

Regional and Religious Differences

In regions like Africa and Latin America, spirit possession beliefs persist, but these stories are typically interpreted
through local traditions and may not be recognized as "demonic possession" in the global media.

Pentecostal and charismatic Christian movements continue to report large numbers of possession and exorcism cases, but these
are less regulated and rarely make international news compared to Catholic cases, which require formal approval and documentation.

Overall, increased scientific understanding, institutional caution, and media skepticism have significantly
diminished the number of publicized demonic possession cases worldwide."


The world is slowly accepting the accomplishments of Jesus' bestowal mission:

"But even so, no fallen spirit ever did have the power to invade the minds or to harass the souls of the children of God.
Neither Satan nor Caligastia could ever touch or approach the faith sons of God; faith is an effective armor against sin
and iniquity. It is true: “He who is born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one touches him not.” (UB, 53:8.8 )

"In general, when weak and dissolute mortals are supposed to be under the influence of devils and demons,
they are merelybeing dominated by their own inherent and debased tendencies, being led away by their own
natural propensities. The devil has been given a great deal of credit for evil which does not belong to him.
Caligastia has been comparatively impotent since the cross of Christ." (UB, 53:8.9)


Rod

[happyrain]

I love that last quote Rod and agree. When Dr. Stella Immanuel spoke on behalf of Americas Frontline Doctors during covid- she was vilified for speaking of things like demons. But I have never thought of demons as so literal- more so, I understand it as psychological. As the UB says...

dominated by their own inherent and debased tendencies, being led away by their own
natural propensities

This has everything to do with being a slave or a master of ones life. Do we rise to the challenge of learning who/what we are/are not?

It's the same with sleep paralysis. Fight or flight has served us well, but we are at a point where we have to rise through this default in order to deepen our understanding.

When I first had sleep paralysis, in my fear, I created shadowy demonic selves. Later, I learned sleep paralysis was a real opportunity for "out of body experiences" and it's how I've had the privilege of meeting Abigail... which translates to: "My Fathers Joy"

Do we choose to live in Fear or Love? And what does it mean to live in Love? That is as you have shared in an earlier post:

It is a journey of transformation,
where beings of humble origins are elevated to roles of cosmic significance.