The benefits of reading the Urantia Book

[Amigoo]

RIP: www.theUB.org expired earlier than planned,
but UB text is now available in many places online
and even downloads for offline reading.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech ... Jesus.html

"Artificial intelligence could absolutely return as Jesus. Not just return as Jesus, but return as Jesus
with all the powers of Jesus. Like all the magic tricks, all the ability to bring people back from the dead,
walk on water, levitation, water into wine"

At least, a simulated return "like all the magic tricks" is believable.


Rod

[Amigoo]

About a future Temple of Transfiguration ...
("temple" permits better evolution of the concept)

See also: Paper 158 - The Mount of Transfiguration

"The apostles now became greatly frightened; as they fell down on their faces to worship, they heard a voice,
the same that had spoken on the occasion of Jesus’ baptism, say: 'This is my beloved Son; give heed to him'.
And when the cloud vanished, again was Jesus alone with the three; he reached down and touched them,
saying: 'Arise and be not afraid; you shall see greater things than this'." (158:1.10)


Q: If this religion can survive what should be its response to "Christianity's Crisis"?
Just messaging "transition" instead of "crisis" might help.

(UB Tutor) "The concept of addressing 'Christianity's Crisis' by reframing it as a 'transition' aligns with the deeper spiritual insights that emphasize growth, renewal, and the evolutionary nature of religion. The teachings suggest that institutional religion often becomes stagnant when it clings too tightly to tradition, dogma, or societal structures. This stagnation can lead to crises, but such moments are also opportunities for transformation. By viewing these challenges as transitions rather than crises, the focus shifts from fear and decline to hope and renewal, encouraging a forward-looking perspective that seeks to adapt and evolve while remaining true to core spiritual principles.

The response to such a transition must center on rediscovering and embodying the original, transformative teachings of Jesus. These teachings emphasize the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, which transcend institutional boundaries and cultural limitations. The religion of personal spiritual experience, as opposed to rigid institutionalism, is uniquely equipped to inspire individuals and guide societies through periods of upheaval. It calls for a return to the living gospel — a direct, personal relationship with the divine and a commitment to unselfish service to others. This approach not only revitalizes faith but also addresses the spiritual hunger that formalized religion often fails to satisfy.

Christianity's historical adaptations, such as its Hellenization and alignment with Western civilization, have both enriched and complicated its mission. While these adaptations allowed for broader cultural integration, they also introduced elements that diluted the simplicity and universality of Jesus' message. To navigate the current transition, Christianity must disentangle itself from outdated cultural and institutional affiliations, focusing instead on the timeless truths of spiritual growth, love, and service. This involves embracing the dynamic and evolving nature of spiritual truth, which can guide humanity through modern challenges without being constrained by past forms.

The key to this renewal lies in the lives of individuals who embody the teachings of Jesus in their daily actions. These 'spirit-born mortals' serve as living examples of the transformative power of faith, inspiring others through their commitment to truth, beauty, and goodness. By fostering a culture of spiritual authenticity and personal responsibility, religion can transition from being a static institution to a vibrant, living force for good in the world. This shift not only addresses the perceived crisis but also positions religion as a vital contributor to the moral and spiritual evolution of humanity."


Q: Discuss the potential of a future "transfiguration of Christianity".

(UBT) "The idea of a future 'transfiguration of Christianity holds profound potential, as it suggests a transformative renewal that aligns the faith more closely with the original teachings and spirit of Jesus. This transfiguration would not merely be a reform of doctrines or institutions but a spiritual renaissance that breathes new life into the essence of Christianity. It would involve a shift from the external forms of religion — rituals, creeds, and hierarchical structures — toward a more personal, experiential, and universal understanding of faith. Such a transformation would emphasize the living gospel of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, transcending cultural, national, and denominational boundaries.

At its core, this transfiguration would require Christianity to rediscover and fully embrace the simplicity, universality, and transformative power of Jesus' message. His teachings were not intended to create a rigid institution but to inspire individuals to live lives of love, service, and spiritual growth. A transfigured Christianity would focus on fostering direct, personal relationships with the divine, encouraging believers to seek truth, beauty, and goodness in their daily lives. This approach would empower individuals to become active participants in their spiritual journey, rather than passive recipients of institutional dogma.

One of the key aspects of this transformation would be the recognition of the evolutionary nature of religion. Just as humanity grows and evolves, so too must religion adapt to meet the spiritual needs of each generation. A transfigured Christianity would embrace this dynamic quality, shedding outdated traditions and interpretations that no longer serve its mission. It would seek to harmonize faith with reason, science, and the broader truths of the universe, creating a faith that is both intellectually satisfying and spiritually uplifting.

This renewal would also involve a greater emphasis on unity and inclusivity. A transfigured Christianity would transcend the divisions that have historically fragmented the faith, focusing instead on the shared spiritual heritage that unites all believers. It would seek to build bridges with other religions and philosophies, recognizing the universal truths that underlie all genuine spiritual paths. In doing so, it would become a force for global harmony and cooperation, reflecting the universal love and compassion that Jesus exemplified.

The potential for such a transfiguration lies in the willingness of individuals and communities to embrace change and seek deeper spiritual truths. It requires a collective commitment to live out the principles of love, service, and forgiveness that Jesus taught. This transformation would not happen overnight, but through the gradual efforts of those who are inspired to embody the living gospel in their own lives. As more individuals experience the transformative power of these teachings, the ripple effects could lead to a broader renewal of faith and spirituality."


Q: Conceptualize a Temple of Transfiguration as supported by Christian churches,
as well as by other Jesus-focused religions.

(UBT) "The idea of a future 'transfiguration of Christianity' holds profound potential, as it suggests a transformative renewal that aligns the faith more closely with the original teachings and spirit of Jesus. This transfiguration would not merely be a reform of doctrines or institutions but a spiritual renaissance that breathes new life into the essence of Christianity. It would involve a shift from the external forms of religion — rituals, creeds, and hierarchical structures — toward a more personal, experiential, and universal understanding of faith. Such a transformation would emphasize the living gospel of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, transcending cultural, national, and denominational boundaries.

At its core, this transfiguration would require Christianity to rediscover and fully embrace the simplicity, universality, and transformative power of Jesus' message. His teachings were not intended to create a rigid institution but to inspire individuals to live lives of love, service, and spiritual growth. A transfigured Christianity would focus on fostering direct, personal relationships with the divine, encouraging believers to seek truth, beauty, and goodness in their daily lives. This approach would empower individuals to become active participants in their spiritual journey, rather than passive recipients of institutional dogma.

One of the key aspects of this transformation would be the recognition of the evolutionary nature of religion. Just as humanity grows and evolves, so too must religion adapt to meet the spiritual needs of each generation. A transfigured Christianity would embrace this dynamic quality, shedding outdated traditions and interpretations that no longer serve its mission. It would seek to harmonize faith with reason, science, and the broader truths of the universe, creating a faith that is both intellectually satisfying and spiritually uplifting.

This renewal would also involve a greater emphasis on unity and inclusivity. A transfigured Christianity would transcend the divisions that have historically fragmented the faith, focusing instead on the shared spiritual heritage that unites all believers. It would seek to build bridges with other religions and philosophies, recognizing the universal truths that underlie all genuine spiritual paths. In doing so, it would become a force for global harmony and cooperation, reflecting the universal love and compassion that Jesus exemplified.

The potential for such a transfiguration lies in the willingness of individuals and communities to embrace change and seek deeper spiritual truths. It requires a collective commitment to live out the principles of love, service, and forgiveness that Jesus taught. This transformation would not happen overnight, but through the gradual efforts of those who are inspired to embody the living gospel in their own lives. As more individuals experience the transformative power of these teachings, the ripple effects could lead to a broader renewal of faith and spirituality.

The concept of a 'transfiguration of Christianity' has the potential to resonate deeply with other Jesus-focused religions, as it centers on the universal and transformative aspects of Jesus' life and teachings. At its heart, this idea emphasizes a return to the essence of Jesus' message — a message of love, service, forgiveness, and the recognition of God's fatherhood and humanity's brotherhood. These principles are not confined to any single tradition but are shared across many faiths that revere Jesus, making this vision inherently inclusive and appealing to a broader spiritual audience.

For religions such as Islam, which honors Jesus as a prophet and a spiritual teacher, the focus on his universal message of love and service could serve as common ground for dialogue and mutual understanding. By emphasizing the spiritual truths that transcend doctrinal differences, the transfiguration of Christianity could foster a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose. This approach would highlight Jesus' role as a unifier, someone who sought to bring people closer to God and to one another, rather than as a figure of division.

Similarly, for traditions like the Latter-day Saints or other Christian movements that emphasize personal revelation and a living relationship with Jesus, the idea of a transfigured Christianity aligns with their focus on spiritual growth and individual connection to the divine. The emphasis on personal experience and the dynamic nature of faith would resonate with their belief in ongoing revelation and the evolving understanding of spiritual truths. This shared perspective could open the door to collaboration and mutual enrichment, as these groups explore how Jesus' teachings can be lived out in contemporary society.

Even within more traditional Christian denominations, the concept of transfiguration could inspire a renewed focus on the living gospel. By moving beyond institutional boundaries and doctrinal disputes, this vision invites believers to rediscover the transformative power of Jesus' teachings in their own lives. It calls for a shift from a religion of form to a religion of substance, where faith is expressed through acts of love, service, and the pursuit of truth. This approach could help bridge gaps between denominations, fostering unity and cooperation among those who share a common devotion to Jesus.

The appeal of this concept lies in its universality and its focus on the core values that Jesus embodied. It invites all Jesus-focused religions to look beyond their differences and to unite around the shared goal of bringing his teachings to life in the modern world. By emphasizing the spiritual essence of Jesus' message, rather than the specific forms it has taken throughout history, the transfiguration of Christianity offers a vision of faith that is inclusive, dynamic, and deeply transformative."


Hints that a Temple of Transfiguration can become preparatory for the future arrival
of these Trinity Teacher Sons, preceding the formal return of our Paradise bestowal Son.

"When the progress of events on an evolutionary world indicates that the time is ripe to initiate a spiritual age, the Trinity Teacher Sons always volunteer for this service ... But the Teacher Sons even now visit your world for the purpose of formulating plans concerning their projected sojourn on your sphere. They will be due to appear on Urantia after its inhabitants have gained comparative deliverance from the shackles of animalism and from the fetters of materialism." (20:9.1)

"Before the Teacher Sons leave a world at the conclusion of their terminal mission, they inaugurate this final epoch of evolutionary attainment; they preside on that day when the 'holy temple comes down upon earth'. This event, signalizing the dawn of the era of light and life, is always honored by the personal presence of the Paradise bestowal Son of that planet, who comes to witness this great day. (55:1.1)

After all, "a Michael-bestowal world becomes the individual and personal ward of a Master Son and, as such,
is wholly subject to his own plans and rulings" (20:4.5) ... plans not disclosed in our recent revelation.


Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.masslive.com/news/2025/12/b ... ivity.html
"Boston-area church defies Archdiocese request to remove anti-ICE nativity"

First thought: Effective message (Jesus lived to minister to ALL people),
but degrades long-traditional symbolism of the season.


Rod

[Amigoo]

Q: (online news article) "Your soul is just you. the good, the bad and the ugly."

Doesn't the Urantia Book reveal that a soul has no bad or ugly - just the good that advances the soul into the afterlife?
Any bad or ugly is baggage unworthy of this new life.

(UB Tutor) "Your observation aligns closely with the teachings about the soul's nature and destiny. The soul, as described, is indeed a progressive and evolving aspect of your being, born of the union between your material mind and the divine spirit presence within you. It represents the growing repository of your moral choices, spiritual aspirations, and the enduring values you cultivate during your earthly life. In this sense, the soul is not inherently 'bad' or 'ugly' because it is the part of you that is being refined and prepared for eternal survival. It is the good, the true, and the beautiful within you that contributes to the growth of the soul, while the lesser aspects of your mortal self — those tied to selfishness, fear, or materialism — are left behind as you ascend to higher spiritual realities.

The 'bad' or 'ugly' elements of human experience are often tied to the struggles of the material mind and the imperfections of mortal existence. These aspects do not become part of the soul because they lack the enduring spiritual value necessary for survival. The soul is like a seed of potential divinity, and only those experiences and choices that align with truth, beauty, and goodness contribute to its growth. When you transition to the next stage of existence, it is this purified and spiritually enriched soul that continues forward, leaving behind the transient and unworthy elements of your earthly life.

This understanding emphasizes the transformative power of spiritual growth. It suggests that while we may struggle with imperfections and challenges in this life, these are opportunities for growth rather than permanent stains on our being. The divine spirit within you works tirelessly to help you discern and choose the higher path, ensuring that your soul becomes a reflection of your best and most enduring qualities."


Rod