© 2023 Jerry Prentice
© 2023 The Urantia Book Fellowship
| The Spiritual Universal Siblinghood of Nebadon | Volume 23, Number 1, 2023 (summer) — Index | Coordinated Working Harmony |
by Douglas Burns
Our primary emphasis must remain on the profound mission of The Urantia Book movement: unity. This unity is rooted deeply in the spiritual revelations of The Urantia Book.
Throughout history, spiritual endeavors, including those of the early Christian church, have encountered various challenges. These challenges often stem from the human tendencies inherent in the institutions created to propagate spiritual insights. Regardless of whether structures are centralized or decentralized, their efficacy in spreading and safeguarding teachings is significant. However, it is the underlying spirit of unity that truly defines a movement’s triumph.
Jesus’s teachings repeatedly highlight the message “fear not.” It is not merely a testament to human courage but a deep call to place trust in the enduring essence of spiritual truths. When Jesus remarked, “To a God-knowing kingdom believer, what does it matter if all things earthly crash?” (UB 100:2.7), he was not dismissing the significance of worldly tribulations. Instead, he was highlighting the soul’s capacity to transcend these challenges, maintaining spiritual integrity and inner peace regardless of external success or failure.
Like many spiritual groups, The Urantia Book movement has navigated its share of challenges, bringing to the forefront the blend of divine wisdom and human nature. Reflecting on The Urantia Book’s observations about the nascent Christian movement, it becomes clear that unity stands at its heart. While the book acknowledges the divisions, it also illuminates the profound longing for unity amongst its adherents. The saying “a house divided against itself cannot stand” serves as a reminder that for The Urantia Book movement, unity is not a mere aspiration—it is fundamental.
With the passage of time, various organizations have taken root within The Urantia Book sphere. Each has its own distinct contribution. Imagining a potential amalgamation of these prominent membership bodies under the “Urantia Unity” banner brings to mind the banner of Michael, used here solely as an analogy for unity. (see UB 53:5.4) Such a collective movement would go beyond organizational fusion; it would symbolize a shared commitment to the teachings and the overarching objective of unity.
This perspective is not intended to overshadow the unique contributions or identities of groups like The Urantia Book Fellowship or Urantia Association International. It is an acknowledgment that a unified effort, pooling strength, resources, and collective intent under a single banner, has the potential for greater impact.
Such a collective movement would go beyond organizational fusion; it would symbolize a shared commitment to the teachings and the overarching objective of unity.
In the larger context, the emergence of diverse organizations within The Urantia Book realm is notable. The thought of these entities coalescing under the “Urantia Unity” banner paints a vision of a grand rallying point, uniting them in purpose and mission.
The infrastructure built around The Urantia Book’s teachings plays a pivotal role. Its foremost duty is to foster unity, ensure the fidelity of teachings, build community, connect insights to present-day issues, and promote tolerance.
The Urmia religionists’ example (see “The Urmia Lectures”) (1) serves as a beacon for peace and harmony and (2) rejects the idea of religious superiority. Their enduring influence serves as a compass, urging institutions and members alike to embrace this spirit of unity. This is a call to reflect on the enhanced strength and potential of a movement united in intent and action.
While debates on the strengths and limitations of organizational models hold importance, the ultimate pursuit is an unwavering dedication to The Urantia Book’s teachings. As we look to the horizon, I hope we can collectively visualize an aligned movement-a union that symbolizes unity and magnifies the resonance of the movement.
¶ References
- Article obtained from The Fellowship site
| The Spiritual Universal Siblinghood of Nebadon | Volume 23, Number 1, 2023 (summer) — Index | Coordinated Working Harmony |