© 2013 Olga López
© 2013 Urantia Association of Spain
| Luz y Vida — No. 33 — Presentation | Luz y Vida — No. 33 — June 2013 — Index | Experiences in the dissemination of the book |
The XII Meeting of readers began at 5 pm on Friday, May 31. Shortly before, the attendees had been arriving at the hotel, where lively conversations were held from the beginning. In total we met almost 50 people from both Spanish territory (Madrid, Barcelona, Girona, Tarragona, Valencia, Mallorca, Murcia, Malaga, Seville, Alicante, Toledo, Burgos, Santander and Vizcaya) and other European countries (Germany, Portugal and Switzerland). Our most sincere thanks to all of them, because they are the ones who make the Meetings great.
At the inaugural meeting, the material that was going to be used in the Meeting was distributed and a brief review of the activities program was given. Then, without further delay, five short presentations related to the theme of the Gathering were given: The Urantia Book: why? As? That? At the end of these presentations, there was a lively discussion among the participants.
After dinner, to give official status to something that was carried out spontaneously among the readers in previous Encounters, the so-called “Comanche territory” was instituted: a space for free debate among the attendees, in which any topic related to the teachings of the book without a previous script. Before the debate, we had a moment of remembrance for Josefina Canseco, who continued on her way to the mansion worlds in February of this year. An emotional presentation with photos and music was projected in which this great heroine of the Urantia movement in Spain was remembered.
The session of “Comanche territory” was very intense and lasted until sleep took its toll on the participants. Time flies by when discussing the contents of the book!
The following day in the morning, Saturday, the attendees were divided into 8 groups of between 5 and 6 participants each. The group facilitators were the board members, plus some readers already experienced in this type of activity. In each group there was a person in charge of taking note of what was said, to later share it with all the attendees. That was the time to spread out around the hotel facilities and work on these four points:
- Why do we do what we do to publicize the teachings of The Urantia Book?
- What are the key concepts of The Urantia Book that should be conveyed to potentially interested persons?
- What makes The Urantia Book different from other doctrines or worldviews?
- Create a slogan or motto regarding The Urantia Book: the book in one sentence.
After lunch, most of the attendees went on a short excursion to Parque del Capricho, located near the hotel, guided by Mariano Pérez, the study group coordinator. This was not only an opportunity to contemplate the beauty of nature, but also to socialize with other members of the group.
On the return, we all met to share what we had discussed in the workshops. We were able to verify that very good ideas arose, which can also be used for the future dissemination of the book.
After dinner, we returned with the second session of “Comanche country.” On this occasion, it was preceded by the singing of the “unofficial” hymn of the Urantia readers, “Pray, tell me how”, in Spanish version (“Enséñame”), thanks to the contribution of Erwin and Nils, the German readers who They joined us. Our thanks to both! For the rest, this second session of free debate was as intense or more than the previous one. The debate had to be moderated, as there were many people and it was difficult to maintain a participatory conversation. Also, like the night before, we finished very late. We couldn’t seem to wait to go to bed!
On Sunday, the last day, there was also room for two activities, one already common in recent Meetings and another that was something new. First of all, the novelty. First thing in the morning, there was a question-and-answer session about the book’s teachings. The attendees had the opportunity to write a question on a piece of paper and deliver it to Ismael, the secretary of the meeting, so that he could compile it. On Sunday morning the questions were read and everyone tried to answer all of them. Once again, the discussion that followed each question was very enlightening and lively.
These were some of the questions that were raised in the session on Sunday:
- What do we do to strengthen our faith and allow spiritual gravity to influence our lives?
- How does The Urantia Book fit in with the theme of ghosts and spirits seen in EVP and poltergeist phenomena?
- How can we reach the vast majority of the world’s population that is not Christian?
- Are the physical controllers influencing to fix climate change?
- Are there readers of the book who, due to fanaticism, abandon what is truly required of us?
- When is the decision to follow up to the Father made: in this world or after awakening?
Lastly, and before lunch, the assembly of the Urantia Association of Spain was held, where the attendees were informed about the activities (in support of the study and dissemination) carried out during the last twelve months, as well as about future projects. . It was also a time for attendees to say what they thought of the Meeting, and to make suggestions on how to improve the experience of a readers’ meeting. Then, and after the meal, we say goodbye with charged spiritual batteries. It doesn’t matter how tired or how many hours you have lost sleep when you enjoy the company of so many kindred spirits!
(Editor’s Note: On the website of the Urantia Association of Spain, more specifically in the “general” section of “Works”, the ideas compiled in the XII Encounter workshop will be published).
¶ Selection of the answers of the attendees to the questions posed in the workshop
Why do we do what we do to publicize the teachings of The Urantia Book?
- It is a treasure that must be shared.
- So that others obtain the profits that I have obtained.
- For the values that the book brings us.
- The world is getting worse, and the book with its teachings can change the mass, creating a critical mass.
- Because the information received is the one that best adjusts to the eternal truth as I understand it.
- For love of God and neighbor.
What are the key concepts of The Urantia Book that should be conveyed to potentially interested persons?
- God as person.
- The life of Jesus (and his message that God is our Father and we are all brothers).
- The family as the foundation of society.
- The figure of the Universal Father and the contact that we all have with him.
- The vision of the existence of eternal life and of a designed and perfect plan of continuity of spiritual evolution.
- We are not alone in the universe, which is inhabited by a large number of beings.
- The UB is a road map.
- There is life beyond, your destiny is perfection.
- Religion is between you and God, there are no intermediaries.
What makes The Urantia Book different from other doctrines or worldviews?
- Separation of the religious and the secular in the social.
- Religion is between you and God, there are no intermediaries.
- It is a global and organized body of knowledge that does not stand as absolute truth. It reconciles science, philosophy and religion.
- The UB exposes in detail and completely what happens after death.
- The impartiality in the revelation of the evolutionary facts of man.
- Freedom without being subjected to dogmas.
- It makes us take responsibility for our own actions.
- Everything that brings the individual closer to God is good.
- It teaches us that we are masters of our own destiny.
- It is not a dogmatic book.
A catchphrase or motto regarding The Urantia Book: the book in one sentence
- Discover personal religion.
- The hidden truths of the Bible.
- Isis naked: beyond the veil.
- Not afraid of the truth.
- The truth of the Father opens the doors to the unknown.
- Urantia: a revealing hope.
- The Father’s plan designed for you.
- Re-evolve yourself!
- A meaningful life.
- To infinity, and beyond.
- The Urantia Book, the manual of life.
- Love as a force that drives your life.
- Urantia: the story of a triumphant failure.
- Urantia: wounded planet, healed planet.
¶ References
- Light and Life Magazine (all old issues): https://aue.urantia-association.org/numeros-antiguos-del-lyv/
| Luz y Vida — No. 33 — Presentation | Luz y Vida — No. 33 — June 2013 — Index | Experiences in the dissemination of the book |