Manny C wrote:


I think reform is integral part of the evolutionary process. There have been “sudden” episodes in the history of evolution. The insertion of revelations into our history was meant to accelerate the spiritual progress of the planet. These revelations had their ordained rules to follow and only when deviation from these rules that “short circuiting” the evolutionary process can happen. Short circuiting can only be done by the revelatory personality. It cannot be done by the people who are participants of the evolving process. Reforms by participating activists are good for the evolutionary process. Societal reforms starts with the reformed individual.

140:8.10 (1580.5) Jesus was not, therefore, a political reformer. He did not come to reorganize the world; even if he had done this, it would have been applicable only to that day and generation. Nevertheless, he did show man the best way of living, and no generation is exempt from the labor of discovering how best to adapt Jesus’ life to its own problems. But never make the mistake of identifying Jesus’ teachings with any political or economic theory, with any social or industrial system.

140:8.13 (1580.8] He made it clear that indiscriminate kindness may be blamed for many social evils. The following day Jesus definitely instructed Judas that no apostolic funds were to be given out as alms except upon his request or upon the joint petition of two of the apostles. In all these matters it was the practice of Jesus always to say, “Be as wise as serpents but as harmless as doves.” It seemed to be his purpose in all social situations to teach patience, tolerance, and forgiveness.

140:8.18 (1581.5) Jesus would make all men Godlike and then stand by sympathetically while these sons of God solve their own political, social, and economic problems. It was not wealth that he denounced, but what wealth does to the majority of its devotees. On this Thursday afternoon Jesus first told his associates that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

140:8.21 (1582.2) Jesus had little to say about the social vices of his day; seldom did he make reference to moral delinquency. He was a positive teacher of true virtue. He studiously avoided the negative method of imparting instruction; he refused to advertise evil. He was not even a moral reformer. He well knew, and so taught his apostles, that the sensual urges of mankind are not suppressed by either religious rebuke or legal prohibitions. His few denunciations were largely directed against pride, cruelty, oppression, and hypocrisy.

Just get with God.

3:2.2 (46.6) Within the bounds of that which is consistent with the divine nature, it is literally true that “with God all things are possible.”

140:8.19 (1581.6) 5. Personal religion. You, as did his apostles, should the better understand Jesus’ teachings by his life. He lived a perfected life on Urantia, and his unique teachings can only be understood when that life is visualized in its immediate background. It is his life, and not his lessons to the twelve or his sermons to the multitudes, that will assist most in revealing the Father’s divine character and loving personality.

196:1.3 (2090.4) Of all human knowledge, that which is of greatest value is to know the religious life of Jesus and how he lived it.

Wasn't Jesus social reform non-violent? And Ghandi's? And MLK's? There was violence attended upon these social reformers but the reform which came was not favorable to the source of the violence, no?

Wrong again!

I am quite confused regarding your position on women's status among primitives and how radical you find full equal standing as though this is some revolutionary and anti-evolutionary development when it is but the way of the universe - the natural order and the inevitability of progress.

You speak of depriving individuals control over their own choices by the elimination of all choices - just say no, eh?

I'd appreciate some text supporting your claim that "the goal is self governing individuals". On what world and in what universe??!! Seriously....what book are you reading?

Civilization does not form and cannot exist without coordination and cooperation of the body of self governing individuals and the governance of those who are not self governing- the two are not oppositional nor contradictory - obviously. You would then be a "holy anarchist"?
Individual maturity results in combined efforts for the common good and this is our destiny but evolutionary experience brings less than ideal results, especially early on.

Are you really going to attack Gabriel again??? What a dead horse.....but beat away on that corpse if you wish.

Oh to be so displeased and suspicious of everything. A pity really. Any good news or joy to share?? Is there any doubt to our destiny as the Shrine of Nebadon? Maybe it will all work out after all, no? Granny always said everything will be alright in the end...if it's not alright, then it's not the end. Lighten up Brother.

140:8.21 (1582.2) Jesus had little to say about the social vices of his day; seldom did he make reference to moral delinquency. He was a positive teacher of true virtue. He studiously avoided the negative method of imparting instruction; he refused to advertise evil. He was not even a moral reformer. He well knew, and so taught his apostles, that the sensual urges of mankind are not suppressed by either religious rebuke or legal prohibitions. His few denunciations were largely directed against pride, cruelty, oppression, and hypocrisy.

140:8.21 (1582.2) He refused to advertise evil.

Why are we spending so much time here on something negative? The list of things hypocritical, oppresive, and cruel is long. Why don't we look at the teachings of the UB and try to help each other discern better how to live correctly and set an example for our friends. Isn't that the most we can do? Live now as if already in heaven? Won't that cure all man's "ailments" eventually? Isn't it clear it's the only way?

It can only happen through one man and woman at a time - that's us. If we here in this forum pool our interest in the UB and support each other more, we might just push it all further ahead just a little bit, rather than argue about the current political muse of the day. There's enough bad news streaming out there. Let's make this a place for the good news.

140:8.21 (1582.2) He refused to advertise evil.

Why are we spending so much time here on something negative? The list of things hypocritical, oppresive, and cruel is long. Why don't we look at the teachings of the UB and try to help each other discern better how to live correctly and set an example for our friends. Isn't that the most we can do? Live now as if already in heaven? Won't that cure all man's "ailments" eventually? Isn't it clear it's the only way?

It can only happen through one man and woman at a time - that's us. If we here in this forum pool our interest in the UB and support each other more, we might just push it all further ahead just a little bit, rather than argue about the current political muse of the day. There's enough bad news streaming out there. Let's make this a place for the good news.

OK