Thank you Rexford for clarifying this about written records.
Rexford wrote:
Jesus' apostles did not have the same mandate as he. They were free to write, but some tried to imitate Jesus and therefore refrained from writing or reproducing their writing.
I assume that those celestial authors are were also free to write the papers of Urantia, but were they specifically sanctioned by Michael? I have not found any evidence of this in the papers themselves.
Rexford wrote:
Words eventually became fetishes, more especially those which were regarded as God's words; in this way the sacred books of many religions have become fetishistic prisons incarcerating the spiritual imagination of man. 88:2:6
Has TUB become the sacred book of the Jesusonians?
Rexford wrote:
Modern respect for wisdom and truth is but the recent escape from the fetish-making tendency up to the higher levels of thinking and reasoning. Concerning the accumulated fetish writings which various religionists hold as sacred books, it is not only believed that what is in the book is true, but also that every truth is contained in the book. 88:2:7
Perhaps not infallible seeing as the Papers themselves state as much, and perhaps not complete in containing every truth, but to some replete as to its truth content. Yet to some students of TUB, a quote from the papers is to be taken for absolute truth. This is so believed even though it is clear that many of the authors are far from perfect beings.
Rexford wrote:
Knowing how his Master so scrupulously avoided leaving written records behind him, Andrew steadfastly refused to multiply copies of his written narrative. A similar attitude on the part of the other apostles of Jesus greatly delayed the writing of the Gospels. 121:0:1
And Bible fundamentalists have certainly proclaimed every word of that book to be regarded as God's words. Who here on this forum has claimed to be a Urantia book fundamentalist?
fanofVan wrote:
The decision to not leave any form of "relics" by Jesus was made by Michael prior to his bestowal and Jesus remembered or was reminded during the 40 day sojourn in the Perean Hills. I am unable to document ANY such instructions TO the apostles. Please post or reference that text you mention above.
Perhaps not in words, Brad, but in deeds. Did not the Master say to all of his disciples, "follow me"? This was his command to those that would drink the cup with him. For those that cannot understand, this means, do as I do. I understand that you, Brad, are very respectful of documents and documentation, but actions speak louder than words, and words speak louder that written documents.
Rexford wrote:
And what a glorious malady it is, don't you think? I've never been so happy. If this is a sickness, then all I can do is thank God for it and hope it spreads.
I see that both of you are happy and self satisfied.
Rexford wrote:
I also want to say to you Brad, that I truly appreciate your stamina and courage in fighting the good fight of faith. Your ability to stay the course in the face of slings and arrows is commendable and inspiring. Stay true to your heart good fellow, stay true. Feast upon uncertainty, fatten upon disappointment, enthuse over defeat, invigorate in the presence of difficulties, exhibit indomitable courage and unconquerable faith when challenged with the inexplicable, and stay true to your faith in God.
It is very nice to get such a pep talk when faced with such formidable slings and arrows. You flatter me Rexford. You must think that I have gotten under Bradly's skin. You must think him uncertain, disappointed, and defeated. If I challenge either of you in inexplicable ways, it is for both of you to figure out. It is clear that neither of you challenge each other, as you both go down the primrose path unchallenged. Please try and figure out what I am saying to you.