Q: How do we know the cosmology of The Urantia Book is true? Also, should readers of the Book take it literally, or is there room for other interpretation? Do you believe everything in The Urantia Book to be literally true?

A: The cosmology of The Urantia Book is open to interpretation and change—the revelators tell us in no uncertain terms that the cosmology of the revelation is “not inspired.”

From “Limitations of Revelation:”

“Because your world is generally ignorant of origins, even of physical origins, it has appeared to be wise from time to time to provide instruction in cosmology. And always has this made trouble for the future. The laws of revelation hamper us greatly by their proscription of the impartation of unearned or premature knowledge. Any cosmology presented as a part of revealed religion is destined to be outgrown in a very short time. Accordingly, future students of such a revelation are tempted to discard any element of genuine religious truth it may contain because they discover errors on the face of the associated cosmologies therein presented.

“Mankind should understand that we who participate in the revelation of truth are very rigorously limited by the instructions of our superiors. We are not at liberty to anticipate the scientific discoveries of a thousand years. Revelators must act in accordance with the instructions which form a part of the revelation mandate. We see no way of overcoming this difficulty, either now or at any future time. We full well know that, while the historic facts and religious truths of this series of revelatory presentations will stand on the records of the ages to come, within a few short years many of our statements regarding the physical sciences will stand in need of revision in consequence of additional scientific developments and new discoveries. These new developments we even now foresee, but we are forbidden to include such humanly undiscovered facts in the revelatory records. Let it be made clear that revelations are not necessarily inspired. The cosmology of these revelations is not inspired. It is limited by our permission for the co-ordination and sorting of present-day knowledge. While divine or spiritual insight is a gift, human wisdom must evolve.”

I suggest that you read this entire section for further clarification. Just click on the link above.

As to your second question as to whether I believe everything in The Urantia Book to be literally true: I take what the revelators tell us literally—that is, that there are parts of the book that have to be taken with some reservation. What I DO know is true is what I have personally experienced as a result of putting into practice the advice and teachings of the book regarding my spiritual growth. Even if the cosmology is not inspired, the book’s teachings—and especially the teachings of Jesus—regarding the religion of personal spiritual experience should inspire any truthseeker to test the waters and use the teachings in their own life. This is the only way to prove to oneself whether the information is accurate or not.

Experience is always the best teacher and the best measure for what is true. I can’t make that determination for you or anyone else, but for me—I am satisfied that the advice and the revelation that I have personally received through the study of this book is workable, is able to be lived, and is true, good, and beautiful.

I have to add that The Urantia Book provides a framework and a universe-view that is unique—entirely unique. It is the most complete “big-picture” treatise on the universe, on our planet, and on the life and teachings of Jesus that I have ever seen. It provides a background of creation and our place in it that is—to me—entirely logical, intellectually stimulating and spiritually fulfilling. Its teachings cut through our animal legacy of superstition and fear, helping modern mankind to be raised to a new level of understanding and a higher form of spirituality.

The revelations concerning our long, long history and the impact of the four previous revelations of God to our planet—the problems and outcomes of these attempts of God to fellowship and gather us to himself—are some of the most interesting and revealing of the information within its pages. Set against this backdrop, we can see hope for the future through real solutions for humanity—the establishment of the Kingdom of God and the recognition of who we really are—the beloved spirit children of the loving heavenly Father, members of the worldwide brotherhood of man and holders of cosmic citizenship.

Knowledge really is power. The knowledge that we gain from reading and studying The Urantia Book has the potential to transform each of us into a force for positive change for our world.

I hope that this reply has been helpful to you. Thanks again for writing!