Class #1008
A Study of the Foreword to The Urantia Book
NOT OPEN
About the Class
The Foreword defines the terms that form the basis for the revealed truths contained in subsequent papers. It is an invaluable study reference of cosmological and spiritual terms and concepts. We will survey these terms closely to build an understanding and comprehension that will greatly deepen our appreciation for the subsequent papers and stimulate more profound future studies. NOTE: The 9-week class will be offered over an 11-week period. It consists of two parts with a rest break in the middle. Part I is five weeks long, followed by a two-week break. Part II is four weeks long and immediately follows the two-week break. Students register once for the entire 9-week class.
Detailed Description Accepting our station as it is, the revelators nonetheless indited the book for our personal and planetary edification. And in turn, we accept the conditions that guided them in writing the papers and courageously setting them forth, doing our best to develop and expand our knowledge and understanding of these fundamental concepts. We note that the revelators tell us that the purpose of The Urantia Book is to “expand cosmic consciousness and enhance spiritual perception.” Indeed, movement towards the achievement of these will be one of our shared goals in this course. These are the points on our compass which lead us into productive reflection on the insights and personal questions gained from diligent study of the text. The Foreword does present many concepts that are difficult of human understanding. Nevertheless, we will valiantly take on the material, ask clarifying questions, and draw upon the assistance of our own “conspiracy of spiritual forces” to come away from each period of study with new insight and understanding. As noted, The Foreword also serves as a resource for future study, and as a reference guide when reading other papers as questions arise about the meanings of terms used in those papers.  Course Objectives By the end of this course, it is hoped that students who sincerely engaged in a study of the Foreword will be able to:
One of the goals for any in-depth study of The Urantia Book at UUI is for students to experience expanded cosmic consciousness and enhanced spiritual perception.
FAQ Can I audit this class? Due to the nature of the study, this class is open only to Participants and not to Auditors. Participants are expected to make an effort to complete the weekly reading and discussion questions and engage in the online webinars as often as possible.
Will I get a grade for this class? At this time, no grades are given for completing UUI classes. This class has been designed chiefly for personal enrichment. |
Word cloud of the Foreword
Recommended Background This course is intended for serious readers of The Urantia Book who are familiar with its advanced theology, cosmology, and conceptual framework. However, students of all levels may benefit from it.
After I enroll, what happens next?
Instructor: Michael Hill Michael has been reading and studying the Urantia Book since 1965 when he purchased his first edition off the shelf in a book store in Santa Monica. Its teachings have formed and continue to form the foundation of his life. He was active in the Urantia movement in the 70s, 80s and early 90s and gave several presentations at ICs and regional conferences during those years. He currently attends a study group in nearby Corvallis, OR, coordinates the Fellowship’s Inmate Correspondence Program and is chair of the Urantian Communities Northwest (UCNOW), a regional group serving the Urantia brotherhood in the Pacific Northwest. He has also other online Urantia Book courses. He was born and lived almost all of his life along Santa Monica Bay in California, where he played an active community role until he retired in 2010. He moved to Oregon where he and his partner of 32 years, Greg (also a reader), started a small, gentlemen’s farm off a gravel road, two miles outside of a town with a population of 164 (Alsea, OR), in the Coast Range of Oregon. They raise hay, berries (which they sell as jam at the local mercantile), fruits and the usual range of vegetables. He is a retired high school teacher, licensed Marriage and Family Counselor and Educational Consultant on Land Use. |
