Urantia Association International Journal May 2022
The Hazards of a Decimal Planet
We know from the revelators that our beloved blue planet is a decimal planet [58:0.1]. This means that on every tenth planet where the Life Carriers implant life, it undergoes new mechanical, chemical, and electrical mobilization patterns [57:8.8], that is, new life forms to develop possible improvements.
The Failures
Since we live in an experiential universe that is not yet perfect, failures in attempts to improve life are possible. Among the failures that have occurred on Urantia, we can mention certain bacteria and fungi. The former have changed since the earliest dawn of life and even show some degree of regression. In the case of fungi, many of them show a retrograde movement because they have lost their ability to produce chlorophyll and have become parasitic [65:2.3].
The amoeba and its protozoan cousins have remained almost unchanged since the beginning of life and are considered a failure by the Life Carriers for not having evolved [65:2.4].
Single-celled animals of primitive types associated themselves in colonies, such as the volvox, and later the jellyfish. Thousands of species appeared and disappeared during these ancient ages. All these specimens were nonprogressive. Even the fish family, animals from the evolutionary point of view, remained stationary [65:2.5].
From the fishes arose the frog and the salamander. The frog inaugurated the series of differentiations that would later culminate in the appearance of man, but it failed to progress and remains stationary today [65:2.7].
Frogs gave rise to reptiles, almost extinct today, but also to birds and mammals [65:2.8]. The kingdom of reptiles, descended from the frog family, is today represented by four surviving divisions: two nonprogressive, snakes and lizards, together with their cousins, alligators and turtles; one partially progressive, the bird family, and the fourth, the ancestors of mammals and the direct line of descent of the human species. [65:2.10].
Around 140 million years ago, mammals without placentas appeared. They represented an experimental effort to improve the mammalian types, but they ultimately proved to be a failure [60:1.11].
In the final analysis, fourteen phyla [evolutionary series of forms] appeared on Urantia, the last of which was the fish. Since the birds and mammals, no new class has developed [65:2.11].
Of the three original life implants, that of the eastern group lacked the capacity to attain the prehuman status of intelligence due to losses of the highest types of its germ plasm, so the Life Carriers manipulated the surrounding environment to circumscribe these unfit lines until they were totally eliminated [65:2.13 and 14].
One hundred and ten million years ago, under tremendous pressure from carnivorous dinosaurs, two species took refuge in the sea to survive. They represent a setback in evolution. Some lineages are stationary while others return to an earlier state, such as the sea snakes [60:2.10]. Two other lineages took refuge in the air. These flying pterosaurs failed to evolve as aerial navigators and became extinct [60:2.12].
The Accomplishments
From the frogs arose the reptiles, one of whose four branches mentioned earlier gave the ancestors of the mammals [65:2.10].
From an agile little carnivorous reptilian dinosaur with a relatively large brain arose the placental mammals. These new mammals developed rapidly in different ways to the modern forms, but also to marine types such as whales and seals, and to aerial types such as bats [65:2.12].
A great success was the chemical mechanism for the repair of injured cells and the multiplication of healthy cells [65:4.3 to 6].
Two other successes were the appearance of the Andonic race and the six Sangik races within one family [65:4.7]. The Andonic race represents the efforts of the Life Carriers to produce an early manifestation of the human will [65:4.11]. The second characteristic concerns the six races of color. Usually, they appear one by one from the prehuman forms over a long period of time, and it takes a long time for these prehumans to attain human will. On Urantia, human will has existed since the first two Andonites nearly a million years ago.
Among the accomplishments not specific to our planet, we may name the ability of plants to produce chlorophyll, and the transformation of the spore into a seed [65:6.3]. We may also point to the ability of iron to play the dual role of oxygen carrier and carbon dioxide eliminator in blood cells [65:6.4].
The Leading Thread of the Urantia Human Lineage
Of the three settlements of life 550 million years ago [58:4.2], only the central or Eurasian-African and the western including Greenland and the Americas effectively contributed to the emergence of mankind.
The primeval protoplasm [65:6.8] in the form of primitive marine algae [65:2.1] passed through a transitional form toward the border of animal life 450 million years ago [58:6.1 and 65:2.2]. Sponges are survivors of one of these types. Amoebae, a single-celled type of animal, are part of this early stage of animal life [59:1.1].
Four hundred million years ago the first multicellular animals appeared, the trilobites dominating the underwater world [59:1.4] shared by various crustaceans, their modern successors [59:2.10].
The arthropods, or crustaceans, were the ancestors of the first vertebrates [59:4.10]. Two of these evolved into what became the fishes, true vertebrates, about 250 million years ago [59:4.9]. From these arthropods came amphibians about 210 million years ago, which invaded the land. Among them were the frogs [59:5.6].
About 170 million years ago, pre-reptilian frogs appeared in Africa [59:6.8]. Then, 140 million years ago, true reptiles appeared [60:1.9]. Fifty million years ago, placental mammals appeared in North America, descending from a reptile ancestor, a small carnivorous dinosaur [61:1.2]. Thirty million years ago, in western North America, the ancestors of the ancient lemurs appeared [61:2.10]. These early lemur ancestors migrated across the Bering Bridge and along the southwestern coast of Asia, where they intermingled with the lineages of the central life group [62:1 and 65:2.15].
One million five hundred thousand years ago, the mammalian precursors of man arose from the descendants of the ancient lemurs [61:6.1 and 62:2]. Within their seventieth generation a new group sprang up, the intermediate mammals [61:6.1 and 62:3]. In their third vital mutation, these gave rise to the primates [61:6.1 and 62:4]. From the higher primates came the first two primitive human beings about 1 million years ago [61:6.1 and 62:5]. Then, 500,000 years ago, the six colored races emerged from the Andonic race [61:7.4 and 64:5-6]. To these seven human races must be added the Nodite [67:4.2 and 73:1] and Adamic [74:6.2] races. This is a quick summary of the thread leading to the appearance of man.
The Determinant that Reveals Failure or Success
For the Life Carriers, success or failure is a matter of one question: has the mechanism concerned adapted to its natural environment in a stable and viable manner while retaining its evolutionary power to adapt? An original gift of adaptation is included in every living organism; if this gift is lost, that organism will prove to be a failure [65:6.2]. With the climate changes we have recently experienced, many forms of life have already disappeared or are about to do so! The study of our planet’s history reveals more than one extinction of life mainly due to climatic changes.
Is the Fifth Epochal Revelation a Test?
Since we are a decimal planet, where new ideas can be tried to improve life for other planets, could it be possible that the fifth epochal revelation is also a test? Usually, on all normal planets in the course of physical, intellectual, and spiritual evolution, the revelation of the truth about the universe, its cosmology and the celestial hierarchy are proclaimed gradually within the progress of its cultural, social and religious advancement of its inhabitants’ (see Paper 52). So, since we are a very backward planet on the normal course of things, giving us this fifth revelation, which presents all or nearly all that the normal worlds have access to as they advance into the age of light and life, might be one more attempt by our revelators to see how we fare with all this knowledge! If it turns out that beings as primitive as we are, will manage to cope acceptably in the coming age, perhaps this knowledge will be spread more liberally to other spheres populating the cosmos!
Our planet has already benefited from more than one intervention outside the universal norms. In addition to being a decimal sphere [36:2.15]; we have had a peculiar nature of life patterns [65:7.3]; we have had a Melchizedek administration before the arrival of a Planetary Prince; then, the return of the Melchizedek administration after the failure of the Prince’s mission [67:6. 5]; again, the same scenario is repeated after the failure of the Adam and Eve mission, we were entitled to the return of the Melchizedek administration [75:5.8 and 93:0. 2]; we had an emergency mission with Machiventa Melchizedek [93:1.3]; in the sixth century B.C., an exceptional coordination of spiritual nature provided Urantia with an unusual presentation of religious truth in multiple forms [94:6. 1]; we had a bestowal Son long before the established normal order [see Paper 52]; we benefit from the administration of the group of twenty-four with its governor, present on Urantia [114:3.5]; finally, we have received The Urantia Book. Clearly, our planet is an excellent candidate for experimenting with new ways of expressing divinity!
Could it be that the great interest in studying our planetary history by cosmic students is linked, in addition to the bestowal of Michael of Nebadon, to these multiple departures from the generally accepted rule and the means undertaken to bring our poor blue planet back on the right path?
I leave you to meditate on this question!
Read more about Science & Cosmology, Evolution.
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Why Participate in a Study Group?
As a student of The Urantia Book and longtime host and member of study groups, I have always been more than interested in their value to the mission of The Urantia Book. I have throughout the years organized many activities to promote not only the creation of new study groups, but also to explore their purpose in the plan to disseminate the teachings of the book. I also believe that study groups are an ideal place to create new kinds of spiritual leaders and teachers who are in harmony with the teachings of Jesus.
In this article, I list some of the reasons why it is important for each reader to participate in a study group and what I believe is their mission, philosophy, and purpose. Together, we will explore the question: “Why should I participate in a study group?”
This question is quite legitimate, and I try to give a reasonable answer supported by The Urantia Book, particularly by the life of Jesus. I also draw from the guidelines issued by The Urantia Book revelators as stated in the Publication Mandate. I will also share with you many testimonies of study group hosts and their members who were deeply touched by their participation in a study group.
We all know that, after reading The Urantia Book, the complexity of the concepts stated, the depth and diversity of the truths revealed, and the language and words used to describe what is revealed can very often lead us to understand only a small part of what we have read. Because of all this complexity, if we are isolated in our study, it is easy to construct and crystallize an incomplete conception of the truths revealed in the book.
Many hosts and study group members have often found that some long-time readers who have not attended study groups have great difficulty integrating into a study group because of the crystallized understandings they have acquired over years of staggered reading in isolation, a situation aggravated by the lack of sharing with other readers. This is one of many reasons why it is important for readers to join a study group if they wish to deepen their understanding and participate in the mission of the revelation.
Association with other readers in the context of a study group protects us from the crystallization of concepts and perceptions, helps us to clarify, broaden, and deepen our understanding of the concepts and truths revealed in The Urantia Book. It stimulates the reader’s intellectual and spiritual growth, encourages the sharing and integration of spiritual truths, strengthens our faith and trust in a divine plan of eternal adventure, helps reduce confusion of ideas, encourages spiritual brotherhood, helps expand cosmic awareness, and enhances spiritual perception.
In the introduction to The Urantia Book, the revelators inform us about the state of our minds, and here is what a Divine Counselor tells us:
IN THE MINDS of the mortals of Urantia — that being the name of your world — there exists great confusion respecting the meaning of such terms as God, divinity, and deity. Human beings are still more confused and uncertain about the relationships of the divine personalities designated by these numerous appellations. [Foreword 0:0.1, page 1.1]
Who among us has not found it difficult to understand what this Divine Counselor was telling us in the Foreword of the book? Who among us, after several readings, still does not have some difficulty understanding certain concepts, let alone appropriating spiritual truths?
The revelators have also given certain guidelines to better supervise the wise and progressive dissemination of the revelation, here are two of the guidelines given in the Publication Mandate.
The book is being given to those who are ready for it long before the day of its world-wide mission. Thousands of study groups must be brought into existence and the book must be translated into many tongues. Thus, will the book be in readiness when the battle for man’s liberty is finally won and the world is once more made safe for the religion of Jesus and the freedom of mankind.
Thousands of study groups must be brought into existence
Why thousands of study groups? Almost all the world’s religions have used study groups for hundreds of years as an effective way to study and disseminate their teachings, and this is how they have been able to spread throughout the world with minimal obstacles of any kind. The revelators have certainly observed how the world religions have spread in our world and have suggested to us this way of doing things after having seen the effectiveness of this method of dissemination in our cultures.
Study groups are very easy to set up and offer a simple and progressive way of learning. They are a very wise strategy for disseminating the teachings of The Urantia Book without arousing resistance from various religious groups or political systems in many countries of the world. They integrate themselves well in any culture, are free, and do not require any special location to meet or need particular materials to attend; all that is needed is a book and the will to participate in a very important worldwide mission.
As readers, we have been offered a great opportunity, which is to participate in one of the most important planetary projects in existence today, but we also have a great responsibility to share what we have so generously received, and one way that is easily within our reach is to start a study group, or at least become one of its participants. We can hardly imagine and fully realize the spiritual benefits of such an action, or the positive influence that our participation in a study group can have on those around us. Too often we underestimate the consequences of our actions and the intellectual and spiritual influence the revelation has in our lives.
Here is what the revelators say:
(You) who have dedicated (your) lives to the service of the Book and the Brotherhood can little realize the import of (your) doings. (You) will doubtless live and die without fully realizing that (you) are participating in the birth of a new age of religion on this world. (Publication Mandate)
In the life of Jesus, we can see how he trained his apostles. If we take a close look, the method used for the training of the apostles was very much like that of a study group, where everyone, after the teaching of the Master, would meet in a group to discuss their understanding of the lessons received. All this was done in private under the supervision of Jesus and lasted for several years. And even after all these years of training and teaching by the Master, they still found it difficult to understand his teachings. So, imagine our situation, do we believe that studying alone in isolation will help us succeed in understanding what The Urantia Book is trying to teach us? I doubt it!
What readers say about their experiences in a study group
I have heard a multitude of testimonials from readers about the benefits of a study group, but to list them all here would take several pages of text. For the sake of brevity, I have selected and summarized some of these testimonials. Here is what they say:
The study group is one of the most precious moments of my week. It reconnects me with a fundamental reality, but so often eclipsed, veiled by the routine of daily activities. This fraternal meeting allows me to progress and maintain contact with the highest aspirations of my human life. It is a weekly meeting with my brothers and sisters in spirit with whom I walk, pray, and deepen my faith and my knowledge of spirituality. It is a great privilege to feel understood and supported by this brotherhood for which I feel a great attachment. The study group of The Urantia Book readers’ fellowship is for me like a spiritual bridge over space and time.
Since I read The Urantia Book, I know that God indwells me through the Thought Adjuster, but since I have been a diligent member of a study group, I now feel God’s presence in me and I live more and more according to his will.
The study groups have helped me to improve my understanding of the 5th Revelation. The reading of the texts and the exchanges between readers bring me light and guide me in my daily actions. The meetings each week are necessary appointments because by reading these texts and by uniting in the search to find God, they create a beautiful solidarity. This experience of fraternity encourages us to live it in our surroundings and through service.
Here are some other comments
- The study group helped me deepen my understanding of the teachings.
- It has made a significant difference in my life.
- It has changed my perceptions of The Urantia Book.
- It opened me to a better spirituality.
- It made me discover the book again.
- It has been an immense source of inspiration.
- It taught me the importance of brotherhood.
- I finally understood the scope of the message of the gospel of Jesus.
- I feel more and more like a son of God.
There are tremendous benefits to starting a study group or becoming one of its participants.
Mission, philosophy, and purpose of a study group
Many study groups in existence today, and those that will be formed in the future, can benefit from a more enlightened vision consistent with the mission of the revelation which is, in essence, the dissemination of the teachings of The Urantia Book. To be consistent with the book’s mission, every study group should be guided by the directives issued by the revelators, which are included in the Publication Mandate,
In a study group where the host knows the mission and purpose of the study groups, the approach of the group will certainly be more effective in achieving goals that will significantly contribute to the realization of the mission of the revelation. So, let’s take a closer look at the mission, philosophy, and purpose of study groups as they might be defined in accordance with the teachings of The Urantia Book and specifically in relation to the teachings of Jesus and the Publication Mandate.
Mission and philosophy
The mission of a study group in harmony with The Urantia Book, is to expand cosmic consciousness and enhance spiritual perception while bringing to life the Gospel of Jesus based on the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.
Philosophically and spiritually, study groups could be defined as a gathering of sons of God in association with the Spirit of Truth who unite in a sincere desire to study and bring to life the teachings of The Urantia Book. This teamwork is fostered by the Union of Souls [160:2.7]. By such teamwork, the teachings of The Urantia Book, and specifically the gospel of Jesus, will be effectively disseminated and will transform the world.
We need to remember that we are in a relationship with a revelation that is under Michael’s supervision. When we contribute to this revelation through study groups, and when we gather in a context of study and sharing, Michael is present among us. We could say that we are in a sacred space where the Spirit of Truth not only accompanies us but collaborates effectively with our divine Monitor to spiritualize us. It is also likely that celestial observers are watching us while our guardian angels rejoice in our association as potential sons of God.
A study group is much more than just a social gathering of readers who wish to fellowship and study with people of common interest. Not only does it have an intellectual nature, but also a spiritual dimension that goes far beyond our mortal understanding. Study groups have immense repercussions and influence not only for our family members but also our social and cultural environments. They are the light in the darkness of a materialist and secularist world. They are the support and the ally of the revelation to our planet while giving hope to future generations of religionists. They are the melting pot where the ambassadors of the spiritual brotherhood are formed.
Study group hosts are most likely to be under the supervision of the seraphic Religious Guardians [114:6.7]. Their contribution to the mission of the revelation is assuredly imbued with a sacred nature that is blessed by our planetary supervisors. Study group hosts and their members are associated with a revelation of truth that is part of the natural evolution of religion on this world. They are the quiet, patient leaders and supporters of the revelation who advance the truth in all areas of society.
In Paper 195 we are told:
The world needs to see Jesus living again on earth in the experience of spirit-born mortals who actually reveal the Master to all men. [Paper 195:10.1, page 2084.1]
Study Group Goals
Study groups are certainly an appropriate place to learn and practice this statement. Therefore, it is necessary that study group hosts have an effective and practical knowledge of the teachings of Jesus as described in The Urantia Book. The most important message Jesus left to his apostles and followers to free our world from the effects of Lucifer’s rebellion has been virtually replaced by another message that has focused on the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the atonement doctrine.
The message that makes up the essence of the Gospel of Jesus and that we need to bring to life today is the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. This is a simple but extremely powerful message when combined with a sincere desire to do God’s will and to be guided by the Spirit of Truth. Study groups can and should create an environment conducive to the study and practical acquisition of this truth.
Here is what the Publication Mandate tells us in this regard:
The future is not open to (your) mortal comprehension, but (you) will do well to diligently study the order, plan, and methods of progression as they were enacted in the earth life of Michael when the Word was made flesh. You are becoming actors in an ensuing episode when the Word is made Book. Great is the difference in these dispensations of religion, but many are the lessons which can be learned from a study of the former age.
(You) must again study the times of Jesus on earth. (You) must carefully take note of how the kingdom of heaven was inaugurated in the world. Did it evolve slowly and unfold naturally? Or did it come with a sudden show of force and with spectacular exhibition of power? Was it evolutionary or revolutionary?
In these two passages, reference is made to the life of Jesus, and they urge us to study in great detail the order, plan, and methods of progression as they were applied during Michael’s life on earth. They also invite us to study the time of Jesus and how he inaugurated the kingdom of heaven on this world.
The Publication Mandate goes even further by encouraging us to develop ways to train leaders and teachers. What better place than study groups to accomplish and achieve this important goal in concert with Urantia Book schools that have been created and made available to us.
By coordinating and organizing study groups with the goal of bringing the teachings of The Urantia Book to life, and to foster the training of teachers and leaders, we will provide a great service to the spiritual mission of the revelation and contribute to its success.
As a study group host, we have a responsibility to the revelation, so it is important to engage our group in a way that supports its mission. We need to deepen our knowledge of the pedagogy Jesus used when he taught not only his apostles but also the people he met on his travels. To be more effective in facilitating a study group, it is highly recommended that the host and the members of their group participate in courses that are currently available in various Urantia Book online schools.
We must remember, a study group is not just a social gathering where we simply read, but a place where we gather to study and learn how to bring the teachings of The Urantia Book to life. Imagine a world where many thousands of study groups all over this planet will one day permeate religions, society, philosophy, education, science, finance, industry, and politics with their spiritual and intellectual influence, then will the world be at the dawn of the Era of Light and Life.
I conclude by inviting you to meditate on these two quotes.
The call to the adventure of building a new and transformed human society by means of the spiritual rebirth of Jesus’s brotherhood of the kingdom should thrill all who believe in him as men have not been stirred since the days when they walked about on earth as his companions in the flesh. “[Paper 195:10.6, page 2084.6]
Religion does need new leaders, spiritual men and women who will dare to depend solely on Jesus and his incomparable teachings. “[Paper 195:9.4, page 2082.9]
I pray this article will help you to better understand the importance of the spiritual mission and purpose of study groups. Your continued contribution to the revelation as either a host or participant is of immense value to its success. Don’t wait for the perfect time to start one or to become a member of an existing group, the time is now!
Read more about Personal Testimonials, Study Groups, Teaching.
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About the Journal
The Journal is produced twice yearly and contains essays, articles and study aids by readers and for readers of The Urantia Book. Any interpretations, opinions, conclusions, or artistic representations, whether stated or implied, are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Urantia Association International, the National or Local Urantia Associations, or the editorial team of the Association’s Journal.
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- Chief Editor: Mark Blackham
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Please follow these citation guidelines when quoting from The Urantia Book.
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Block quotes are displayed as a separate paragraph, which can be a complete paragraph from the book or any portion thereof. They do not require quotation marks. Block quotes use the citation format shown below, where the first set of numbers refers to paper, section, and paragraph, and the second set refers to the page and paragraph of the editions of The Urantia Book as published by Urantia Foundation. Please note the punctuation.
The Universal Father is the God of all creation, the First Source and Center of all things and beings. First think of God as a creator, then as a controller, and lastly as an infinite upholder. [Paper 1:0.1, page 21.1]
If you wish to emphasize words that are not already emphasized in The Urantia Book, add “emphasis added” at the end of the page reference.
First think of God as a creator, then as a controller, and lastly as an infinite upholder. [Paper 1:0.1, page 21.1 emphasis added]
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Run-in quotes form an integral part of your own paragraph. These quotes are in italics and put within quotation marks but require only a short form citation including paper, section, and paragraph. Notice that the citation is included as a part of the quote with the period (full stop) following the quote.
The Urantia Book starts out with a positive assumption, “The Universal Father is the God of all creation” [1:0.1]. No arguments are presented to prove the reality of God. Jesus pursued this same method—he seemed to take it for granted that people believed in God.
Any run-in quote exceeding four lines should be separated out as a block quote. And similar to block quotes, any emphasis added to a run-in quote requires adding “emphasis added” to the citation.
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If you paraphrase a quote, or derive information from any paragraph, use the same run-in quotation style.
The Universal Father is portrayed in The Urantia Book as a creator, controller and upholder [1:0.1].
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If you use quotes from, or make references to, other works, please include a citation in order to avoid plagiarism.
In these cases, mention Author, Title, and Year, either in the text or immediately following a quote. Alternatively, include the citation as a numbered footnote.
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Please limit the size of your submission to 3,000 words or less. We encourage you to use your own words as much as possible and to avoid overusing quotes from the book. Direct quotations are more effective if they are used sparingly and for emphasis.
We always welcome articles about personal spiritual experiences as well as those with fresh insights and new perspectives. Also of interest are thematic studies and articles that compare, evaluate, or integrate academic research (scientific, social, religious, or otherwise) with the teachings of The Urantia Book.
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