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6./ What is the attitude towards Christian traditions such as Christmas or the Easter Lent period?

6./ According to the 5th Epochal Revelation Papers, what is the attitude towards Christian traditions such as Christmas or the Easter Lent period?

According to The Urantia Book (the Fifth Epochal Revelation Papers), the text does not directly mandate, condemn, or extensively critique specific modern Christian traditions like Christmas, Easter, or the Lent period. Instead, it presents a neutral-to-positive view of such observances when they focus on appreciating Jesus' bestowal life, his teachings of the Father's love, spiritual reflection, and human brotherhood—while subordinating outward rituals to genuine inner faith and personal relationship with God.

The revelation's overall attitude toward religious traditions (including Christian ones) emphasizes:

• Jesus did not institute or require formal rituals, holidays, or liturgical seasons as essentials for spiritual progress or salvation. His gospel was about inner spiritual transformation—faith-sonship with God, love for others, and living the Father's will—rather than ceremonial observances (e.g., Papers 140, 141, 170, 195). He participated in Jewish customs (like Passover) but often reinterpreted or transcended them spiritually.
• Rituals and traditions can serve useful social and transitional purposes but become obstacles if they replace living faith or become rigid dogmas (Paper 195: After Pentecost critiques how Christianity evolved into a "new order of human society" with compromises on rituals, education, and more, diverging from Jesus' simple spiritual appeal).
• The book warns against "tradition-bound" religion that hinders advance of the real gospel (e.g., Paper 196 notes institutional Christianity as an "obstacle" if it prioritizes theology about Jesus over the religion of Jesus).

Regarding specific traditions:

• Christmas: The Urantia Papers state Jesus was born on August 21, 7 B.C. (during a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, not December; see Paper 122). December 25 is not his actual birthday. However, the revelation does not oppose celebrating a day honoring his birth. Many readers and Urantia communities observe Christmas as a time to give thanks for Michael's (Jesus') bestowal on Urantia, reflect on God's love revealed through his incarnation, and promote peace and goodwill—aligning with the spirit of "peace on earth, good will toward men." It is treated as a meaningful cultural and spiritual opportunity rather than a required holy day.
• Easter (and the resurrection): The book provides a detailed account of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection (Papers 187–193), portraying it as the triumphant transition from mortal to morontia life, confirming his divine sovereignty. Easter is implicitly positive as a commemoration of this event—the victory over death and the promise of eternal life. Readers often celebrate it by studying the resurrection narrative, reflecting on spiritual rebirth, and sharing in remembrance (e.g., communion-like acts with bread and juice). The focus is on the spiritual reality of resurrection and ascension, not on pagan-derived elements or strict liturgical forms.
• Lent (and related penitential periods): Lent is not mentioned or addressed directly. The revelation does not teach fasting, penance, or self-denial seasons as spiritual necessities. Jesus emphasized joyous sonship over sorrowful repentance rituals (e.g., contrasting John's baptism of repentance with the higher baptism of the Spirit). Practices like Lent could be viewed neutrally if they foster sincere reflection and growth, but the book prioritizes positive, faith-filled living over formalized periods of mourning or austerity for sin (sin is not emphasized as inherited guilt requiring seasonal penance; forgiveness comes through faith and Adjuster guidance).

In summary, the Fifth Epochal Revelation encourages focusing on the living teachings and personality of Jesus rather than inherited ecclesiastical traditions or dates. Holidays like Christmas and Easter can be valuable for celebration, gratitude, family, and spiritual remembrance when they point toward the truths of his life, death, resurrection, and the kingdom gospel—without becoming superstitious, obligatory, or divisive. The emphasis remains on personal spiritual experience over formalized religious customs.