Rules for Engaging Spiritual Discussions via Social Media – short

(Abbreviated version)

Introduction

It is understood that discussions on Urantia Association International’s Social Media are open to all manner of cosmological, philosophical and religious thoughts relating directly to the Fifth Epochal Revelation. The Urantia Book is the focus for these discussions.

The guidelines presented here are the rules and principles that provide guidance for socially accepted interactions and behavior as per the concepts in the Urantia Papers.

For more details download the full version of this manual from here:
http://urantia-association.org/2016/02/01/guidelines-social-media-discussions 

Mission

As Urantia Association International’s mission is to foster the study of The Urantia Book and to disseminate its teachings, our purpose as faith sons of our Heavenly Father, is to keep The Urantia Book on the top shelf of human thought by engaging in discussion on the uplifting truths contained in the book.

The aim of this site is for participants to be exposed to the truths contained in The Urantia Book by providing an arena for the free expression of philosophic ideas concerning the Fifth Epochal Revelation to our planet. 

Guidelines

Jesus’ commandments are the guidelines for Spiritual Discussions on Urantia Association International’s social media sites:

  1. The Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of all men and women.
  2. Love God with all your heart, mind, strength, and your neighbors as yourself.
  3. Love one another, even though we may not necessarily think alike, or always accept what others do.
  4. Treat others with your highest concepts of Truth, Beauty and Goodness.
  5. Be tolerant, long suffering, and be quick to forgive while exchanging with your fellows. 

Content

Short, concise three or four sentence posts are found to be read more and are preferred over lengthy multiple-paragraph quotes. References are required for validation.

Personal experiences are more dynamic and invigorating than long strings of quotes, paragraph after paragraph. Long posts and comments are passed over, and many are not even read! 

The Five Content Rules

  1. Use TRUE Words

When posting a quote, no matter the source, it is up to the poster to ascertain that it is exactly correct. All quotes should be clearly differentiated from any and all personal comments, opinions or additions.

  1. Use BEAUTIFUL Words.

Truth Beauty and Goodness are the hallmarks of good religious discussions.

  1. Use GOOD Words

Profanity is a lazy mind trying to express itself forcefully.

  1. Use INSPIRING Words

Any disagreements shall be only over concepts and ideas that individuals find in the Urantia Papers. If a discussion becomes personal it shall be conducted in private, away from group discussion. There are many options to privately message, chat and even email personal conversations. Keep your spiritual discussions sweet and clean!

  1. Use KIND Words

Concepts and philosophies are fair game but personal assaults or attacks on another’s religious beliefs are unacceptable behavior on this site. 

Attitude

Individual spiritual participation with Jesus’ spirit is the only way such diverse free will mortals can engage in deep intellectual thinking without falling into disarray.

There are bound to be differences of opinion, because as spirit led sons of God, we are bound by spiritual unity, not uniformity of thought!

Rebellious assaults in any form are prohibited.

It is expected that participants will help in order to prevent disorder if this site is to persevere as a free arena for deep meaningful discussions. 

Corrective Actions

We must not take sides concerning disputes between participants. If sides are not taken by administrators or participants most serious disagreements dissipate.

Trusting that spiritual discussions will be self-regulating comes from the truths in the Papers.

The ideal is for the poster to remove their objectionable content.

Any actions agreed upon by the Administrator/Moderators must be presented to the offender as an opportunity to ‘self-correct’. Otherwise the Moderators reserve the right to remove any content deemed unproductive to the free flow of good ideas or that are seriously objectionable as per these rules and guidelines.