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 Affiliate Urantia Associations, or the editorial team of the Association’s Journal.

You can view the entire collection of issues in the archives. All issues before 2017 are downloadable PDF format.

The Journal is currently published in English  , French  and Spanish  . (There are some older issues that were published in Finnish .) You can view the French and Spanish Journals by clicking on the language choices in the pull down menu at the top of the page.

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Ways to Donate to Urantia Association International

Artist: Carlos Rubinsky

The world is changing fast and Urantia Association International is in a unique position to foster the Urantia revelation in so many ways. With localized teams in the form of associations springing up across the globe, we are ready to help anyone, anywhere, to study and spread the teachings that we all hold so dear.  

The Association has only one paid staff member to manage and coordinate our worldwide activities. All other services are rendered by devoted students who donate their time (and often their treasure) to the projects that help bring us closer to our heavenly Father. Thank you to our faithful volunteers and donors!  

Here is a selection of ways to donate to Urantia Association: 

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From the Editor

Two thousand years ago, Jesus delivered his Urmia lectures. His Caspian Sea caravan journey began April 1, 24 A.D. and he was back in Capernaum a “full year” later, so these lectures probably occurred in early 25 A.D.

I realized this coincidence after we had gathered the articles you see here. With that in mind, it’s certainly fitting to publish this special edition of the Journal. And these lectures are contemplated and honored in almost every article.

The original impetus in publishing this edition is our current political environment, which is not just a United States phenomenon but a world-wide one.

When pondering government and politics in The Urantia Book, it is tempting to jump right into our current state of affairs. But our bigger motivation with this issue of the Journal is to start a conversation about what the revelators say to us about government and politics––and it’s a lot. World government, democracy, military preparedness, diplomacy, industrial fairness––multiple topics that dominate our newsfeeds and our social media posts, are conveyed with wisdom, insight, and sobriety. No traditional religious text does this. No religious text engages in the objective and relevant analysis of these subjects as we find in The Urantia Book, nor do they encompass these human concerns with the profound spirituality of the book. It’s a tremendous gift.

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Mastering The Millennium

Mastering the Millenium

The revelators who gave us The Urantia Book were not free to improvise or extemporize when they called for human beings living on Urantia to establish a world government, or in any other context. Instead, the revelators had received strict instructions telling them what they must explain and must not reveal:

It is exceedingly difficult to present enlarged concepts and advanced truth, in our endeavor to expand cosmic consciousness and enhance spiritual perception, when we are restricted to the use of a circumscribed language of the realm. But our mandate admonishes us to make every effort to convey our meanings by using the word symbols of the English tongue. We have been instructed to introduce new terms only when the concept to be portrayed finds no terminology in English which can be employed to convey such a new concept partially or even with more or less distortion of meaning. 0:0.2 (1.2) emphasis added

The sixteenth proscription of the mandate authorizing these narratives says: “If deemed wise, the existence of the Architects of the Master Universe and their associates may be disclosed, but their origin, nature, and destiny may not be fully revealed.” 31:9.2 (351.3) emphasis added

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Render Unto the Supreme: How You and I Build Civilization

Aerial view of Hong Kong Downtown
Adobe Stock

Peril everywhere. At this moment of upheaval, in which our politics, culture, and environment approach an existential threat, The Urantia Book offers crucial perspectives on how we may proceed. Nevertheless, the revelation does not sugar-coat our current dilemma:

“Occidental civilization of the twentieth century groans wearily under the tremendous overload of luxury and the inordinate multiplication of human desires and longings. Modern society is enduring the strain of one of its most dangerous phases of far-flung inter association and highly complicated interdependence.” 68:2.5 (765.2)

We start by zooming out to the big picture context, locating where we are in the planetary ages. Then we explore the revelation’s guidance on civilization; how to best leverage our understanding and target our efforts to advance our beloved planet’s progression. We can glean guidance from “Government on a Neighboring Planet” and the “Garden” papers, especially on how to uplift our children’s education and home life. We conclude with how our inner work and outer service contribute to the evolution of the Supreme.

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The Upside Scenario—The Urmia Lectures on the Imperative of World Federation

Sunset over Lake Urmia
Sunset over Lake Urmia, Iran. (Adobe Stock Photo)

It’s hard to face. Horrific conventional wars and even genocides continue to blight our world, as does the threat of nuclear war among the great powers. As I write in 2024, humankind is far from abolishing the practice of war-making to settle political conflicts within or among nations. But those with faith in the future are called upon by the revelators, as we will see below, to envision something better. In 1966, Gene Rodenberry, thought to have been a student of the revelation, launched the TV series Star Trek that depicted an “Earth Federation” in our far future—a high-functioning world civilization ruled by a democratic global government. But today’s science-fiction authors and screenwriters too often resort to the flipside scenario, some gloomy version of a nightmarish future dystopia in which humankind has failed to solve its manifold challenges. These current writers along with today’s fashionable “doomers,” indulge in a faithless extension of our current planetary disorder into the far future. What portrayal will win out? And which scenario is consistent with the merciful plans of our Master Sovereign for his planet of nativity?

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Jesus: Government and Politics

The Urantia Book is a twentieth century text and as such, government, politics, and social issues play a significant role in the book’s overall presentation, including its 800-page narrative of the life and teachings of Jesus. We find frequent commentary attributed to Jesus on the role of government in society, and how a dedicated religionist should and should not encounter the political arena. Further, the very teachings of Jesus can inspire political action, and while Jesus personally avoided the political realm for reasons addressed below, there are values central to his teachings that can inform our government and politics.

The Urantia Book reveals Jesus of Nazareth as Michael of Nebadon, our Creator Son of an unfinished local universe that currently consists of nearly four million inhabited worlds similar to ours. This fact is central to understanding his behavior and mission while on earth, particularly in his relationship with earthly politics and government.

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Utopia As Certainty

Going through a portal to another world.
Adobe Stock

For centuries, many have imagined a better world. Thomas More (16th century English jurist, philosopher and theologian) coined the term utopia (meaning, etymologically, “nowhere”) to speak of an ideal society, back in 1516. Since then, there have been many attempts to imagine perfect societies where peace and harmony reign, and where human beings develop their full potential.

Front Page of Thomas More's Utopia 1518
Thomas More’s “Utopia,” 1518

And it is here that The Urantia Book fills us with hope as the revelators affirm that utopia is not only something unattainable but is part of our planetary destiny, and a certain goal in the planetary epochs of mortals. Further, it offers brilliant reflections on the state, democracy, and other human institutions, as well as recommendations for their improvement that are feasible if there is the will to implement them.

To review how we can approach “utopia” in light of Urantia Book teachings, I structure this essay in three parts:

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Seven Key Concepts of Political Leadership in the Context of The Urantia Book

Political Leadership

Leadership today is often political and governmental leadership.

…until man evolves to higher levels, civilization will continue to be dependent on wise and vigorous leadership. 81:6.37 (911.2)

While considering how The Urantia Book defines and frames leadership, I discovered an interesting text that has been used for decades in schools in the United Kingdom: Understanding Political Ideas and Movements by Kevin Harrison and Tony Boyd (2003).

The seven headings in this article are the first seven chapters of their textbook, which provides a structure for delineating key ideas from The Urantia Book about political leadership and how political discourse is organized.

As Urantia Book believers, we look to a time when political leaders will be deeply inspired by the ideas and ideals of The Urantia Book. By focusing on the basic concepts around which political discourse is structured, I compare current ideas of political leadership with concepts from the book.

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President’s Message – September 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We are approaching an important moment for our Association team. This is an opportunity for all those who wish to make a difference in the work of spreading the Kingdom of God and serving our brothers and sisters. In our daily lives, many of us have ideas and motivation to serve our Father and often do not know how to implement everything we would like to see happen. Many of us would like to be in the presence of Jesus and hear from him the famous “Follow me.” If you have the courage, the drive, and the desire to answer that call, this is one of your opportunities to do so.

…go you now into all the world preaching this gospel of the kingdom of heaven to all men. Love all men as I have loved you; serve your fellow mortals as I have served you. Freely you have received, freely give. (2053.1) 193:0.5

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Serving the Revelation

Upcoming Elections

Urantia Association International is a grassroots volunteer organization. The Association would not exist without devoted members who step forward to do the important work of keeping the organization healthy and productive. The more volunteers we have the lighter the load for everyone. That’s what teamwork is all about: sharing the load. And by getting involved you can help make our mission of fostering study of The Urantia Book and disseminating its teachings a reality.

Every two years the International Representative Council holds elections to select volunteers to serve as officers and members on the International Service Board (ISB). If you are a full member of the Association, volunteering on the international level is a wonderful opportunity to put your talents and expertise to good use, to learn new skills and to be an important part of helping accomplish our mission.

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The Urantia Movement in Estonia

The First Urantia Book in Estonia

In the early 1970s, thanks to Finnish readers, the first two copies of The Urantia Book arrived in Estonia. In 1985, the Eduard Nurja spiritual group initiated a translation to Estonian (Eesti). In two years, the draft was ready and 50 to 100 copies were printed for people to peruse.

In 1991, Peep Sõber started a second Estonian translation with a professional translator. He had a strong conviction that our small nation of a million inhabitants needed a new translation. And this was supported by both Finns and Estonians.

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Educational Webinars and Workshops

A man standing in front of a sunset, the cover of The Urantia Book, and the words Join Our Live Webinar

The Association’s Education Committee organizes and hosts workshops and webinars on Zoom. Last year they held seventeen! Have you attended? We hope you will join in the inspiring gatherings hosted by Jeannie Vázquez, your Education Committee Chair, and the dedicated volunteers who assist Jeannie.

Here is an example of what you don’t want to miss:

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Summer Study Session Recap

From August 24th to 26th, the Summer Study Session of The Urantia Book Fellowship took place at the beautiful Unity Village Conference Center in Kansas City. The theme of the conference, “Igniting the Word,” truly sparked within us, the participants, a powerful desire to share the teachings with the world.

Over 160 attendees joined this inspiring event, which focused on not only how we can share the Word but also on how we can prepare ourselves for this important mission. The conference was well-organized, drawing participants from various countries.

The presentations and workshops were insightful and well-executed. However, the most impactful takeaway for me was the profound manifestation of brotherly love shared by everyone throughout the three-day gathering.

Great Britain & Ireland Summer Retreat 2024

The Overcontrol of Evolution

25 – 27 October 2024

Our British readers’ summer retreat is a little later in the year this year than in previous years – from 25 to 27 October. Our venue this year the Ammerdown Retreat Centre near Radstock, Somerset, a place that offers us “hospitality, peace and reconciliation”. As usual, we’ll be gathering from Friday afternoon to Sunday lunchtime, and we have a full programme planned – but with time out for relaxation and socialising too. You can view the venue on-line at www.ammerdown.org

Radstock is a small market town in Somerset in the west of England. Access by public transport is best made by train to Bath Spa (from Paddington in London) and from there by regular bus service from Bath to Radstock. (As we are going to be there from Friday to Sunday, we need to consult the Sunday bus timetable back to Bath.) By air, the nearest airport is Bristol. If anyone is travelling there, I will find out the best public transport connections to Radstock. Taxis are also available, and our hosts have given me the contact details of taxi companies. Ammerdown Park is situated on the outskirts of Radstock. 

See the Programme at the end of this announcement.

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President’s Message

Dear Brothers and Sisters

Reading about Jesus’ journey back from Rome with Gonod and Ganid, papers 133:4.1 up to 133:4.12, Jesus meets several people, professionals in different areas of human activity or work and advises them on how they should carry out their daily work to reveal God and do his will. Perhaps, in these papers what Jesus is telling us is that always, in whatever activity or occupation we have, we can minister God to the people around us, revealing truth, goodness, beauty, justice and righteousness.

One passage caught my attention and caused me deep reflection, and that was precisely Jesus’ conversation with the owner of a Greek inn to whom he said:

To the mistress of the Greek inn he said: “Minister your hospitality as one who entertains the children of the Most High. Elevate the drudgery of your daily toil to the high levels of a fine art through the increasing realization that you minister to God in the persons whom he indwells by his spirit which has descended to live within the hearts of men, thereby seeking to transform their minds and lead their souls to the knowledge of the Paradise Father of all these bestowed gifts of the divine spirit. 133:4.8 (1475.1) [emphasis added]

Each one of us is an inn. We host God himself within us. Could we have a more illustrious or important guest? Some Most High guest?

He is a permanent guest in our inn and while being there, we are constantly receiving the spiritual nourishment we need to ensure our survival. Imagine if you had an inn and didn’t receive guests. How long would your business survive? We must serve this guest with all honor, with all love, with the desire to always do his will, in the certainty that by doing so we will keep him with us infinitely.

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The Importance of Organizational Unity

Many students of the revelation, as well as our members, may wonder why the unification of Urantia Association International and the Urantia Book Fellowship is important. A recent survey conducted by Urantia Association revealed that an overwhelming majority—92.3% of respondents—favor unity. While many of us pray for unity within the Urantia movement, we may not fully understand what this unity will require from each of us, and from the two organizations involved in this unification process.

Unity is not merely a matter of concern for the welfare of the organizations involved; it significantly impacts the mission of the revelation to the world. Why is this the case? To answer this, we must ask ourselves the right questions. Consider what the young Jesus pondered when faced with important decisions: “As the years passed, this young carpenter of Nazareth increasingly measured every institution of society and every usage of religion by the unvarying test: What does it do for the human soul? Does it bring God to man? Does it bring man to God?”

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Update on Unity Initiative

For several years, Sue Seccombe, President of the Fellowship, has been in discussion with our President, Enrique Traver, about ways the Association and Fellowship could collaborate. In October 2023, the Fellowship General Council approved a resolution establishing a “Unity Committee” to explore and make recommendations regarding “details and options … of steps toward unity between [our] two organizations.”  The Fellowship selected their Unity Committee members which were approved at their February 2024 General Council meeting.

In February, the Association approved the chartering of a Special Unity Committee granting authority to pursue discussions with the Fellowship towards unifying our two organizations. Our Unity Committee members are Gaétan Charland (Canada), Committee Chair, Michael Zehr (USA), Andrés Rodriquez (Colombia), Chris Moseley (UK), Susan Owen (USA). This committee met on April 29th to get to know each other and discuss the benefits and challenges of unity with the Fellowship. A second meeting was held May 15th to get acquainted further and discuss expectations for this endeavor.

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Retrospective on the 2024 International Conference

Come with me, I’ll take you to Urantia Association’s 12th International Conference 2024 Nature and Nurture of the Soul held from Friday, March 29 to Sunday, March 31, 2024, at the Maritime Conference Center in Baltimore City, USA.

A superb, comfortably appointed center, with indoor pool, 232 rooms, 55 meeting rooms and an auditorium that can accommodate over 350 people.

The name Maritime, referring to all that is nautical, has inspired more than one reader on the following quote from The Urantia Book:

The mind is your ship, the Adjuster is your pilot, the human will is the captain. The master of the mortal vessel should have the wisdom to trust the divine pilot to lead the ascending soul into the morontia havens of eternal survival. 111:1.9 (1217.4)

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Baltimore Children and Teen Program

The Children and Teen Program at Urantia Association’s Baltimore Conference provided kids with a space to play, make friends, and learn about Urantia teachings. Sixteen kids were put into two different mixed-age groups and moved through activities in the Hometown Nazareth curriculum, a Vacation Bible School curriculum made by Group (group.com). This curriculum was adapted by Urantia Book readers for Urantia kids, and it helped pave the way for the volunteers to talk about Jesus as our earthly brother, and as Michael our Creator Son. It provided fun music videos, Nazareth-themed activities and crafts, stimulating decor, and verbal prompts that the volunteers used for starting conversations. The volunteers thoroughly adopted the spirit of the program. They very often dressed as residents of Nazareth. They could be heard talking about the times that Jesus lived in, Jesus’ childhood, and when opportunities presented themselves, volunteers segued from talking about Jesus to things like Michael and the Mother Spirit, the meaning of “morontia,” and the spirit of service.

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