Lesson Two - Universal Life Church Religon Course

Lesson 2

 

First, I will begin this statement saying that I don't argue of the words of God, but I like enlighten my education on a discussion or a debate to enhance my religious teaching and learning. I think the Ten Commandments should be left alone and taken as it replies to each religion.

To establish an arguments for a specific version of the Ten Commandments using the version you decide to make yours. I would have to say that the argumentation based on my observations is that through translation many of the commandments have been altered and further emphasized to not only provide clarity of scripture, but to provide the reader with a better knowledge of what the scriptures are telling us. Therefore, I would add, there are many discrepancies over this topic, but I prefer the Protestant version of them as opposed to the others, as they seem to be more understandable for me. However, this does not necessarily make one right or wrong in my opinion, it merely adds emphasis.

Rev. JAMES  BLAMPIED

Lesson One by Rev. Blampied - ULC

Lesson 1

 

1. Create a list of arguments why the Bible reflects the true word of God the Almighty.

a. The Bible is considered the true word of God almighty because it says so in the Bible.

 For example, in 2 Tim. 3:16-17, it is stated, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

b. The Bible shows that it is the true word of God because of the power it possesses.

 For example, in Heb. 4:12, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any double-edged sword piercing even to dividing asunder soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

c. The Bible reflects that it is the true word of God because it prophesized the coming of Jesus before he was born.

 

2. Explain the differences between Translations and Paraphrases.

a. A translation of the Bible will stay as closely as possible to the phrasing and word choice of the original. This is difficult because not all languages will have the same words in their vocabulary. However, a proper translation will attempt to use the same words every time it appears in the original, so that the reader can approximate the word choice of the original texts.

b. A paraphrased Bible does not try to depict every word into the new language but to provide the sense of the original version. It may rearrange verses, add or subtract words that may hinder the actual meaning.

 

Rev. JAMES  BLAMPIED

Master of Religion Essay

The Masters of Religion course was interesting in the information that Dr. Fuchs selected.  The course is actually on just one religion, Christianity, and of that he only goes into detail regarding the beliefs he considers to be legitimately Christian.  He shows a definite bias against Catholicism, Lutherans, and other Christian churches, especially the newer ones.  Dr. Fuchs doesn't adequately go into the fact that what he declares as Christian is just a certain type of Christianity, so that could be confusing for those who have studied little to no Christianity.  Dr. Fuchs' opinions are very strong, particularly regarding the Catholic church, freely ascribing negative motives to some of their practices and translations to accuse them of idol worship, deception, perfidy and fraud.  By the second lesson, his bias is crystal clear.

What was positive about the course was his listing of missing books and letters that are mentioned in scripture.  It didn't bode well for his claim that the Bible was the inspired Word of God if one was to believe that so many alterations and deletions were made to the canon of scriptures.  However, he maintained that half a Bible is better than no Bible, and insisted that what remained was God's Word.  

I had to smile at the beginning of Lesson 5.  Dr. Fuchs states, "You need to possess a Bible in order to find the Truth and to confirm your belief."  This was obviously not the case for the earliest Christians who were the ones, in the end, devout to the point of torture through Roman persecution.  I personally think that the early martyrs make a good case that one can be a devout Christian and not possess a Bible.  It's unlikely in our society where Bibles are easily accessed, to find a Christian without a Bible.  However, its necessity to find the Truth or to confirm ones belief is not necessary.  Missionaries throughout the history of Christianity have taken the message of Christ to primitive cultures that were illiterate.  The basics of the religion, that we have sinned, that Christ died to pay for our sins and redeem us, that He provides the bridge by which we may directly communicate with God, and through our love for Him we can lead righteous and loving lives washed anew and freed from sin that separated us from God is not really complicated.  Meditating on God can be done without scriptures, without churches, and without ministers.  

There are some absolutes in his descriptions of sacraments that would not be agreed upon in all churches.  For instance, he taught that children could not receive communion under the age of 14.  That might be true in his church, but that certainly is not the practice in most of the churches I have attended over the years.  His description of the sacraments, priesthood, divorce, etc. seem to be an amalgamation of his personal beliefs and experience. They did not appear to consistently follow any specific, established theology.

Towards the end of the class, some haphazard and disputable historical information by Dr. Fuchs and a co-writer are presented.  His co-writer, Patrick Schwab also contributes a choppy retelling of aspects of the New Testament with devotional-esque tie-ins.  At the end, denominations are very loosely covered, mostly to point out what his particular beliefs are regarding them, with a negative take on Catholics, Lutherans, Mormons, and Jehovah's Witnesses.  None of the denominations are described in a descriptive or complete way, except as the contrast to what he believes would be a true way of being Christian.   

Master of Religion Degree by Rev. Featherstone - ULC Church

 Final Essay on the Master of Religion

Rev Michael

 

     The Master of Religion course was lesson filled and exercised reading to provide an overall instruction from the beginning of Bible Basics and ending with Government and Church.

     The King James Version of the Bible ranks as one of the greatest achievements of the English-speaking peoples-and one of the classics of world literature.  For too long, however, it has been all but inaccessible to even the most devoted reader.  Yet no education is complete without an appreciation of its timeless language and timeless message.  The Bible can be read as a book that gives you direction and a blue print to lead a life of productive relationships that help us to grow in spirit and truth.  Truth is true whether you believe it or not.  Truth does not require belief in order to be true, but it does deserve to be believed.

     The Old Testament is reliable according to Jesus, because it was God's specific revelation of Himself, and as such, it was only through the Old Testament that they could correctly perceive God, the world around them, and most importantly, Jesus Himself.  The framework of the Old Testament was absolutely essential for understanding Jesus and His teaching, life, and death shed great light on the Old Testament.   The first five books of the Bible, all attributed to Moses, comprise "The Law".  The second section is "The Prophets". This section documents the lives of the prophets and their message.  The third section is called "The Writings".  Wisdom literature, songs, and miscellaneous stories are found in this section.

     The New Testament records the teachings and events that are the foundation of Christianity. Of any ancient source, they contain by far the greatest amount of information about Jesus and the people that He charged with spreading His message. These writings make both assumptions and overt claims about the world and why it is the way it is.  They provide a unique perspective on what human beings are, why they are that way, and two potential destinies-eternal lives or eternal death.  The New Testament writings describe a fallen world whose inhabitants have rebelled against the purpose for which they were made.  They also prescribe a solution to remedy that problem- the person and work of Jesus, the Messiah.  If we were to take it seriously, the New Testament can surely touch every area of our lives and cause us to make a radical shift in how we view the world and ourselves.

     The effectual fervent prayer of what does it means to be or not to be Non-Denomination?  There was one that was mention in the Bible that could claim to be John the Baptist.  Amen.  To be non-denominational or undenominational means to follow after Christ and His words. "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him".  Thus, if one strives to be non-denominational, one would seek the approval of Christ.  This makes sense, in light of the fact, that it is Christ who saves.  To be non-denominational in worship means to practice what Christ has spoken in the New Testament. In John 4:24, Jesus teaches us that "God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth". Additions to the worship service of God would make the assembly denominational in nature.  Why? Because the people would be following after their interests or beliefs, instead of the words of Christ.  To be non-denominational would involve the people being one, as Jesus prayed, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word: That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me". (John 17:20-21)

     In conclusion, the course covered many discourses that religion would attempt to master without being overtaken by personal sect that one regarded as extreme or heretical.  Marriage, Family and Tithing all pull together to bring good work to the church to help our youth, the homeless, social awareness in the community, schools, husbands and wives, and to provide care for those who are less fortunate.  How important that we speak only those things that will give spiritual strength and life!  Angels are listening to hear what kind of report you are bearing to the world about your heavenly Master.  Let your conversation be of him who liveth to make intercession for you before the father.  When you take the hand of a friend, let praise to God be on your lips and in your heart.  This will attract his thoughts to Jesus.

     All have trials; grief's hard to bear, temptations hard to resist, but carry everything to God in prayer.  Make it a rule never to utter one word of doubt or discouragement.  You can do much to brighten the life of others and strengthen their efforts, by words of hope and holy cheer.

                                                                       Prepared: By Rev. Michael Featherstone