Changes

==PAPER 95: THE MELCHIZEDEK TEACHINGS IN THE LEVANT==   

==PAPER 95: THE MELCHIZEDEK TEACHINGS IN THE LEVANT==   

95:0.1 As [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_India India] gave rise to many of the [[religions]] and [[philosophies]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asia eastern Asia], so the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant] was the homeland of the [[faiths]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occidental world]. The [[Salem]] missionaries spread out all over [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Asia southwestern Asia], through [[Palestine]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt Egypt], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran Iran], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabia Arabia], everywhere [[proclaiming]] the good news of the gospel of [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]]. In some of these lands their teachings bore fruit; in others they met with varying success. Sometimes their failures were due to lack of [[wisdom]], sometimes to circumstances beyond their [[control]].

95:0.1 As [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_India India] gave rise to many of the [[religions]] and [[philosophies]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asia eastern Asia], so the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant] was the homeland of the [[faiths]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occidental world]. The [[Salem]] missionaries spread out all over [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Asia southwestern Asia], through [[Palestine]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt Egypt], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran Iran], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabia Arabia], everywhere [[proclaiming]] the good news of the gospel of [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]]. In some of these lands their teachings bore fruit; in others they met with varying success. Sometimes their failures were due to lack of [[wisdom]], sometimes to circumstances beyond their [[control]].

==95:1. THE SALEM RELIGION IN MESOPOTAMIA==   

==95:1. THE SALEM RELIGION IN MESOPOTAMIA==   

95:1.1 By [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_BC 2000 B.C.] the [[religions]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] had just about lost the teachings of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76_-_The_Second_Garden#76:3._LIFE_IN_MESOPOTAMIA Sethites] and were largely under the [[influence]] of the [[primitive]] [[beliefs]] of two groups of [[invaders]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedouin Bedouin Semites] who had filtered in from the western [[desert]] and the [[barbarian]] horsemen who had come down from the north.

95:1.1 By [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_BC 2000 B.C.] the [[religions]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] had just about lost the teachings of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76_-_The_Second_Garden#76:3._LIFE_IN_MESOPOTAMIA Sethites] and were largely under the [[influence]] of the [[primitive]] [[beliefs]] of two groups of [[invaders]], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedouin Bedouin Semites] who had filtered in from the western [[desert]] and the [[barbarian]] horsemen who had come down from the north.

95:1.2 But the [[custom]] of the early [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:2._THE_ADAMITES_IN_THE_SECOND_GARDEN Adamite peoples] in honoring the [[seventh]] day of the week never completely disappeared in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia]. Only, during the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_93 Melchizedek era], the seventh day was regarded as the worst of bad [[luck]]. It was [[taboo]]-ridden; it was unlawful to go on a [[journey]], cook [[food]], or make a [[fire]] on the [[evil]] seventh day. The [[Jews]] carried back to [[Palestine]] many of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamian] [[taboos]] which they had found resting on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonia Babylonian] observance of the seventh day, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shabatu Shabattum].

95:1.2 But the [[custom]] of the early [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:2._THE_ADAMITES_IN_THE_SECOND_GARDEN Adamite peoples] in honoring the [[seventh]] day of the week never completely disappeared in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia]. Only, during the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_93 Melchizedek era], the seventh day was regarded as the worst of bad [[luck]]. It was [[taboo]]-ridden; it was unlawful to go on a [[journey]], cook [[food]], or make a [[fire]] on the [[evil]] seventh day. The [[Jews]] carried back to [[Palestine]] many of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamian] [[taboos]] which they had found resting on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonia Babylonian] observance of the seventh day, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shabatu Shabattum].

95:1.3 Although the [[Salem]] [[teachers]] did much to refine and uplift the [[religions]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia], they did not succeed in bringing the various peoples to the permanent [[recognition]] of [[Monotheism|one God]]. Such teaching gained the ascendency for more than one hundred and fifty years and then [[gradually]] gave way to the older [[belief]] in a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henotheism multiplicity of deities].

95:1.3 Although the [[Salem]] [[teachers]] did much to refine and uplift the [[religions]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia], they did not succeed in bringing the various peoples to the permanent [[recognition]] of [[Monotheism|one God]]. Such teaching gained the ascendency for more than one hundred and fifty years and then [[gradually]] gave way to the older [[belief]] in a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henotheism multiplicity of deities].

95:1.4 The [[Salem]] teachers greatly reduced the [[number]] of the gods of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia], at one time bringing the chief [[deities]] down to [[seven]]: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bel_%28god%29 Bel], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamash Shamash], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabu Nabu], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anu Anu], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enki Ea], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marduk Marduk], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sin_(mythology) Sin]. At the height of the new teaching they exalted [[three]] of these gods to [[Dominate|supremacy]] over all others, the Babylonian triad: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bel_%28god%29 Bel], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enka Ea], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anu Anu], the gods of [[earth]], [[sea]], and [[sky]]. Still other triads grew up in [[different]] localities, all reminiscent of the [[trinity]] teachings of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andites] and the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:8._THE_SUMERIANS.E2.80.94LAST_OF_THE_ANDITES Sumerians] and based on the [[belief]] of the Salemites in [[Melchizedek]]'s insignia of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Norlatiadek three circles].

95:1.4 The [[Salem]] teachers greatly reduced the [[number]] of the gods of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia], at one time bringing the chief [[deities]] down to [[seven]]: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bel_%28god%29 Bel], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamash Shamash], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabu Nabu], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anu Anu], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enki Ea], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marduk Marduk], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sin_(mythology) Sin]. At the height of the new teaching they exalted [[three]] of these gods to [[Dominate|supremacy]] over all others, the Babylonian triad: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bel_%28god%29 Bel], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enka Ea], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anu Anu], the gods of [[earth]], [[sea]], and [[sky]]. Still other triads grew up in [[different]] localities, all reminiscent of the [[trinity]] teachings of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andites] and the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:8._THE_SUMERIANS.E2.80.94LAST_OF_THE_ANDITES Sumerians] and based on the [[belief]] of the Salemites in [[Melchizedek]]'s insignia of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Norlatiadek three circles].

95:1.5 Never did the [[Salem]] [[teachers]] fully overcome the popularity of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishtar Ishtar], the [[mother]] of gods and the [[spirit]] of [[sex]] [[fertility]]. They did much to refine the [[worship]] of this goddess, but the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonia Babylonians] and their neighbors had never completely outgrown their [[disguised]] [[forms]] of [[sex]] [[worship]]. It had become a [[universal]] [[practice]] throughout [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] for all [[women]] to submit, at least once in early life, to the [[embrace]] of strangers; this was [[thought]] to be a [[devotion]] required by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishtar Ishtar], and it was believed that [[fertility]] was largely dependent on this [[sex]] [[sacrifice]].

95:1.5 Never did the [[Salem]] [[teachers]] fully overcome the popularity of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishtar Ishtar], the [[mother]] of gods and the [[spirit]] of [[sex]] [[fertility]]. They did much to refine the [[worship]] of this goddess, but the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonia Babylonians] and their neighbors had never completely outgrown their [[disguised]] [[forms]] of [[sex]] [[worship]]. It had become a [[universal]] [[practice]] throughout [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] for all [[women]] to submit, at least once in early life, to the [[embrace]] of strangers; this was [[thought]] to be a [[devotion]] required by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishtar Ishtar], and it was believed that [[fertility]] was largely dependent on this [[sex]] [[sacrifice]].

95:1.6 The early [[progress]] of the [[Melchizedek]] teaching was highly gratifying until ''Nabodad'', the leader of the school at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kish_(Sumer) Kish], decided to make a concerted [[attack]] upon the prevalent [[practices]] of [[temple]] [[harlotry]]. But the [[Salem]] missionaries failed in their [[effort]] to bring about this [[social]] reform, and in the wreck of this failure all their more important [[spiritual]] and [[philosophic]] teachings went down in defeat.

95:1.6 The early [[progress]] of the [[Melchizedek]] teaching was highly gratifying until ''Nabodad'', the leader of the school at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kish_(Sumer) Kish], decided to make a concerted [[attack]] upon the prevalent [[practices]] of [[temple]] [[harlotry]]. But the [[Salem]] missionaries failed in their [[effort]] to bring about this [[social]] reform, and in the wreck of this failure all their more important [[spiritual]] and [[philosophic]] teachings went down in defeat.

95:1.7 This defeat of the [[Salem]] gospel was [[immediately]] followed by a great increase in the [[cult]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishtar Ishtar], a [[ritual]] which had already [[invaded]] [[Palestine]] as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashtoreth Ashtoreth], Egypt as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isis Isis], Greece as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodite Aphrodite], and the northern [[tribes]] as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astarte Astarte]. And it was in [[connection]] with this revival of the [[worship]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishtar Ishtar] that the Babylonian [[priests]] turned anew to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_astrology stargazing]; [[astrology]] experienced its last great Mesopotamian revival, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortunetelling fortunetelling] became the [[vogue]], and for centuries the [[priesthood]] increasingly [[deteriorated]].

95:1.7 This defeat of the [[Salem]] gospel was [[immediately]] followed by a great increase in the [[cult]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishtar Ishtar], a [[ritual]] which had already [[invaded]] [[Palestine]] as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashtoreth Ashtoreth], Egypt as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isis Isis], Greece as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodite Aphrodite], and the northern [[tribes]] as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astarte Astarte]. And it was in [[connection]] with this revival of the [[worship]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishtar Ishtar] that the Babylonian [[priests]] turned anew to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_astrology stargazing]; [[astrology]] experienced its last great Mesopotamian revival, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortunetelling fortunetelling] became the [[vogue]], and for centuries the [[priesthood]] increasingly [[deteriorated]].

95:1.8 [[Melchizedek]] had warned his followers to teach about the [[one]] [[God]], the [[Father]] and [[Creator|Maker]] of all, and to preach only the gospel of [[divine]] [[favor]] through [[faith]] alone. But it has often been the [[error]] of the [[teachers]] of new [[truth]] to attempt too much, to attempt to supplant slow [[evolution]] by sudden [[revolution]]. The [[Melchizedek]] missionaries in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] raised a [[moral]] [[standard]] too high for the people; they attempted too much, and their [[noble]] cause went down in defeat. They had been commissioned to preach a definite [[gospel]], to [[proclaim]] the [[truth]] of the [[reality]] of the [[Universal Father]], but they became entangled in the apparently [[worthy]] [[cause]] of reforming the [[mores]], and thus was their great mission sidetracked and [[virtually]] lost in frustration and oblivion.

95:1.8 [[Melchizedek]] had warned his followers to teach about the [[one]] [[God]], the [[Father]] and [[Creator|Maker]] of all, and to preach only the gospel of [[divine]] [[favor]] through [[faith]] alone. But it has often been the [[error]] of the [[teachers]] of new [[truth]] to attempt too much, to attempt to supplant slow [[evolution]] by sudden [[revolution]]. The [[Melchizedek]] missionaries in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] raised a [[moral]] [[standard]] too high for the people; they attempted too much, and their [[noble]] cause went down in defeat. They had been commissioned to preach a definite [[gospel]], to [[proclaim]] the [[truth]] of the [[reality]] of the [[Universal Father]], but they became entangled in the apparently [[worthy]] [[cause]] of reforming the [[mores]], and thus was their great mission sidetracked and [[virtually]] lost in frustration and oblivion.

95:1.9 In one [[generation]] the [[Salem]] [[headquarters]] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kish_(Sumer) Kish] came to an end, and the [[propaganda]] of the [[belief]] in one God [[virtually]] ceased throughout [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia]. But remnants of the [[Salem]] schools [[persisted]]. Small bands scattered here and there continued their [[belief]] in the one [[Creator]] and fought against the [[idolatry]] and immorality of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamian] [[priests]].

95:1.9 In one [[generation]] the [[Salem]] [[headquarters]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kish_(Sumer) Kish] came to an end, and the [[propaganda]] of the [[belief]] in one God [[virtually]] ceased throughout [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia]. But remnants of the [[Salem]] schools [[persisted]]. Small bands scattered here and there continued their [[belief]] in the one [[Creator]] and fought against the [[idolatry]] and immorality of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamian] [[priests]].

95:1.10 It was the [[Salem]] missionaries of the period following the rejection of their teaching who wrote many of the [[Old Testament]] [[Psalms]], inscribing them on stone, where later-day [[Hebrew]] [[priests]] found them during the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_captivity captivity] and subsequently incorporated them among the collection of [[hymns]] ascribed to [[Jewish]] [[authorship]]. These [[beautiful]] [[psalms]] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon Babylon] were not written in the [[temples]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bel-Marduk Bel-Marduk]; they were the [[work]] of the descendants of the earlier [[Salem]] missionaries, and they are a striking [[contrast]] to the [[magical]] conglomerations of the Babylonian priests. The [[Book of Job]] is a fairly good [[reflection]] of the teachings of the [[Salem]] school at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kish_(Sumer) Kish] and throughout [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia].

95:1.10 It was the [[Salem]] missionaries of the period following the rejection of their teaching who wrote many of the [[Old Testament]] [[Psalms]], inscribing them on stone, where later-day [[Hebrew]] [[priests]] found them during the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_captivity captivity] and subsequently incorporated them among the collection of [[hymns]] ascribed to [[Jewish]] [[authorship]]. These [[beautiful]] [[psalms]] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon Babylon] were not written in the [[temples]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bel-Marduk Bel-Marduk]; they were the [[work]] of the descendants of the earlier [[Salem]] missionaries, and they are a striking [[contrast]] to the [[magical]] conglomerations of the Babylonian priests. The [[Book of Job]] is a fairly good [[reflection]] of the teachings of the [[Salem]] school at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kish_(Sumer) Kish] and throughout [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia].

95:1.11 Much of the Mesopotamian [[religious]] [[culture]] found its way into [[Hebrew]] [[literature]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgy liturgy] by way of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt] through the work of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharaoh_Amenemope Amenemope] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhnaton Ikhnaton]. The Egyptians remarkably preserved the [[teachings]] of [[social]] [[obligation]] derived from the earlier [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andite] Mesopotamians and so largely lost by the later Babylonians who occupied the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Mesopotamia Euphrates valley].

95:1.11 Much of the Mesopotamian [[religious]] [[culture]] found its way into [[Hebrew]] [[literature]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgy liturgy] by way of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt] through the work of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenemope_%28author%29 Amenemope] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhnaton Ikhnaton]. The Egyptians remarkably preserved the [[teachings]] of [[social]] [[obligation]] derived from the earlier [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andite] Mesopotamians and so largely lost by the later Babylonians who occupied the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Mesopotamia Euphrates valley].

==95:2. EARLY EGYPTIAN RELIGION==     

==95:2. EARLY EGYPTIAN RELIGION==     

95:2.1 The [[original]] [[Melchizedek]] teachings really took their deepest [[root]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt], from where they subsequently spread to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe]. The [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary religion] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_valley Nile valley] was periodically augmented by the arrival of superior strains of [[Nodite]], [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:2._THE_ADAMITES_IN_THE_SECOND_GARDEN Adamite], and later [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andite] peoples of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphrates_valley Euphrates valley]. From time to time, many of the Egyptian civil administrators were [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:8._THE_SUMERIANS.E2.80.94LAST_OF_THE_ANDITES Sumerians]. As [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_India India] in these days harbored the highest mixture of the world races, so [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egypt] fostered the most thoroughly blended type of [[religious]] [[philosophy]] to be found on [[Urantia]], and from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_valley Nile valley] it spread to many parts of the world. The [[Jews]] received much of their [[idea]] of the [[creation]] of the world from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_religion Babylonians], but they derived the [[concept]] of [[divine]] [[Providence]] from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_religion Egyptians].

95:2.1 The [[original]] [[Melchizedek]] teachings really took their deepest [[root]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt], from where they subsequently spread to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe]. The [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary religion] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_valley Nile valley] was periodically augmented by the arrival of superior strains of [[Nodite]], [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:2._THE_ADAMITES_IN_THE_SECOND_GARDEN Adamite], and later [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andite] peoples of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tigris%E2%80%93Euphrates_river_system Euphrates valley]. From time to time, many of the Egyptian civil administrators were [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:8._THE_SUMERIANS.E2.80.94LAST_OF_THE_ANDITES Sumerians]. As [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_India India] in these days harbored the highest mixture of the world races, so [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egypt] fostered the most thoroughly blended type of [[religious]] [[philosophy]] to be found on [[Urantia]], and from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_valley Nile valley] it spread to many parts of the world. The [[Jews]] received much of their [[idea]] of the [[creation]] of the world from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_religion Babylonians], but they derived the [[concept]] of [[divine]] [[Providence]] from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egyptians].

95:2.2 It was [[political]] and [[moral]], rather than [[philosophic]] or [[religious]], [[tendencies]] that rendered [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt] more favorable to the [[Salem]] teaching than [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia]. Each tribal [[leader]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Pharaohs Egypt], after fighting his way to the throne, sought to perpetuate his [[dynasty]] by [[proclaiming]] his tribal god the [[original]] [[deity]] and creator of all other gods. In this way the Egyptians [[gradually]] got used to the [[idea]] of a supergod, a steppingstone to the later [[doctrine]] of a [[universal]] [[creator]] [[Deity]]. The [[idea]] of [[monotheism]] wavered back and forth in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egypt] for many centuries, the [[belief]] in one God always gaining ground but never quite [[dominating]] the evolving [[concepts]] of [[polytheism]].

95:2.2 It was [[political]] and [[moral]], rather than [[philosophic]] or [[religious]], [[tendencies]] that rendered [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt] more favorable to the [[Salem]] teaching than [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia]. Each tribal [[leader]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Pharaohs Egypt], after fighting his way to the throne, sought to perpetuate his [[dynasty]] by [[proclaiming]] his tribal god the [[original]] [[deity]] and creator of all other gods. In this way the Egyptians [[gradually]] got used to the [[idea]] of a supergod, a steppingstone to the later [[doctrine]] of a [[universal]] [[creator]] [[Deity]]. The [[idea]] of [[monotheism]] wavered back and forth in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egypt] for many centuries, the [[belief]] in one God always gaining ground but never quite [[dominating]] the evolving [[concepts]] of [[polytheism]].

95:2.3 For ages the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egyptian peoples] had been given to the [[worship]] of [[nature]] gods; more particularly did each of the two-score separate [[tribes]] have a special [[group]] [[god]], one worshiping the bull, another the lion, a third the ram, and so on. Still earlier they had been [[totem]] [[tribes]], very much like the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_peoples_of_the_Americas Amerinds].

95:2.3 For ages the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egyptian peoples] had been given to the [[worship]] of [[nature]] gods; more particularly did each of the two-score separate [[tribes]] have a special [[group]] [[god]], one worshiping the bull, another the lion, a third the ram, and so on. Still earlier they had been [[totem]] [[tribes]], very much like the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_peoples_of_the_Americas Amerinds].

95:2.4 In [[time]] the Egyptians observed that [[dead]] [[bodies]] placed in brickless [[graves]] were preserved—embalmed—by the [[action]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_carbonate soda]-impregnated sand, while those [[buried]] in brick vaults decayed. These [[observations]] led to those [[experiments]] which resulted in the later [[practice]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embalming embalming] the dead. The Egyptians believed that preservation of the [[body]] facilitated one's passage through the [[future]] life. That the [[individual]] might properly be identified in the distant [[future]] after the decay of the [[body]], they placed a [[burial]] statue in the tomb along with the corpse, carving a likeness on the coffin. The making of these [[burial]] statues led to great improvement in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_art Egyptian art].

95:2.4 In [[time]] the Egyptians observed that [[dead]] [[bodies]] placed in brickless [[graves]] were preserved—embalmed—by the [[action]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_carbonate soda]-impregnated sand, while those [[buried]] in brick vaults decayed. These [[observations]] led to those [[experiments]] which resulted in the later [[practice]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embalming embalming] the dead. The Egyptians believed that preservation of the [[body]] facilitated one's passage through the [[future]] life. That the [[individual]] might properly be identified in the distant [[future]] after the decay of the [[body]], they placed a [[burial]] statue in the tomb along with the corpse, carving a likeness on the coffin. The making of these [[burial]] statues led to great improvement in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_art Egyptian art].

95:2.5 For centuries the Egyptians placed their [[faith]] in [[tombs]] as the safeguard of the [[body]] and of consequent pleasurable [[survival]] after [[death]]. The later [[evolution]] of [[magical]] [[practices]], while burdensome to life from the [[cradle]] to the [[grave]], most effectually delivered them from the [[religion]] of the [[tombs]]. The priests would inscribe the coffins with [[charm]] [[texts]] which were believed to be [[protection]] against a "man's having his [[heart]] taken away from him in the nether world." Presently a [[diverse]] assortment of these [[magical]] [[texts]] was collected and preserved as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_the_dead ''The Book of the Dead'']. But in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_valley Nile valley] [[magical]] [[ritual]] early became involved with the realms of [[conscience]] and [[character]] to a [[degree]] not often [[attained]] by the [[rituals]] of those days. And subsequently these [[ethical]] and [[moral]] [[ideals]], rather than elaborate [[tombs]], were depended upon for [[salvation]].

95:2.5 For centuries the Egyptians placed their [[faith]] in [[tombs]] as the safeguard of the [[body]] and of consequent pleasurable [[survival]] after [[death]]. The later [[evolution]] of [[magical]] [[practices]], while burdensome to life from the [[cradle]] to the [[grave]], most effectually delivered them from the [[religion]] of the [[tombs]]. The priests would inscribe the coffins with [[charm]] [[texts]] which were believed to be [[protection]] against a "man's having his [[heart]] taken away from him in the nether world." Presently a [[diverse]] assortment of these [[magical]] [[texts]] was collected and preserved as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_the_dead ''The Book of the Dead'']. But in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_valley Nile valley] [[magical]] [[ritual]] early became involved with the realms of [[conscience]] and [[character]] to a [[degree]] not often [[attained]] by the [[rituals]] of those days. And subsequently these [[ethical]] and [[moral]] [[ideals]], rather than elaborate [[tombs]], were depended upon for [[salvation]].

95:2.6 The [[superstitions]] of these times are well [[illustrated]] by the general [[belief]] in the efficacy of spittle as a [[healing]] [[agent]], an [[idea]] which had its [[origin]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt] and spread therefrom to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabia Arabia] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia]. In the legendary battle of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horus#Conqueror_of_Set Horus with Set] the young god lost his eye, but after [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Set_(mythology) Set] was vanquished, this eye was restored by the [[wise]] god [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoth Thoth], who spat upon the wound and [[healed]] it.

95:2.6 The [[superstitions]] of these times are well [[illustrated]] by the general [[belief]] in the efficacy of spittle as a [[healing]] [[agent]], an [[idea]] which had its [[origin]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt] and spread therefrom to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabia Arabia] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia]. In the legendary battle of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horus#Conqueror_of_Set Horus with Set] the young god lost his eye, but after [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Set_(mythology) Set] was vanquished, this eye was restored by the [[wise]] god [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoth Thoth], who spat upon the wound and [[healed]] it.

95:2.7 The Egyptians long believed that the [[stars]] twinkling in the night sky [[represented]] the [[survival]] of the [[souls]] of the [[worthy]] [[dead]]; other [[survivors]] they [[thought]] were [[absorbed]] into the [[sun]]. During a certain period, [[solar]] [[veneration]] became a species of [[ancestor]] [[worship]]. The sloping [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_pyramid#Entrance entrance passage of the great pyramid] pointed directly toward the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pole_star Pole Star] so that the [[soul]] of the [[king]], when emerging from the [[tomb]], could go straight to the stationary and [[established]] constellations of the fixed [[stars]], the supposed [[abode]] of the [[kings]].

95:2.7 The Egyptians long believed that the [[stars]] twinkling in the night sky [[represented]] the [[survival]] of the [[souls]] of the [[worthy]] [[dead]]; other [[survivors]] they [[thought]] were [[absorbed]] into the [[sun]]. During a certain period, [[solar]] [[veneration]] became a species of [[ancestor]] [[worship]]. The sloping [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_pyramid#Entrance entrance passage of the great pyramid] pointed directly toward the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pole_star Pole Star] so that the [[soul]] of the [[king]], when emerging from the [[tomb]], could go straight to the stationary and [[established]] constellations of the fixed [[stars]], the supposed [[abode]] of the [[kings]].

95:2.8 When the oblique [[rays]] of the sun were [[observed]] penetrating earthward through an aperture in the clouds, it was believed that they betokened the letting down of a [[celestial]] stairway whereon the [[king]] and other [[righteous]] [[souls]] might [[ascend]]. "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepi_I_Meryre King Pepi] has put down his [[radiance]] as a stairway under his feet whereon to [[ascend]] to his [[mother]]."

95:2.8 When the oblique [[rays]] of the sun were [[observed]] penetrating earthward through an aperture in the clouds, it was believed that they betokened the letting down of a [[celestial]] stairway whereon the [[king]] and other [[righteous]] [[souls]] might [[ascend]]. "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepi_I_Meryre King Pepi] has put down his [[radiance]] as a stairway under his feet whereon to [[ascend]] to his [[mother]]."

95:2.9 When [[Melchizedek]] appeared in the [[flesh]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egyptians] had a [[religion]] far above that of the [[surrounding]] peoples. They believed that a disembodied [[soul]], if properly armed with [[magic]] [[formulas]], could evade the intervening [[evil]] spirits and make its way to the [[judgment]] hall of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osiris Osiris], where, if innocent of "murder, robbery, falsehood, [[adultery]], theft, and [[selfishness]]," it would be admitted to the realms of bliss. If this [[soul]] were weighed in the balances and found wanting, it would be consigned to hell, to the [http://www.wordnik.com/words/devouress Devouress]. And this was, [[relatively]], an advanced [[concept]] of a [[future]] life in [[comparison]] with the [[beliefs]] of many [[surrounding]] peoples.

95:2.9 When [[Melchizedek]] appeared in the [[flesh]], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egyptians] had a [[religion]] far above that of the [[surrounding]] peoples. They believed that a disembodied [[soul]], if properly armed with [[magic]] [[formulas]], could evade the intervening [[evil]] spirits and make its way to the [[judgment]] hall of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osiris Osiris], where, if innocent of "murder, robbery, falsehood, [[adultery]], theft, and [[selfishness]]," it would be admitted to the realms of bliss. If this [[soul]] were weighed in the balances and found wanting, it would be consigned to hell, to the [https://www.wordnik.com/words/devouress Devouress]. And this was, [[relatively]], an advanced [[concept]] of a [[future]] life in [[comparison]] with the [[beliefs]] of many [[surrounding]] peoples.

95:2.10 The [[concept]] of [[judgment]] in the hereafter for the [[sins]] of one's life in the [[flesh]] on [[earth]] was carried over into [[Hebrew]] theology from Egypt. The word [[judgment]] appears only once in the entire [[Book of Psalms|Book of Hebrew Psalms]], and that particular psalm was written by an Egyptian.

95:2.10 The [[concept]] of [[judgment]] in the hereafter for the [[sins]] of one's life in the [[flesh]] on [[earth]] was carried over into [[Hebrew]] theology from Egypt. The word [[judgment]] appears only once in the entire [[Book of Psalms|Book of Hebrew Psalms]], and that particular psalm was written by an Egyptian.

==95:3. EVOLUTION OF MORAL CONCEPTS==

==95:3. EVOLUTION OF MORAL CONCEPTS==

95:3.1 Although the [[culture]] and [[religion]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt Egypt] were chiefly derived from [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andite] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] and largely transmitted to subsequent [[civilizations]] through the [[Hebrews]] and [[Greeks]], much, very much, of the [[social]] and [[ethical]] [[idealism]] of the Egyptians arose in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_valley valley of the Nile] as a [[purely]] [[evolutionary]] [[development]]. Notwithstanding the importation of much [[truth]] and [[culture]] of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andite] [[origin]], there evolved in Egypt more of [[moral]] [[culture]] as a [[purely]] [[human]] [[development]] than appeared by similar [[natural]] [[techniques]] in any other circumscribed area prior to the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 bestowal of Michael].

95:3.1 Although the [[culture]] and [[religion]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt Egypt] were chiefly derived from [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andite] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] and largely transmitted to subsequent [[civilizations]] through the [[Hebrews]] and [[Greeks]], much, very much, of the [[social]] and [[ethical]] [[idealism]] of the Egyptians arose in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_valley valley of the Nile] as a [[purely]] [[evolutionary]] [[development]]. Notwithstanding the importation of much [[truth]] and [[culture]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andite] [[origin]], there evolved in Egypt more of [[moral]] [[culture]] as a [[purely]] [[human]] [[development]] than appeared by similar [[natural]] [[techniques]] in any other circumscribed area prior to the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 bestowal of Michael].

95:3.2 [[Moral]] [[evolution]] is not wholly dependent on [[revelation]]. High [[moral]] [[concepts]] can be derived from man's own [[experience]]. Man can even evolve [[spiritual]] [[values]] and derive [[cosmic]] [[insight]] from his [[personal]] experiential living because a [[Thought Adjuster|divine spirit]] indwells him. Such [[natural]] [[evolutions]] of [[conscience]] and [[character]] were also augmented by the periodic arrival of [[teachers]] of [[truth]], in [[ancient]] times from the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76 second Eden], later on from [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_93 Melchizedek's] headquarters at [[Salem]].

95:3.2 [[Moral]] [[evolution]] is not wholly dependent on [[revelation]]. High [[moral]] [[concepts]] can be derived from man's own [[experience]]. Man can even evolve [[spiritual]] [[values]] and derive [[cosmic]] [[insight]] from his [[personal]] experiential living because a [[Thought Adjuster|divine spirit]] indwells him. Such [[natural]] [[evolutions]] of [[conscience]] and [[character]] were also augmented by the periodic arrival of [[teachers]] of [[truth]], in [[ancient]] times from the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76 second Eden], later on from [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_93 Melchizedek's] headquarters at [[Salem]].

95:3.3 Thousands of years before the [[Salem]] gospel penetrated to Egypt, its [[moral]] [[leaders]] taught [[justice]], [[fairness]], and the avoidance of avarice. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3000_BC Three thousand years] before the [[Hebrew Bible|Hebrew scriptures]] were written, the motto of the Egyptians was: "[[Established]] is the man whose [[standard]] is [[righteousness]]; who walks according to its way." They taught [[gentleness]], [[moderation]], and [[discretion]]. The [[message]] of one of the great [[teachers]] of this [[epoch]] was: "Do right and deal justly with all." The Egyptian triad of this age was [[Truth]]-[[Justice]]-[[Righteousness]]. Of all the [[purely]] [[human]] [[religions]] of [[Urantia]] none ever surpassed the [[social]] [[ideals]] and the moral grandeur of this onetime [[humanism]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_valley Nile valley].

95:3.3 Thousands of years before the [[Salem]] gospel penetrated to Egypt, its [[moral]] [[leaders]] taught [[justice]], [[fairness]], and the avoidance of avarice. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3000_BC Three thousand years] before the [[Hebrew Bible|Hebrew scriptures]] were written, the motto of the Egyptians was: "[[Established]] is the man whose [[standard]] is [[righteousness]]; who walks according to its way." They taught [[gentleness]], [[moderation]], and [[discretion]]. The [[message]] of one of the great [[teachers]] of this [[epoch]] was: "Do right and deal justly with all." The Egyptian triad of this age was [[Truth]]-[[Justice]]-[[Righteousness]]. Of all the [[purely]] [[human]] [[religions]] of [[Urantia]] none ever surpassed the [[social]] [[ideals]] and the moral grandeur of this onetime [[humanism]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_valley Nile valley].

95:3.4 In the [[soil]] of these evolving [[ethical]] [[ideas]] and [[moral]] [[ideals]] the surviving [[doctrines]] of the [[Salem]] religion flourished. The [[concepts]] of [[good]] and [[evil]] found ready [[response]] in the hearts of a people who believed that "Life is given to the peaceful and death to the [[guilty]]." "The peaceful is he who does what is loved; the guilty is he who does what is hated." For centuries the [[inhabitants]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_valley Nile valley] had lived by these emerging [[ethical]] and [[social]] [[standards]] before they ever [[entertained]] the later [[concepts]] of right and wrong—good and bad.

95:3.4 In the [[soil]] of these evolving [[ethical]] [[ideas]] and [[moral]] [[ideals]] the surviving [[doctrines]] of the [[Salem]] religion flourished. The [[concepts]] of [[good]] and [[evil]] found ready [[response]] in the hearts of a people who believed that "Life is given to the peaceful and death to the [[guilty]]." "The peaceful is he who does what is loved; the guilty is he who does what is hated." For centuries the [[inhabitants]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_valley Nile valley] had lived by these emerging [[ethical]] and [[social]] [[standards]] before they ever [[entertained]] the later [[concepts]] of right and wrong—good and bad.

95:3.5 Egypt was [[intellectual]] and [[moral]] but not overly [[spiritual]]. In six thousand years only four great [[prophets]] arose among the Egyptians. [http://www.maat.sofiatopia.org/amen_em_apt.htm Amenemope] they followed for a [[season]]; ''Okhban'' they murdered; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhnaton Ikhnaton] they accepted but halfheartedly for one short [[generation]]; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] they rejected. Again was it [[political]] rather than [[religious]] circumstances that made it easy for [[Abraham]] and, later on, for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph Joseph] to exert great [[influence]] throughout Egypt in behalf of the [[Salem]] teachings of one God. But when the [[Salem]] missionaries first entered Egypt, they encountered this highly [[ethical]] [[culture]] of [[evolution]] blended with the [[modified]] [[moral]] [[standards]] of Mesopotamian immigrants. These early Nile valley [[teachers]] were the first to proclaim [[conscience]] as the [[mandate]] of [[God]], the [[voice]] of [[Deity]].

95:3.5 Egypt was [[intellectual]] and [[moral]] but not overly [[spiritual]]. In six thousand years only four great [[prophets]] arose among the Egyptians. [https://www.maat.sofiatopia.org/amen_em_apt.htm Amenemope] they followed for a [[season]]; ''Okhban'' they murdered; [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhnaton Ikhnaton] they accepted but halfheartedly for one short [[generation]]; [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] they rejected. Again was it [[political]] rather than [[religious]] circumstances that made it easy for [[Abraham]] and, later on, for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_(son_of_Jacob) Joseph] to exert great [[influence]] throughout Egypt in behalf of the [[Salem]] teachings of one God. But when the [[Salem]] missionaries first entered Egypt, they encountered this highly [[ethical]] [[culture]] of [[evolution]] blended with the [[modified]] [[moral]] [[standards]] of Mesopotamian immigrants. These early Nile valley [[teachers]] were the first to proclaim [[conscience]] as the [[mandate]] of [[God]], the [[voice]] of [[Deity]].

==95:4. THE TEACHINGS OF AMENEMOPE==     

==95:4. THE TEACHINGS OF AMENEMOPE==     

95:4.1 In due time there grew up in Egypt a [[teacher]] called by many the "son of man" and by others [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenemope_(author) Amenemope]. This [[seer]] exalted [[conscience]] to its highest [[pinnacle]] of arbitrament between right and wrong, taught punishment for [[sin]], and [[proclaimed]] [[salvation]] through calling upon the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_deity solar deity].

95:4.1 In due time there grew up in Egypt a [[teacher]] called by many the "son of man" and by others [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenemope_(author) Amenemope]. This [[seer]] exalted [[conscience]] to its highest [[pinnacle]] of arbitrament between right and wrong, taught punishment for [[sin]], and [[proclaimed]] [[salvation]] through calling upon the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_deity solar deity].

95:4.2 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenemope_(author) Amenemope] taught that riches and fortune were the [[gift]] of [[God]], and this [[concept]] thoroughly colored the later appearing [[Hebrew]] [[philosophy]]. This [[noble]] teacher believed that [[God-consciousness]] was the determining [[factor]] in all [[conduct]]; that every [[moment]] should be lived in the [[realization]] of the [[presence]] of, and [[responsibility]] to, [[God]]. The teachings of this [[sage]] were subsequently [[translated]] into [[Hebrew]] and became the [[sacred]] [[book]] of that people long before the [[Old Testament]] was [http://books.google.com/books?id=tCTVc8_2vVQC&source=gbs_slider_thumb reduced to writing]. The chief preachment of this good man had to do with instructing his son in uprightness and [[honesty]] in [[governmental]] positions of [[trust]], and these [[noble]] sentiments of long ago would do [[honor]] to any [[modern]] [[statesman]].

95:4.2 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenemope_(author) Amenemope] taught that riches and fortune were the [[gift]] of [[God]], and this [[concept]] thoroughly colored the later appearing [[Hebrew]] [[philosophy]]. This [[noble]] teacher believed that [[God-consciousness]] was the determining [[factor]] in all [[conduct]]; that every [[moment]] should be lived in the [[realization]] of the [[presence]] of, and [[responsibility]] to, [[God]]. The teachings of this [[sage]] were subsequently [[translated]] into [[Hebrew]] and became the [[sacred]] [[book]] of that people long before the [[Old Testament]] was [https://books.google.com/books?id=tCTVc8_2vVQC&source=gbs_slider_thumb reduced to writing]. The chief preachment of this good man had to do with instructing his son in uprightness and [[honesty]] in [[governmental]] positions of [[trust]], and these [[noble]] sentiments of long ago would do [[honor]] to any [[modern]] [[statesman]].

95:4.3 This [[wise]] man of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile Nile] taught that "riches take themselves wings and fly away"—that all [[things]] earthly are [[evanescent]]. His great [[prayer]] was to be "saved from [[fear]]." He exhorted all to turn away from "the [[words]] of men" to "the [[acts]] of [[God]]." In substance he taught: Man proposes but God disposes. His teachings, [[translated]] into [[Hebrew]], determined the [[philosophy]] of the [[Old Testament]] [[Book of Proverbs]]. [[Translated]] into [[Greek]], they gave color to all subsequent [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_philosophy Hellenic religious philosophy]. The later Alexandrian philosopher, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo], possessed a copy of the ''Book of Wisdom''.

95:4.3 This [[wise]] man of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile Nile] taught that "riches take themselves wings and fly away"—that all [[things]] earthly are [[evanescent]]. His great [[prayer]] was to be "saved from [[fear]]." He exhorted all to turn away from "the [[words]] of men" to "the [[acts]] of [[God]]." In substance he taught: Man proposes but God disposes. His teachings, [[translated]] into [[Hebrew]], determined the [[philosophy]] of the [[Old Testament]] [[Book of Proverbs]]. [[Translated]] into [[Greek]], they gave color to all subsequent [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_philosophy Hellenic religious philosophy]. The later Alexandrian philosopher, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo], possessed a copy of the ''Book of Wisdom''.

95:4.4 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenemope_(author) Amenemope] functioned to [[conserve]] the [[ethics]] of [[evolution]] and the [[morals]] of [[revelation]] and in his [[writings]] passed them on both to the [[Hebrews]] and to the [[Greeks]]. He was not the greatest of the religious [[teachers]] of this age, but he was the most [[influential]] in that he colored the subsequent [[thought]] of two vital links in the growth of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occidental civilization]—the [[Hebrews]], among whom evolved the [[acme]] of Occidental [[religious]] [[faith]], and the [[Greeks]], who developed [[pure]] philosophic [[thought]] to its greatest [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe European] heights.

95:4.4 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenemope_(author) Amenemope] functioned to [[conserve]] the [[ethics]] of [[evolution]] and the [[morals]] of [[revelation]] and in his [[writings]] passed them on both to the [[Hebrews]] and to the [[Greeks]]. He was not the greatest of the religious [[teachers]] of this age, but he was the most [[influential]] in that he colored the subsequent [[thought]] of two vital links in the growth of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occidental civilization]—the [[Hebrews]], among whom evolved the [[acme]] of Occidental [[religious]] [[faith]], and the [[Greeks]], who developed [[pure]] philosophic [[thought]] to its greatest [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe European] heights.

95:4.5 In the [[Book of Proverbs|Book of Hebrew Proverbs], chapters [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Proverbs#Proverb_.15 fifteen], [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Proverbs#Proverb_.17 seventeen], [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Proverbs#Proverb_.20 twenty], and chapter twenty-two, verse seventeen, to chapter twenty-four, verse twenty-two, are taken almost verbatim from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenemope_(author) Amenemope's Book of Wisdom]. The [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_1 first psalm] of the [[Hebrew]] [[Book of Psalms]] was written by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenemope_(author) Amenemope] and is the [[heart]] of the teachings of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhnaton Ikhnaton].

95:4.5 In the [[Book of Proverbs|Book of Hebrew Proverbs]], chapters [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Proverbs#Proverb_.15 fifteen], [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Proverbs#Proverb_.17 seventeen], [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Proverbs#Proverb_.20 twenty], and chapter twenty-two, verse seventeen, to chapter twenty-four, verse twenty-two, are taken almost verbatim from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenemope_(author) Amenemope]'s [https://www.maat.sofiatopia.org/amen_em_apt.htm Book of Wisdom]. The [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_1 first psalm] of the [[Hebrew]] [[Book of Psalms]] was written by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenemope_(author) Amenemope] and is the [[heart]] of the teachings of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhnaton Ikhnaton].

==95:5. THE REMARKABLE IKHNATON==

==95:5. THE REMARKABLE IKHNATON==

95:5.1 The teachings of Amenemope were slowly losing their hold on the Egyptian mind when, through the influence of an Egyptian Salemite physician, a woman of the royal family espoused the Melchizedek teachings. This woman prevailed upon her son, Ikhnaton, Pharaoh of Egypt, to accept these doctrines of One God.

95:5.1 The teachings of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenemope_%28author%29 Amenemope] were slowly losing their hold on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egyptian mind] when, through the [[influence]] of an Egyptian Salemite [[physician]], a woman of the royal family espoused the [[Melchizedek]] teachings. This [[woman]] prevailed upon her son, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton Ikhnaton], Pharaoh of Egypt, to [[accept]] these [[doctrines]] of One God.

95:5.2 Since the disappearance of Melchizedek in the flesh, no human being up to that time had possessed such an amazingly clear concept of the revealed religion of Salem as Ikhnaton. In some respects this young Egyptian king is one of the most remarkable persons in human history. During this time of increasing spiritual depression in Mesopotamia, he kept alive the doctrine of El Elyon, the One God, in Egypt, thus maintaining the philosophic monotheistic channel which was vital to the religious background of the then future bestowal of Michael. And it was in recognition of this exploit, among other reasons, that the child Jesus was taken to Egypt, where some of the spiritual successors of Ikhnaton saw him and to some extent understood certain phases of his divine mission to Urantia.

95:5.2 Since the disappearance of [[Melchizedek]] in the [[flesh]], no [[human being]] up to that time had possessed such an amazingly clear [[concept]] of the [[revealed]] [[religion]] of [[Salem]] as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton Ikhnaton]. In some respects this young Egyptian king is one of the most remarkable [[persons]] in [[human]] [[history]]. During this time of increasing [[spiritual]] depression in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia], he kept alive the [[doctrine]] of [[El Elyon]], the One God, in Egypt, thus maintaining the philosophic [[monotheistic]] [[channel]] which was vital to the [[religious]] background of the then [[future]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 bestowal of Michael]. And it was in [[recognition]] of this exploit, among other reasons, that the child [[Jesus]] was taken to Egypt, where some of the [[spiritual]] successors of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton Ikhnaton] saw him and to some extent [[understood]] certain [[phases]] of his [[divine]] mission to [[Urantia]].

95:5.3 Moses, the greatest character between Melchizedek and Jesus, was the joint gift to the world of the Hebrew race and the Egyptian royal family; and had Ikhnaton possessed the versatility and ability of Moses, had he manifested a political genius to match his surprising religious leadership, then would Egypt have become the great monotheistic nation of that age; and if this had happened, it is barely possible that Jesus might have lived the greater portion of his mortal life in Egypt.

95:5.3 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], the greatest [[character]] between [[Melchizedek]] and [[Jesus]], was the joint gift to the world of the [[Hebrew]] [[race]] and the Egyptian royal family; and had Ikhnaton [[possessed]] the [[versatility]] and [[ability]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], had he [[manifested]] a [[political]] [[genius]] to match his surprising [[religious]] [[leadership]], then would Egypt have become the great [[monotheistic]] nation of that age; and if this had happened, it is barely possible that [[Jesus]] might have lived the greater portion of his [[mortal]] life in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt Egypt].

95:5.4 Never in all history did any king so methodically proceed to swing a whole nation from polytheism to monotheism as did this extraordinary Ikhnaton. With the most amazing determination this young ruler broke with the past, changed his name, abandoned his capital, built an entirely new city, and created a new art and literature for a whole people. But he went too fast; he built too much, more than could stand when he had gone. Again, he failed to provide for the material stability and prosperity of his people, all of which reacted unfavorably against his religious teachings when the subsequent floods of adversity and oppression swept over the Egyptians.

95:5.4 Never in all [[history]] did any [[king]] so [[methodically]] proceed to swing a whole [[nation]] from [[polytheism]] to [[monotheism]] as did this extraordinary [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton Ikhnaton]. With the most amazing [[determination]] this young ruler broke with the [[past]], changed his name, abandoned his [[capital]], built an entirely new [[city]], and created a new [[art]] and [[literature]] for a whole people. But he went too fast; he built too much, more than could stand when he had gone. Again, he failed to provide for the [[material]] [[stability]] and [[prosperity]] of his people, all of which reacted unfavorably against his [[religious]] teachings when the subsequent floods of [[adversity]] and [[oppression]] swept over the Egyptians.

95:5.5 Had this man of amazingly clear vision and extraordinary singleness of purpose had the political sagacity of Moses, he would have changed the whole history of the evolution of religion and the revelation of truth in the Occidental world. During his lifetime he was able to curb the activities of the priests, whom he generally discredited, but they maintained their cults in secret and sprang into action as soon as the young king passed from power; and they were not slow to connect all of Egypt's subsequent troubles with the establishment of monotheism during his reign.

95:5.5 Had this man of amazingly [[clear]] [[vision]] and extraordinary singleness of [[purpose]] had the [[political]] [[sagacity]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], he would have changed the whole [[history]] of the [[evolution]] of [[religion]] and the [[revelation]] of [[truth]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occidental world]. During his lifetime he was able to curb the [[activities]] of the [[priests]], whom he generally discredited, but they [[maintained]] their [[cults]] in [[secret]] and sprang into [[action]] as soon as the young king passed from [[power]]; and they were not slow to [[connect]] all of Egypt's subsequent troubles with the [[establishment]] of [[monotheism]] during his reign.

95:5.6 Very wisely Ikhnaton sought to establish monotheism under the guise of the sun-god. This decision to approach the worship of the Universal Father by absorbing all gods into the worship of the sun was due to the counsel of the Salemite physician. Ikhnaton took the generalized doctrines of the then existent Aton faith regarding the fatherhood and motherhood of Deity and created a religion which recognized an intimate worshipful relation between man and God.

95:5.6 Very wisely [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton Ikhnaton] sought to [[establish]] [[monotheism]] under the [[guise]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_deity sun-god]. This [[decision]] to approach the [[worship]] of the [[Universal Father]] by absorbing all gods into the [[worship]] of the [[sun]] was due to the [[counsel]] of the Salemite physician. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton Ikhnaton] took the generalized [[doctrines]] of the then existent [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aten Aton faith] regarding the [[fatherhood]] and [[motherhood]] of [[Deity]] and created a [[religion]] which recognized an [[intimate]] [[worshipful]] [[relation]] between man and God.

95:5.7 Ikhnaton was wise enough to maintain the outward worship of Aton, the sun-god, while he led his associates in the disguised worship of the One God, creator of Aton and supreme Father of all. This young teacher-king was a prolific writer, being author of the exposition entitled " The One God, " a book of thirty-one chapters, which the priests, when returned to power, utterly destroyed. Ikhnaton also wrote one hundred and thirty-seven hymns, twelve of which are now preserved in the Old Testament Book of Psalms, credited to Hebrew authorship.

95:5.7 Ikhnaton was [[wise]] enough to [[maintain]] the outward [[worship]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aten Aton], the sun-god, while he led his associates in the [[disguised]] [[worship]] of the One God, [[creator]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aten Aton] and [[supreme]] [[Father]] of all. This young [[teacher]]-[[king]] was a prolific [[writer]], being [[author]] of the exposition entitled "The One God," a book of thirty-one chapters, which the [[priests]], when returned to [[power]], utterly destroyed. Ikhnaton also wrote one hundred and thirty-seven hymns, twelve of which are now preserved in the [[Old Testament]] [[Book of Psalms]], credited to [[Hebrew]] [[authorship]].

95:5.8 The supreme word of Ikhnaton's religion in daily life was " righteousness, " and he rapidly expanded the concept of right doing to embrace international as well as national ethics. This was a generation of amazing personal piety and was characterized by a genuine aspiration among the more intelligent men and women to find God and to know him. In those days social position or wealth gave no Egyptian any advantage in the eyes of the law. The family life of Egypt did much to preserve and augment moral culture and was the inspiration of the later superb family life of the Jews in Palestine.

95:5.8 The [[supreme]] [[word]] of Ikhnaton's [[religion]] in daily life was "[[righteousness]]," and he rapidly expanded the [[concept]] of right doing to [[embrace]] international as well as [[national]] [[ethics]]. This was a [[generation]] of amazing [[personal]] [[piety]] and was characterized by a genuine [[aspiration]] among the more [[intelligent]] men and women to find [[God]] and to know him. In those days [[social position]] or [[wealth]] gave no Egyptian any advantage in the eyes of the [[law]]. The [[family]] life of Egypt did much to [[preserve]] and augment [[moral]] [[culture]] and was the [[inspiration]] of the later superb [[family]] life of the [[Jews]] in [[Palestine]].

95:5.9 The fatal weakness of Ikhnaton's gospel was its greatest truth, the teaching that Aton was not only the creator of Egypt but also of the " whole world, man and beasts, and all the foreign lands, even Syria and Kush, besides this land of Egypt. He sets all in their place and provides all with their needs. " These concepts of Deity were high and exalted, but they were not nationalistic. Such sentiments of internationality in religion failed to augment the morale of the Egyptian army on the battlefield, while they provided effective weapons for the priests to use against the young king and his new religion. He had a Deity concept far above that of the later Hebrews, but it was too advanced to serve the purposes of a nation builder.

95:5.9 The fatal weakness of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton Ikhnaton]'s gospel was its greatest [[truth]], the teaching that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aten Aton] was not only the [[creator]] of Egypt but also of the "whole world, man and beasts, and all the foreign lands, even [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria Syria] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kush Kush], besides this land of Egypt. He sets all in their place and provides all with their needs." These [[concepts]] of [[Deity]] were high and exalted, but they were not [[nationalistic]]. Such sentiments of internationality in [[religion]] failed to augment the morale of the Egyptian army on the battlefield, while they provided [[effective]] weapons for the [[priests]] to use against the young king and his new [[religion]]. He had a [[Deity]] [[concept]] far above that of the later [[Hebrews]], but it was too advanced to serve the [[purposes]] of a [[nation]] builder.

95:5.10 Though the monotheistic ideal suffered with the passing of Ikhnaton, the idea of one God persisted in the minds of many groups. The son-in-law of Ikhnaton went along with the priests, back to the worship of the old gods, changing his name to Tutankhamen. The capital returned to Thebes, and the priests waxed fat upon the land, eventually gaining possession of one seventh of all Egypt; and presently one of this same order of priests made bold to seize the crown.

95:5.10 Though the [[monotheistic]] [[ideal]] suffered with the passing of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton Ikhnaton], the [[idea]] of one God [[persisted]] in the minds of many [[groups]]. The son-in-law of Ikhnaton went along with the [[priests]], back to the [[worship]] of the old gods, changing his name to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tutankhamen Tutankhamen]. The [[capital]] returned to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thebes Thebes], and the [[priests]] waxed fat upon the [[land]], [[eventually]] gaining [[possession]] of one seventh of all Egypt; and presently one of this same order of priests made bold to seize the crown.

95:5.11 But the priests could not fully overcome the monotheistic wave. Increasingly they were compelled to combine and hyphenate their gods; more and more the family of gods contracted. Ikhnaton had associated the flaming disc of the heavens with the creator God, and this idea continued to flame up in the hearts of men, even of the priests, long after the young reformer had passed on. Never did the concept of monotheism die out of the hearts of men in Egypt and in the world. It persisted even to the arrival of the Creator Son of that same divine Father, the one God whom Ikhnaton had so zealously proclaimed for the worship of all Egypt.

95:5.11 But the [[priests]] could not fully overcome the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monotheism monotheistic] [[wave]]. Increasingly they were compelled to combine and hyphenate their gods; more and more the [[family]] of gods contracted. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton Ikhnaton] had associated the flaming disc of the [[heavens]] with the [[creator]] [[God]], and this idea continued to flame up in the [[hearts]] of men, even of the [[priests]], long after the young reformer had passed on. Never did the [[concept]] of [[monotheism]] die out of the hearts of men in Egypt and in the world. It [[persisted]] even to the arrival of the [[Creator Son]] of that same [[divine]] [[Father]], the one God whom Ikhnaton had so zealously [[proclaimed]] for the [[worship]] of all [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt].

95:5.12 The weakness of Ikhnaton's doctrine lay in the fact that he proposed such an advanced religion that only the educated Egyptians could fully comprehend his teachings. The rank and file of the agricultural laborers never really grasped his gospel and were, therefore, ready to return with the priests to the old-time worship of Isis and her consort Osiris, who was supposed to have been miraculously resurrected from a cruel death at the hands of Set, the god of darkness and evil.

95:5.12 The weakness of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton Ikhnaton]'s [[doctrine]] lay in the [[fact]] that he proposed such an advanced [[religion]] that only the [[educated]] Egyptians could fully [[comprehend]] his teachings. The rank and file of the [[agricultural]] laborers never really grasped his gospel and were, therefore, ready to return with the [[priests]] to the old-time [[worship]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isis Isis] and her consort [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osiris Osiris], who was supposed to have been miraculously [[resurrected]] from a cruel [[death]] at the hands of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Set_(mythology) Set], the god of [[darkness]] and [[evil]].

95:5.13 The teaching of immortality for all men was too advanced for the Egyptians. Only kings and the rich were promised a resurrection; therefore did they so carefully embalm and preserve their bodies in tombs against the day of judgment. But the democracy of salvation and resurrection as taught by Ikhnaton eventually prevailed, even to the extent that the Egyptians later believed in the survival of dumb animals.

95:5.13 The teaching of [[immortality]] for all men was too advanced for the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_Religion Egyptians]. Only [[kings]] and the rich were promised a [[resurrection]]; therefore did they so carefully embalm and preserve their [[bodies]] in [[tombs]] against the day of [[judgment]]. But the [[democracy]] of [[salvation]] and [[resurrection]] as taught by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton Ikhnaton] [[eventually]] prevailed, even to the extent that the Egyptians later believed in the [[survival]] of dumb animals.

95:5.14 Although the effort of this Egyptian ruler to impose the worship of one God upon his people appeared to fail, it should be recorded that the repercussions of his work persisted for centuries both in Palestine and Greece, and that Egypt thus became the agent for transmitting the combined evolutionary culture of the Nile and the revelatory religion of the Euphrates to all of the subsequent peoples of the Occident.

95:5.14 Although the [[effort]] of this Egyptian ruler to impose the [[worship]] of one [[God]] upon his people appeared to fail, it should be [[recorded]] that the [[repercussions]] of his [[work]] [[persisted]] for centuries both in [[Palestine]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece]], and that Egypt thus became the [[agent]] for transmitting the combined [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary culture] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_valley Nile] and the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION revelatory religion] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumer Euphrates] to all of the subsequent peoples of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident].

95:5.15 The glory of this great era of moral development and spiritual growth in the Nile valley was rapidly passing at about the time the national life of the Hebrews was beginning, and consequent upon their sojourn in Egypt these Bedouins carried away much of these teachings and perpetuated many of Ikhnaton's doctrines in their racial religion.

95:5.15 The [[glory]] of this great era of [[moral]] [[development]] and [[spiritual]] [[growth]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_valley Nile valley] was rapidly passing at about the time the national life of the [[Hebrews]] was beginning, and consequent upon their [[sojourn]] in Egypt these [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedouin Bedouins] carried away much of these teachings and perpetuated many of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton Ikhnaton]'s [[doctrines]] in their racial [[religion]].

==95:6. THE SALEM DOCTRINES IN IRAN==  

==95:6. THE SALEM DOCTRINES IN IRAN==  

95:6.1 From Palestine some of the Melchizedek missionaries passed on through Mesopotamia and to the great Iranian plateau. For more than five hundred years the Salem teachers made headway in Iran, and the whole nation was swinging to the Melchizedek religion when a change of rulers precipitated a bitter persecution which practically ended the monotheistic teachings of the Salem cult. The doctrine of the Abrahamic covenant was virtually extinct in Persia when, in that great century of moral renaissance, the sixth before Christ, Zoroaster appeared to revive the smouldering embers of the Salem gospel.

95:6.1 From [[Palestine]] some of the [[Melchizedek]] missionaries passed on through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] and to the great [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_plateau Iranian plateau]. For more than five hundred years the [[Salem]] [[teachers]] made headway in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Iran Iran], and the whole nation was swinging to the [[Melchizedek]] [[religion]] when a change of rulers precipitated a bitter [[persecution]] which practically ended the [[monotheistic]] teachings of the [[Salem]] [[cult]]. The [[doctrine]] of the [[Abraham]]ic [[covenant]] was virtually [[extinct]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persia Persia] when, in that great century of [[moral]] [[renaissance]], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/600_BC sixth before Christ], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Zoroaster] appeared to revive the smouldering embers of the [[Salem]] [[gospel]].

95:6.2 This founder of a new religion was a virile and adventurous youth, who, on his first pilgrimage to Ur in Mesopotamia, had learned of the traditions of the Caligastia and the Lucifer rebellion—along with many other traditions—all of which had made a strong appeal to his religious nature. Accordingly, as the result of a dream while in Ur, he settled upon a program of returning to his northern home to undertake the remodeling of the religion of his people. He had imbibed the Hebraic idea of a God of justice, the Mosaic concept of divinity. The idea of a supreme God was clear in his mind, and he set down all other gods as devils, consigned them to the ranks of the demons of which he had heard in Mesopotamia. He had learned of the story of the Seven Master Spirits as the tradition lingered in Ur, and, accordingly, he created a galaxy of seven supreme gods with Ahura-Mazda at its head. These subordinate gods he associated with the idealization of Right Law, Good Thought, Noble Government, Holy Character, Health, and Immortality.

95:6.2 This founder of a new [[religion]] was a [[virile]] and [[adventurous]] [[youth]], who, on his first [[pilgrimage]] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ur Ur] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia], had learned of the [[traditions]] of the [[Caligastia]] and the [[Lucifer rebellion]]—along with many other [[traditions]]—all of which had made a strong appeal to his [[religious]] [[nature]]. Accordingly, as the result of a [[dream]] while in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ur Ur], he settled upon a [[program]] of returning to his northern [[home]] to undertake the remodeling of the [[religion]] of his people. He had imbibed the [[Hebrew|Hebraic]] [[idea]] of a [[God]] of [[justice]], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Mosaic] [[concept]] of [[divinity]]. The [[idea]] of a supreme God was [[clear]] in his [[mind]], and he set down all other gods as devils, consigned them to the ranks of the [[demons]] of which he had heard in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia]. He had learned of the [[story]] of the [[Seven Master Spirits]] as the [[tradition]] lingered in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ur Ur], and, accordingly, he created a [[galaxy]] of [[seven]] supreme gods with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahura_Mazda Ahura-Mazda] at its head. These subordinate gods he [[associated]] with the [[idealization]] of Right [[Law]], [[Good]] [[Thought]], [[Noble]] [[Government]], [[Holy]] [[Character]], [[Health]], and [[Immortality]].

95:6.3 And this new religion was one of action—work—not prayers and rituals. Its God was a being of supreme wisdom and the patron of civilization; it was a militant religious philosophy which dared to battle with evil, inaction, and backwardness.

95:6.3 And this new [[religion]] was one of [[action]]—[[work]]—not [[prayers]] and [[rituals]]. Its [[God]] was a [[being]] of supreme [[wisdom]] and the [[patron]] of [[civilization]]; it was a militant [[religious]] [[philosophy]] which dared to battle with [[evil]], inaction, and backwardness.

95:6.4 Zoroaster did not teach the worship of fire but sought to utilize the flame as a symbol of the pure and wise Spirit of universal and supreme dominance. (All too true, his later followers did both reverence and worship this symbolic fire.) Finally, upon the conversion of an Iranian prince, this new religion was spread by the sword. And Zoroaster heroically died in battle for that which he believed was the " truth of the Lord of light. "

95:6.4 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Zoroaster] did not teach the [[worship]] of [[fire]] but sought to utilize the flame as a [[symbol]] of the [[pure]] and [[wise]] [[Spirit]] of [[universal]] and supreme [[dominance]]. (All too true, his later followers did both [[reverence]] and [[worship]] this [[symbolic]] [[fire]].) Finally, upon the [[conversion]] of an Iranian prince, this new [[religion]] was spread by the [[Coercion|sword]]. And [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Zoroaster] [[heroically]] died in battle for that which he believed was the "[[truth]] of the Lord of [[light]]."

95:6.5 Zoroastrianism is the only Urantian creed that perpetuates the Dalamatian and Edenic teachings about the Seven Master Spirits. While failing to evolve the Trinity concept, it did in a certain way approach that of God the Sevenfold. Original Zoroastrianism was not a pure dualism; though the early teachings did picture evil as a time co-ordinate of goodness, it was definitely eternity-submerged in the ultimate reality of the good. Only in later times did the belief gain credence that good and evil contended on equal terms.

95:6.5 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism] is the only Urantian creed that perpetuates the [[Dalamatia]]n and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_73 Edenic teachings] about the [[Seven Master Spirits]]. While failing to evolve the [[Trinity]] [[concept]], it did in a certain way approach that of [[God the Sevenfold]]. Original [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism] was not a [[pure]] [[dualism]]; though the early teachings did picture [[evil]] as a [[time]] [[co-ordinate]] of [[goodness]], it was definitely [[eternity]]-submerged in the [[ultimate]] [[reality]] of the good. Only in later times did the [[belief]] gain credence that [[good]] and [[evil]] contended on [[equal]] terms.

95:6.6 The Jewish traditions of heaven and hell and the doctrine of devils as recorded in the Hebrew scriptures, while founded on the lingering traditions of Lucifer and Caligastia, were principally derived from the Zoroastrians during the times when the Jews were under the political and cultural dominance of the Persians. Zoroaster, like the Egyptians, taught the " day of judgment, " but he connected this event with the end of the world.

95:6.6 The [[Jewish]] [[traditions]] of [[heaven]] and [[hell]] and the [[doctrine]] of devils as [[recorded]] in the [[Hebrew scriptures]], while founded on the lingering [[traditions]] of [[Lucifer]] and [[Caligastia]], were principally derived from the Zoroastrians during the times when the Jews were under the [[political]] and [[cultural]] [[dominance]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persia Persians]. Zoroaster, like the Egyptians, taught the "day of judgment," but he [[connected]] this [[event]] with the end of the world.

95:6.7 Even the religion which succeeded Zoroastrianism in Persia was markedly influenced by it. When the Iranian priests sought to overthrow the teachings of Zoroaster, they resurrected the ancient worship of Mithra. And Mithraism spread throughout the Levant and Mediterranean regions, being for some time a contemporary of both Judaism and Christianity. The teachings of Zoroaster thus came successively to impress three great religions: Judaism and Christianity and, through them, Mohammedanism.

95:6.7 Even the [[religion]] which succeeded [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaastrianism Zoroastrianism] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persia Persia] was markedly [[influenced]] by it. When the Iranian [[priests]] sought to overthrow the teachings of Zoroaster, they resurrected the [[ancient]] [[worship]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithra Mithra]. And [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism] spread throughout the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant] and [[Mediterranean]] regions, being for some time a contemporary of both [[Judaism]] and [[Christianity]]. The teachings of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Zoroaster] thus came successively to impress three great [[religions]]: [[Judaism]] and [[Christianity]] and, through them, [[Mohammedanism]].

95:6.8 But it is a far cry from the exalted teachings and noble psalms of Zoroaster to the modern perversions of his gospel by the Parsees with their great fear of the dead, coupled with the entertainment of beliefs in sophistries which Zoroaster never stooped to countenance.

95:6.8 But it is a far cry from the exalted teachings and [[noble]] [[Songs|psalms]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Zoroaster] to the [[modern]] [[perversions]] of his gospel by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsees Parsees] with their great [[fear]] of the dead, coupled with the [[entertainment]] of [[beliefs]] in [[sophistries]] which Zoroaster never stooped to countenance.

95:6.9 This great man was one of that unique group that sprang up in the sixth century before Christ to keep the light of Salem from being fully and finally extinguished as it so dimly burned to show man in his darkened world the path of light leading to everlasting life.

95:6.9 This great man was one of that [[unique]] [[group]] that sprang up in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/600_BC sixth century before Christ] to keep the [[light]] of [[Salem]] from being fully and finally extinguished as it so dimly burned to show man in his [[darkened]] world the path of [[light]] leading to everlasting life.

==95:7. THE SALEM TEACHINGS IN ARABIA==  

==95:7. THE SALEM TEACHINGS IN ARABIA==  

95:7.1 The Melchizedek teachings of the one God became established in the Arabian desert at a comparatively recent date. As in Greece, so in Arabia the Salem missionaries failed because of their misunderstanding of Machiventa's instructions regarding overorganization. But they were not thus hindered by their interpretation of his admonition against all efforts to extend the gospel through military force or civil compulsion.

95:7.1 The [[Melchizedek]] teachings of the one [[God]] became [[established]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_desert Arabian desert] at a comparatively recent date. As in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece], so in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabia Arabia] the [[Salem]] missionaries failed because of their misunderstanding of [[Machiventa]]'s instructions regarding overorganization. But they were not thus hindered by their [[interpretation]] of his admonition against all [[efforts]] to extend the gospel through [[military]] [[force]] or [[civil]] [[compulsion]].

95:7.2 Not even in China or Rome did the Melchizedek teachings fail more completely than in this desert region so very near Salem itself. Long after the majority of the peoples of the Orient and Occident had become respectively Buddhist and Christian, the desert of Arabia continued as it had for thousands of years. Each tribe worshiped its olden fetish, and many individual families had their own household gods. Long the struggle continued between Babylonian Ishtar, Hebrew Yahweh, Iranian Ahura, and Christian Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. Never was one concept able fully to displace the others.

95:7.2 Not even in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_China China] or [[Rome]] did the [[Melchizedek]] teachings fail more completely than in this [[desert]] region so very near [[Salem]] itself. Long after the [[majority]] of the peoples of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orient Orient] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident] had become respectively [[Buddhist]] and [[Christian]], the [[desert]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabia Arabia] continued as it had for thousands of years. Each [[tribe]] [[worshiped]] its olden [[fetish]], and many [[individual]] [[families]] had their own household gods. Long the [[struggle]] continued between [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonia Babylonian] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishtar Ishtar], [[Hebrew]] [[Yahweh]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran Iranian] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahura_Mazda Ahura], and [[Christian]] Father of the Lord [[Jesus]] [[Christ]]. Never was one concept able fully to displace the others.

95:7.3 Here and there throughout Arabia were families and clans that held on to the hazy idea of the one God. Such groups treasured the traditions of Melchizedek, Abraham, Moses, and Zoroaster. There were numerous centers that might have responded to the Jesusonian gospel, but the Christian missionaries of the desert lands were an austere and unyielding group in contrast with the compromisers and innovators who functioned as missionaries in the Mediterranean countries. Had the followers of Jesus taken more seriously his injunction to " go into all the world and preach the gospel, " and had they been more gracious in that preaching, less stringent in collateral social requirements of their own devising, then many lands would gladly have received the simple gospel of the carpenter's son, Arabia among them.

95:7.3 Here and there throughout [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabia Arabia] were [[families]] and [[clans]] that held on to the hazy [[idea]] of the one [[God]]. Such groups treasured the [[traditions]] of [[Melchizedek]], [[Abraham]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoraoaster Zoroaster]. There were numerous centers that might have responded to the [[Jesus|Jesusonian]] [[gospel]], but the [[Christian]] missionaries of the [[desert]] lands were an [[austere]] and unyielding group in [[contrast]] with the [[compromisers]] and [[innovators]] who [[functioned]] as missionaries in the [[Mediterranean]] countries. Had the followers of [[Jesus]] taken more seriously his injunction to "go into all the world and preach the gospel," and had they been more [[gracious]] in that preaching, less stringent in collateral [[social]] requirements of their own devising, then many lands would gladly have received the simple [[gospel]] of the carpenter's son, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabia Arabia] among them.

95:7.4 Despite the fact that the great Levantine monotheisms failed to take root in Arabia, this desert land was capable of producing a faith which, though less demanding in its social requirements, was nonetheless monotheistic.

95:7.4 Despite the [[fact]] that the great [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levantine] [[monotheism]]s failed to take root in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabia Arabia], this [[desert]] [[land]] was capable of producing a [[faith]] which, though less demanding in its [[social]] requirements, was nonetheless [[monotheistic]].

95:7.5 There was only one factor of a tribal, racial, or national nature about the primitive and unorganized beliefs of the desert, and that was the peculiar and general respect which almost all Arabian tribes were willing to pay to a certain black stone fetish in a certain temple at Mecca. This point of common contact and reverence subsequently led to the establishment of the Islamic religion. What Yahweh, the volcano spirit, was to the Jewish Semites, the Kaaba stone became to their Arabic cousins.

95:7.5 There was only one [[factor]] of a [[tribal]], racial, or [[national]] nature about the [[primitive]] and unorganized [[beliefs]] of the [[desert]], and that was the peculiar and general [[respect]] which almost all Arabian [[tribes]] were willing to pay to a certain [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaaba_stone black stone] [[fetish]] in a certain [[temple]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecca Mecca]. This point of common [[contact]] and [[reverence]] subsequently led to the [[establishment]] of the [[Islam]]ic religion. What [[Yahweh]], the volcano spirit, was to the [[Jewish]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semite Semites], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaaba_stone Kaaba stone] became to their Arabic cousins.

95:7.6 The strength of Islam has been its clear-cut and well-defined presentation of Allah as the one and only Deity; its weakness, the association of military force with its promulgation, together with its degradation of woman. But it has steadfastly held to its presentation of the One Universal Deity of all, " who knows the invisible and the visible. He is the merciful and the compassionate. " " Truly God is plenteous in goodness to all men. " " And when I am sick, it is he who heals me. " " For whenever as many as three speak together, God is present as a fourth, " for is he not " the first and the last, also the seen and the hidden? "

95:7.6 The [[strength]] of [[Islam]] has been its clear-cut and well-defined presentation of [[Allah]] as the one and only [[Deity]]; its weakness, the [[association]] of [[military]] [[force]] with its promulgation, together with its degradation of [[woman]]. But it has [[steadfastly]] held to its presentation of the One [[Universal]] [[Deity]] of all, "who knows the [[invisible]] and the visible. He is the [[merciful]] and the [[compassionate]]." "Truly God is plenteous in [[goodness]] to all men." "And when I am sick, it is he who heals me." "For whenever as many as [[three]] speak [[together]], God is present as a fourth, "for is he not" the first and the last, also the seen and the hidden? "

95:7.7 Presented by a [[Melchizedek]] of [[Nebadon]].

95:7.7 Presented by a [[Melchizedek]] of [[Nebadon]].

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[[Category: PART III: The History of Urantia]]

[[Category: PART III: The History of Urantia]]