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 [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 [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 [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 [http://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 [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 [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].

95:1.4 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/Amenemope_%28author%29 Amenemope] and [http://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 [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 [https://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]], [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 [http://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 [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/Ancient_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 [https://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 [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].

95:3.1 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 [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]].

95:3.2 [[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_(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]].

95:3.5 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 [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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenemope_(author) Amenemope]'s [http://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 [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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenemope_%28author%29 Amenemope] were slowly losing their hold on the [http://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, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton 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 [http://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 [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton 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 [http://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 [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt 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 [http://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.

95:5.4 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 [http://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 [http://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.

95:5.5 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton Ikhnaton] sought to [[establish]] [[monotheism]] under the [[guise]] of the [http://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. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton Ikhnaton] took the generalized [[doctrines]] of the then existent [http://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.

95:5.6 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aten Aton], the sun-god, while he led his associates in the [[disguised]] [[worship]] of the One God, [[creator]] of [http://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]].

95:5.7 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton Ikhnaton]'s gospel was its greatest [[truth]], the teaching that [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria Syria] and [http://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.

95:5.9 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 [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tutankhamen Tutankhamen]. The [[capital]] returned to [http://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.

95:5.10 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 [http://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. [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt 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 [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isis Isis] and her consort [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osiris Osiris], who was supposed to have been miraculously [[resurrected]] from a cruel [[death]] at the hands of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Set_(mythology) 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 [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton Ikhnaton] [[eventually]] prevailed, even to the extent that the Egyptians later believed in the [[survival]] of dumb animals.

95:5.13 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 [http://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 [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumer Euphrates] to all of the subsequent peoples of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident 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 [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedouin Bedouins] carried away much of these teachings and perpetuated many of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhanaton 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] and to the great [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_plateau Iranian plateau]. For more than five hundred years the [[Salem]] [[teachers]] made headway in [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persia Persia] when, in that great century of [[moral]] [[renaissance]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/600_BC sixth before Christ], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ur Ur] in [http://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 [http://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 [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia]. He had learned of the [[story]] of the [[Seven Master Spirits]] as the [[tradition]] lingered in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ur Ur], and, accordingly, he created a [[galaxy]] of [[seven]] supreme gods with [http://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]].

95:6.2 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 [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Zoroaster] [[heroically]] died in battle for that which he believed was the "[[truth]] of the Lord of [[light]]."

95:6.4 [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 [http://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 [http://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.

95:6.5 [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 [http://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.

95:6.6 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaastrianism Zoroastrianism] in [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithra Mithra]. And [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism] spread throughout the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant] and [[Mediterranean]] regions, being for some time a contemporary of both [[Judaism]] and [[Christianity]]. The teachings of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster 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]] [[Songs|psalms]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Zoroaster] to the [[modern]] [[perversions]] of his gospel by the [http://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.

95:6.8 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 [http://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.

95:6.9 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_desert Arabian desert] at a comparatively recent date. As in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece], so in [http://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]].

95:7.1 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 [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orient Orient] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident] had become respectively [[Buddhist]] and [[Christian]], the [[desert]] of [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonia Babylonian] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishtar Ishtar], [[Hebrew]] [[Yahweh]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran Iranian] [http://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.

95:7.2 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 [http://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]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], and [http://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, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabia 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levantine] [[monotheism]]s failed to take root in [http://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]].

95:7.4 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaaba_stone black stone] [[fetish]] in a certain [[temple]] at [http://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]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semite Semites], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaaba_stone 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? "