Changes

99:0.2 But [[religion]] should not be directly concerned either with the [[creation]] of new [[social]] orders or with the [[preservation]] of old ones. True [[religion]] does [[oppose]] [[violence]] as a [[technique]] of [[social]] [[evolution]], but it does not [[oppose]] the [[intelligent]] [[efforts]] of [[society]] to adapt its usages and [[adjust]] its [[institutions]] to new [[economic]] conditions and cultural requirements.

99:0.2 But [[religion]] should not be directly concerned either with the [[creation]] of new [[social]] orders or with the [[preservation]] of old ones. True [[religion]] does [[oppose]] [[violence]] as a [[technique]] of [[social]] [[evolution]], but it does not [[oppose]] the [[intelligent]] [[efforts]] of [[society]] to adapt its usages and [[adjust]] its [[institutions]] to new [[economic]] conditions and cultural requirements.

99:0.3 [[Religion]] did approve the occasional [[social]] [[reforms]] of [[past]] centuries, but in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth century] it is of [[necessity]] called upon to face [[adjustment]] to extensive and continuing [[social]] reconstruction. Conditions of living alter so rapidly that [[institutional]] [[modifications]] must be greatly [[accelerated]], and [[religion]] must accordingly quicken its [[adaptation]] to this new and ever-changing [[social]] order.

99:0.3 [[Religion]] did approve the occasional [[social]] [[reforms]] of [[past]] centuries, but in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth century] it is of [[necessity]] called upon to face [[adjustment]] to extensive and continuing [[social]] reconstruction. Conditions of living alter so rapidly that [[institutional]] [[modifications]] must be greatly [[accelerated]], and [[religion]] must accordingly quicken its [[adaptation]] to this new and ever-changing [[social]] order.

==99:1. RELIGION AND SOCIAL RECONSTRUCTION==

==99:1. RELIGION AND SOCIAL RECONSTRUCTION==

99:1.2 [[Religion]] must become a forceful [[influence]] for [[moral]] [[stability]] and [[spiritual]] [[progression]] functioning [[dynamically]] in the midst of these ever-changing conditions and never-ending [[economic]] [[adjustments]].

99:1.2 [[Religion]] must become a forceful [[influence]] for [[moral]] [[stability]] and [[spiritual]] [[progression]] functioning [[dynamically]] in the midst of these ever-changing conditions and never-ending [[economic]] [[adjustments]].

99:1.3 [[Urantia]] [[society]] can never hope to settle down as in [[past]] ages. The [[social]] ship has steamed out of the [[sheltered]] bays of [[established]] [[tradition]] and has begun its cruise upon the high seas of [[evolutionary]] [[destiny]]; and the [[soul]] of man, as never before in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_history world's history], needs [[carefully]] to scrutinize its charts of [[morality]] and painstakingly to [[observe]] the [[compass]] of [[religious]] [[guidance]]. The [[paramount]] mission of [[religion]] as a [[social]] [[influence]] is to [[stabilize]] the [[ideals]] of mankind during these [[dangerous]] times of [[transition]] from one [[phase]] of [[civilization]] to another, from one level of [[culture]] to another.

99:1.3 [[Urantia]] [[society]] can never hope to settle down as in [[past]] ages. The [[social]] ship has steamed out of the [[sheltered]] bays of [[established]] [[tradition]] and has begun its cruise upon the high seas of [[evolutionary]] [[destiny]]; and the [[soul]] of man, as never before in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_history world's history], needs [[carefully]] to scrutinize its charts of [[morality]] and painstakingly to [[observe]] the [[compass]] of [[religious]] [[guidance]]. The [[paramount]] mission of [[religion]] as a [[social]] [[influence]] is to [[stabilize]] the [[ideals]] of mankind during these [[dangerous]] times of [[transition]] from one [[phase]] of [[civilization]] to another, from one level of [[culture]] to another.

99:1.4 [[Religion]] has no new [[duties]] to [[perform]], but it is urgently called upon to [[function]] as a [[wise]] guide and experienced [[counselor]] in all of these new and rapidly changing [[human]] situations. [[Society]] is becoming more [[mechanical]], more compact, more [[complex]], and more critically [[interdependent]]. [[Religion]] must [[function]] to prevent these new and [[intimate]] interassociations from becoming mutually [[retrogressive]] or even [[destructive]]. [[Religion]] must act as the [[cosmic]] salt which prevents the ferments of [[progression]] from destroying the [[cultural]] savor of [[civilization]]. These new [[social]] relations and [[economic]] upheavals can result in lasting [[brotherhood]] only by the ministry of [[religion]].

99:1.4 [[Religion]] has no new [[duties]] to [[perform]], but it is urgently called upon to [[function]] as a [[wise]] guide and experienced [[counselor]] in all of these new and rapidly changing [[human]] situations. [[Society]] is becoming more [[mechanical]], more compact, more [[complex]], and more critically [[interdependent]]. [[Religion]] must [[function]] to prevent these new and [[intimate]] interassociations from becoming mutually [[retrogressive]] or even [[destructive]]. [[Religion]] must act as the [[cosmic]] salt which prevents the ferments of [[progression]] from destroying the [[cultural]] savor of [[civilization]]. These new [[social]] relations and [[economic]] upheavals can result in lasting [[brotherhood]] only by the ministry of [[religion]].

99:1.5 A [[Atheism|godless]] [[humanitarianism]] is, humanly speaking, a [[noble]] [[gesture]], but true [[religion]] is the only [[power]] which can lastingly increase the [[responsiveness]] of one [[social]] [[group]] to the needs and sufferings of [[other]] groups. In the past, [[institutional]] [[religion]] could remain passive while the upper strata of [[society]] turned a deaf ear to the [[sufferings]] and [[oppression]] of the helpless lower strata, but in [[modern]] times these lower [[social]] orders are no longer so abjectly [[ignorant]] nor so politically helpless.

99:1.5 A [[Atheism|godless]] [[humanitarianism]] is, humanly speaking, a [[noble]] [[gesture]], but true [[religion]] is the only [[power]] which can lastingly increase the [[responsiveness]] of one [[social]] [[group]] to the needs and sufferings of [[other]] groups. In the past, [[institutional]] [[religion]] could remain passive while the upper strata of [[society]] turned a deaf ear to the [[sufferings]] and [[oppression]] of the helpless lower strata, but in [[modern]] times these lower [[social]] orders are no longer so abjectly [[ignorant]] nor so politically helpless.

99:1.6 [[Religion]] must not become [[organically]] involved in the [[secular]] [[work]] of [[social]] reconstruction and [[economic]] reorganization. But it must [[actively]] keep [[pace]] with all these advances in [[civilization]] by making clear-cut and [[vigorous]] restatements of its [[moral]] [[mandates]] and [[spiritual]] precepts, its [[progressive]] [[philosophy]] of human living and [[transcendent]] [[survival]]. The [[spirit]] of [[religion]] is [[eternal]], but the [[form]] of its [[expression]] must be restated every time the [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Dictionary dictionary] of [[human]] [[language]] is revised.

99:1.6 [[Religion]] must not become [[organically]] involved in the [[secular]] [[work]] of [[social]] reconstruction and [[economic]] reorganization. But it must [[actively]] keep [[pace]] with all these advances in [[civilization]] by making clear-cut and [[vigorous]] restatements of its [[moral]] [[mandates]] and [[spiritual]] precepts, its [[progressive]] [[philosophy]] of human living and [[transcendent]] [[survival]]. The [[spirit]] of [[religion]] is [[eternal]], but the [[form]] of its [[expression]] must be restated every time the [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Dictionary dictionary] of [[human]] [[language]] is revised.

==99:2. WEAKNESS OF INSTITUTIONAL RELIGION==

==99:2. WEAKNESS OF INSTITUTIONAL RELIGION==

99:2.1 [[Institutional]] [[religion]] cannot afford [[inspiration]] and [[provide]] [[leadership]] in this impending world-wide [[social]] reconstruction and [[economic]] reorganization because it has unfortunately become more or less of an [[organic]] part of the [[social]] order and the [[economic]] [[system]] which is destined to undergo reconstruction. Only the real [[religion]] of [[personal]] [[spiritual]] [[experience]] can [[function]] helpfully and [[creatively]] in the [[present]] [[crisis]] of [[civilization]].

99:2.1 [[Institutional]] [[religion]] cannot afford [[inspiration]] and [[provide]] [[leadership]] in this impending world-wide [[social]] reconstruction and [[economic]] reorganization because it has unfortunately become more or less of an [[organic]] part of the [[social]] order and the [[economic]] [[system]] which is destined to undergo reconstruction. Only the real [[religion]] of [[personal]] [[spiritual]] [[experience]] can [[function]] helpfully and [[creatively]] in the [[present]] [[crisis]] of [[civilization]].

99:2.2 [[Institutional]] [[religion]] is now caught in the [[stalemate]] of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtuous_circle_and_vicious_circle#Vicious_circle vicious circle]. It cannot reconstruct [[society]] without first reconstructing itself; and being so much an integral part of the [[established]] order, it cannot reconstruct itself until [[society]] has been [[radically]] reconstructed.

99:2.2 [[Institutional]] [[religion]] is now caught in the [[stalemate]] of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtuous_circle_and_vicious_circle#Vicious_circle vicious circle]. It cannot reconstruct [[society]] without first reconstructing itself; and being so much an integral part of the [[established]] order, it cannot reconstruct itself until [[society]] has been [[radically]] reconstructed.

99:2.3 Religionists must [[function]] in [[society]], in [[industry]], and in [[politics]] as [[individuals]], not as [[groups]], parties, or [[institutions]]. A religious [[group]] which presumes to [[function]] as such, apart from religious activities, [[immediately]] becomes a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_party political party], an [[economic]] [[organization]], or a [[social]] [[institution]]. Religious [[collectivism]] must confine its efforts to the furtherance of [[religious]] causes.

99:2.3 Religionists must [[function]] in [[society]], in [[industry]], and in [[politics]] as [[individuals]], not as [[groups]], parties, or [[institutions]]. A religious [[group]] which presumes to [[function]] as such, apart from religious activities, [[immediately]] becomes a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_party political party], an [[economic]] [[organization]], or a [[social]] [[institution]]. Religious [[collectivism]] must confine its efforts to the furtherance of [[religious]] causes.

99:2.4 Religionists are of no more [[value]] in the tasks of social reconstruction than nonreligionists except in so far as their [[religion]] has conferred upon them enhanced [[cosmic]] [[foresight]] and [[endowed]] them with that superior social [[wisdom]] which is born of the [[sincere]] [[desire]] to [[love]] [[God]] supremely and to love every man as a [[brother]] in the heavenly kingdom. An [[ideal]] [[social]] order is that in which every man loves his [[neighbor]] as he loves himself.

99:2.4 Religionists are of no more [[value]] in the tasks of social reconstruction than nonreligionists except in so far as their [[religion]] has conferred upon them enhanced [[cosmic]] [[foresight]] and [[endowed]] them with that superior social [[wisdom]] which is born of the [[sincere]] [[desire]] to [[love]] [[God]] supremely and to love every man as a [[brother]] in the heavenly kingdom. An [[ideal]] [[social]] order is that in which every man loves his [[neighbor]] as he loves himself.

==99:3. RELIGION AND THE RELIGIONIST==

==99:3. RELIGION AND THE RELIGIONIST==

99:3.1 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity Early Christianity] was entirely [[free]] from all [[civil]] [[entanglement]]s, [[social]] commitments, and [[economic]] alliances. Only did later [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_I_and_Christianity institutionalized Christianity] become an [[organic]] part of the [[political]] and [[social]] [[structure]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occidental civilization].

99:3.1 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity Early Christianity] was entirely [[free]] from all [[civil]] [[entanglement]]s, [[social]] commitments, and [[economic]] alliances. Only did later [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_I_and_Christianity institutionalized Christianity] become an [[organic]] part of the [[political]] and [[social]] [[structure]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occidental civilization].

99:3.2 The kingdom of heaven is neither a [[social]] nor [[economic]] order; it is an exclusively [[spiritual]] [[brotherhood]] of [[God]]-knowing [[individuals]]. True, such a [[brotherhood]] is in itself a new and amazing [[social]] [[phenomenon]] attended by astounding [[political]] and [[economic]] [[repercussions]].

99:3.2 The kingdom of heaven is neither a [[social]] nor [[economic]] order; it is an exclusively [[spiritual]] [[brotherhood]] of [[God]]-knowing [[individuals]]. True, such a [[brotherhood]] is in itself a new and amazing [[social]] [[phenomenon]] attended by astounding [[political]] and [[economic]] [[repercussions]].

99:3.4 The [[attainment]] of a high [[cultural]] [[civilization]] demands, first, the [[ideal]] type of [[citizen]] and, then, [[ideal]] and adequate [[social]] [[mechanisms]] wherewith such a citizenry may [[control]] the [[economic]] and [[political]] [[institutions]] of such an advanced [[human]] [[society]].

99:3.4 The [[attainment]] of a high [[cultural]] [[civilization]] demands, first, the [[ideal]] type of [[citizen]] and, then, [[ideal]] and adequate [[social]] [[mechanisms]] wherewith such a citizenry may [[control]] the [[economic]] and [[political]] [[institutions]] of such an advanced [[human]] [[society]].

99:3.5 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_church church], because of overmuch false [[sentiment]], has long ministered to the [[Poor|underprivileged]] and the unfortunate, and this has all been well, but this same sentiment has led to the unwise perpetuation of racially [[degenerate]] stocks which have tremendously [[Handicap|retarded]] the [[progress]] of [[civilization]].

99:3.5 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_church church], because of overmuch false [[sentiment]], has long ministered to the [[Poor|underprivileged]] and the unfortunate, and this has all been well, but this same sentiment has led to the unwise perpetuation of racially [[degenerate]] stocks which have tremendously [[Handicap|retarded]] the [[progress]] of [[civilization]].

99:3.6 Many [[individual]] social reconstructionists, while vehemently repudiating [[institutionalized]] [[religion]], are, after all, zealously [[religious]] in the propagation of their [[social]] [[reforms]]. And so it is that religious [[motivation]], [[personal]] and more or less unrecognized, is playing a great part in the present-day [[program]] of [[social]] [[Transformation|reconstruction]].

99:3.6 Many [[individual]] social reconstructionists, while vehemently repudiating [[institutionalized]] [[religion]], are, after all, zealously [[religious]] in the propagation of their [[social]] [[reforms]]. And so it is that religious [[motivation]], [[personal]] and more or less unrecognized, is playing a great part in the present-day [[program]] of [[social]] [[Transformation|reconstruction]].

99:3.7 The great weakness of all this unrecognized and [[unconscious]] type of [[religious]] [[activity]] is that it is unable to profit from open religious [[criticism]] and thereby [[attain]] to profitable levels of [[self]]-[[correction]]. It is a [[fact]] that [[religion]] does not grow unless it is [[disciplined]] by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructive_criticism#Constructive_criticism constructive criticism], amplified by [[philosophy]], [[purified]] by [[science]], and nourished by loyal fellowship.

99:3.7 The great weakness of all this unrecognized and [[unconscious]] type of [[religious]] [[activity]] is that it is unable to profit from open religious [[criticism]] and thereby [[attain]] to profitable levels of [[self]]-[[correction]]. It is a [[fact]] that [[religion]] does not grow unless it is [[disciplined]] by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructive_criticism#Constructive_criticism constructive criticism], amplified by [[philosophy]], [[purified]] by [[science]], and nourished by loyal fellowship.

99:3.8 There is always the great [[danger]] that [[religion]] will become distorted and [[perverted]] into the pursuit of false goals, as when in times of [[war]] each contending [[nation]] [[prostitutes]] its religion into [[military]] [[propaganda]]. Loveless zeal is always harmful to religion, while [[persecution]] diverts the [[activities]] of religion into the achievement of some [[sociologic]] or [[theologic]] drive.

99:3.8 There is always the great [[danger]] that [[religion]] will become distorted and [[perverted]] into the pursuit of false goals, as when in times of [[war]] each contending [[nation]] [[prostitutes]] its religion into [[military]] [[propaganda]]. Loveless zeal is always harmful to religion, while [[persecution]] diverts the [[activities]] of religion into the achievement of some [[sociologic]] or [[theologic]] drive.

==99:4. TRANSITION DIFFICULTIES==

==99:4. TRANSITION DIFFICULTIES==

99:4.1 Genuine religion renders the religionist socially fragrant and creates insights into human fellowship. But the formalization of religious groups many times destroys the very values for the promotion of which the group was organized. Human friendship and divine religion are mutually helpful and significantly illuminating if the growth in each is equalized and harmonized. Religion puts new meaning into all group associations—families, schools, and clubs. It imparts new values to play and exalts all true humor.

99:4.1 Genuine [[religion]] renders the religionist socially fragrant and creates [[insights]] into human fellowship. But the [[formalization]] of religious [[groups]] many times destroys the very [[values]] for the promotion of which the [[group]] was organized. Human [[friendship]] and [[divine]] [[religion]] are [[mutually]] helpful and significantly [[illuminating]] if the [[growth]] in each is equalized and [[harmonized]]. [[Religion]] puts new [[meaning]] into all group [[associations]]—families, schools, and clubs. It imparts new [[values]] to [[play]] and exalts all true [[humor]].

99:4.2 Social leadership is transformed by spiritual insight; religion prevents all collective movements from losing sight of their true objectives. Together with children, religion is the great unifier of family life, provided it is a living and growing faith. Family life cannot be had without children; it can be lived without religion, but such a handicap enormously multiplies the difficulties of this intimate human association. During the early decades of the twentieth century, family life, next to personal religious experience, suffers most from the decadence consequent upon the transition from old religious loyalties to the emerging new meanings and values.

99:4.2 [[Social]] [[leadership]] is transformed by [[spiritual]] [[insight]]; [[religion]] prevents all [[collective]] [[movements]] from losing sight of their true objectives. Together with [[children]], [[religion]] is the great unifier of [[family]] life, provided it is a living and growing [[faith]]. [[Family]] life cannot be had without [[children]]; it can be lived without [[religion]], but such a [[handicap]] enormously multiplies the [[difficulties]] of this [[intimate]] human [[association]]. During the early decades of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth century], [[family]] life, next to [[personal]] religious [[experience]], suffers most from the [[decadence]] consequent upon the [[transition]] from old religious [[loyalties]] to the emerging new [[meanings]] and [[values]].

99:4.3 True religion is a meaningful way of living dynamically face to face with the commonplace realities of everyday life. But if religion is to stimulate individual development of character and augment integration of personality, it must not be standardized. If it is to stimulate evaluation of experience and serve as a value-lure, it must not be stereotyped. If religion is to promote supreme loyalties, it must not be formalized.

99:4.3 True [[religion]] is a meaningful way of living [[dynamically]] face to face with the commonplace [[realities]] of everyday life. But if [[religion]] is to [[stimulate]] [[individual]] [[development]] of [[character]] and augment [[integration]] of [[personality]], it must not be [[standardized]]. If it is to stimulate [[evaluation]] of [[experience]] and serve as a value-lure, it must not be [[stereotyped]]. If is to promote supreme loyalties, it must not be [[formalized]].

99:4.4 No matter what upheavals may attend the social and economic growth of civilization, religion is genuine and worth while if it fosters in the individual an experience in which the sovereignty of truth, beauty, and goodness prevails, for such is the true spiritual concept of supreme reality. And through love and worship this becomes meaningful as fellowship with man and sonship with God.

99:4.4 No matter what [[upheavals]] may attend the [[social]] and [[economic]] [[growth]] of [[civilization]], [[religion]] is genuine and worth while if it fosters in the [[individual]] an [[experience]] in which the [[sovereignty]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_56#56:10._TRUTH.2C_BEAUTY.2C_AND_GOODNESS truth, beauty, and goodness] prevails, for such is the true [[spiritual]] [[concept]] of [[supreme]] [[reality]]. And through [[love]] and [[worship]] this becomes [[meaningful]] as fellowship with man and sonship with God.

99:4.5 After all, it is what one believes rather than what one knows that determines conduct and dominates personal performances. Purely factual knowledge exerts very little influence upon the average man unless it becomes emotionally activated. But the activation of religion is superemotional, unifying the entire human experience on transcendent levels through contact with, and release of, spiritual energies in the mortal life.

99:4.5 After all, it is what one [[believes]] rather than what one knows that determines [[conduct]] and [[dominates]] [[personal]] [[performances]]. [[Purely]] [[factual]] [[knowledge]] exerts very little [[influence]] upon the [[average]] man unless it becomes [[emotionally]] activated. But the [[activation]] of [[religion]] is superemotional, unifying the entire [[human]] [[experience]] on [[transcendent]] levels through [[contact]] with, and release of, [[spiritual]] [[energies]] in the [[mortal]] life.

99:4.6 During the psychologically unsettled times of the twentieth century, amid the economic upheavals, the moral crosscurrents, and the sociologic rip tides of the cyclonic transitions of a scientific era, thousands upon thousands of men and women have become humanly dislocated; they are anxious, restless, fearful, uncertain, and unsettled; as never before in the world's history they need the consolation and stabilization of sound religion. In the face of unprecedented scientific achievement and mechanical development there is spiritual stagnation and philosophic chaos.

99:4.6 During the [[psychologically]] unsettled times of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth century], amid the [[economic]] [[upheavals]], the moral crosscurrents, and the sociologic rip tides of the cyclonic [[transitions]] of a [[scientific]] era, thousands upon thousands of men and women have become humanly dislocated; they are [[anxious]], restless, [[fearful]], uncertain, and unsettled; as never before in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_history world's history] they need the consolation and [[stabilization]] of sound [[religion]]. In the face of unprecedented [[scientific]] [[achievement]] and [[mechanical]] [[development]] there is [[spiritual]] stagnation and [[philosophic]] [[chaos]].

99:4.7 There is no danger in religion's becoming more and more of a private matter—a personal experience—provided it does not lose its motivation for unselfish and loving social service. Religion has suffered from many secondary influences: sudden mixing of cultures, intermingling of creeds, diminution of ecclesiastical authority, changing of family life, together with urbanization and mechanization.

99:4.7 There is no [[danger]] in religion's becoming more and more of a [[private]] matter—a [[personal]] [[experience]]—provided it does not lose its [[motivation]] for [[unselfish]] and loving [[social]] [[service]]. [[Religion]] has suffered from many secondary [[influences]]: sudden mixing of [[cultures]], intermingling of [[creeds]], diminution of ecclesiastical [[authority]], changing of [[family]] life, together with urbanization and [[mechanization]].

99:4.8 Man's greatest spiritual jeopardy consists in partial progress, the predicament of unfinished growth: forsaking the evolutionary religions of fear without immediately grasping the revelatory religion of love. Modern science, particularly psychology, has weakened only those religions which are so largely dependent upon fear, superstition, and emotion.

99:4.8 Man's greatest [[spiritual]] [[jeopardy]] consists in partial [[progress]], the predicament of unfinished [[growth]]: forsaking the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary religions of fear] without [[immediately]] grasping the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION revelatory religion] of [[love]]. [[Modern]] [[science]], particularly [[psychology]], has weakened only those [[religions]] which are so largely dependent upon [[fear]], [[superstition]], and [[emotion]].

99:4.9 Transition is always accompanied by confusion, and there will be little tranquillity in the religious world until the great struggle between the three contending philosophies of religion is ended:

99:4.9 [[Transition]] is always accompanied by [[confusion]], and there will be little [[tranquillity]] in the religious world until the great [[struggle]] between the [[three]] [[contending]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy_of_religion philosophies of religion] is ended:

*1. The spiritistic belief (in a providential Deity) of many religions.

*1. The spiritistic [[belief]] (in a [[providential]] [[Deity]]) of many religions.

*2. The humanistic and idealistic belief of many philosophies.

*2. The [[humanistic]] and idealistic [[belief]] of many [[philosophies]].

*3. The mechanistic and naturalistic conceptions of many sciences.

*3. The [[mechanistic]] and naturalistic conceptions of many [[sciences]].

99:4.10 And these three partial approaches to the reality of the cosmos must eventually become harmonized by the revelatory presentation of religion, philosophy, and cosmology which portrays the triune existence of spirit, mind, and energy proceeding from the Trinity of Paradise and attaining time-space unification within the Deity of the Supreme.

99:4.10 And these three partial approaches to the [[reality]] of the [[cosmos]] must [[eventually]] become [[harmonized]] by the [[revelatory]] presentation of [[religion]], [[philosophy]], and [[cosmology]] which portrays the [[triune]] [[existence]] of [[spirit]], [[mind]], and [[energy]] proceeding from the [[Trinity]] of [[Paradise]] and [[attaining]] [[time-space]] [[unification]] within the [[Deity]] of the [[Supreme]].

==99:5. SOCIAL ASPECTS OF RELIGION==

==99:5. SOCIAL ASPECTS OF RELIGION==

99:5.1 While religion is exclusively a personal spiritual experience—knowing God as a Father—the corollary of this experience—knowing man as a brother—entails the adjustment of the self to other selves, and that involves the social or group aspect of religious life. Religion is first an inner or personal adjustment, and then it becomes a matter of social service or group adjustment. The fact of man's gregariousness perforce determines that religious groups will come into existence. What happens to these religious groups depends very much on intelligent leadership. In primitive society the religious group is not always very different from economic or political groups. Religion has always been a conservator of morals and a stabilizer of society. And this is still true, notwithstanding the contrary teaching of many modern socialists and humanists.

99:5.1 While [[religion]] is exclusively a [[personal]] [[spiritual]] [[experience]]—knowing [[God]] as a [[Father]]—the corollary of this [[experience]]—knowing man as a [[brother]]—entails the [[adjustment]] of the [[self]] to [[other]] selves, and that involves the [[social]] or [[group]] aspect of religious life. [[Religion]] is first an [[Inner Life|inner] or [[personal]] [[adjustment]], and then it becomes a matter of [[social]] [[service]] or [[group]] adjustment. The [[fact]] of man's gregariousness perforce determines that religious [[groups]] will come into [[existence]]. What happens to these religious [[groups]] depends very much on [[intelligent]] [[leadership]]. In [[primitive]] [[society]] the religious group is not always very [[different]] from [[economic]] or [[political]] groups. [[Religion]] has always been a [[conservator]] of [[morals]] and a [[stabilizer]] of [[society]]. And this is still true, notwithstanding the contrary teaching of many [[modern]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialism socialists] and [[humanists]].

99:5.2 Always keep in mind: True religion is to know God as your Father and man as your brother. Religion is not a slavish belief in threats of punishment or magical promises of future mystical rewards.

99:5.2 Always keep in [[mind]]: True [[religion]] is to know [[God]] as your [[Father]] and man as your [[brother]]. [[Religion]] is not a [[slavish]] [[belief]] in threats of punishment or [[magical]] [[promises]] of [[future]] [[mystical]] rewards.

99:5.3 The religion of Jesus is the most dynamic influence ever to activate the human race. Jesus shattered tradition, destroyed dogma, and called mankind to the achievement of its highest ideals in time and eternity—to be perfect, even as the Father in heaven is perfect.

99:5.3 The [[religion]] of [[Jesus]] is the most [[dynamic]] [[influence]] ever to [[activate]] the [[human]] race. Jesus shattered [[tradition]], destroyed [[dogma]], and called [[mankind]] to the achievement of its highest [[ideals]] in [[time]] and [[eternity]]—to be [[perfect]], even as [[the Father]] in [[heaven]] is perfect.

99:5.4 Religion has little chance to function until the religious group becomes separated from all other groups—the social association of the spiritual membership of the kingdom of heaven.

99:5.4 [[Religion]] has little [[chance]] to [[function]] until the religious group becomes separated from all other groups—the [[social]] [[association]] of the [[spiritual]] membership of the kingdom of [[heaven]].

99:5.5 The doctrine of the total depravity of man destroyed much of the potential of religion for effecting social repercussions of an uplifting nature and of inspirational value. Jesus sought to restore man's dignity when he declared that all men are the children of God.

99:5.5 The [[doctrine]] of the total [[depravity]] of man destroyed much of the [[potential]] of [[religion]] for effecting [[social]] [[repercussions]] of an uplifting [[nature]] and of [[inspirational]] [[value]]. Jesus sought to restore [[man]]'s [[dignity]] when he declared that all men are the [[children]] of [[God]].

99:5.6 Any religious belief which is effective in spiritualizing the believer is certain to have powerful repercussions in the social life of such a religionist. Religious experience unfailingly yields the " fruits of the spirit " in the daily life of the spirit-led mortal.

99:5.6 Any religious [[belief]] which is effective in spiritualizing the believer is certain to have [[powerful]] [[repercussions]] in the [[social]] life of such a religionist. [[Religious]] [[experience]] unfailingly yields the "[[fruits of the spirit]]" in the daily life of the spirit-led [[mortal]].

99:5.7 Just as certainly as men share their religious beliefs, they create a religious group of some sort which eventually creates common goals. Someday religionists will get together and actually effect co-operation on the basis of unity of ideals and purposes rather than attempting to do so on the basis of psychological opinions and theological beliefs. Goals rather than creeds should unify religionists. Since true religion is a matter of personal spiritual experience, it is inevitable that each individual religionist must have his own and personal interpretation of the realization of that spiritual experience. Let the term " faith " stand for the individual's relation to God rather than for the creedal formulation of what some group of mortals have been able to agree upon as a common religious attitude. " Have you faith? Then have it to yourself. "

99:5.7 Just as [[certainly]] as men [[share]] their [[religious]] [[beliefs]], they create a religious [[group]] of some sort which [[eventually]] creates common goals. Someday religionists will get [[together]] and actually effect [[co-operation]] on the basis of [[unity]] of [[ideals]] and [[purposes]] rather than attempting to do so on the basis of [[psychological]] [[opinions]] and [[theological]] [[beliefs]]. Goals rather than [[creeds]] should unify religionists. Since true [[religion]] is a matter of [[personal]] [[spiritual]] [[experience]], it is [[inevitable]] that each [[individual]] religionist must have his own and personal [[interpretation]] of the [[realization]] of that spiritual [[experience]]. Let the term " [[faith]] " stand for the [[individual]]'s [[relation]] to [[God]] rather than for the creedal [[formulation]] of what some [[group]] of [[mortals]] have been able to [[agree]] upon as a common [[religious]] [[attitude]]. "Have you faith? Then have it to yourself."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Romans#The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Romans.2C_XIV]

99:5.8 That faith is concerned only with the grasp of ideal values is shown by the New Testament definition which declares that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

99:5.8 That [[faith]] is concerned only with the grasp of [[ideal]] [[values]] is shown by the [[New Testament]] definition which [[declares]] that [[faith]] is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews#The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews.2C_XI]

99:5.9 Primitive man made little effort to put his religious convictions into words. His religion was danced out rather than thought out. Modern men have thought out many creeds and created many tests of religious faith. Future religionists must live out their religion, dedicate themselves to the wholehearted service of the brotherhood of man. <u>It is high time that man had a religious experience so personal and so sublime that it could be realized and expressed only by " feelings that lie too deep for words."</u>

99:5.9 [[Primitive]] man made little [[effort]] to put his religious [[convictions]] into [[words]]. His [[religion]] was [[danced]] out rather than [[thought]] out. [[Modern]] men have [[thought]] out many [[creeds]] and created many tests of [[religious]] [[faith]]. [[Future]] religionists must live out their [[religion]], [[dedicate]] themselves to the wholehearted [[service]] of the [[brotherhood]] of man. It is high time that man had a religious [[experience]] so [[personal]] and so [[sublime]] that it could be realized and [[expressed]] only by "[[feelings]] that lie too deep for [[words]]."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Romans#The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Romans.2C_VIII]

99:5.10 Jesus did not require of his followers that they should periodically assemble and recite a form of words indicative of their common beliefs. He only ordained that they should gather together to actually do something —partake of the communal supper of the remembrance of his bestowal life on Urantia.

99:5.10 [[Jesus]] did not require of his followers that they should periodically assemble and [[recite]] a [[form]] of [[words]] indicative of their common [[beliefs]]. He only [[ordained]] that they should gather together to actually do something —partake of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_179 communal supper of the remembrance] of his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 bestowal life] on [[Urantia]].

99:5.11 What a mistake for Christians to make when, in presenting Christ as the supreme ideal of spiritual leadership, they dare to require God-conscious men and women to reject the historic leadership of the God-knowing men who have contributed to their particular national or racial illumination during past ages.

99:5.11 What a mistake for [[Christians]] to make when, in presenting [[Christ]] as the [[supreme]] [[ideal]] of [[spiritual]] [[leadership]], they dare to require [[God-conscious]] men and women to reject the historic [[leadership]] of the [[God]]-knowing men who have [[contributed]] to their particular [[national]] or [[racial]] [[illumination]] during [[past]] ages.

==99:6. INSTITUTIONAL RELIGION==

==99:6. INSTITUTIONAL RELIGION==

99:6.1 Sectarianism is a disease of institutional religion, and dogmatism is an enslavement of the spiritual nature. It is far better to have a religion without a church than a church without religion. The religious turmoil of the twentieth century does not, in and of itself, betoken spiritual decadence. Confusion goes before growth as well as before destruction.

99:6.1 [[Sectarianism]] is a [[disease]] of [[institutional]] [[religion]], and [[dogmatism]] is an [[enslavement]] of the [[spiritual]] [[nature]]. It is far better to have a [[religion]] without a [[church]] than a church without religion. The religious [[turmoil]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth century] does not, in and of itself, betoken [[spiritual]] [[decadence]]. [[Confusion]] goes before [[growth]] as well as before destruction.

99:6.2 There is a real purpose in the socialization of religion. It is the purpose of group religious activities to dramatize the loyalties of religion; to magnify the lures of truth, beauty, and goodness; to foster the attractions of supreme values; to enhance the service of unselfish fellowship; to glorify the potentials of family life; to promote religious education; to provide wise counsel and spiritual guidance; and to encourage group worship. And all live religions encourage human friendship, conserve morality, promote neighborhood welfare, and facilitate the spread of the essential gospel of their respective messages of eternal salvation.

99:6.2 There is a real [[purpose]] in the [[socialization]] of [[religion]]. It is the [[purpose]] of [[group]] religious [[activities]] to [[dramatize]] the [[loyalties]] of [[religion]]; to [[magnify]] the lures of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_56#56:10._TRUTH.2C_BEAUTY.2C_AND_GOODNESS truth, beauty, and goodness]; to foster the [[attractions]] of [[supreme]] [[values]]; to enhance the [[service]] of [[unselfish]] fellowship; to [[glorify]] the [[potentials]] of [[family]] life; to promote [[religious]] [[education]]; to provide [[wise]] [[counsel]] and [[spiritual]] [[guidance]]; and to [[encourage]] group [[worship]]. And all live [[religions]] encourage [[human]] [[friendship]], [[conserve]] [[morality]], promote [[neighborhood]] welfare, and [[facilitate]] the spread of the [[essential]] [[gospel]] of their respective [[messages]] of [[eternal]] [[salvation]].

99:6.3 But as religion becomes institutionalized, its power for good is curtailed, while the possibilities for evil are greatly multiplied. The dangers of formalized religion are: fixation of beliefs and crystallization of sentiments; accumulation of vested interests with increase of secularization; tendency to standardize and fossilize truth; diversion of religion from the service of God to the service of the church; inclination of leaders to become administrators instead of ministers; tendency to form sects and competitive divisions; establishment of oppressive ecclesiastical authority; creation of the aristocratic " chosen-people " attitude; fostering of false and exaggerated ideas of sacredness; the routinizing of religion and the petrification of worship; tendency to venerate the past while ignoring present demands; failure to make up-to-date interpretations of religion; entanglement with functions of secular institutions; it creates the evil discrimination of religious castes; it becomes an intolerant judge of orthodoxy; it fails to hold the interest of adventurous youth and gradually loses the saving message of the gospel of eternal salvation.

99:6.3 But as [[religion]] becomes [[institutionalized]], its [[power]] for [[good]] is curtailed, while the [[possibilities]] for [[evil]] are greatly multiplied. The [[dangers]] of [[formalized]] [[religion]] are: fixation of [[beliefs]] and crystallization of sentiments; accumulation of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vested_interest vested interests] with increase of [[secularization]]; tendency to [[standardize]] and [[fossilize]] [[truth]]; diversion of [[religion]] from the [[service]] of [[God]] to the service of the [[church]]; inclination of [[leaders]] to become [[administrators]] instead of ministers; tendency to form [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sect sects] and [[competitive]] divisions; [[establishment]] of [[oppressive]] ecclesiastical [[authority]]; [[creation]] of the [[aristocratic]] "[[chosen-people]]" [[attitude]]; fostering of false and exaggerated [[ideas]] of [[sacredness]]; the routinizing of religion and the petrification of [[worship]]; [[tendency]] to [[venerate]] the [[past]] while ignoring present demands; failure to make up-to-date [[interpretations]] of religion; [[entanglement]] with [[functions]] of [[secular]] [[institutions]]; it creates the [[evil]] [[discrimination]] of religious [[castes]]; it becomes an intolerant [[judge]] of [[orthodoxy]]; it fails to hold the interest of [[adventurous]] [[youth]] and [[gradually]] loses the saving [[message]] of the gospel of [[eternal]] [[salvation]].

99:6.4 Formal religion restrains men in their personal spiritual activities instead of releasing them for heightened service as kingdom builders.

99:6.4 [[Formal]] [[religion]] restrains men in their [[personal]] [[spiritual]] [[activities]] instead of releasing them for heightened [[service]] as kingdom builders.

==99:7. RELIGION'S CONTRIBUTION==

==99:7. RELIGION'S CONTRIBUTION==

99:7.1 Though churches and all other religious groups should stand aloof from all secular activities, at the same time religion must do nothing to hinder or retard the social co-ordination of human institutions. Life must continue to grow in meaningfulness; man must go on with his reformation of philosophy and his clarification of religion.

99:7.1 Though [[church]]es and all other [[religious]] [[groups]] should stand aloof from all [[secular]] [[activities]], at the same time [[religion]] must do nothing to hinder or [[Handicap|retard]] the [[social]] [[co-ordination]] of [[human]] [[institutions]]. Life must continue to [[grow]] in meaningfulness; man must go on with his [[reformation]] of [[philosophy]] and his [[clarification]] of [[religion]].

99:7.2 Political science must effect the reconstruction of economics and industry by the techniques it learns from the social sciences and by the insights and motives supplied by religious living. In all social reconstruction religion provides a stabilizing loyalty to a transcendent object, a steadying goal beyond and above the immediate and temporal objective. In the midst of the confusions of a rapidly changing environment mortal man needs the sustenance of a far-flung cosmic perspective.

99:7.2 [[Political science]] must [[effect]] the reconstruction of [[economics]] and [[industry]] by the [[techniques]] it learns from the [[social sciences]] and by the [[insights]] and [[motives]] supplied by [[religious]] living. In all social reconstruction [[religion]] provides a [[stabilizing]] [[loyalty]] to a [[transcendent]] object, a steadying goal beyond and above the [[immediate]] and temporal objective. In the midst of the [[confusion]]s of a rapidly changing [[environment]] [[mortal]] man needs the sustenance of a far-flung [[cosmic]] [[perspective]].

99:7.3 Religion inspires man to live courageously and joyfully on the face of the earth; it joins patience with passion, insight to zeal, sympathy with power, and ideals with energy.

99:7.3 [[Religion]] [[inspires]] man to live [[courageously]] and [[joyfully]] on the face of the [[earth]]; it joins [[patience]] with [[passion]], [[insight]] to zeal, [[sympathy]] with [[power]], and [[ideals]] with [[energy]].

99:7.4 Man can never wisely decide temporal issues or transcend the selfishness of personal interests unless he meditates in the presence of the sovereignty of God and reckons with the realities of divine meanings and spiritual values.

99:7.4 Man can never wisely [[decide]] temporal issues or [[transcend]] the [[selfishness]] of [[personal]] interests unless he [[meditates]] in the [[presence]] of the [[sovereignty]] of [[God]] and reckons with the [[realities]] of [[divine]] [[meanings]] and [[spiritual]] [[values]].

99:7.5 Economic interdependence and social fraternity will ultimately conduce to brotherhood. Man is naturally a dreamer, but science is sobering him so that religion can presently activate him with far less danger of precipitating fanatical reactions. Economic necessities tie man up with reality, and personal religious experience brings this same man face to face with the eternal realities of an ever-expanding and progressing cosmic citizenship.

99:7.5 [[Economic]] [[interdependence]] and social fraternity will ultimately conduce to [[brotherhood]]. Man is naturally a [[dreamer]], but [[science]] is sobering him so that [[religion]] can presently [[activate]] him with far less [[danger]] of precipitating [[fanatical]] [[reactions]]. [[Economic]] [[necessities]] tie man up with [[reality]], and [[personal]] religious [[experience]] brings this same man face to face with the [[eternal]] realities of an ever-expanding and [[progressing]] [[cosmic]] [[citizenship]].

99:7.6 Presented by a [[Melchizedek]] of [[Nebadon]].

99:7.6 Presented by a [[Melchizedek]] of [[Nebadon]].

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

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