Changes

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]].

99:4.3 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 [http://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.

99:4.4 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.

99:4.7 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 [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary religions of fear] without [[immediately]] grasping the [http://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]].

99:4.8 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]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy_of_religion 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]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy_of_religion philosophies of religion] is ended:

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."[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Romans#The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Romans.2C_XIV]

99:5.7 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.[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews#The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews.2C_XI]

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. 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]]."[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Romans#The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Romans.2C_VIII]

99:5.9 [[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 [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_179 communal supper of the remembrance] of his [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 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.

99:6.1 [[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 [http://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.

99:6.1 [[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 [http://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 [http://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]].

99:6.2 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 [http://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 [http://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]].

99:6.3 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 [http://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 [http://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]].

99:7.6 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]]