Changes

===Lesson===

===Lesson===

===='''''[[Evolution]]'''''====

===='''''[[Evolution]]'''''====

I do wish to speak this evening around the topic of [[evolution]] as it has reference to the higher [[functions]] of human [[personality]], mindal evolution, [[spiritual evolution]], and their combined interaction with [[social]] evolution. Just as a living [[organism]] must grow in order to keep its life status so must you evolve individually and in [[interconnectedness]] to keep your [[vital]] energies active and the lifeblood of spiritual energy coursing through your veins. The one thing characteristic of all life is that it is not inert or static. If fact, once a living organism becomes inert or [[static]] biologically it ceases to be alive. The same holds true for [[mindal]], spiritual and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_evolution social evolution].

I do wish to speak this evening around the topic of [[evolution]] as it has reference to the higher [[functions]] of human [[personality]], mindal evolution, [[spiritual evolution]], and their combined interaction with [[social]] evolution. Just as a living [[organism]] must grow in order to keep its life status so must you evolve individually and in [[interconnectedness]] to keep your [[vital]] energies active and the lifeblood of spiritual energy coursing through your veins. The one thing characteristic of all life is that it is not inert or static. If fact, once a living organism becomes inert or [[static]] biologically it ceases to be alive. The same holds true for [[mindal]], spiritual and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_evolution social evolution].

Always there is the [[desire]] in human nature to preserve the [[past]] in the form of [[tradition]] and [[custom]]. Always is there a [[resistance]] to [[change]] and [[evolution]]. This desire to retain the past has many benefits and is not in itself a [[negative]] [[reality]]. Indeed is life the delicate [[balance]] between the preservation of [[past]] good and the evolution of [[future]] good. Sometimes the [[tide]] seems to turn towards the [[preservation]] of the past, towards the [[conservative]] side of reality, and then the tide swings in the other direction and reverses itself so that forward [[momentum]] seems about to take the day. Always in mortal life there is movement back and forth between these [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poles_of_astronomical_bodies#Magnetic_poles poles], the pole of conserving the past and the pole of evolving the future. This is part of the reason that your lives cannot be fairly [[described]] as [[balanced]] and certainly not placid for long.

Always there is the [[desire]] in human nature to preserve the [[past]] in the form of [[tradition]] and [[custom]]. Always is there a [[resistance]] to [[change]] and [[evolution]]. This desire to retain the past has many benefits and is not in itself a [[negative]] [[reality]]. Indeed is life the delicate [[balance]] between the preservation of [[past]] good and the evolution of [[future]] good. Sometimes the [[tide]] seems to turn towards the [[preservation]] of the past, towards the [[conservative]] side of reality, and then the tide swings in the other direction and reverses itself so that forward [[momentum]] seems about to take the day. Always in mortal life there is movement back and forth between these [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poles_of_astronomical_bodies#Magnetic_poles poles], the pole of conserving the past and the pole of evolving the future. This is part of the reason that your lives cannot be fairly [[described]] as [[balanced]] and certainly not placid for long.

We have had a [[history]] of nearly ten years of this sort of gathering where we have been together, and you have been [[faithfully]] attending these teaching sessions. We have covered an enormous amount of [[material]], between [[the teachers]] of this [[teacher base]] and you students. Our teachings have been spread to a larger [[audience]] than this mere grouping, and many have benefitted. This teaching base has been replicated in many places, but always with variations, throughout [[this planet]]. Even now groups are beginning to form for the first time and others are shifting their formats and their [[appearance]]. I am not saying that our times together have come to an end, but I am saying that, as with all things that are a combination of [[mental]], [[spiritual]] and [[social]], our formats must be [[flexible]] and we must be ready to assume new [[directions]]. We teachers have not delivered all of our [[curriculum]] to you, our friends. We have wished more and more that we could give you more hands on [[experience]], and we have entered that phase where we are [[training]] you to be teachers of your brothers and sisters. We see that you are scattering yourselves abroad this [[summer]] engaged in important activities, which by your [[choice]] and in response to your [[Thought Adjuster]]s' [[direction]], you are accomplishing the things that God wishes you to do. Therefor it will necessitate a [[change]] in our format and we understand the [[decisions]] that have been made this evening in this regard.

We have had a [[history]] of nearly ten years of this sort of gathering where we have been together, and you have been [[faithfully]] attending these teaching sessions. We have covered an enormous amount of [[material]], between [[the teachers]] of this [[teacher base]] and you students. Our teachings have been spread to a larger [[audience]] than this mere grouping, and many have benefitted. This teaching base has been replicated in many places, but always with variations, throughout [[this planet]]. Even now groups are beginning to form for the first time and others are shifting their formats and their [[appearance]]. I am not saying that our times together have come to an end, but I am saying that, as with all things that are a combination of [[mental]], [[spiritual]] and [[social]], our formats must be [[flexible]] and we must be ready to assume new [[directions]]. We teachers have not delivered all of our [[curriculum]] to you, our friends. We have wished more and more that we could give you more hands on [[experience]], and we have entered that phase where we are [[training]] you to be teachers of your brothers and sisters. We see that you are scattering yourselves abroad this [[summer]] engaged in important activities, which by your [[choice]] and in response to your [[Thought Adjuster]]s' [[direction]], you are accomplishing the things that God wishes you to do. Therefor it will necessitate a [[change]] in our format and we understand the [[decisions]] that have been made this evening in this regard.

Daniel (Bill): There are several reasons, Jonderoch. As I stated earlier and as the [[Urantia Book]] elucidates, there is [[value]] in conserving the [[good]] things of the [[past]]. It is not just a [[perversity]] of human nature to [[desire]] to continue that which one is comfortable with, for in many cases or much of the time, there is [[value]] in continuing those [[traditions]], [[mores]], ways of doing things. They are the tried and tested results of previous [[experimentations]] with [[change]]. The [[problem]] that occurs however, is when an individual or a group reaches the [[conclusion]] that all desirable ways of doing things have been [[exhausted]], and only [[traditional]] ones retain any [[value]]. This precludes the possibility of new and better ways of doing things, of [[thinking]], of acting, of [[being]].

Daniel (Bill): There are several reasons, Jonderoch. As I stated earlier and as the [[Urantia Book]] elucidates, there is [[value]] in conserving the [[good]] things of the [[past]]. It is not just a [[perversity]] of human nature to [[desire]] to continue that which one is comfortable with, for in many cases or much of the time, there is [[value]] in continuing those [[traditions]], [[mores]], ways of doing things. They are the tried and tested results of previous [[experimentations]] with [[change]]. The [[problem]] that occurs however, is when an individual or a group reaches the [[conclusion]] that all desirable ways of doing things have been [[exhausted]], and only [[traditional]] ones retain any [[value]]. This precludes the possibility of new and better ways of doing things, of [[thinking]], of acting, of [[being]].

There is also, in addition to [[inherent]] [[value]] in [[tradition]], the [[fear]] of the [[unknown]], which is an animalistic fear. It springs from your very [[animal nature]]. It comes out of the [[organism]]'s protective strategies, for indeed [[primitive man]] would have not [[survived]] his battle with the elements and other animals if he had be not been [[cautious]] and used [[foresight]] and responded to [[fear]]. Therefor, it is an effect ingrained in your [[physiology]] or [[biology]], this natural, protective aspect of fear. What the [[mind]] has to power to do when it is under the [[direction]] of the [[Spirit]] is to [[evaluate]] reality more [[accurately]], for indeed you do not live in a [[jungle]] where your life is at [[risk]] any moment. But there are many jungle-like [[analogies]] in [[modern]] life which still arouse those reflexive fear [[circuits]] in people. While children as [[babies]] can be as [[trusting]] as our little one here tonight (Bob and Nancy Devine's 8 month old), as you encounter, growing up in [[childhood]], new and strange circumstances, the [[instinctive]], hard wired circuitry of the l[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_stem ower brain stem] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_cortex cortex] unite more and more to tie you into the evolved [[mechanisms]]. Therefor, as an adult you have the task through [[spiritual growth]] of [[transcending]] the results of your upbringing as you learn to [[change]] the [[meaning]] of life from the [[transient]], limited, self-centered, [[materialistic]] view held by many to an [[understanding]] of your true [[safety]] and security in the [[kingdom of God]] in the status of [[eternal]] life, so that you can [[eventually]] say in [[triumph]], even as [[Jesus]] said, what does it matter to a kingdom believer if all things earthly perish? Has this [[dissertation]] helped you, my friend?

There is also, in addition to [[inherent]] [[value]] in [[tradition]], the [[fear]] of the [[unknown]], which is an animalistic fear. It springs from your very [[animal nature]]. It comes out of the [[organism]]'s protective strategies, for indeed [[primitive man]] would have not [[survived]] his battle with the elements and other animals if he had be not been [[cautious]] and used [[foresight]] and responded to [[fear]]. Therefor, it is an effect ingrained in your [[physiology]] or [[biology]], this natural, protective aspect of fear. What the [[mind]] has to power to do when it is under the [[direction]] of the [[Spirit]] is to [[evaluate]] reality more [[accurately]], for indeed you do not live in a [[jungle]] where your life is at [[risk]] any moment. But there are many jungle-like [[analogies]] in [[modern]] life which still arouse those reflexive fear [[circuits]] in people. While children as [[babies]] can be as [[trusting]] as our little one here tonight (Bob and Nancy Devine's 8 month old), as you encounter, growing up in [[childhood]], new and strange circumstances, the [[instinctive]], hard wired circuitry of the l[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_stem ower brain stem] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_cortex cortex] unite more and more to tie you into the evolved [[mechanisms]]. Therefor, as an adult you have the task through [[spiritual growth]] of [[transcending]] the results of your upbringing as you learn to [[change]] the [[meaning]] of life from the [[transient]], limited, self-centered, [[materialistic]] view held by many to an [[understanding]] of your true [[safety]] and security in the [[kingdom of God]] in the status of [[eternal]] life, so that you can [[eventually]] say in [[triumph]], even as [[Jesus]] said, what does it matter to a kingdom believer if all things earthly perish? Has this [[dissertation]] helped you, my friend?

Bob S: Yes, very much. It was a marvelous answer. Thank you.

Bob S: Yes, very much. It was a marvelous answer. Thank you.

In one sense we cannot answer your [[question]]. That is in the sense that we do not know the [[future]]. We are not God, Who does know the circle of [[eternity]]; but we still are of the [[opinion]] that the forces of [[resistance]] to [[chance]], of [[darkness]] as opposed to [[light]], are losing the battle. We observe in [[individuals]] who are struggling with issues of change that their greatest [[resistance]] to change seems to occur just before their walls are breached, just before they capitulate and get past the [[barrier]] they have [[perceived]] in the [[change]]-[[challenge]] that is presented to them. Recall [[191:5|how Thomas refused to believe in the resurrection]] of our Master, and [[Jesus]] addressed him saying, " Thomas, your doubts are always strongest just before they give way". [[Translated]] into your question... we see the resurgence of [[fundamentalism]] as a [[manifestation]] of the [[awareness]] on the part of world religions, Christianity, Islam, particularly those two, to the need for [[change]]. Fundamentalism can be perceived as a [[defense]] [[mechanism]], as a way of trying to prevent the inexorable march of [[intellectual]], [[spiritual]], and social [[evolution]].

In one sense we cannot answer your [[question]]. That is in the sense that we do not know the [[future]]. We are not God, Who does know the circle of [[eternity]]; but we still are of the [[opinion]] that the forces of [[resistance]] to [[chance]], of [[darkness]] as opposed to [[light]], are losing the battle. We observe in [[individuals]] who are struggling with issues of change that their greatest [[resistance]] to change seems to occur just before their walls are breached, just before they capitulate and get past the [[barrier]] they have [[perceived]] in the [[change]]-[[challenge]] that is presented to them. Recall [[191:5|how Thomas refused to believe in the resurrection]] of our Master, and [[Jesus]] addressed him saying, " Thomas, your doubts are always strongest just before they give way". [[Translated]] into your question... we see the resurgence of [[fundamentalism]] as a [[manifestation]] of the [[awareness]] on the part of world religions, Christianity, Islam, particularly those two, to the need for [[change]]. Fundamentalism can be perceived as a [[defense]] [[mechanism]], as a way of trying to prevent the inexorable march of [[intellectual]], [[spiritual]], and social [[evolution]].

It is easy to grow [[weary]] in one short life and wish that more [[change]] could come about, and when this happens on a large [[scale]] people are ready to [[embrace]] the [[apocalyptic]], which says basically what you are proposing, that there is not enough internal [[momentum]] to produce significant [[change]] within an [[institution]] and the only way is by an outside, [[dramatic]] [[event]] which will shatter its [[boundaries]] and definitions. No, my friend, we are still of the [[opinion]] that one by one the [[leaven]] of the [[virus of love]] is spreading, that change in the upward [[direction]] is continuing, that [[spiritual growth]] is coming to many more people. Whether or not individual [[religions]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity Christian], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam Moslem], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindusim Hindu], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism Sikh], whatever religion you want to talk about, can gain enough spiritual [[strength]] to [[change]] and [[flex]], or whether they will [[become]] so [[rigid]] as to be shattered, remains [[unknown]]. However, I am of the opinion that the former will be the case. I am [[curious]] what your thoughts are on your [[question]], my friend?

It is easy to grow [[weary]] in one short life and wish that more [[change]] could come about, and when this happens on a large [[scale]] people are ready to [[embrace]] the [[apocalyptic]], which says basically what you are proposing, that there is not enough internal [[momentum]] to produce significant [[change]] within an [[institution]] and the only way is by an outside, [[dramatic]] [[event]] which will shatter its [[boundaries]] and definitions. No, my friend, we are still of the [[opinion]] that one by one the [[leaven]] of the [[virus of love]] is spreading, that change in the upward [[direction]] is continuing, that [[spiritual growth]] is coming to many more people. Whether or not individual [[religions]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity Christian], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam Moslem], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindusim Hindu], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism Sikh], whatever religion you want to talk about, can gain enough spiritual [[strength]] to [[change]] and [[flex]], or whether they will [[become]] so [[rigid]] as to be shattered, remains [[unknown]]. However, I am of the opinion that the former will be the case. I am [[curious]] what your thoughts are on your [[question]], my friend?

Bob D: I wasn't really sure. Maybe the [[catalyst]] for [[change]] will come from [[inspired]] people, and even though it may inspire, there will always be some desire by this body of [[control]] to manage that into something else, rather than allowing it to be [[free]] and [[progressive]]. So I tend to see it hard for transforming change from within, but I can see there being progress, just at a lot slower [[pace]] than I could ever be [[satisfied]] with. So maybe it's good that the world has some people that look forward to upholding [[tradition]]. That way the people who try to make massive [[change]] won't destabilize the world, and at the same time they will probably pull the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditionalism_%28religion%29 traditionalists] kicking and screaming into the [[future]], while at the same time, it is kind of like the [[angels of the churches]] and the [[angels of progress]] both are doing a [[function]], but progress is still happening nevertheless. It is just slower than the angels of progress would like and faster than the angels of the churches would like. So in a sense that is what I kind of feel.

Bob D: I wasn't really sure. Maybe the [[catalyst]] for [[change]] will come from [[inspired]] people, and even though it may inspire, there will always be some desire by this body of [[control]] to manage that into something else, rather than allowing it to be [[free]] and [[progressive]]. So I tend to see it hard for transforming change from within, but I can see there being progress, just at a lot slower [[pace]] than I could ever be [[satisfied]] with. So maybe it's good that the world has some people that look forward to upholding [[tradition]]. That way the people who try to make massive [[change]] won't destabilize the world, and at the same time they will probably pull the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditionalism_%28religion%29 traditionalists] kicking and screaming into the [[future]], while at the same time, it is kind of like the [[angels of the churches]] and the [[angels of progress]] both are doing a [[function]], but progress is still happening nevertheless. It is just slower than the angels of progress would like and faster than the angels of the churches would like. So in a sense that is what I kind of feel.

Minearsia (Bill): Thank you, Simeon. I have the same [[opinion]] as you do. Both are [[necessary]]. [[Lucifer]], as you know, advocated unlimited [[freedom]] and wanted to see his [[goals]] achieved quickly. We are among other things [[grateful]] that his [[errors]] have shown so clearly the importance of [[evolution]] as opposed to the [[erroneous]] ideas of [[revolution]]. In the universe of [[Nebadon]] this issue has been rather clearly [[clarified]]. Therefor, we all think rather often of the implications of the [[Lucifer]] [[error]], the desire to have now that can truly only be had in [[time]], and also of the lesson from [[Adam and Eve]] with their discouragement and [[short-circuiting]] of the divine plan.

Minearsia (Bill): Thank you, Simeon. I have the same [[opinion]] as you do. Both are [[necessary]]. [[Lucifer]], as you know, advocated unlimited [[freedom]] and wanted to see his [[goals]] achieved quickly. We are among other things [[grateful]] that his [[errors]] have shown so clearly the importance of [[evolution]] as opposed to the [[erroneous]] ideas of [[revolution]]. In the universe of [[Nebadon]] this issue has been rather clearly [[clarified]]. Therefor, we all think rather often of the implications of the [[Lucifer]] [[error]], the desire to have now that can truly only be had in [[time]], and also of the lesson from [[Adam and Eve]] with their discouragement and [[short-circuiting]] of the divine plan.

If there was a mournful [[tone]] in my voice, I admit to missing our more frequent gatherings. But I also am aware that everyone's [[paths]] are diverging with good reason, (I believe that I indicated that.) as each one attempts to follow their leading from within. And no, do not worry about me, my friend. (Comments and [[laughter]].) We will be continuing as a [[group]]. I [[support]] the idea of your getting together, (a summer barbecue) for the [[winter]]time is so full of activities and the [[leisure]] of summer allows you to take more time [[together]]. Are you clear that I was not grading you down for your [[efforts]]?

If there was a mournful [[tone]] in my voice, I admit to missing our more frequent gatherings. But I also am aware that everyone's [[paths]] are diverging with good reason, (I believe that I indicated that.) as each one attempts to follow their leading from within. And no, do not worry about me, my friend. (Comments and [[laughter]].) We will be continuing as a [[group]]. I [[support]] the idea of your getting together, (a summer barbecue) for the [[winter]]time is so full of activities and the [[leisure]] of summer allows you to take more time [[together]]. Are you clear that I was not grading you down for your [[efforts]]?

Ken. Yes. I never took it like that. It is just that we probably had reached a [[phase]], and you used the phrase [[training]] us as teachers, (Comments.) and I thought after this last little sojourn that I had on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Coast_of_the_United_States East Coast], I am not [[prepared]] to be a teacher. (Laughter.)

Ken. Yes. I never took it like that. It is just that we probably had reached a [[phase]], and you used the phrase [[training]] us as teachers, (Comments.) and I thought after this last little sojourn that I had on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Coast_of_the_United_States East Coast], I am not [[prepared]] to be a teacher. (Laughter.)

===Closing===

===Closing===

Daniel (Bill): Yes, so we will keep working on it! (Comments and [[laughter]].) Well, my friends, I believe that there is a [[time]] [[limit]] now that I will [[observe]], and once again my deep, heartfelt [[love]] goes out to you all. Seek [[the Father]] daily. Watch for [[opportunities]] to serve. Ask for [[guidance]], and [[think]] of us, your friends. Good evening.

Daniel (Bill): Yes, so we will keep working on it! (Comments and [[laughter]].) Well, my friends, I believe that there is a [[time]] [[limit]] now that I will [[observe]], and once again my deep, heartfelt [[love]] goes out to you all. Seek [[the Father]] daily. Watch for [[opportunities]] to serve. Ask for [[guidance]], and [[think]] of us, your friends. Good evening.