Changes

===Lesson===

===Lesson===

===='''''[[Hope]]'''''====

===='''''[[Hope]]'''''====

During the times of the [[resolution]] of the [[dispute]] in the [[Christian]] church, later known as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Catholicism church], later yet known as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_catholicism Roman Catholic church], regarding the [[nature]] of the conception of [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]], the bishops settled upon a code of [[conduct]]. A [[triumvirate]] to be taught to the people. They [[agreed]] at length upon the triumvirate of [[faith]], [[hope]] and [[charity]]. Numerous exhortations were [[argued]] and rejected, but a [[parallel]] was drawn to [[the Son]], who was thought by the [[majority]] of the best [[minds]] present to [[represent]] the direct son of [[the Father]] and the member of the [[Trinity]] thought by them to be represented by [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] in human [[flesh]]. And the [[hope]] of the [[future]], the hope of the life everlasting, the hope of the eternal [[salvation]]. This preachment of [[hope]], when taught among the common people, not by the bishops but by village [[priests]] and [[itinerant]] mendicants and religious activists was subtly [[transmuted]] into a doctrine of [[passive]] wistfulness and a reliance [[contaminated]] by the notions of divine [[providence]]. This [[hope]] that was taught in the villages became understood by the common people as a derivation or a product of the original [[faith]] which was, after all and accurately so, a keystone of the new [[covenant]].

During the times of the [[resolution]] of the [[dispute]] in the [[Christian]] church, later known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Catholicism church], later yet known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_catholicism Roman Catholic church], regarding the [[nature]] of the conception of [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]], the bishops settled upon a code of [[conduct]]. A [[triumvirate]] to be taught to the people. They [[agreed]] at length upon the triumvirate of [[faith]], [[hope]] and [[charity]]. Numerous exhortations were [[argued]] and rejected, but a [[parallel]] was drawn to [[the Son]], who was thought by the [[majority]] of the best [[minds]] present to [[represent]] the direct son of [[the Father]] and the member of the [[Trinity]] thought by them to be represented by [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] in human [[flesh]]. And the [[hope]] of the [[future]], the hope of the life everlasting, the hope of the eternal [[salvation]]. This preachment of [[hope]], when taught among the common people, not by the bishops but by village [[priests]] and [[itinerant]] mendicants and religious activists was subtly [[transmuted]] into a doctrine of [[passive]] wistfulness and a reliance [[contaminated]] by the notions of divine [[providence]]. This [[hope]] that was taught in the villages became understood by the common people as a derivation or a product of the original [[faith]] which was, after all and accurately so, a keystone of the new [[covenant]].

===='''''[[Courage]]'''''====

===='''''[[Courage]]'''''====

In [[modern]] times the [[doctrinal]] teaching, the standard of [[conduct]] of [[hope]], has become [[trivialized]] to the [[point]] of [[virtual]] [[meaninglessness]] and so, while acknowledging that the original concept of the [[Christian]] church was sound, we say to you that [[hope]] is not a [[technique]] for eternal [[salvation]]. We tell you forthrightly that wistfulness will not get the job done. It will not do for the instruction of your [[children]]. It will not serve your [[neighbors]] and it will not prove effective for you as [[individuals]]. We say to you, rather than [[hope]], let [[courage]] be your standard of [[conduct]]. We exhort you to [[assert]] yourselves to the best of your [[understanding]] to help each person whom you meet encounter that [[spark]] within known as Father fragment or the [[Thought Adjuster]], the living God within each of you. We exhort you to be bold in [[proclaiming]] your [[faith]] as you [[understand]] it. Not in an [[effort]] to [[manipulate]] or to [[dominate]] your fellows, but to serve as an [[inspiration]] and as an example of [[normal]] people in a demanding and often demented [[society]] attempting with each identifiable [[event]] to elect among the many [[choices]] which [[path]] would be the path preferred by the [[Heavenly Father]] and to move in that [[direction]].

In [[modern]] times the [[doctrinal]] teaching, the standard of [[conduct]] of [[hope]], has become [[trivialized]] to the [[point]] of [[virtual]] [[meaninglessness]] and so, while acknowledging that the original concept of the [[Christian]] church was sound, we say to you that [[hope]] is not a [[technique]] for eternal [[salvation]]. We tell you forthrightly that wistfulness will not get the job done. It will not do for the instruction of your [[children]]. It will not serve your [[neighbors]] and it will not prove effective for you as [[individuals]]. We say to you, rather than [[hope]], let [[courage]] be your standard of [[conduct]]. We exhort you to [[assert]] yourselves to the best of your [[understanding]] to help each person whom you meet encounter that [[spark]] within known as Father fragment or the [[Thought Adjuster]], the living God within each of you. We exhort you to be bold in [[proclaiming]] your [[faith]] as you [[understand]] it. Not in an [[effort]] to [[manipulate]] or to [[dominate]] your fellows, but to serve as an [[inspiration]] and as an example of [[normal]] people in a demanding and often demented [[society]] attempting with each identifiable [[event]] to elect among the many [[choices]] which [[path]] would be the path preferred by the [[Heavenly Father]] and to move in that [[direction]].

[[Courage]] does not mean [[heroic]] [[efforts]]. It may sound [[ironic]] to say, but it is enough if you do not break and run at the first [[impediment]]. [[Courage]] is not measured by a single [[event]]. We see courage as your willingness to [[expose]] yourselves repeatedly without a [[perfect]] understanding of the [[activities]] in which you are [[engaged]]. Courage means to speak squarely to one [[stranger]] and then another and then another, dealing with all fairly and turning the [[topic]] of the [[conversation]] from [[personal]] concerns to [[spiritual]] concerns. With the necessary [[practice]] you can become quite [[skillful]], I [[assure]] you. You already know that people are willing to talk. It merely requires some [[guidance]] on your part to elevate the stream from the rehearsed [[speech]] which they are likely to deliver to you onto matters of [[consequence]].

[[Courage]] does not mean [[heroic]] [[efforts]]. It may sound [[ironic]] to say, but it is enough if you do not break and run at the first [[impediment]]. [[Courage]] is not measured by a single [[event]]. We see courage as your willingness to [[expose]] yourselves repeatedly without a [[perfect]] understanding of the [[activities]] in which you are [[engaged]]. Courage means to speak squarely to one [[stranger]] and then another and then another, dealing with all fairly and turning the [[topic]] of the [[conversation]] from [[personal]] concerns to [[spiritual]] concerns. With the necessary [[practice]] you can become quite [[skillful]], I [[assure]] you. You already know that people are willing to talk. It merely requires some [[guidance]] on your part to elevate the stream from the rehearsed [[speech]] which they are likely to deliver to you onto matters of [[consequence]].

Any copy of one of your weekly news magazines or any daily paper has numerous [[topics]] which we think would be spiritually provocative as [[topics]] of [[conversation]]. Particularly so far as leading people to consider the [[consequences]] of certain policies. Is God punishing the Californians? Do they deserve what is happening to them? Are the floods of the midwest the floods predicted in the [[Bible]]? More people than you would [[immediately]] guess are willing to [[discuss]] these [[topics]], even among your [[generation]]. There are many among whom these notions were planted years before as [[children]] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_religion organized religions]. Once the [[conversation]] begins, we [[think]] that the door then is open to elicit [[statements]] of people's [[relationship]] with God. What is their concept? What is the [[degree]] of [[participation]]? Has He turned His [[face]] away from us? Will He return as [[promised]] in the form of His son? Can the humans pull it off [[alone]] or is more [[necessary]]? The part that takes the [[courage]] is to take [[control]] of the situation and to elevate the topic of the conversation. That is the [[difficult]] part. That is what takes the [[courage]]. Nearly all of you are comfortable at this point with conversation with [[strangers]]. The next step is, turn the conversation to topics of [[consequence]]. For if you have any success at opening the door of another [[mind]], even the slightest crack, you will be doing the work that [[the Master]] would have you do, as if he was standing by your side and by your [[thought]], [[word]] and [[deed]] you exhibited your [[understanding]] of his teaching such that you allowed yourself to serve as a conduit from the [[Heavenly Father]] who shines His [[love]] through you upon another and that you provide this [[service]] without self effacement and without [[trivializing]] His [[message]] and His [[interaction]] with another life form destined to someday join Him in [[heaven]] as a full and functioning member of the roster of fully tested and reliable human [[survivors]]. Those who have traveled the entire length of [[creation]] experiencing every level and strata of universe citizenry on their [[path]] from [[birth]] to [[perfection]]. This is my lesson for you tonight.

Any copy of one of your weekly news magazines or any daily paper has numerous [[topics]] which we think would be spiritually provocative as [[topics]] of [[conversation]]. Particularly so far as leading people to consider the [[consequences]] of certain policies. Is God punishing the Californians? Do they deserve what is happening to them? Are the floods of the midwest the floods predicted in the [[Bible]]? More people than you would [[immediately]] guess are willing to [[discuss]] these [[topics]], even among your [[generation]]. There are many among whom these notions were planted years before as [[children]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_religion organized religions]. Once the [[conversation]] begins, we [[think]] that the door then is open to elicit [[statements]] of people's [[relationship]] with God. What is their concept? What is the [[degree]] of [[participation]]? Has He turned His [[face]] away from us? Will He return as [[promised]] in the form of His son? Can the humans pull it off [[alone]] or is more [[necessary]]? The part that takes the [[courage]] is to take [[control]] of the situation and to elevate the topic of the conversation. That is the [[difficult]] part. That is what takes the [[courage]]. Nearly all of you are comfortable at this point with conversation with [[strangers]]. The next step is, turn the conversation to topics of [[consequence]]. For if you have any success at opening the door of another [[mind]], even the slightest crack, you will be doing the work that [[the Master]] would have you do, as if he was standing by your side and by your [[thought]], [[word]] and [[deed]] you exhibited your [[understanding]] of his teaching such that you allowed yourself to serve as a conduit from the [[Heavenly Father]] who shines His [[love]] through you upon another and that you provide this [[service]] without self effacement and without [[trivializing]] His [[message]] and His [[interaction]] with another life form destined to someday join Him in [[heaven]] as a full and functioning member of the roster of fully tested and reliable human [[survivors]]. Those who have traveled the entire length of [[creation]] experiencing every level and strata of universe citizenry on their [[path]] from [[birth]] to [[perfection]]. This is my lesson for you tonight.

===='''''[[Stillness]]'''''====

===='''''[[Stillness]]'''''====

Now, on the topic of [[stillness]] [[practice]], our suggestion to you some weeks ago regarding setting aside the [[waking]] moments is intended to be an adjunct and not a substitute for stillness [[practice]]. The [[Heavenly Father]] does not require stillness practice. You do. You are the ones who will benefit. He is already [[perfect]]. These are [[rehabilitation]] [[exercises]] for you. To [[focus]] yourselves for a few minutes of each earth day on something of imponderable [[consequence]]. You are not [[expected]] to see immediate results. You are not expected to see significance in this [[conduct]]. You are expected to [[calm]] your [[animal]] [[minds]] through your own control of runaway [[ego]] which seek to [[organize]] areas in which the ego has no fitness. You have stray [[thoughts]] because your ego attempts to [[organize]] your [[adoration]] of the [[Heavenly Father]]. The human [[ego]] is an adaptive [[tool]] that efficiently serves the demands of the [[material]] life, but it has nothing whatever to do with the [[spirit]] life. Each time you do [[stillness]] practice you build spirit life whether you know it or not by creating a new [[life]] not under the [[control]] of the human ego. Countless [[generations]] of [[wise]] men on [[your planet]] have engaged in [[techniques]] similar to these and found good results. This is not new. It is not some trick whereby we enslave you unknowingly. It is [[rehabilitation]] for you. You're [[free]] to [[participate]] or not participate. The only thing that will [[change]] is you. But then I think we will all readily admit that things need some changing. In order to make [[spirit progress]] you must change. We are changing. That is what [[progress]] is. Try harder in this regard. That is all I have to say.

Now, on the topic of [[stillness]] [[practice]], our suggestion to you some weeks ago regarding setting aside the [[waking]] moments is intended to be an adjunct and not a substitute for stillness [[practice]]. The [[Heavenly Father]] does not require stillness practice. You do. You are the ones who will benefit. He is already [[perfect]]. These are [[rehabilitation]] [[exercises]] for you. To [[focus]] yourselves for a few minutes of each earth day on something of imponderable [[consequence]]. You are not [[expected]] to see immediate results. You are not expected to see significance in this [[conduct]]. You are expected to [[calm]] your [[animal]] [[minds]] through your own control of runaway [[ego]] which seek to [[organize]] areas in which the ego has no fitness. You have stray [[thoughts]] because your ego attempts to [[organize]] your [[adoration]] of the [[Heavenly Father]]. The human [[ego]] is an adaptive [[tool]] that efficiently serves the demands of the [[material]] life, but it has nothing whatever to do with the [[spirit]] life. Each time you do [[stillness]] practice you build spirit life whether you know it or not by creating a new [[life]] not under the [[control]] of the human ego. Countless [[generations]] of [[wise]] men on [[your planet]] have engaged in [[techniques]] similar to these and found good results. This is not new. It is not some trick whereby we enslave you unknowingly. It is [[rehabilitation]] for you. You're [[free]] to [[participate]] or not participate. The only thing that will [[change]] is you. But then I think we will all readily admit that things need some changing. In order to make [[spirit progress]] you must change. We are changing. That is what [[progress]] is. Try harder in this regard. That is all I have to say.

===Lesson===

===Lesson===

===='''''[[Charity]]'''''====

===='''''[[Charity]]'''''====

For [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_christianity centuries the traditional Christian churches] have taught the recipe of [[faith]], [[hope]] and [[charity]] as the [[path]] for [[salvation]] of people's [[souls]]. Over this short course of lessons I have taught you that it is more appropriate to [[modify]] our concept of [[faith]] to apply our [[knowledge]] and [[belief]] in the [[Thought Adjuster|fragment of the Father that lives within]] each of us, all normal minded humans. I have also taught you that a [[hope]] that tends toward inaction is not a kind of hope to be fostered and should be replaced by a forthright brand of [[courage]] to [[act]] upon your [[discernment]] of the will of the [[Heavenly Father]] and apply that knowledge and faith to each set of [[circumstances]] wherein you are offered a [[choice]] between many [[paths]].

For [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_christianity centuries the traditional Christian churches] have taught the recipe of [[faith]], [[hope]] and [[charity]] as the [[path]] for [[salvation]] of people's [[souls]]. Over this short course of lessons I have taught you that it is more appropriate to [[modify]] our concept of [[faith]] to apply our [[knowledge]] and [[belief]] in the [[Thought Adjuster|fragment of the Father that lives within]] each of us, all normal minded humans. I have also taught you that a [[hope]] that tends toward inaction is not a kind of hope to be fostered and should be replaced by a forthright brand of [[courage]] to [[act]] upon your [[discernment]] of the will of the [[Heavenly Father]] and apply that knowledge and faith to each set of [[circumstances]] wherein you are offered a [[choice]] between many [[paths]].

Tonight I will say that the [[Christian]] [[value]] of [[charity]] which was once applicable among [[societies]] as a remedy with a gap in material [[possessions]] between the upper class and [[nobilities]] of the older societies and the [[peasant]] classes below is no longer appropriate for [[modern]] circumstances. Each of you well knows that institutionalized [[programs]] of [[charity]], whether need based or merit based, such as your [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welfare#Aspects_of_American_welfare_programs American welfare system], are corrosive to human spirit and, notwithstanding that I have openly taught you that you are to freely give to those less fortunate than you without taking any [[responsibility]] whatsoever for the use to which your gift is put, still I say to you that handouts too are corrosive to the human spirit. Neither sweeping governmental [[reforms]] nor [[individual]] [[acts]] of [[charity]] are any kind of recipe for [[progress]] in the upliftment of unfortunate people.

Tonight I will say that the [[Christian]] [[value]] of [[charity]] which was once applicable among [[societies]] as a remedy with a gap in material [[possessions]] between the upper class and [[nobilities]] of the older societies and the [[peasant]] classes below is no longer appropriate for [[modern]] circumstances. Each of you well knows that institutionalized [[programs]] of [[charity]], whether need based or merit based, such as your [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welfare#Aspects_of_American_welfare_programs American welfare system], are corrosive to human spirit and, notwithstanding that I have openly taught you that you are to freely give to those less fortunate than you without taking any [[responsibility]] whatsoever for the use to which your gift is put, still I say to you that handouts too are corrosive to the human spirit. Neither sweeping governmental [[reforms]] nor [[individual]] [[acts]] of [[charity]] are any kind of recipe for [[progress]] in the upliftment of unfortunate people.

Only your example as servants of [[the Father]]'s will can [[motivate]] people and nations to [[change]] for the better. You cannot cajole, or [[shame]] or lobby people to progressive upliftment of the [[spirit]]. They may be led only by your [[example]] and the [[consequences]] of your [[acts]]. Even on those rare occasions where your personal [[interaction]] with another is of spirit teaching [[value]], the [[effects]] are fleeting and only repeated cumulative [[exposure]] to the positive benefits of [[spiritual progress]] is likely to bear fruit. Each of you has an [[individual]] [[duty]] to conduct yourselves at all times in the fashion we have covered many times before. You probably remember. To conduct yourselves as if [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] was standing by your side and by your every [[thought]], [[word]] and [[deed]] you [[demonstrate]] your [[appreciation]] of the [[meaning]] and [[value]] of his teachings. That you do so in a fashion that allows the [[love]] of the [[Heavenly Father]] to [[flow]] through you unhindered, directly to the person to whom you are engaged. And, lastly, that you do not discount your [[function]] in the scheme of Heavenly [[progress]] with attempts at [[levity]] or [[skepticism]].

Only your example as servants of [[the Father]]'s will can [[motivate]] people and nations to [[change]] for the better. You cannot cajole, or [[shame]] or lobby people to progressive upliftment of the [[spirit]]. They may be led only by your [[example]] and the [[consequences]] of your [[acts]]. Even on those rare occasions where your personal [[interaction]] with another is of spirit teaching [[value]], the [[effects]] are fleeting and only repeated cumulative [[exposure]] to the positive benefits of [[spiritual progress]] is likely to bear fruit. Each of you has an [[individual]] [[duty]] to conduct yourselves at all times in the fashion we have covered many times before. You probably remember. To conduct yourselves as if [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] was standing by your side and by your every [[thought]], [[word]] and [[deed]] you [[demonstrate]] your [[appreciation]] of the [[meaning]] and [[value]] of his teachings. That you do so in a fashion that allows the [[love]] of the [[Heavenly Father]] to [[flow]] through you unhindered, directly to the person to whom you are engaged. And, lastly, that you do not discount your [[function]] in the scheme of Heavenly [[progress]] with attempts at [[levity]] or [[skepticism]].

===Lesson===

===Lesson===

===='''''[[Tradition]]''''', '''''[[Teaching Mission]]'''''====

===='''''[[Tradition]]''''', '''''[[Teaching Mission]]'''''====

We have spoken before on the ways [[modern]] man, through various [[methods]], attempts to [[understand]] his [[God]]. The ways chosen sometimes meet with success, but often times does not. There is little [[truth]] gained, there are no easy [[proofs]] that God exists. Man must fight against his basic [[intellectual]] method of [[assessment]], in his attempts to know his God. There is always inner [[conflict]] involved and whether or not it is overcome determines how far the [[individual]] will reach in his [[journey]] for [[truth]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparative_religion study of various religions], both of the [[past]] and present, give [[insight]] into the various ways man has chosen to portray his God. The variety of [[ideas]] are endless, for some, the possibility exists, there may not even -be- a God. Yet, most [[eventually]] ascertain that there must be a higher source, a [[creator]] at the very least. As they move forward, whether their [[progress]] be quick or slow, they will find that they cannot [[trust]] in the outside sources available so much as their -own- [[belief]] in their own [[heart]]. Most [[Christians]] recognize this [[fact]] as well, with their [[belief]] that God does indeed reign on high and that to [[believe]] in him, to have [[faith]] in Him, is what is required.

We have spoken before on the ways [[modern]] man, through various [[methods]], attempts to [[understand]] his [[God]]. The ways chosen sometimes meet with success, but often times does not. There is little [[truth]] gained, there are no easy [[proofs]] that God exists. Man must fight against his basic [[intellectual]] method of [[assessment]], in his attempts to know his God. There is always inner [[conflict]] involved and whether or not it is overcome determines how far the [[individual]] will reach in his [[journey]] for [[truth]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparative_religion study of various religions], both of the [[past]] and present, give [[insight]] into the various ways man has chosen to portray his God. The variety of [[ideas]] are endless, for some, the possibility exists, there may not even -be- a God. Yet, most [[eventually]] ascertain that there must be a higher source, a [[creator]] at the very least. As they move forward, whether their [[progress]] be quick or slow, they will find that they cannot [[trust]] in the outside sources available so much as their -own- [[belief]] in their own [[heart]]. Most [[Christians]] recognize this [[fact]] as well, with their [[belief]] that God does indeed reign on high and that to [[believe]] in him, to have [[faith]] in Him, is what is required.

As you [[discussed]] earlier, regarding the [[Teaching Mission]], the [[opponents]] and the proponents, your [[conclusion]] was also that the [[truth]] may only be determined by the [[individual]], one is not likely to be swayed by the [[printed]] material presented either way. Your highest [[understanding]] of the [[truth]] will not be [[compromised]], if you [[trust]] in [[the Father]] and turn towards Him for your [[answer]]. We must ever strive forward towards God to remain in the [[truth]] and [[light]]. The path does not differ from those around you, although the [[individual]] [[experiences]] will obviously vary from [[individual]] to individual, as you go through your [[mortal]] life. Those who [[recognize]] others are on a forward path also, however slow and cumbersome, will see that the [[truth]] cannot be [[suppressed]].

As you [[discussed]] earlier, regarding the [[Teaching Mission]], the [[opponents]] and the proponents, your [[conclusion]] was also that the [[truth]] may only be determined by the [[individual]], one is not likely to be swayed by the [[printed]] material presented either way. Your highest [[understanding]] of the [[truth]] will not be [[compromised]], if you [[trust]] in [[the Father]] and turn towards Him for your [[answer]]. We must ever strive forward towards God to remain in the [[truth]] and [[light]]. The path does not differ from those around you, although the [[individual]] [[experiences]] will obviously vary from [[individual]] to individual, as you go through your [[mortal]] life. Those who [[recognize]] others are on a forward path also, however slow and cumbersome, will see that the [[truth]] cannot be [[suppressed]].