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==92:1. THE EVOLUTIONARY NATURE OF RELIGION==

==92:1. THE EVOLUTIONARY NATURE OF RELIGION==

92:1.1 The [[evolution]] of [[religion]] has been traced from early [[fear]] and [[ghosts]] down through many [[successive]] [[stages]] of [[development]], including those [[efforts]] first to [[coerce]] and then to cajole the spirits. Tribal [[fetishes]] grew into [[totems]] and tribal gods; magic [[formulas]] became [[modern]] [[prayers]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumcision Circumcision], at first a [[sacrifice]], became a [[hygienic]] [[procedure]].

92:1.1 The [[evolution]] of [[religion]] has been traced from early [[fear]] and [[ghosts]] down through many [[successive]] [[stages]] of [[development]], including those [[efforts]] first to [[coerce]] and then to cajole the spirits. Tribal [[fetishes]] grew into [[totems]] and tribal gods; magic [[formulas]] became [[modern]] [[prayers]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumcision Circumcision], at first a [[sacrifice]], became a [[hygienic]] [[procedure]].

92:1.2 [[Religion]] progressed from [[nature]] [[worship]] up through [[ghost]] [[worship]] to [[fetishism]] throughout the savage [[childhood]] of the races. With the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_68#PAPER_68:_THE_DAWN_OF_CIVILIZATION dawn of civilization] the [[human]] race espoused the more [[mystic]] and [[symbolic]] [[beliefs]], while now, with approaching [[maturity]], [[mankind]] is ripening for the [[appreciation]] of real [[religion]], even a beginning of the [[revelation]] of [[truth]] itself.

92:1.2 [[Religion]] progressed from [[nature]] [[worship]] up through [[ghost]] [[worship]] to [[fetishism]] throughout the savage [[childhood]] of the races. With the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_68#PAPER_68:_THE_DAWN_OF_CIVILIZATION dawn of civilization] the [[human]] race espoused the more [[mystic]] and [[symbolic]] [[beliefs]], while now, with approaching [[maturity]], [[mankind]] is ripening for the [[appreciation]] of real [[religion]], even a beginning of the [[revelation]] of [[truth]] itself.

92:1.3 [[Religion]] arises as a [[biologic]] [[reaction]] of [[mind]] to spiritual beliefs and the [[environment]]; it is the last thing to perish or [[change]] in a race. [[Religion]] is [[society]]'s [[adjustment]], in any age, to that which is [[mysterious]]. As a social [[institution]] it [[embraces]] rites, [[symbols]], [[cults]], [[scriptures]], [[altars]], [[shrines]], and [[temples]]. [[Holy]] [[water]], relics, [[fetishes]], charms, vestments, bells, drums, and [[priesthoods]] are common to all [[religions]]. And it is impossible entirely to [[divorce]] purely [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolved religion] from either [[magic]] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_(paranormal) sorcery].

92:1.3 [[Religion]] arises as a [[biologic]] [[reaction]] of [[mind]] to spiritual beliefs and the [[environment]]; it is the last thing to perish or [[change]] in a race. [[Religion]] is [[society]]'s [[adjustment]], in any age, to that which is [[mysterious]]. As a social [[institution]] it [[embraces]] rites, [[symbols]], [[cults]], [[scriptures]], [[altars]], [[shrines]], and [[temples]]. [[Holy]] [[water]], relics, [[fetishes]], charms, vestments, bells, drums, and [[priesthoods]] are common to all [[religions]]. And it is impossible entirely to [[divorce]] purely [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolved religion] from either [[magic]] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_(paranormal) sorcery].

92:1.4 [[Mystery]] and [[power]] have always [[stimulated]] [[religious]] [[feelings]] and [[fears]], while [[emotion]] has ever [[functioned]] as a powerful conditioning [[factor]] in their [[development]]. [[Fear]] has always been the basic [[religious]] [[stimulus]]. [[Fear]] fashions the gods of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary religion] and [[motivates]] the religious [[ritual]] of the primitive believers. As [[civilization]] advances, fear becomes [[modified]] by [[reverence]], admiration, [[respect]], and [[sympathy]] and is then further conditioned by remorse and repentance.

92:1.4 [[Mystery]] and [[power]] have always [[stimulated]] [[religious]] [[feelings]] and [[fears]], while [[emotion]] has ever [[functioned]] as a powerful conditioning [[factor]] in their [[development]]. [[Fear]] has always been the basic [[religious]] [[stimulus]]. [[Fear]] fashions the gods of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary religion] and [[motivates]] the religious [[ritual]] of the primitive believers. As [[civilization]] advances, fear becomes [[modified]] by [[reverence]], admiration, [[respect]], and [[sympathy]] and is then further conditioned by remorse and repentance.

92:2.1 [[Religion]] is the most rigid and unyielding of all [[human]] [[institutions]], but it does tardily [[adjust]] to changing [[society]]. [[Eventually]], [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary religion] does [[reflect]] the changing [[mores]], which, in turn, may have been affected by [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION revealed religion]. Slowly, surely, but grudgingly, does [[religion]] ([[worship]]) follow in the wake of [[wisdom]]—[[knowledge]] directed by experiential [[reason]] and [[illuminated]] by [[divine]] [[revelation]].

92:2.1 [[Religion]] is the most rigid and unyielding of all [[human]] [[institutions]], but it does tardily [[adjust]] to changing [[society]]. [[Eventually]], [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary religion] does [[reflect]] the changing [[mores]], which, in turn, may have been affected by [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION revealed religion]. Slowly, surely, but grudgingly, does [[religion]] ([[worship]]) follow in the wake of [[wisdom]]—[[knowledge]] directed by experiential [[reason]] and [[illuminated]] by [[divine]] [[revelation]].

92:2.2 [[Religion]] clings to the [[mores]]; that which was is [[ancient]] and supposedly [[sacred]]. For this reason and no other, stone implements [[persisted]] long into the age of bronze and iron. This [[statement]] is of [[record]]: " And if you will make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stone, for, if you use your tools in making it, you have polluted it."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Exodus#Chapter_.20] Even today, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HInduism Hindus] kindle their [[altar]] fires by using a primitive fire drill. In the [[course]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary religion], novelty has always been regarded as [[sacrilege]]. The [[sacrament]] must consist, not of new and [[manufactured]] [[food]], but of the most primitive of viands: "The flesh roasted with fire and unleavened bread served with bitter herbs."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Exodus#Chapter_.12] All types of social usage and even [[legal]] [[procedures]] cling to the old forms.

92:2.2 [[Religion]] clings to the [[mores]]; that which was is [[ancient]] and supposedly [[sacred]]. For this reason and no other, stone implements [[persisted]] long into the age of bronze and iron. This [[statement]] is of [[record]]: " And if you will make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stone, for, if you use your tools in making it, you have polluted it."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Exodus#Chapter_.20] Even today, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HInduism Hindus] kindle their [[altar]] fires by using a primitive fire drill. In the [[course]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary religion], novelty has always been regarded as [[sacrilege]]. The [[sacrament]] must consist, not of new and [[manufactured]] [[food]], but of the most primitive of viands: "The flesh roasted with fire and unleavened bread served with bitter herbs."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Exodus#Chapter_.12] All types of social usage and even [[legal]] [[procedures]] cling to the old forms.

92:2.3 When [[modern]] man [[wonders]] at the presentation of so much in the [[scriptures]] of [[different]] [[religions]] that may be regarded as [[obscene]], he should pause to [[consider]] that passing [[generations]] have feared to eliminate what their [[ancestors]] deemed to be [[holy]] and [[sacred]]. A great deal that one [[generation]] might look upon as [[obscene]], preceding generations have considered a part of their [[accepted]] [[mores]], even as approved [[religious]] [[rituals]]. A considerable amount of religious [[controversy]] has been occasioned by the never-ending attempts to [[reconcile]] olden but reprehensible [[practices]] with newly advanced [[reason]], to find plausible [[theories]] in justification of creedal perpetuation of [[ancient]] and outworn [[customs]].

92:2.3 When [[modern]] man [[wonders]] at the presentation of so much in the [[scriptures]] of [[different]] [[religions]] that may be regarded as [[obscene]], he should pause to [[consider]] that passing [[generations]] have feared to eliminate what their [[ancestors]] deemed to be [[holy]] and [[sacred]]. A great deal that one [[generation]] might look upon as [[obscene]], preceding generations have considered a part of their [[accepted]] [[mores]], even as approved [[religious]] [[rituals]]. A considerable amount of religious [[controversy]] has been occasioned by the never-ending attempts to [[reconcile]] olden but reprehensible [[practices]] with newly advanced [[reason]], to find plausible [[theories]] in justification of creedal perpetuation of [[ancient]] and outworn [[customs]].

92:3.1 The [[study]] of [[human]] [[religion]] is the [[examination]] of the [[fossil]]-bearing [[social]] strata of [[past]] ages. The [[mores]] of the [[anthropomorphic]] gods are a truthful [[reflection]] of the [[morals]] of the men who first conceived such [[deities]]. [[Ancient]] religions and [[mythology]] faithfully portray the [[beliefs]] and [[traditions]] of peoples long since lost in obscurity. These olden [[cult]] [[practices]] [[persist]] alongside newer [[economic]] [[customs]] and [[social]] evolutions and, of course, appear grossly inconsistent. The remnants of the [[cult]] present a true picture of the racial religions of the past. Always remember, the cults are formed, not to [[discover]] [[truth]], but rather to promulgate their creeds.

92:3.1 The [[study]] of [[human]] [[religion]] is the [[examination]] of the [[fossil]]-bearing [[social]] strata of [[past]] ages. The [[mores]] of the [[anthropomorphic]] gods are a truthful [[reflection]] of the [[morals]] of the men who first conceived such [[deities]]. [[Ancient]] religions and [[mythology]] faithfully portray the [[beliefs]] and [[traditions]] of peoples long since lost in obscurity. These olden [[cult]] [[practices]] [[persist]] alongside newer [[economic]] [[customs]] and [[social]] evolutions and, of course, appear grossly inconsistent. The remnants of the [[cult]] present a true picture of the racial religions of the past. Always remember, the cults are formed, not to [[discover]] [[truth]], but rather to promulgate their creeds.

92:3.2 [[Religion]] has always been largely a matter of rites, [[rituals]], observances, [[ceremonies]], and [[dogmas]]. It has usually become tainted with that [[persistently]] mischief-making [[error]], the [[chosen-people]] [[delusion]]. The cardinal religious [[ideas]] of [[incantation]], [[inspiration]], [[revelation]], propitiation, [[repentance]], [[atonement]], [[intercession]], [[sacrifice]], [[prayer]], [[confession]], [[worship]], [[survival]] after [[death]], [[sacrament]], [[ritual]], ransom, salvation, redemption, covenant, uncleanness, purification, [[prophecy]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_sin original sin]—they all go back to the early times of primordial [[ghost]] [[fear]].

92:3.2 [[Religion]] has always been largely a matter of rites, [[rituals]], observances, [[ceremonies]], and [[dogmas]]. It has usually become tainted with that [[persistently]] mischief-making [[error]], the [[chosen-people]] [[delusion]]. The cardinal religious [[ideas]] of [[incantation]], [[inspiration]], [[revelation]], propitiation, [[repentance]], [[atonement]], [[intercession]], [[sacrifice]], [[prayer]], [[confession]], [[worship]], [[survival]] after [[death]], [[sacrament]], [[ritual]], ransom, salvation, redemption, covenant, uncleanness, purification, [[prophecy]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_sin original sin]—they all go back to the early times of primordial [[ghost]] [[fear]].

92:3.3 [[Primitive]] [[religion]] is nothing more nor less than the [[struggle]] for [[material]] [[existence]] extended to [[embrace]] existence beyond the grave. The [[observances]] of such a creed [[represented]] the extension of the [[self]]-[[maintenance]] struggle into the [[domain]] of an [[imagined]] ghost-spirit world. But when tempted to criticize evolutionary religion, be careful. Remember, that is what happened; it is a historical [[fact]]. And further recall that the [[power]] of any [[idea]] lies, not in its certainty or [[truth]], but rather in the vividness of its [[human]] [[appeal]].

92:3.3 [[Primitive]] [[religion]] is nothing more nor less than the [[struggle]] for [[material]] [[existence]] extended to [[embrace]] existence beyond the grave. The [[observances]] of such a creed [[represented]] the extension of the [[self]]-[[maintenance]] struggle into the [[domain]] of an [[imagined]] ghost-spirit world. But when tempted to criticize evolutionary religion, be careful. Remember, that is what happened; it is a historical [[fact]]. And further recall that the [[power]] of any [[idea]] lies, not in its certainty or [[truth]], but rather in the vividness of its [[human]] [[appeal]].

92:3.4 Evolutionary [[religion]] makes no provision for [[change]] or revision; unlike [[science]], it does not provide for its own [[progressive]] [[correction]]. Evolved religion commands respect because its followers believe it is The Truth; "the faith once delivered to the saints"[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_of_Jude] must, in [[theory]], be both final and infallible. The [[cult]] resists [[development]] because real [[progress]] is certain to [[modify]] or destroy the [[cult]] itself; therefore must revision always be forced upon it.

92:3.4 Evolutionary [[religion]] makes no provision for [[change]] or revision; unlike [[science]], it does not provide for its own [[progressive]] [[correction]]. Evolved religion commands respect because its followers believe it is The Truth; "the faith once delivered to the saints"[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_of_Jude] must, in [[theory]], be both final and infallible. The [[cult]] resists [[development]] because real [[progress]] is certain to [[modify]] or destroy the [[cult]] itself; therefore must revision always be forced upon it.

92:3.5 Only two [[influences]] can [[modify]] and uplift the [[dogmas]] of [[natural]] [[religion]]: the [[pressure]] of the slowly advancing [[mores]] and the periodic [[illumination]] of [[epochal]] [[revelation]]. And it is not strange that [[progress]] was slow; in [[ancient]] days, to be [[progressive]] or [[inventive]] meant to be killed as a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magician_%28paranormal%29 sorcerer]. The [[cult]] advances slowly in [[generation]] [[epochs]] and agelong [[cycles]]. But it does move forward. Evolutionary [[belief]] in [[ghosts]] laid the [[foundation]] for a [[philosophy]] of revealed religion which will [[eventually]] destroy the [[superstition]] of its [[origin]].

92:3.5 Only two [[influences]] can [[modify]] and uplift the [[dogmas]] of [[natural]] [[religion]]: the [[pressure]] of the slowly advancing [[mores]] and the periodic [[illumination]] of [[epochal]] [[revelation]]. And it is not strange that [[progress]] was slow; in [[ancient]] days, to be [[progressive]] or [[inventive]] meant to be killed as a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magician_%28paranormal%29 sorcerer]. The [[cult]] advances slowly in [[generation]] [[epochs]] and agelong [[cycles]]. But it does move forward. Evolutionary [[belief]] in [[ghosts]] laid the [[foundation]] for a [[philosophy]] of revealed religion which will [[eventually]] destroy the [[superstition]] of its [[origin]].

92:3.6 [[Religion]] has [[handicapped]] [[social]] [[development]] in many ways, but without religion there would have been no enduring [[morality]] nor [[ethics]], no worth-while [[civilization]]. [[Religion]] en[[mother]]ed much nonreligious [[culture]]: [[Sculpture]] originated in [[idol]] making, [[architecture]] in [[temple]] building, [[poetry]] in [[incantations]], [[music]] in [[worship]] [[chants]], [[drama]] in the acting for spirit [[guidance]], and [[dancing]] in the seasonal [[worship]] festivals.

92:3.6 [[Religion]] has [[handicapped]] [[social]] [[development]] in many ways, but without religion there would have been no enduring [[morality]] nor [[ethics]], no worth-while [[civilization]]. [[Religion]] en[[mother]]ed much nonreligious [[culture]]: [[Sculpture]] originated in [[idol]] making, [[architecture]] in [[temple]] building, [[poetry]] in [[incantations]], [[music]] in [[worship]] [[chants]], [[drama]] in the acting for spirit [[guidance]], and [[dancing]] in the seasonal [[worship]] festivals.

92:4.4 There have been many [[events]] of religious [[revelation]] but only five of [[epochal]] significance. These were as follows:

92:4.4 There have been many [[events]] of religious [[revelation]] but only five of [[epochal]] significance. These were as follows:

*1. 92:4.5 ''[[Dalamatia|The Dalamatian teachings]]''. The true [[concept]] of the [[First Source and Center]] was first promulgated on [[Urantia]] by the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_66#66:2._THE_PRINCE.27S_STAFF one hundred corporeal members] of [[Planetary Prince|Prince]] [[Caligastia]]' s staff. This expanding [[revelation]] of [[Deity]] went on for more than three hundred thousand years until it was suddenly terminated by the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_67 planetary secession] and the disruption of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_66#66:5._ORGANIZATION_OF_THE_ONE_HUNDRED teaching regime]. Except for the [[work]] of [[Van]], the [[influence]] of the [[Dalamatia]]n [[revelation]] was [[practically]] lost to the whole world. Even the [[Nodites]] had forgotten this [[truth]] by the time of [[Adam]]' s arrival. Of all who received the teachings of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_66#66:2._THE_PRINCE.27S_STAFF one hundred], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_Americans_in_the_United_States red men] held them longest, but the [[idea]] of the ''[[Onamonalonton|Great Spirit]]'' was but a hazy [[concept]] in Amerindian [[religion]] when contact with [[Christianity]] greatly [[clarified]] and [[strengthened]] it.

*1. 92:4.5 ''[[Dalamatia|The Dalamatian teachings]]''. The true [[concept]] of the [[First Source and Center]] was first promulgated on [[Urantia]] by the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_66#66:2._THE_PRINCE.27S_STAFF one hundred corporeal members] of [[Planetary Prince|Prince]] [[Caligastia]]' s staff. This expanding [[revelation]] of [[Deity]] went on for more than three hundred thousand years until it was suddenly terminated by the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_67 planetary secession] and the disruption of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_66#66:5._ORGANIZATION_OF_THE_ONE_HUNDRED teaching regime]. Except for the [[work]] of [[Van]], the [[influence]] of the [[Dalamatia]]n [[revelation]] was [[practically]] lost to the whole world. Even the [[Nodites]] had forgotten this [[truth]] by the time of [[Adam]]' s arrival. Of all who received the teachings of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_66#66:2._THE_PRINCE.27S_STAFF one hundred], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_Americans_in_the_United_States red men] held them longest, but the [[idea]] of the ''[[Onamonalonton|Great Spirit]]'' was but a hazy [[concept]] in Amerindian [[religion]] when contact with [[Christianity]] greatly [[clarified]] and [[strengthened]] it.

*2. 92:4.6 ''[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_73 The Edenic teachings]'' [[Adam and Eve]] again portrayed the [[concept]] of [[the Father]] of all to the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64 evolutionary peoples]. The disruption of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_73 first Eden] halted the [[course]] of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_74 Adamic revelation] before it had ever fully started. But the [[aborted]] teachings of [[Adam]] were carried on by the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:3._LIFE_IN_MESOPOTAMIA Sethite] [[priests]], and some of these [[truths]] have never been entirely lost to the world. The entire [[trend]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levantine] [[religious]] [[evolution]] was [[modified]] by the teachings of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:3._LIFE_IN_MESOPOTAMIA Sethites]. But by [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/2500_B.C. 2500 B.C.] [[mankind]] had largely lost sight of the [[revelation]] sponsored in the days of [[Eden]].

*2. 92:4.6 ''[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_73 The Edenic teachings]'' [[Adam and Eve]] again portrayed the [[concept]] of [[the Father]] of all to the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64 evolutionary peoples]. The disruption of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_73 first Eden] halted the [[course]] of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_74 Adamic revelation] before it had ever fully started. But the [[aborted]] teachings of [[Adam]] were carried on by the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:3._LIFE_IN_MESOPOTAMIA Sethite] [[priests]], and some of these [[truths]] have never been entirely lost to the world. The entire [[trend]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levantine] [[religious]] [[evolution]] was [[modified]] by the teachings of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:3._LIFE_IN_MESOPOTAMIA Sethites]. But by [https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/2500_B.C. 2500 B.C.] [[mankind]] had largely lost sight of the [[revelation]] sponsored in the days of [[Eden]].

*3. 92:4.7 ''[[Melchizedek|Melchizedek of Salem]]''.This [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_35#35:4._SPECIAL_WORK_OF_THE_MELCHIZEDEKS emergency Son] of [[Nebadon]] [[inaugurated]] the third [[revelation]] of [[truth]] on [[Urantia]]. The cardinal precepts of his [[teachings]] were [[trust]] and [[faith]]. He taught [[trust]] in the [[omnipotent]] [[beneficence]] of [[God]] and proclaimed that [[faith]] was the [[act]] by which men earned [[God]]'s [[favor]]. His teachings [[gradually]] commingled with the [[beliefs]] and [[practices]] of various [[evolutionary]] [[religions]] and finally [[developed]] into those [[theologic]] [[systems]] present on [[Urantia]] at the opening of the [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/1000_A.D. first millennium after Christ].  

*3. 92:4.7 ''[[Melchizedek|Melchizedek of Salem]]''.This [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_35#35:4._SPECIAL_WORK_OF_THE_MELCHIZEDEKS emergency Son] of [[Nebadon]] [[inaugurated]] the third [[revelation]] of [[truth]] on [[Urantia]]. The cardinal precepts of his [[teachings]] were [[trust]] and [[faith]]. He taught [[trust]] in the [[omnipotent]] [[beneficence]] of [[God]] and proclaimed that [[faith]] was the [[act]] by which men earned [[God]]'s [[favor]]. His teachings [[gradually]] commingled with the [[beliefs]] and [[practices]] of various [[evolutionary]] [[religions]] and finally [[developed]] into those [[theologic]] [[systems]] present on [[Urantia]] at the opening of the [https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/1000_A.D. first millennium after Christ].  

*4. 92:4.8 ''[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents#Part_IV._The_Life_and_Teachings_of_Jesus Jesus of Nazareth]''. [[Christ]] [[Michael]] presented for the fourth time to [[Urantia]] the [[concept]] of [[God]] as the [[Universal Father]], and this teaching has generally persisted ever since. The [[essence]] of his teaching was [[love]] and [[service]], the loving [[worship]] which a [[creature]] son [[voluntarily]] gives in [[recognition]] of, and [[response]] to, the loving [[ministry]] of [[God]] his [[Father]]; the [[freewill]] [[service]] which such [[creature]] sons [[bestow]] upon their brethren in the [[joyous]] [[realization]] that in this [[service]] they are likewise serving [[God]] [[the Father]].

*4. 92:4.8 ''[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents#Part_IV._The_Life_and_Teachings_of_Jesus Jesus of Nazareth]''. [[Christ]] [[Michael]] presented for the fourth time to [[Urantia]] the [[concept]] of [[God]] as the [[Universal Father]], and this teaching has generally persisted ever since. The [[essence]] of his teaching was [[love]] and [[service]], the loving [[worship]] which a [[creature]] son [[voluntarily]] gives in [[recognition]] of, and [[response]] to, the loving [[ministry]] of [[God]] his [[Father]]; the [[freewill]] [[service]] which such [[creature]] sons [[bestow]] upon their brethren in the [[joyous]] [[realization]] that in this [[service]] they are likewise serving [[God]] [[the Father]].

92:5.2 Most great religious [[epochs]] have been [[inaugurated]] by the life and teachings of some outstanding [[personality]]; [[leadership]] has originated a [[majority]] of the worth-while [[moral]] [[movements]] of [[history]]. And men have always tended to [[venerate]] the [[leader]], even at the expense of his teachings; to revere his [[personality]], even though losing sight of the [[truths]] which he proclaimed. And this is not without [[reason]]; there is an [[instinctive]] longing in the [[heart]] of evolutionary [[man]] for help from above and beyond. This craving is designed to [[anticipate]] the [[appearance]] on [[earth]] of the [[Planetary Prince]] and the later [[Material Sons]]. On [[Urantia]] man has been deprived of these [[superhuman]] leaders and rulers, and therefore does he constantly seek to make good this loss by enshrouding his [[human]] [[leaders]] with [[legends]] pertaining to [[supernatural]] [[origins]] and miraculous [[careers]].

92:5.2 Most great religious [[epochs]] have been [[inaugurated]] by the life and teachings of some outstanding [[personality]]; [[leadership]] has originated a [[majority]] of the worth-while [[moral]] [[movements]] of [[history]]. And men have always tended to [[venerate]] the [[leader]], even at the expense of his teachings; to revere his [[personality]], even though losing sight of the [[truths]] which he proclaimed. And this is not without [[reason]]; there is an [[instinctive]] longing in the [[heart]] of evolutionary [[man]] for help from above and beyond. This craving is designed to [[anticipate]] the [[appearance]] on [[earth]] of the [[Planetary Prince]] and the later [[Material Sons]]. On [[Urantia]] man has been deprived of these [[superhuman]] leaders and rulers, and therefore does he constantly seek to make good this loss by enshrouding his [[human]] [[leaders]] with [[legends]] pertaining to [[supernatural]] [[origins]] and miraculous [[careers]].

92:5.3 Many races have conceived of their [[leaders]] as being born of [[virgins]]; their [[careers]] are liberally sprinkled with miraculous [[episodes]], and their return is always expected by their respective groups. In [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Asia central Asia] the tribesmen still look for the return of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genghis_Khan Genghis Khan]; in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibet Tibet], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China China], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India India] it is [[Buddha]]; in [[Islam]] it is [[Mohammed]]; among the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_%28Americas%29 Amerinds] it was [[Onamonalonton|Hesunanin Onamonalonton]]; with the [[Hebrews]] it was, in general, [[Adam]]' s return as a material ruler. In [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon Babylon] the god [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marduk Marduk] was a perpetuation of the [[Adam]] [[legend]], the son-of-God [[idea]], the [[connecting]] link between man and God. Following the [[appearance]] of [[Adam]] on [[earth]], so-called sons of God were common among the world races.

92:5.3 Many races have conceived of their [[leaders]] as being born of [[virgins]]; their [[careers]] are liberally sprinkled with miraculous [[episodes]], and their return is always expected by their respective groups. In [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Asia central Asia] the tribesmen still look for the return of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genghis_Khan Genghis Khan]; in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibet Tibet], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China China], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India India] it is [[Buddha]]; in [[Islam]] it is [[Mohammed]]; among the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_%28Americas%29 Amerinds] it was [[Onamonalonton|Hesunanin Onamonalonton]]; with the [[Hebrews]] it was, in general, [[Adam]]' s return as a material ruler. In [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon Babylon] the god [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marduk Marduk] was a perpetuation of the [[Adam]] [[legend]], the son-of-God [[idea]], the [[connecting]] link between man and God. Following the [[appearance]] of [[Adam]] on [[earth]], so-called sons of God were common among the world races.

92:5.4 But regardless of the [[superstitious]] [[awe]] in which they were often held, it remains a [[fact]] that these [[teachers]] were the [[temporal]] [[personality]] [[fulcrums]] on which the [[levers]] of revealed [[truth]] depended for the advancement of the [[morality]], [[philosophy]], and [[religion]] of [[mankind]].

92:5.4 But regardless of the [[superstitious]] [[awe]] in which they were often held, it remains a [[fact]] that these [[teachers]] were the [[temporal]] [[personality]] [[fulcrums]] on which the [[levers]] of revealed [[truth]] depended for the advancement of the [[morality]], [[philosophy]], and [[religion]] of [[mankind]].

92:5.5 There have been hundreds upon hundreds of [[religious]] [[leaders]] in the million-year [[human]] [[history]] of [[Urantia]] from [[Onagar]] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Nanak Guru Nanak]. During this time there have been many ebbs and [[flows]] of the tide of religious [[truth]] and spiritual [[faith]], and each [[renaissance]] of Urantian [[religion]] has, in the past, been identified with the life and teachings of some religious [[leader]]. In considering the [[teachers]] of recent times, it may prove helpful to group them into the [[seven]] major religious [[epochs]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:3._POST-ADAMIC_MAN post-Adamic Urantia]:

92:5.5 There have been hundreds upon hundreds of [[religious]] [[leaders]] in the million-year [[human]] [[history]] of [[Urantia]] from [[Onagar]] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Nanak Guru Nanak]. During this time there have been many ebbs and [[flows]] of the tide of religious [[truth]] and spiritual [[faith]], and each [[renaissance]] of Urantian [[religion]] has, in the past, been identified with the life and teachings of some religious [[leader]]. In considering the [[teachers]] of recent times, it may prove helpful to group them into the [[seven]] major religious [[epochs]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:3._POST-ADAMIC_MAN post-Adamic Urantia]:

*1. 92:5.6 ''The Sethite period''. The [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:3._LIFE_IN_MESOPOTAMIA Sethite] [[priests]], as regenerated under the [[leadership]] of ''Amosad'', became the great post-Adamic [[teachers]]. They [[functioned]] throughout the lands of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andites], and their [[influence]] [[persisted]] longest among the [[Greeks]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumer Sumeria], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism Hindus]. Among the latter they have continued to the present time as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahman Brahmans] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism Hindu] [[faith]]. The [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:3._LIFE_IN_MESOPOTAMIA Sethites] and their followers never entirely lost the [[Trinity]] concept revealed by [[Adam]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION]  

*1. 92:5.6 ''The Sethite period''. The [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:3._LIFE_IN_MESOPOTAMIA Sethite] [[priests]], as regenerated under the [[leadership]] of ''Amosad'', became the great post-Adamic [[teachers]]. They [[functioned]] throughout the lands of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andites], and their [[influence]] [[persisted]] longest among the [[Greeks]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumer Sumeria], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism Hindus]. Among the latter they have continued to the present time as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahman Brahmans] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism Hindu] [[faith]]. The [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:3._LIFE_IN_MESOPOTAMIA Sethites] and their followers never entirely lost the [[Trinity]] concept revealed by [[Adam]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION]  

*2. 92:5.7 ''Era of the Melchizedek missionaries''. [[Urantia]] [[religion]] was in no small measure regenerated by the [[efforts]] of those [[teachers]] who were commissioned by [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]] when he lived and taught at [[Salem]] almost [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_B.C. two thousand years before Christ]. These missionaries proclaimed [[faith]] as the price of [[favor]] with [[God]], and their teachings, though unproductive of any immediately appearing [[religions]], nevertheless formed the [[foundations]] on which later teachers of [[truth]] were to build the [[religions]] of [[Urantia]].  

*2. 92:5.7 ''Era of the Melchizedek missionaries''. [[Urantia]] [[religion]] was in no small measure regenerated by the [[efforts]] of those [[teachers]] who were commissioned by [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]] when he lived and taught at [[Salem]] almost [https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_B.C. two thousand years before Christ]. These missionaries proclaimed [[faith]] as the price of [[favor]] with [[God]], and their teachings, though unproductive of any immediately appearing [[religions]], nevertheless formed the [[foundations]] on which later teachers of [[truth]] were to build the [[religions]] of [[Urantia]].  

*3. 92:5.8 ''The post-Melchizedek era''. Though [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenemope_(author) Amenemope] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akhenaten Ikhnaton] both taught in this period, the outstanding [[religious]] [[genius]] of the post-Melchizedek era was the [[leader]] of a [[group]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levantine] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedouin Bedouins] and the founder of the [[Hebrew]] [[religion]]—[http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses]. Moses taught [[monotheism]]. Said he: "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one God."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Deutoronomy#Chapter_.6] "The Lord he is God. There is none beside him."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Deutoronomy#Chapter_.4] He [[persistently]] sought to uproot the remnants of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_87 ghost cult] among his people, even prescribing the [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_punishment death penalty] for its practitioners. The [[monotheism]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] was adulterated by his successors, but in later times they did return to many of his teachings. The greatness of Moses lies in his [[wisdom]] and sagacity. Other men have had greater [[concepts]] of [[God]], but no one man was ever so successful in inducing large [[numbers]] of people to adopt such advanced [[beliefs]].

*3. 92:5.8 ''The post-Melchizedek era''. Though [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenemope_(author) Amenemope] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akhenaten Ikhnaton] both taught in this period, the outstanding [[religious]] [[genius]] of the post-Melchizedek era was the [[leader]] of a [[group]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levantine] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedouin Bedouins] and the founder of the [[Hebrew]] [[religion]]—[https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses]. Moses taught [[monotheism]]. Said he: "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one God."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Deutoronomy#Chapter_.6] "The Lord he is God. There is none beside him."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Deutoronomy#Chapter_.4] He [[persistently]] sought to uproot the remnants of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_87 ghost cult] among his people, even prescribing the [https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_punishment death penalty] for its practitioners. The [[monotheism]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] was adulterated by his successors, but in later times they did return to many of his teachings. The greatness of Moses lies in his [[wisdom]] and sagacity. Other men have had greater [[concepts]] of [[God]], but no one man was ever so successful in inducing large [[numbers]] of people to adopt such advanced [[beliefs]].

*4. 92:5.9 ''The sixth century before Christ''. Many men arose to [[proclaim]] [[truth]] in this, one of the greatest centuries of religious [[awakening]] ever witnessed on [[Urantia]]. Among these should be recorded [[Gautama]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius Confucius], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laozi Lao-tse], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Zoroaster], and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism Jainist] teachers. The teachings of Gautama have become widespread in Asia, and he is revered as the [[Buddha]] by millions. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius Confucius] was to Chinese [[morality]] what [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato Plato] was to [[Greek]] [[philosophy]], and while there were religious repercussions to the teachings of both, strictly speaking, neither was a religious teacher; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laozi Lao-tse] envisioned more of [[God]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao Tao] than did [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius Confucius] in [[humanity]] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato Plato] in [[idealism]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Zoroaster], while much affected by the prevalent [[concept]] of [[dual]] spiritism, the good and the bad, at the same time definitely exalted the [[idea]] of one [[eternal]] [[Deity]] and of the [[ultimate]] victory of [[light]] over [[darkness]]. [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION]

*4. 92:5.9 ''The sixth century before Christ''. Many men arose to [[proclaim]] [[truth]] in this, one of the greatest centuries of religious [[awakening]] ever witnessed on [[Urantia]]. Among these should be recorded [[Gautama]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius Confucius], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laozi Lao-tse], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Zoroaster], and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism Jainist] teachers. The teachings of Gautama have become widespread in Asia, and he is revered as the [[Buddha]] by millions. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius Confucius] was to Chinese [[morality]] what [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato Plato] was to [[Greek]] [[philosophy]], and while there were religious repercussions to the teachings of both, strictly speaking, neither was a religious teacher; [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laozi Lao-tse] envisioned more of [[God]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao Tao] than did [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius Confucius] in [[humanity]] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato Plato] in [[idealism]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Zoroaster], while much affected by the prevalent [[concept]] of [[dual]] spiritism, the good and the bad, at the same time definitely exalted the [[idea]] of one [[eternal]] [[Deity]] and of the [[ultimate]] victory of [[light]] over [[darkness]]. [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION]

*5. 92:5.10 ''The first century after Christ''. As a [[religious]] [[teacher]], [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] started out with the [[cult]] which had been [[established]] by [[John the Baptist]] and progressed as far as he could away from fasts and forms. Aside from [[Jesus]], [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul of Tarsus]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo_of_Alexandria Philo of Alexandria] were the greatest [[teachers]] of this era. Their [[concepts]] of religion have played a dominant part in the [[evolution]] of that [[faith]] which bears the name of [[Christ]].  

*5. 92:5.10 ''The first century after Christ''. As a [[religious]] [[teacher]], [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] started out with the [[cult]] which had been [[established]] by [[John the Baptist]] and progressed as far as he could away from fasts and forms. Aside from [[Jesus]], [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul of Tarsus]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo_of_Alexandria Philo of Alexandria] were the greatest [[teachers]] of this era. Their [[concepts]] of religion have played a dominant part in the [[evolution]] of that [[faith]] which bears the name of [[Christ]].  

*6. 92:5.11 ''The sixth century after Christ''. [[Mohammed]] founded a [[religion]] which was superior to many of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creed creed]s of his time. His was a protest against the [[social]] demands of the [[faiths]] of foreigners and against the incoherence of the [[religious]] life of his own people.  

*6. 92:5.11 ''The sixth century after Christ''. [[Mohammed]] founded a [[religion]] which was superior to many of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creed creed]s of his time. His was a protest against the [[social]] demands of the [[faiths]] of foreigners and against the incoherence of the [[religious]] life of his own people.  

*7. 92:5.12 ''The fifteenth century after Christ''. This period witnessed two [[religious]] [[movements]]: the disruption of the [[unity]] of [[Christianity]] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident] and the [[synthesis]] of a new [[religion]] in the [[Orient]]. In Europe institutionalized [[Christianity]] had [[attained]] that degree of inelasticity which rendered further [[growth]] incompatible with [[unity]]. In the Orient the combined teachings of [[Islam]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism Hinduism], and [[Buddhism]] were synthesized by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanak Nanak] and his followers into [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism Sikhism], one of the most advanced religions of Asia.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:5._THE_GREAT_RELIGIOUS_LEADERS]

*7. 92:5.12 ''The fifteenth century after Christ''. This period witnessed two [[religious]] [[movements]]: the disruption of the [[unity]] of [[Christianity]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident] and the [[synthesis]] of a new [[religion]] in the [[Orient]]. In Europe institutionalized [[Christianity]] had [[attained]] that degree of inelasticity which rendered further [[growth]] incompatible with [[unity]]. In the Orient the combined teachings of [[Islam]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism Hinduism], and [[Buddhism]] were synthesized by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanak Nanak] and his followers into [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism Sikhism], one of the most advanced religions of Asia.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:5._THE_GREAT_RELIGIOUS_LEADERS]

92:5.13 The [[future]] of [[Urantia]] will doubtless be characterized by the [[appearance]] of [[teachers]] of religious [[truth]]—the Fatherhood of God and the fraternity of all [[creatures]]. But it is to be [[hoped]] that the ardent and [[sincere]] [[efforts]] of these [[future]] [[prophets]] will be directed less toward the strengthening of interreligious barriers and more toward the augmentation of the religious [[brotherhood]] of [[spiritual]] [[worship]] among the many followers of the differing [[intellectual]] [[theologies]] which so characterize [[Urantia]] of [[Satania]].

92:5.13 The [[future]] of [[Urantia]] will doubtless be characterized by the [[appearance]] of [[teachers]] of religious [[truth]]—the Fatherhood of God and the fraternity of all [[creatures]]. But it is to be [[hoped]] that the ardent and [[sincere]] [[efforts]] of these [[future]] [[prophets]] will be directed less toward the strengthening of interreligious barriers and more toward the augmentation of the religious [[brotherhood]] of [[spiritual]] [[worship]] among the many followers of the differing [[intellectual]] [[theologies]] which so characterize [[Urantia]] of [[Satania]].

==92:6. THE COMPOSITE RELIGIONS==

==92:6. THE COMPOSITE RELIGIONS==

92:6.1 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century Twentieth-century] [[Urantia]] [[religions]] present an interesting [[study]] of the [[social]] [[evolution]] of man's [[worship]] impulse. Many [[faiths]] have [[progressed]] very little since the days of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_87 ghost cult]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pygmies Pygmies] of Africa have no [[religious]] [[reactions]] as a class, although some of them believe slightly in a [[spirit]] [[environment]]. They are today just where [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN primitive man] was when the [[evolution]] of [[religion]] began. The basic [[belief]] of [[primitive]] [[religion]] was [[survival]] after [[death]]. The [[idea]] of [[worshiping]] a [[personal]] [[God]] indicates advanced [[evolutionary]] [[development]], even the first [[stage]] of [[revelation]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyaks Dyaks] have evolved only the most [[primitive]] religious [[practices]]. The comparatively recent [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eskimos Eskimos] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_Americans_in_the_United_States Amerinds] had very meager [[concepts]] of [[God]]; they believed in [[ghosts]] and had an indefinite [[idea]] of [[survival]] of some sort after [[death]]. Present-day [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Aborigines native Australians] have only a [[ghost]] [[fear]], dread of the [[dark]], and a crude [[ancestor]] [[veneration]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulus Zulus] are just evolving a [[religion]] of [[ghost]] [[fear]] and [[sacrifice]]. Many African [[tribes]], except through missionary work of [[Christians]] and [[Muslim|Mohammedans]], are not yet beyond the [[fetish]] stage of religious [[evolution]]. But some [[groups]] have long held to the [[idea]] of [[monotheism]], like the onetime [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thracians Thracians], who also believed in [[immortality]].

92:6.1 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century Twentieth-century] [[Urantia]] [[religions]] present an interesting [[study]] of the [[social]] [[evolution]] of man's [[worship]] impulse. Many [[faiths]] have [[progressed]] very little since the days of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_87 ghost cult]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pygmies Pygmies] of Africa have no [[religious]] [[reactions]] as a class, although some of them believe slightly in a [[spirit]] [[environment]]. They are today just where [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN primitive man] was when the [[evolution]] of [[religion]] began. The basic [[belief]] of [[primitive]] [[religion]] was [[survival]] after [[death]]. The [[idea]] of [[worshiping]] a [[personal]] [[God]] indicates advanced [[evolutionary]] [[development]], even the first [[stage]] of [[revelation]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyaks Dyaks] have evolved only the most [[primitive]] religious [[practices]]. The comparatively recent [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eskimos Eskimos] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_Americans_in_the_United_States Amerinds] had very meager [[concepts]] of [[God]]; they believed in [[ghosts]] and had an indefinite [[idea]] of [[survival]] of some sort after [[death]]. Present-day [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Aborigines native Australians] have only a [[ghost]] [[fear]], dread of the [[dark]], and a crude [[ancestor]] [[veneration]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulus Zulus] are just evolving a [[religion]] of [[ghost]] [[fear]] and [[sacrifice]]. Many African [[tribes]], except through missionary work of [[Christians]] and [[Muslim|Mohammedans]], are not yet beyond the [[fetish]] stage of religious [[evolution]]. But some [[groups]] have long held to the [[idea]] of [[monotheism]], like the onetime [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thracians Thracians], who also believed in [[immortality]].

92:6.2 On [[Urantia]], [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION revelatory religion] are progressing side by side while they blend and coalesce into the [[diversified]] [[theologic]] [[systems]] found in the world in the times of the inditement of these papers. These [[religions]], the religions of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth-century] [[Urantia]], may be enumerated as follows:

92:6.2 On [[Urantia]], [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION revelatory religion] are progressing side by side while they blend and coalesce into the [[diversified]] [[theologic]] [[systems]] found in the world in the times of the inditement of these papers. These [[religions]], the religions of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth-century] [[Urantia]], may be enumerated as follows:

*1.  [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism Hinduism]—the most [[ancient]].

*1.  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism Hinduism]—the most [[ancient]].

*2.  The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Hebrew religion].

*2.  The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Hebrew religion].

*3.  [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism Buddhism].

*3.  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism Buddhism].

*4.  The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism Confucian] teachings.

*4.  The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism Confucian] teachings.

*5.  The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism Taoist] beliefs.

*5.  The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism Taoist] beliefs.

*6.  [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism].

*6.  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism].

*7.  [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto Shinto].

*7.  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto Shinto].

*8.  [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism Jainism].

*8.  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism Jainism].

*9.  [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity Christianity].

*9.  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity Christianity].

*10. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam Islam].

*10. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam Islam].

*11. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism Sikhism]—the most recent.

*11. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism Sikhism]—the most recent.

92:6.3 The most advanced [[religions]] of [[ancient]] times were [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism Hinduism] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Judaism], and each respectively has greatly [[influenced]] the [[course]] of religious [[development]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orient Orient] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident]. Both [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindusim Hindus] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Hebrews] believed that their [[religions]] were [[inspired]] and [[revealed]], and they believed all others to be [[decadent]] forms of the one true [[faith]].

92:6.3 The most advanced [[religions]] of [[ancient]] times were [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism Hinduism] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Judaism], and each respectively has greatly [[influenced]] the [[course]] of religious [[development]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orient Orient] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident]. Both [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindusim Hindus] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Hebrews] believed that their [[religions]] were [[inspired]] and [[revealed]], and they believed all others to be [[decadent]] forms of the one true [[faith]].

92:6.4 India is divided among Hindu, Sikh, Mohammedan, and Jain, each picturing God, man, and the universe as these are variously conceived. China follows the Taoist and the Confucian teachings; Shinto is revered in Japan.

92:6.4 India is divided among Hindu, Sikh, Mohammedan, and Jain, each picturing God, man, and the universe as these are variously conceived. China follows the Taoist and the Confucian teachings; Shinto is revered in Japan.

92:6.5 The great [[international]], interracial faiths are the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Hebraic], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism Buddhist], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christitanity Christian], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam Islamic]. [[Buddhism]] stretches from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceylon Ceylon] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burma Burma] through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibet Tibet] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China China] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan Japan]. It has shown an [[adaptability]] to the [[mores]] of many peoples that has been equaled only by [[Christianity]].

92:6.5 The great [[international]], interracial faiths are the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Hebraic], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism Buddhist], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christitanity Christian], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam Islamic]. [[Buddhism]] stretches from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceylon Ceylon] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burma Burma] through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibet Tibet] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China China] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan Japan]. It has shown an [[adaptability]] to the [[mores]] of many peoples that has been equaled only by [[Christianity]].

92:6.6 The [[Hebrew]] [[religion]] [[encompasses]] the philosophic [[transition]] from [[polytheism]] to [[monotheism]]; it is an [[evolutionary]] link between the [[religions]] of [[evolution]] and the religions of [[revelation]]. The [[Hebrews]] were the only western people to follow their early evolutionary gods straight through to the [[God]] of [[revelation]]. But this [[truth]] never became widely accepted until the days of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Isaiah], who once again taught the blended [[idea]] of a [[racial]] [[deity]] combined with a [[Universal]] [[Creator]]: "O Lord of Hosts, God of Israel, you are God, even you alone; you have made heaven and earth."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.37] At one time the [[hope]] of the [[survival]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occidental] civilization lay in the [[sublime]] [[Hebraic]] [[concepts]] of [[goodness]] and the advanced [[Greek|Hellenic]] concepts of [[beauty]].

92:6.6 The [[Hebrew]] [[religion]] [[encompasses]] the philosophic [[transition]] from [[polytheism]] to [[monotheism]]; it is an [[evolutionary]] link between the [[religions]] of [[evolution]] and the religions of [[revelation]]. The [[Hebrews]] were the only western people to follow their early evolutionary gods straight through to the [[God]] of [[revelation]]. But this [[truth]] never became widely accepted until the days of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Isaiah], who once again taught the blended [[idea]] of a [[racial]] [[deity]] combined with a [[Universal]] [[Creator]]: "O Lord of Hosts, God of Israel, you are God, even you alone; you have made heaven and earth."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.37] At one time the [[hope]] of the [[survival]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occidental] civilization lay in the [[sublime]] [[Hebraic]] [[concepts]] of [[goodness]] and the advanced [[Greek|Hellenic]] concepts of [[beauty]].

92:6.7 The [[Christian]] religion is the religion about the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents#Part_IV._The_Life_and_Teachings_of_Jesus life and teachings of Christ] based upon the [[theology]] of [[Judaism]], modified further through the assimilation of certain [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism Zoroastrian] teachings and [[Greek]] [[philosophy]], and formulated primarily by three [[individuals]]: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo], [[Peter]], and [[Paul]]. It has passed through many [[phases]] of [[evolution]] since the time of [[Paul]] and has become so thoroughly [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occidentalized] that many non-European peoples very naturally look upon [[Christianity]] as a strange [[revelation]] of a strange God and for strangers.

92:6.7 The [[Christian]] religion is the religion about the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents#Part_IV._The_Life_and_Teachings_of_Jesus life and teachings of Christ] based upon the [[theology]] of [[Judaism]], modified further through the assimilation of certain [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism Zoroastrian] teachings and [[Greek]] [[philosophy]], and formulated primarily by three [[individuals]]: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo], [[Peter]], and [[Paul]]. It has passed through many [[phases]] of [[evolution]] since the time of [[Paul]] and has become so thoroughly [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occidentalized] that many non-European peoples very naturally look upon [[Christianity]] as a strange [[revelation]] of a strange God and for strangers.

92:6.8 [[Islam]] is the religio-cultural connective of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Africa North Africa], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Asia southeastern Asia]. It was [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Jewish] [[theology]] in [[connection]] with the later [[Christian]] teachings that made [[Islam]] [[monotheistic]]. The followers of [[Mohammed]] stumbled at the advanced teachings of the [[Trinity]]; they could not [[comprehend]] the [[doctrine]] of [[three]] [[divine]] [[personalities]] and one Deity. It is always [[difficult]] to induce evolutionary [[minds]] suddenly to [[accept]] advanced revealed [[truth]]. Man is an [[evolutionary]] [[creature]] and in the main must get his [[religion]] by evolutionary [[techniques]].

92:6.8 [[Islam]] is the religio-cultural connective of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Africa North Africa], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levant], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Asia southeastern Asia]. It was [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Jewish] [[theology]] in [[connection]] with the later [[Christian]] teachings that made [[Islam]] [[monotheistic]]. The followers of [[Mohammed]] stumbled at the advanced teachings of the [[Trinity]]; they could not [[comprehend]] the [[doctrine]] of [[three]] [[divine]] [[personalities]] and one Deity. It is always [[difficult]] to induce evolutionary [[minds]] suddenly to [[accept]] advanced revealed [[truth]]. Man is an [[evolutionary]] [[creature]] and in the main must get his [[religion]] by evolutionary [[techniques]].

92:6.9 [[Ancestor]] [[worship]] onetime constituted a decided advance in [[religious]] [[evolution]], but it is both amazing and regrettable that this [[primitive]] [[concept]] persists in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China China], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan Japan], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India India] amidst so much that is [[relatively]] more advanced, such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism Buddhism] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism Hinduism]. In the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident], [[ancestor]] [[worship]] [[developed]] into the [[veneration]] of national gods and [[respect]] for racial [[heroes]]. In the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth century] this [[hero]]-venerating nationalistic religion makes its [[appearance]] in the various [[radical]] and nationalistic [[secularism]]s which characterize many [[races]] and [[nations]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident]. Much of this same [[attitude]] is also found in the great [[universities]] and the larger [[industrial]] communities of the [[English]]-speaking peoples. Not very [[different]] from these [[concepts]] is the idea that [[religion]] is but "a shared quest of the good life." The "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_religion national religions]" are nothing more than a reversion to the early [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_emperors Roman emperor] [[worship]] and to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto Shinto]—[[worship]] of the [[state]] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_Family_of_Japan imperial family].

92:6.9 [[Ancestor]] [[worship]] onetime constituted a decided advance in [[religious]] [[evolution]], but it is both amazing and regrettable that this [[primitive]] [[concept]] persists in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China China], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan Japan], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India India] amidst so much that is [[relatively]] more advanced, such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism Buddhism] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism Hinduism]. In the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident], [[ancestor]] [[worship]] [[developed]] into the [[veneration]] of national gods and [[respect]] for racial [[heroes]]. In the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth century] this [[hero]]-venerating nationalistic religion makes its [[appearance]] in the various [[radical]] and nationalistic [[secularism]]s which characterize many [[races]] and [[nations]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident]. Much of this same [[attitude]] is also found in the great [[universities]] and the larger [[industrial]] communities of the [[English]]-speaking peoples. Not very [[different]] from these [[concepts]] is the idea that [[religion]] is but "a shared quest of the good life." The "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_religion national religions]" are nothing more than a reversion to the early [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_emperors Roman emperor] [[worship]] and to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto Shinto]—[[worship]] of the [[state]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_Family_of_Japan imperial family].

==92:7. THE FURTHER EVOLUTION OF RELIGION==

==92:7. THE FURTHER EVOLUTION OF RELIGION==

92:7.1 [[Religion]] can never become a [[scientific]] [[fact]]. [[Philosophy]] may, indeed, rest on a [[scientific]] basis, but [[religion]] will ever remain either [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary] or [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION revelatory], or a possible combination of both, as it is in the world today.

92:7.1 [[Religion]] can never become a [[scientific]] [[fact]]. [[Philosophy]] may, indeed, rest on a [[scientific]] basis, but [[religion]] will ever remain either [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary] or [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION revelatory], or a possible combination of both, as it is in the world today.

92:7.2 New religions cannot be [[invented]]; they are either evolved, or else they are suddenly revealed. All new [[evolutionary]] [[religions]] are merely advancing [[expressions]] of the old [[beliefs]], new adaptations and [[adjustments]]. The old does not cease to exist; it is merged with the new, even as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism Sikhism] budded and blossomed out of the [[soil]] and forms of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism Hinduism], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism Buddhism], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam Islam], and other contemporary [[cults]]. [[Primitive]] [[religion]] was very [[democratic]]; the [[savage]] was quick to borrow or lend. Only with [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION revealed religion] did [[autocratic]] and intolerant theologic [[egotism]] appear.

92:7.2 New religions cannot be [[invented]]; they are either evolved, or else they are suddenly revealed. All new [[evolutionary]] [[religions]] are merely advancing [[expressions]] of the old [[beliefs]], new adaptations and [[adjustments]]. The old does not cease to exist; it is merged with the new, even as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism Sikhism] budded and blossomed out of the [[soil]] and forms of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism Hinduism], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism Buddhism], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam Islam], and other contemporary [[cults]]. [[Primitive]] [[religion]] was very [[democratic]]; the [[savage]] was quick to borrow or lend. Only with [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION revealed religion] did [[autocratic]] and intolerant theologic [[egotism]] appear.

92:7.3 The many [[religions]] of [[Urantia]] are all [[good]] to the extent that they bring man to [[God]] and bring the [[realization]] of [[the Father]] to man. It is a [[fallacy]] for any [[group]] of religionists to conceive of their [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creed creed] as The Truth; such [[attitudes]] bespeak more of [[theological]] arrogance than of certainty of [[faith]]. There is not a [[Urantia]] [[religion]] that could not profitably [[study]] and assimilate the best of the [[truths]] contained in every other [[faith]], for all contain [[truth]]. Religionists would do better to borrow the best in their [[neighbors]]' living spiritual [[faith]] rather than to denounce the worst in their lingering [[superstitions]] and outworn [[rituals]].

92:7.3 The many [[religions]] of [[Urantia]] are all [[good]] to the extent that they bring man to [[God]] and bring the [[realization]] of [[the Father]] to man. It is a [[fallacy]] for any [[group]] of religionists to conceive of their [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creed creed] as The Truth; such [[attitudes]] bespeak more of [[theological]] arrogance than of certainty of [[faith]]. There is not a [[Urantia]] [[religion]] that could not profitably [[study]] and assimilate the best of the [[truths]] contained in every other [[faith]], for all contain [[truth]]. Religionists would do better to borrow the best in their [[neighbors]]' living spiritual [[faith]] rather than to denounce the worst in their lingering [[superstitions]] and outworn [[rituals]].

92:7.4 All these [[religions]] have arisen as a result of man's variable [[intellectual]] [[response]] to his identical [[spiritual]] leading. They can never [[hope]] to [[attain]] a [[uniformity]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creed creeds], [[dogmas]], and [[rituals]]—these are [[intellectual]]; but they can, and some day will, [[realize]] a [[unity]] in true [[worship]] of [[the Father]] of all, for this is [[spiritual]], and it is forever true, in the [[spirit]] all men are [[equal]].

92:7.4 All these [[religions]] have arisen as a result of man's variable [[intellectual]] [[response]] to his identical [[spiritual]] leading. They can never [[hope]] to [[attain]] a [[uniformity]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creed creeds], [[dogmas]], and [[rituals]]—these are [[intellectual]]; but they can, and some day will, [[realize]] a [[unity]] in true [[worship]] of [[the Father]] of all, for this is [[spiritual]], and it is forever true, in the [[spirit]] all men are [[equal]].

92:7.5 [[Primitive]] [[religion]] was largely a [[material]]-[[value]] [[consciousness]], but [[civilization]] elevates religious [[values]], for true [[religion]] is the [[devotion]] of the [[self]] to the [[service]] of meaningful and [[supreme]] [[values]]. As [[religion]] evolves, [[ethics]] becomes the [[philosophy]] of [[morals]], and [[morality]] becomes the [[discipline]] of [[self]] by the [[standards]] of highest [[meanings]] and supreme [[values]]—[[divine]] and [[spiritual]] [[ideals]]. And thus [[religion]] becomes a [[spontaneous]] and exquisite [[devotion]], the living [[experience]] of the [[loyalty]] of [[love]].

92:7.5 [[Primitive]] [[religion]] was largely a [[material]]-[[value]] [[consciousness]], but [[civilization]] elevates religious [[values]], for true [[religion]] is the [[devotion]] of the [[self]] to the [[service]] of meaningful and [[supreme]] [[values]]. As [[religion]] evolves, [[ethics]] becomes the [[philosophy]] of [[morals]], and [[morality]] becomes the [[discipline]] of [[self]] by the [[standards]] of highest [[meanings]] and supreme [[values]]—[[divine]] and [[spiritual]] [[ideals]]. And thus [[religion]] becomes a [[spontaneous]] and exquisite [[devotion]], the living [[experience]] of the [[loyalty]] of [[love]].