Changes

R: Hm. Moment. I am [[permitted]] to comment in this [[Manner|fashion]]. Yes, [[Caligastia]] had certain powers, however [[Life Carriers]] and [[Physical Controller]] answer to a higher [[authority]] than a [[Planetary Prince]], and when instructed to follow a dubious course they always seek higher [[guidance]]. To [[attribute]] [[animal]] behavior to a [[Lanonandek]] Son is lacking in [[understanding]] of what a Lanonandek son is, and what an [[animal]] is. The disobedience of Caligastia was not disobedience in the sense that a [[human]] would disobey, or an [[animal]]. And the details of such disobedience were far more concerned with [[administrative]] [[structure]] than with such [[emotions]] as [[rage]], spitefulness, even [[ego]]. Caligastia's illness, if you want to call it that, was [[cosmic]] [[insanity]]. It is conceivable that he may have designed illnesses, but highly unlikely, particularly without the [[assistance]] of the [[Life Carriers]] and [[Physical Controllers]]. You must also [[remember]] that once [[freewill]] creatures had been established upon [[Urantia]] the role of the [[Life Carrier]] here became very much circumscribed, and the [[administrative]] [[structure]] governing their [[actions]] was altered as well. I am instructed that at this point a direct answer to this question is not in the best interest of [[this mission]], but it would be better for your [[group]] to discuss the matter that you bring up and to attempt to reach a [[consensus]]. (Thank you.) You are welcome. (05/22/93)

R: Hm. Moment. I am [[permitted]] to comment in this [[Manner|fashion]]. Yes, [[Caligastia]] had certain powers, however [[Life Carriers]] and [[Physical Controller]] answer to a higher [[authority]] than a [[Planetary Prince]], and when instructed to follow a dubious course they always seek higher [[guidance]]. To [[attribute]] [[animal]] behavior to a [[Lanonandek]] Son is lacking in [[understanding]] of what a Lanonandek son is, and what an [[animal]] is. The disobedience of Caligastia was not disobedience in the sense that a [[human]] would disobey, or an [[animal]]. And the details of such disobedience were far more concerned with [[administrative]] [[structure]] than with such [[emotions]] as [[rage]], spitefulness, even [[ego]]. Caligastia's illness, if you want to call it that, was [[cosmic]] [[insanity]]. It is conceivable that he may have designed illnesses, but highly unlikely, particularly without the [[assistance]] of the [[Life Carriers]] and [[Physical Controllers]]. You must also [[remember]] that once [[freewill]] creatures had been established upon [[Urantia]] the role of the [[Life Carrier]] here became very much circumscribed, and the [[administrative]] [[structure]] governing their [[actions]] was altered as well. I am instructed that at this point a direct answer to this question is not in the best interest of [[this mission]], but it would be better for your [[group]] to discuss the matter that you bring up and to attempt to reach a [[consensus]]. (Thank you.) You are welcome. (05/22/93)

===DESTINY===

===='''''[[Destiny]]''''', '''''[[Free will]]'''''====

Tonight's lesson is on destiny. Destiny is such a fascinating topic, so important as a part of our consciousness from the beginning of life, running through it like a constant thread for its entire length. Destiny is not a static concept, not a far-off goal, not a plaque on a wall that states the result of a performance, an office attained, nor a goal reached. Rather, destiny is what is contained in the seed of being as a potential prior to the onset of life. And the destiny starts to unfold at the moment of birth. Each of you here now is participating in your own destiny. You have a destiny that was, the destiny that is, and a destiny that shall be. From the time of attainment of your Thought Adjuster, you have a unique way of altering - not altering - but molding your personal destiny, as if each of you had before you a detailed blueprint of your entire existence and the capacity to make changes within the blueprint limitations at will. Erase a line here, add a line there, this is where your free-will decision-making capacity serves you most mightily. You may ask "But how can I possibly know the correct way to mold my destiny?" "What is the way?"

You have the [[Spirit of Truth]]. You have the living fragment of [[God within]] you. You have a certain [[knowledge]] of [[truth]] and [[goodness]] and [[beauty]] and [[love]] to guide you. You have the [[spiritual]] muscles of your [[soul]] - as strong as your use of them has made them. And it is those muscles - if you will - that have a firm grip on your [[destiny]] through your [[freewill]]. [[Imagine]] [[the Father]] has given you a large diamond at the beginning of your life, and it is your job to cut that diamond so that it may [[reflect]] [[light]] in brilliant and in interesting ways. You have the gift of [[personality]] given with the [[gift]] of life, and your [[freewill]] is the [[tool]] that you use to shape this [[personality]]. How will you [[shape]] it? That is your [[decision]].

You have the Spirit of Truth. You have the living fragment of God within you. You have a certain knowledge of truth and goodness and beauty and love to guide you. You have the spiritual muscles of your soul - as strong as your use of them has made them. And it is those muscles - if you will - that have a firm grip on your destiny through your freewill. Imagine the Father has given you a large diamond at the beginning of your life, and it is your job to cut that diamond so that it may reflect light in brilliant and in interesting ways. You have the gift of personality given with the gift of life, and your freewill is the tool that you use to shape this personality. How will you shape it? That is your decision.

Will you make [[changes]]? Almost certainly. Will you [[regret]] them? Yes, of course, but not all of them. When you pass from the life in the [[flesh]] and are given the [[choice]] of continuing on or not, at that [[point]] the richness of [[destiny]] will almost certainly be such an irresistible inducement that no one but the most deeply impaired ever [[decline]] to continue. This [[concept]] is [[difficult]] to grasp at this [[point]] for you, nonetheless it is useful to [[ponder]].

Will you make changes? Almost certainly. Will you regret them? Yes, of course, but not all of them. When you pass from the life in the flesh and are given the choice of continuing on or not, at that point the richness of destiny will almost certainly be such an irresistible inducement that no one but the most deeply impaired ever decline to continue. This concept is difficult to grasp at this point for you, nonetheless it is useful to ponder.

Much has been [[written]] in your [[literature]] on [[Urantia]] about [[destiny]], the [[concept]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moirae fate]. And some of what has been [[speculated]] is actually quite close to the [[truth]]. Yes, a single [[decision]] can change the [[course]] very much. Yes, the decision you make at any time can have an [[impact]] on the destiny of another, not unlike [[stars]] on a [[collision]] course, or - less [[dramatic]] - [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marbles marbles] rebounding from one another as they roll down an incline, each impact causing a ricocheting of other marbles, and yet others. It is this [[interaction]] of [[destinies]] through [[personalities]] and free-will [[decision]] that makes fellowship so [[vitally]] important in [[the Universe]]. As [[Urantia]] [[progresses]] toward the era of [[light and life]], the [[spiritual growth]] of [[individuals]] will [[accelerate]] and improve. [[Fellowship]] will [[grow]], and there will be far more [[positive]] [[impacts]] of [[personalities]] upon personalities in the sense of non-adverse contributions to [[growth]].

Much has been written in your literature on Urantia about destiny, the concept of fate. And some of what has been speculated is actually quite close to the truth. Yes, a single decision can change the course very much. Yes, the decision you make at any time can have an impact on the destiny of another, not unlike stars on a collision course, or - less dramatic - marbles rebounding from one another as they roll down an incline, each impact causing a ricocheting of other marbles, and yet others. It is this interaction of destinies through personalities and free-will decision that makes fellowship so vitally important in the Universe. As Urantia progresses toward the era of light and life, the spiritual growth of individuals will accelerate and improve. Fellowship will grow, and there will be far more positive impacts of personalities upon personalities in the sense of non-adverse contributions to growth.

Of course, [[adversity]] helps the [[individual]] to [[grow]] spiritually. However, there are many, many ways of abetting [[growth]] that do not necessarily involve [[adversity]] - as you all are [[aware]]. And of course there is ample [[adversity]] through the [[eternal]] ages. A diminution in the adversity [[experienced]] in this [[embryonic]] [[stage]] of growth in the [[material]] form will not detract in the long run. Yes, adversity makes one [[stronger]], however the man running the race who finds himself beaten with a whip or struck in the leg with a stick at each step most likely will not run as quickly, or [[confidently]], or as contently as he might with that - those adverse [[factors]] not present. He instead would have more [[energy]] to devote to the task of running the race rather than having to divert [[attention]] to the [[pain]] and the [[opposition]]. So it is on [[Urantia]] now: many [[souls]] with clearly established [[destinies]] running that race - the race to get through life. How will you run your race? How will you affect the race of others? When we [[engage]] in [[service]] to our fellows we help them to run the race a little more easily, you see? That does not mean we carry them upon our backs, for it is their race, it is their [[destiny]]. But we do not trip them, or strike them. Is our [[destiny]] completed when that far-off day comes when we stand in the [[presence]] of [[the Father]]? No, not at all. However, the striving to meet that particular goal is a very important part of the [[destiny]] of every one of you here today. Destinies are [[eternal]] and [[infinite]], and no being has ever existed - [[mortal]] or non-mortal - that has fully [[expressed]] their potential [[destiny]]. This is a difficult [[concept]] to grasp for me also, nonetheless, it is so. So you see your [[destiny]] is a [[fluid]] thing, [[dynamic]], growing, alive, subject to many [[forces]], but most of all your own will, your one [[desire]] to act. Yes, you have many helpers within and without, and their promptings can be very useful if you wish to [[accept]] them. So go forth. Meet your [[destiny]]. Run the good race. That is all. Are there [[questions]]?

Of course, adversity helps the individual to grow spiritually. However, there are many, many ways of abetting growth that do not necessarily involve adversity - as you all are aware. And of course there is ample adversity through the eternal ages. A diminution in the adversity experienced in this embryonic stage of growth in the material form will not detract in the long run. Yes, adversity makes one stronger, however the man running the race who finds himself beaten with a whip or struck in the leg with a stick at each step most likely will not run as quickly, or confidently, or as contently as he might with that - those adverse factors not present. He instead would have more energy to devote to the task of running the race rather than having to divert attention to the pain and the opposition. So it is on Urantia now: many souls with clearly established destinies running that race - the race to get through life. How will you run your race? How will you affect the race of others? When we engage in service to our fellows we help them to run the race a little more easily, you see? That does not mean we carry them upon our backs, for it is their race, it is their destiny. But we do not trip them, or strike them. Is our destiny completed when that far-off day comes when we stand in the presence of the Father? No, not at all. However, the striving to meet that particular goal is a very important part of the destiny of every one of you here today. Destinies are eternal and infinite, and no being has ever existed - mortal or non-mortal - that has fully expressed their potential destiny. This is a difficult concept to grasp for me also, nonetheless, it is so. So you see your destiny is a fluid thing, dynamic, growing, alive, subject to many forces, but most of all your own will, your one desire to act. Yes, you have many helpers within and without, and their promptings can be very useful if you wish to accept them. So go forth. Meet your destiny. Run the good race. That is all. Are there questions?

S: About the beginning of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 16th century] a man by the name of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Calvin John Calvin], when he was [[translating]] the [[Latin]] [[scriptures]] into French, became convinced that the [[New Testament]] taught [[predestination]], and developed the [[doctrine]] of predestination which is known as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvinism Calvinism]. It holds generally that people are predestined to go to [[heaven]] or go to [[hell]]. I realize that, in The [[Urantia Book]] language, this is predestined to [[survive]] or not-survive. This became such a strong [[point]], that others, who couldn't [[accept]] the idea that a God would create [[individuals]] to go to [[hell]], said that they had the [[free will]] to choose. And the doctrine of [[predestination]] and the doctrine of [[free will]] are considered to be [[opposite]] to each other. I think The [[Urantia Book]] teaches that they are [[consistent]] with each other, that when we are born we are predestined - to do something, but we have the [[free will]] to [[change]] that [[destiny]], point by point, decision by decision. And if I remember it correctly, The [[Urantia Book]] says that we are predestined to do things, but we are not foreordained to do them, that we have the free will to say no. Putting that [[together]] with your lesson, suddenly it fills in the blanks.

S: About the beginning of the 16th century a man by the name of John Calvin, when he was translating the Latin scriptures into French, became convinced that the New Testament taught predestination, and developed the doctrine of predestination which is known as Calvinism. It holds generally that people are predestined to go to heaven or go to hell. I realize that, in The Urantia Book language, this is predestined to survive or not-survive. This became such a strong point, that others, who couldn't accept the idea that a God would create individuals to go to hell, said that they had the free will to choose. And the doctrine of predestination and the doctrine of free will are considered to be opposite to each other. I think The Urantia Book teaches that they are consistent with each other, that when we are born we are predestined - to do something, but we have the free will to change that destiny, point by point, decision by decision. And if I remember it correctly, The Urantia Book says that we are predestined to do things, but we are not foreordained to do them, that we have the free will to say no. Putting that together with your lesson, suddenly it fills in the blanks.

R: Yes, you [[understand]] well. You see that there are many [[dimensions]] which have been left out by the [[formal]] [[religious]] approaches of the [[past]]. Do you have any comments?

R: Yes, you understand well. You see that there are many dimensions which have been left out by the formal religious approaches of the past. Do you have any comments?

S: Perhaps this can serve as the basis for at least a [[scholarly]] article on the subject of [[predestination]] and [[free will]], where The [[Urantia Book]] / Rayson teachings can be presented as an alternate to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvinism Calvinism] without having to turn it down completely - as the [[doctrine]] of [[free will]] has.

S: Perhaps this can serve as the basis for at least a scholarly article on the subject of predestination and free will, where The Urantia Book / Rayson teachings can be presented as an alternate to Calvinism without having to turn it down completely - as the doctrine of free will has.

R: That is an excellent [[idea]], (S). It would do much [[good]] in a number of ways. [[Destiny]] is a very strong inducement even to those small in [[faith]], and you will find much [[receptivity]] for the [[concept]].

R: That is an excellent idea, (S). It would do much good in a number of ways. Destiny is a very strong inducement even to those small in faith, and you will find much receptivity for the concept.

Q: Although I [[understand]] it is possible for an [[individual]] not to live up to their [[destiny]] in this lifetime. The [[Urantia Book]] suggests, and I want to [[confirm]] this, that [[collectively]], the [[destiny]] of the [[group]] in the [[Supreme]] will be honored. In other words, we have a [[destiny]] as a group that will be fulfilled even though we might - [[individually]] - not fulfill our own destiny. Is that correct?

Q: Although I understand it is possible for an individual not to live up to their destiny in this lifetime. The Urantia Book suggests, and I want to confirm this, that collectively, the destiny of the group in the Supreme will be honored. In other words, we have a destiny as a group that will be fulfilled even though we might - individually - not fulfill our own destiny. Is that correct?

A: Yes, that is one way of [[understanding]] what is true. I do not, myself, understand the full implications. [[Destiny]] in the fullest sense is beyond the [[understanding]] of any unfused personality, and indeed, it may be [[necessary]] to [[experience]] [[Paradise]] before truly grasping what [[destiny]] really means. (01/31/94)

A: Yes, that is one way of understanding what is true. I do not, myself, understand the full implications. Destiny in the fullest sense is beyond the understanding of any unfused personality, and indeed, it may be necessary to experience paradise before truly grasping what destiny really means. (01/31/94)

Q: I have a question about the [[active]] or non-active role that the [[different]] [[agents]] and beings that [[surround]] us actually take in our lives. Some of us think that they are quite active, I mean to the point where [[good]] fortune is placed in their [[path]], if they are seeking [[the Father]]'s will. And others of us [[feel]] as though they aren't that involved, that [[interactive]]. Can you shed any [[light]] on this?

Q: I have a question about the active or non-active role that the different agents and beings that surround us actually take in our lives. Some of us think that they are quite active, I mean to the point where good fortune is placed in their path, if they are seeking the Father's will. And others of us feel as though they aren't that involved, that interactive. Can you shed any light on this?

A: Yes. This is a [[question]] that comes up again and again in [[this mission]]. Some are [[blessed]] with great [[agility]] in managing the [[material]] world and are perceived as being [[lucky]]. This is not a result of [[spiritual]] [[leading]], necessarily, in the sense that you are referring to with external [[forces]] bringing to bear, however it is not that common for a [[material]] being to thrive without some [[participation]] in a program of [[spiritual growth]]. It does happen, of course. There have been some quite [[iniquitous]] beings who have done enormously well in the [[material]] sense. But of course they have lived with overwhelming inner torment which they have not generally admitted to others. But the one who thrives on [[Urantia]] without inner torment must necessarily follow a [[spiritual]] [[program]]. [[Material]] [[success]] requires [[study]] and [[practice]] at material [[skills]]. [[Wealth]] does indeed flow in well-defined [[channels]], and the one who would be [[wealthy]] may easily, or not so easily, tap into these [[channels]]. This may be seen as [[luck]], but it's more a matter of having a good eye and a high level of [[desire]]. There have been persons who've become [[wealthy]] who have also achieved high [[spirit]] [[attainment]].

A: Yes. This is a question that comes up again and again in this mission. Some are blessed with great agility in managing the material world and are perceived as being lucky. This is not a result of spiritual leading, necessarily, in the sense that you are referring to with external forces bringing to bear, however it is not that common for a material being to thrive without some participation in a program of spiritual growth. It does happen, of course. There have been some quite iniquitous beings who have done enormously well in the material sense. But of course they have lived with overwhelming inner torment which they have not generally admitted to others. But the one who thrives on Urantia without inner torment must necessarily follow a spiritual program. Material success requires study and practice at material skills. Wealth does indeed flow in well-defined channels, and the one who would be wealthy may easily, or not so easily, tap into these channels. This may be seen as luck, but it's more a matter of having a good eye and a high level of desire. There have been persons who've become wealthy who have also achieved high spirit attainment.

This is rare, but known to happen. Has their success been due to [[cosmic]] [[intervention]]? They too have been [[endowed]] with [[Thought Adjusters]], and some have heeded the [[advice]] of Thought Adjusters and been helped in [[attaining]] their [[goals]]. Some have had other spirit helpers for reasons beyond what your [[history]] books may record. Much of this has to do with using well-placed [[beings]] to help offset some of the damage done during [[the rebellion]]. They happen to be in opportune [[positions]], so an attempt is made to use them, but as far as anyone being [[intentionally]] placed in a position of power by [[seraphic]] or other [[guidance]], no. Those in [[positions]] of [[power]] may choose to avail themselves of [[seraphic]] [[guidance]] that is offered, which is a [[free will]] decision, but there is not divine [[intervention]] in the matters of man beyond that. [[Advice]] is always at hand. Whether man chooses to take it or not is another matter. Let us look at the other side of the situation. What of the person who seems to be [[good]] and lead a life of [[worship]] and yet is beset with misfortune, [[material]] [[poverty]] from [[family]] [[tragedy]]? In undertaking the [[journey]] towards [[spiritual growth]] one may or may not [[choose]] to participate in the [[flow]] of [[wealth]] and [[material]]. Some choose not to, and therefore their [[material]] lives are [[impoverished]] while their [[spiritual]] lives are enriched. This is rare. This is as rare as the other [[extreme]]. It is as rare as the [[wealthy]] man who is [[spiritually]] rich, but it does happen. The great mass of people do best, have the most so-called [[good]] [[luck]], when they are engaging in [[worship]] in their [[activities]] and heeding [[seraphic]] [[guidance]] which is available to all. So you could say that good [[luck]], no matter what your [[goals]] may be, they will be more readily [[attained]], if you follow [[God]]'s [[plan]]. This may [[sound]] somewhat like a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television_evangelist television evangelist], but this is certainly not a call for donations to [[churches]]. If you lead your lives in such a way that you are loving, you are [[good]], you are [[kind]], you are [[truthful]], you are bound to have some good fortune, and you are also bound to have some misfortune. But overall the [[services]] that you render in the plying of your trade, whatever that may be, will generally be well [[accepted]], and you will prosper to whatever extent is possible. Does that help?

This is rare, but known to happen. Has their success been due to cosmic intervention? They too have been endowed with Thought Adjusters, and some have heeded the advice of Thought Adjusters and been helped in attaining their goals. Some have had other spirit helpers for reasons beyond what your history books may record. Much of this has to do with using well-placed beings to help offset some of the damage done during the rebellion. They happen to be in opportune positions, so an attempt is made to use them, but as far as anyone being intentionally placed in a position of power by seraphic or other guidance, no. Those in positions of power may choose to avail themselves of seraphic guidance that is offered, which is a free will decision, but there is not divine intervention in the matters of man beyond that. Advice is always at hand. Whether man chooses to take it or not is another matter. Let us look at the other side of the situation. What of the person who seems to be good and lead a life of worship and yet is beset with misfortune, material poverty from family tragedy? In undertaking the journey towards spiritual growth one may or may not choose to participate in the flow of wealth and material. Some choose not to, and therefore their material lives are impoverished while their spiritual lives are enriched. This is rare. This is as rare as the other extreme. It is as rare as the wealthy man who is spiritually rich, but it does happen. The great mass of people do best, have the most so-called good luck, when they are engaging in worship in their activities and heeding seraphic guidance which is available to all. So you could say that good luck, no matter what your goals may be, they will be more readily attained, if you follow God's plan. This may sound somewhat like a television evangelist, but this is certainly not a call for donations to churches. If you lead your lives in such a way that you are loving, you are good, you are kind, you are truthful, you are bound to have some good fortune, and you are also bound to have some misfortune. But overall the services that you render in the plying of your trade, whatever that may be, will generally be well accepted, and you will prosper to whatever extent is possible. Does that help?

Q: It sure does. What I think I [[understand]] you saying is that like [[attracts]] like.

Q: It sure does. What I think I understand you saying is that like attracts like.

A: True, and beyond that those who are lost or in [[doubt]] will [[respond]] positively to a [[light]], to a beacon.

A: True, and beyond that those who are lost or in doubt will respond positively to a light, to a beacon.

Q: Rayson, the [[Urantia book]] indicates that [[Reserve Corps of Destiny|human reservists]], reserve corp of destiny, have special [[seraphic]] assistance, [[guardians of destiny]] assigned to them. Where in your [[discourse]] did that fit?

Q: Rayson, the Urantia book indicates that human reservists, reserve corp of destiny, have special seraphic assistance, guardians of destiny assigned to them. Where in your discourse did that fit?

A: Well, there is separate [[seraphic]] [[guidance]] certainly, special seraphic guidance accorded to those who are [[Reserve Corps of Destiny|reservists]], but there is also [[seraphic]] [[guidance]] available to all others, if they wish to avail themselves of that. And that is the question, is it not?  

A: Well, there is separate seraphic guidance certainly, special seraphic guidance accorded to those who are reservists, but there is also seraphic guidance available to all others, if they wish to avail themselves of that. And that is the question, is it not? Q. And we access that seraphic guidance by the same means we improve our ability to communicate with the Father through the Thought Adjuster?

Q. And we [[access]] that [[seraphic]] [[guidance]] by the same means we improve our [[ability]] to [[communicate]] with [[the Father]] through the [[Thought Adjuster]]?

 

===EVIL===

===EVIL===