Spirituality Course

This blog is about the various courses on Spirituality offered through the ULC Seminary. The students offer responses to their various lessons and essays upon completion of the courses.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Spirituality Lesson 10 - Empricism, Lesson 11 - How We Know Things.

Spiritualism -Lesson 10- Empiricism, Lesson 11-How We Know Things

Empiricism is defined on page 451 of the American Heritage College dictionary as the view that experience, esp. of the senses is the only source of knowledge. Empirical is defined as (1) relying on or derived from observation or experience, (2) verifiable or provable by means of observation or experiment. Empiric is defined as one who is guided by practical experience rather than precepts or theory. Psyche is defined from two perspectives on page 1104 as (1) the spirit or soul and (2) the mind functioning as the center of thought, emotion and behavior. In the Donning International Encyclopedic Psychic dictionary on page 496 the word psyche is defined from five different perspectives. The definitions of psyche that I found to be most useful were (1) life force, soul, spirit, mind (2) the soul encased in a physical body in its failures and its successes. The word psychic is defined in the Donning dictionary on page 497 from many perspectives. The definition of psychic I found to be most useful was (1) one whose total Mind/Body organization tunes into more subtle vibrational frequencies and who is able to decipher this sensitivity for practical purposes. Empirical Energy is defined on page 204 as psychic skills which occur willed and spontaneously, not determined through scientifically proven facts, but just because practice makes it work; psychic phenomena that defies all laws known to man; (Paraphysical law: If it works for you, it is a law for you). Empirical knowledge (defined on the same page in the Donning dictionary) is defined as psychism experienced and perceived by one's self that becomes knowledge to oneself regardless of science or theory. Humans have created tools throughout time that enable them to detect phenomena with their senses that they could not detect in previous moments in time. Over time humans form opinions from their experiences and collect and record data. The opinions and experiences of the collected data are documented in the form of written words, artwork and at this moment in time video and audio recording. In many scientific communities theories are formed and experiments are created to determine if measurable results and outcomes can be reproduced. Some humans prefer to document the same experience repeatedly by using the same conditions to determine if the measurable outcomes of the experiments or experiences will be the same or different. If the measurable outcomes of the experience or experiment are the same in say 8000 out of 10000 times then one could say that given the same situation, under the same circumstances or conditions there is a reasonable probability that 8 out of 10 times one will achieve certain expected measurable outcomes. Conversely, this also means that given the same situation, under the same circumstances or conditions, there is a reasonable probability that 2 out of 10 times one will not achieve certain expected measurable outcomes. Just because humans have not yet invented or discovered a tool or a machine or a computer program that enhances our ability to perceive certain phenomena does not negate the possibility of the existence of that phenomena. Great strides are being made however to detect and document unique energy fields and energy field disturbances in human beings. Kirlian photography is able to record human energy fields to some degree. Some people have referred to this type of energy field documentation as aura photography. In the healthcare field many Nurses and a few doctors can now receive training and certification in a discipline known as Healing Touch. During the Healing Touch seminars people are taught to assess human energy fields and to use certain techniques to balance the energy field where imbalance exists. I have attended many healing touch seminars and for myself at least it helped me to better understand the healing techniques I learned when I originally attended seminary many years ago .I also studied and became certified in another form of energy field balancing and healing known as Reiki when I attended seminary. Having always had the ability to detect energy fields in humans, animals, crystals, and plants inspired me to seek explanations for the existence and my abilities. That was the reason I chose to study sciences and various religions from a very early age. What we as humans perceive with the "known" senses we store in our minds, our bodies and our energy fields. Other words for energy fields can be used such as Psyche, Spirit or Soul. How, when or why did my Soul or Spirit come into existence I do not know. I only know that from my perspective based on my life experiences I have a Soul or Spirit. I believe humans have Souls, Spirits or energy fields because I choose to believe this is so. I also choose to believe all humans have the free will to choose their belief systems and their spiritual paths. In my life experiences I have known many humans who have chosen paths that were filled with more darkness that light, more disharmony than harmony, and more imbalance than balance. After many years and much meditation I discovered that by choosing to balance the light and darkness within my own soul I could achieve inner harmony and balance.

Respectfully submitted by

Rev. Susan K. Bowers

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Master of Spiritual Leadership ~ Final Essay

Master of Spiritual Leadership ~ Final Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

Spiritual leadership, as well as leadership in general, is often hard to define. We think we know what it is but it's often hard to put into words. I think that sometimes we know more of what it is not than what it is. And yes, sometimes that is half the battle in understanding something, but let's try to understand it completely.  We tend to confuse leadership with management and with style of operation (management methods). Leadership, especially Spiritual leadership, certainly includes management and style of operation but is not totally defined by them. Theorists who have difficulty defining leadership sometimes try to explain it in terms of style or methods, but style and method can only explain what the leader does not who he is. A manager may consistently manage, but that doesn't mean he is a good leader. A person may have a consistent style of operation, but that doesn't mean he or she is a good leader. However, a good leader manages and operates in a style that works. What makes the difference?  Leadership is a developmental process of growing one's skills in leading others with an awareness and knowledge of our own honesty and integrity. Past and current leadership theory includes social responsibility, personal growth, and setting, as well as implementing and reaching personal and organizational goals.  preachology.com

Rule of Life Ministry ~ I believe Life should be sacred to each individual as I believe God planned it to be that way.  Life should be a joy for whom everyone experiencing it can partake in.  Thoughts and impositions should be not be forced on anyone.  I try to have compassion and understanding for everyone in all walks of Life.  My own thoughts on Life is not to try to convert anyone to my way of thinking or to my way of expressing the connection between myself and the Lord.  I generally practice as an independent chaplain, this way I can have the flexibility to outreach to many in not only my own faith but learn so much more about other faiths and beliefs. 

Letter to a community ~ I understand this is a very close knit community, mostly of military families.  We also understand there are many different faiths represented within this military community.  God has brought us together for a collective reason and that is to honor and serve this great country of ours.  There are going to be times when our loved ones are going to be sent away.  It is the duty of the ones remaining here to love and support those loved ones left behind.  I believe God has trusted us to work together.  I believe God does in fact care for all of us and will continue to guide us along the sands of time.  Truly making us aware of all that is good.  Remember, He is always with us and like the poem says – when you saw only one set of footprints….that is when He carried you.  He sees everything and knows all.  We must encourage each other to seek out their Gods, Ali, Buddha or whatever they believe in and find peace within themselves and this community they represent.  May peace and understanding be with all of us forever and ever.  Go In Peace

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Spiritulism-Lesson 9 -The Birth of Atheism

Spiritualism – Lesson 9, The Birth of Atheism

What are humans consciously aware of? How can humans expand their conscious awareness of the universe? Are all humans capable of expanding their awareness in exactly the same manner? Do all humans perceive the universe with exactly the same perspectives and perceptions? Who was the first human on the planet Earth that decided to choose to expand their conscious awareness of the universe? When did humans decide that all people should or could expand their awareness of the universe? Why do humans seek to expand their conscious awareness? If the universe consists of infinite possibilities in infinite combinations, then it follows that perceptions and perspectives of Gods and Goddesses must also be infinite. Atheism is simply another perception and perspective of conscious awareness of the universe. From my humble perspective, Atheism is a belief system. Since all humans do not perceive Gods, Goddesses or Deities from the same perspective who is to say what is the best, most correct belief system in existence in this moment in time? The word Atheism is derived from the Greek word "atheos" which meant "without gods" in ancient Greece. The word Theism is derived from the Greek word "theos" which meant "gods" in ancient Greece. Deism, Monotheism, Polytheism, Pantheism and Autotheism are just a few words in existence in this moment in time that attempt to classify and define perspectives of Gods, Goddesses or the Infinite Universal Life forces. As long as humans are capable of expanding their conscious awareness of the universe there will also continue to exist attempts to define Theism and Atheism. As a human, I believe what I choose to believe and what my life experiences have taught me to believe. As an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church I support and accept any belief system as long as that belief system supports one Concept: Intentionally inflict no harm or suffering on another being.

Respectfully submitted by Rev. Susan K. Bowers

 

 

 

 

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Lesson 19 ~ Spiritual Leadership ~ Unit 5 ~ Closing Time Part 2 ~ Essay

Lesson 19 ~ Spiritual Leadership ~ Unit 5 ~ Closing Time Part 2 ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

Write a reflective paper on Paul, explore who this sainted mass murder truly was, then reflect on what of his teachings that have shaped a faith more than the faiths founder means to you in your journey towards wholeness and leadership.  Was Paul the Apostle a mass murderer?  Some would say –yes, but (Acts 8; 1-5, Acts 9; 1-2, 1 Cor15;910), Paul was similar to an SS Nazi officer who decided who would die in the gas chambers, he didn't actually do the killing, rather approved and consented of murders of the innocent.  No, Paul never actually did the killing himself but approved the executions.  It is said that Paul was on his way to serve these warrants when he met Jesus on the road and discovered he was the true Messiah.  This was not only referred to as Paul's conversion but as his calling.  On the road to Damascus the risen Lord, Jesus appeared to him and called him to be the "apostle to the Gentiles".  Paul's mission was mainly attributed to the Letters of St. Paul  there were six of them, however even today the authorship is somewhat questioned, because some of his communities were said to write letters under his name.  At this time Paul was very persuasive in his ministry, especially to Peter, James, the brother of the Lord, and John (in about 38 A.D.), who were leaders of the new movement of Jesus who eventually became known as Christians.  However, helping people understand the writings and life of Paul is a very tiresome undertaking, I believe we could all do our part in transforming this story of Paul into our everyday life's work.  When we witness something occurring not relevant to the teachings of Christ, I feel it is our duty as ministers to interact and help right this wrong.  This is what is formally known as leadership.  However, a wise man once said….pick your battles carefully.  Go In Peace

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Lessons 1,2,3,4 and 5 ~ Spiritual Awareness ~ Collective Essay

Lessons 1,2,3,4 and 5 ~ Spiritual Awareness ~ Collective Essay

 By:  Rev. Trent Murman

I can tell this is going to be another awesome course from the seminary.  It has helped me do more self- exploration and again being aware of everything around and within me.  I believe the gods have once again are guiding us all to our inner beings, helping us to become more in tuned to our pure existence not only on this planet, but with all peoples combined. 

I believe and agree with Spiritual awareness or spiritual awakening is the process by which we begin to explore our own being in order to become whole and reunite our spirits with our physical bodies in a commonality of purpose.--Holistic Healing

I believe within my own private life "things happen for a reason" and if we can somehow learn from these coincidences (?) we can better figure our path or paths during our journey in life.  Finding our inner sacred space is crucial for anyone.  Most people go along with "what will be, will be" and are satisfied to use this as their format for their journey.  This course has opened my eyes and given more to consider about the way I connect with my inner self and human beings I come in contact with repetitively on a daily basis.  There are many things going on in our lives that receive stimuli and make us continuously question what the gods have in store for us, for I firmly believe they have some control in guiding us along our journey. For me, when I need my "sacred space" it usually comes between 2-3 a.m., this is the best time for me to go to my sacred space and connect with my inner self.  Whether you believe in Darwin or not, most people agree that there is some sort of evolution going on around us every day.   Simply put, history itself is a form of evolution, hopefully not allowing us to repeat its malady's too often.  People do evolve and tend to learn from their past journeys.  My special place is in my office, where I meditate daily, hopefully around the same time, it is comfortable, secure and allows me "go to my special place" easily, this is accomplished through meditation and soulice. As stated the first insight captures our attention and fires our imagination.  This makes us begin to collaborate our thoughts with our spiritual being.  Our spiritual awareness started when we first recognized coincidences are in our everyday lives.  The First Insight is a reconsideration of the inherent mystery that surrounds our individual lives on this planet. The Second Insight acknowledges our awareness as something real.  The Third insight informs us that everything in the universe is composed of energy.  This lead to the scientists "mastering their environment" and we are still doing this today.  The thought of us taking control over our environment is crucial to the existence and continuation of our species.  I am sure even the cave men would reminisce over what happened during that day as they sat around the camp fires, probably just being thankful they made it through another day and that their "woman" was still with them.  The Third Insight reveals that all things are literally one and therefore interconnected. Because all energy is interconnected, it is malleable to human consciousness through the action of intention.  Just take the time to observe nature, be in awe at its beauty and magnificence, remembering everything is connected through natures energy.  The Fourth Insight reveals the human tendency to steal energy from other humans by controlling them and taking over their mind -- a crime in which we all engage because we so often feel depleted of energy and cut off. This shortage of energy can be remedied when we connect with the higher Source. Some people feed off others negative energy to make themselves feel or seem to be more powerful than they really are.  Soul searching is very much used in the hunt for "one's self energy".  Control or the need to be in control of something or someone is The Fifth Insight describes a new understanding of what has long been called mystical consciousness and its attainability as demonstrated by a number of esoteric practitioners of many religions and spiritual paths through the centuries. For most, however, this consciousness remains an intellectual concept to be only talked of and debated about but not taken too seriously.  A firm understanding of meditation practice appears to be the common denominator in the hunt for spiritual awareness.  Go In Peace