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.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Lesson 8 in Spirituality Course

At the end of the lesson you said:
"I am a member of the Universal Life Church precisely because this church is open and accepting of the beliefs of everyone.  It does not teach the "one true way."  It instead teaches that we are all children of God and we will all find our way on our own unique path.  That path could be Pagan, Christian, Buddhist, or Muslim.  It may be none of these.  It is simply our path.  As ministers we must never forget this.  We must never be tempted to think that our own path is the one true path.  We cannot even be tempted to believe that our path is right for even one other person.  Every path is as unique as the individual.""

I wanted to thank you for this statement of "our belief", in the Universal Life Church. It succinctly states my belief also as a ULC minister and Chaplain.
Reverend Suzanne Starr McLeod

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Master of Spirituality Lesson 3 Bill Sykes

Science and Spirituality
I believe in traditional spiritual thought and science at the same time.  I don't have any problem with paradox.  For example, I believe in the theory of evolution and I believe in the creation story in the book of Genesis at the same time.  Evolution is a scientific theory that explains our physical origins.  The creation story is a myth that contains the truth of our relationship with God (and no I do not believe in original sin) and our spiritual origins.  He/she loves us unconditionally regardless of our behavior, that is, original grace.  In math there is a term referred to as "imaginary numbers".  These numbers cannot exist, but they can be used to solve many different problems.  This is how I view the creation story.  I am a universalist so I honor all traditions and believe that there is truth in other creation stories as well.  This is a science in and of itself. 

The idea of intelligent design melds science and spirituality as well.  The idea that there is order behind what appears as chaos brings us to the existence of something beyond Newtonian physics.  The Universe is far more than a machine that follows a set of rules.  Relativity and quantum physics bear this out.  One element of modern physics explains that particles have a rudimentary element of consciousness.  The Universe is alive!  Science cannot explain this and there is a movement among physicists that believe that we must accept the fact that there are things that we will never understand.  This is from the perspective of scientists and this is where spirituality comes into play.  Where science leaves off the answers can be sought in the realm of the spirit.  Prayer, meditation, ritual, devotion, and social action fill in the gaps and knowledge comes closer to being complete.  However, we will always have to deal with the unknown.  There is no commandment that says, "Thou shalt understand".

Bill Sykes

Monday, July 14, 2014

Lesson 1

I was very excited to read the first lesson in this course. Even as I was reading it I found myself identifying the traits discussed in people around me. I found that while I am a person who is guided by my heart, my partner is guided by her mind. This seems to be common in couples, one uses their mind and the other their heart to guide them on their path. I look forward to observing others as I continue studying the lessons in this course.
Rev. Stephanie Beck

Monday, June 23, 2014

Susan Bowers's invitation is awaiting your response

 
Susan Bowers would like to connect on LinkedIn. How would you like to respond?
Susan Bowers
RN at Hospital
Confirm you know Susan
You are receiving Reminder emails for pending invitations. Unsubscribe
© 2014, LinkedIn Corporation. 2029 Stierlin Ct. Mountain View, CA 94043, USA

Monday, June 16, 2014

Susan Bowers's invitation is awaiting your response

 
Susan Bowers would like to connect on LinkedIn. How would you like to respond?
Susan Bowers
RN at Hospital
Confirm you know Susan
You are receiving Reminder emails for pending invitations. Unsubscribe
© 2014, LinkedIn Corporation. 2029 Stierlin Ct. Mountain View, CA 94043, USA

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Invitation to connect on LinkedIn

 
LinkedIn
 
 
 
 
From Susan Bowers
 
RN at Hospital
Greater Los Angeles Area
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

courses,

I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.

- Susan

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You are receiving Invitation to Connect emails. Unsubscribe
© 2014, LinkedIn Corporation. 2029 Stierlin Ct. Mountain View, CA 94043, USA