Is the Urantia Book a branch of Christianity?

[McCulloch]

In the comments and suggestions forum

[the Urantia Book] Is Definitely Not a Branch of Christianity!

I disagree. The question for debate is, "Are the believers of the Urantia Book a branch of Christianity?"

The UB papers include a lot of material about the life and teaching of Jesus. They make the claim that they are following his examples and his teaching. From my perspective, that makes them Christian.

If they are not Christian what religion are they? They are not Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish, Hindu, Islamic, Taoist, Zoroastrian or neo-pagan. They even call themselves Jesusonians.

The teachings in the Urantia Book differ in significant ways from the teachings of the Bible. This is quite apparent. But then so do the Jehovah's Witnesses' teachings and the Mormons'. All of these groups are branches of Christianity in the sense that they make the claim to be the true religious followers of Jesus Christ rather than making the claim to be the true religious followers of Gautama Buddha, the Sikh Gurus, Mohammed et al.

I do not claim that they are true followers of the Christian faith. I don't think that anyone can objectively identify the true followers of Jesus Christ's teachings. But even if they do not follow the teachings of Jesus that does not remove them from being categorized as Christian. It just makes them into heretical Christians.

[Rob]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Age
The name New Age was popularized by the American mass media during the late 1980s, to describe the alternative spiritual subculture interested in such things as meditation, channelling, reincarnation, crystals, psychic experience, holistic health, environmentalism, and various “unsolved mysteries” such as UFOs, Earth mysteries and Crop circles. Typical activities of this subculture include participation in study or meditation groups, attendance at lectures and fairs; the purchase of books, music, and other products such as crystals or incense; patronage of fortune-tellers, healers and spiritual counselors.

Urantia Book on Reincarnation:

The undue concentration on self led certainly to a fear of the nonevolutionary perpetuation of self in an endless round of successive incarnations as man, beast, or weeds. And of all the contaminating beliefs which could have become fastened upon what may have been an emerging monotheism, none was so stultifying as this belief in transmigration--the doctrine of the reincarnation of souls--which came from the Dravidian Deccan. This belief in the weary and monotonous round of repeated transmigrations robbed struggling mortals of their long-cherished hope of finding that deliverance and spiritual advancement in death which had been a part of the earlier Vedic faith. (1029.1)

Clearly, the Urantia Book does not teach reincarnation, as it characterizes it as a "stultifying" belief.

Urantia Book on Crystals and other ignorant and enslaving superstitions:

Late that evening Jesus gave the united group a memorable talk on "Magic and Superstition." In those days the appearance of a bright and supposedly new star was regarded as a token indicating that a great man had been born on earth. Such a star having then recently been observed, Andrew asked Jesus if these beliefs were well founded. In the long answer to Andrew's question the Master entered upon a thoroughgoing discussion of the whole subject of human superstition. The statement which Jesus made at this time may be summarized in modern phraseology as follows: (1680.4)

1. The courses of the stars in the heavens have nothing whatever to do with the events of human life on earth. Astronomy is a proper pursuit of science, but astrology is a mass of superstitious error which has no place in the gospel of the kingdom.

2. The examination of the internal organs of an animal recently killed can reveal nothing about weather, future events, or the outcome of human affairs.

3. The spirits of the dead do not come back to communicate with their families or their onetime friends among the living.

4. Charms and relics are impotent to heal disease, ward off disaster, or influence evil spirits; the belief in all such material means of influencing the spiritual world is nothing but gross superstition.

5. Casting lots, while it may be a convenient way of settling many minor difficulties, is not a method designed to disclose the divine will. Such outcomes are purely matters of material chance. The only means of communion with the spiritual world is embraced in the spirit endowment of mankind, the indwelling spirit of the Father, together with the outpoured spirit of the Son and the omnipresent influence of the Infinite Spirit.

6. Divination, sorcery, and witchcraft are superstitions of ignorant minds, as also are the delusions of magic. The belief in magic numbers, omens of good luck, and harbingers of bad luck, is pure and unfounded superstition.

7. The interpretation of dreams is largely a superstitious and groundless system of ignorant and fantastic speculation. The gospel of the kingdom must have nothing in common with the soothsayer priests of primitive religion.

8. The spirits of good or evil cannot dwell within material symbols of clay, wood, or metal [or crystals]; idols are nothing more than the material of which they are made.

9. The practices of the enchanters, the wizards, the magicians, and the sorcerers, were derived from the superstitions of the Egyptians, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, and the ancient Canaanites. Amulets and all sorts of incantations are futile either to win the protection of good spirits or to ward off supposed evil spirits.

10. He exposed and denounced their belief in spells, ordeals, bewitching, cursing, signs, mandrakes, knotted cords, and all other forms of ignorant and enslaving superstition.

Clearly, "patronage of fortune-tellers," "healers" and "spiritual counselors" if by this is meant someone who acts as an "intermediary" between the individual and God is not supported by the Urantia Book. Neither is the "purchase of ... products such as crystals" for their so-called spiritual power. All of the above are per the Urantia Book gross and ignorant superstitions. Neither does the Urantia Book support the pseudoscientific assertions of the existence of "UFOs," "Crop circles," or "Earth mysteries" if by this is meant such absurd teachings as the earth is hallow or emotions cause earth quakes or the earth is imbued with personality and can be channeled. Neither does the Urantia Book support "channeling," which would fall under the statement characterizing it as those "sordid performances taking place under the general designation of 'spiritualism.'"

As for study groups, yes, people get together and study the book; but then, people get together and study the Bible, so what is "new age" about that? Or what is "new age" about "meditation"? It has been around for thousands of years; Buddhists have been practicing many kind of meditation, ranging from the esoteric to the Samadhi form, neither of which is supported by the UB and would fall into the "mystical" category according to its teachings. The Urantia Book supports meditation directed at "deep thinking" and "worshipful problem solving":

Mysticism, as the technique of the cultivation of the consciousness of the presence of God, is altogether praiseworthy, but when such practices lead to social isolation and culminate in religious fanaticism, they are all but reprehensible. Altogether too frequently that which the overwrought mystic evaluates as divine inspiration is the uprisings of his own deep mind. The contact of the mortal mind with its indwelling Adjuster, while often favored by devoted meditation, is more frequently facilitated by wholehearted and loving service in unselfish ministry to one's fellow creatures. (1000.2)

The more healthful attitude of spiritual meditation is to be found in reflective worship and in the prayer of thanksgiving. The direct communion with one's [indwelling Spirit of God], such as occurred in the later years of Jesus' life in the flesh, should not be confused with these so-called mystical experiences. The factors which contribute to the initiation of mystic communion are indicative of the danger of such psychic states. The mystic status is favored by such things as: physical fatigue, fasting, psychic dissociation, profound aesthetic experiences, vivid sex impulses, fear, anxiety, rage, and wild dancing. Much of the material arising as a result of such preliminary preparation has its origin in the subconscious mind. (1100.1)

The Urantia book on special "psychic experience" or abilities:

The [indwelling Spirit of God] has no special mechanism through which to gain self-expression; there is no mystic religious faculty for the reception or expression of religious emotions. These experiences are made available through the naturally ordained mechanism of mortal mind. And therein lies one explanation of the Adjuster's difficulty in engaging in direct communication with the material mind of its constant indwelling. (1104.5)

As for "lectures and fairs; the purchase of books, music" etc., I fail to see how these things are particularly associated with the "new age."

Lets see further how uninformed Cathar really is:

The following are some common — though by no means universal — beliefs found among New Agers:
1. All humanity—indeed all life, everything in the universe—is spiritually interconnected, participating in the same energy. “God” is one name for this energy.

This is belief that God and universe are one, with no differentiation of various levels of reality, is called "pantheism," and the Urantia Book categorically refutes this belief:

Philosophy, to be of the greatest service to both science and religion, should avoid the extremes of both materialism and pantheism. Only a philosophy which recognizes the reality of personality--permanence in the presence of change--can be of moral value to man, can serve as a liaison between the theories of material science and spiritual religion. Revelation is a compensation for the frailties of evolving philosophy. (1140.6)

To recognize Deity omnipotence is to enjoy security in your experience of cosmic citizenship, to possess assurance of safety in the long journey to Paradise. But to accept the fallacy of omnificence is to embrace the colossal error of Pantheism. (1300.4)

It calls pantheism a "colossal error" and an "extreme" philosophy.

2. Spiritual beings (e.g. angels, ascended masters, elementals, ghosts, and/or space aliens) exist, and will guide us, if we open ourselves to their guidance.

The Urantia Book does teach there are angles, the descending sons and daughters of God, who guide and serve us evolutionary mortals on our Paradise Journey to spiritual perfection, but does not support belief in the "ascended masters," "elementals," "ghosts" (which it categorically denies), and/or "space aliens" as understood by UFO devotees. The only spiritual powers to which we can turn for "guidance," per the Urantia Book teachings, are the indwelling Spirit of God, the Spirit of Truth, and the Holy Spirit (sometimes also called the Spirit of Truth). The Urantia Book is definitely Trinitarian, and teaches that we have available the indwelling Spirit of God the Father, the Spirit of Truth of our Creator Son Jesus, and the Spiritual influence of God the Spirit (The Infinite Spirit).

3. The human mind has deep levels and vast powers, which are capable even of overriding physical reality. “You create your own reality.”

Well, let me see, we are taught in the Bible that if our own mind does not serve us well, we can exchange it for the mind of Christ. This is also taught in the Urantia Book, and we can have our mortal minds uplifted and renewed in the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Truth, and experience which reveals "deep levels and vast powers" of spiritual grace and truth, making a mere human able to endure all manner of unrighteousness and suffering and still return only love and truth. Given the fact this is a 2000 year old teaching, I hardly consider it new age. As for "overriding physical reality," the Urantia Book does not teach such foolish presumption upon the grace and power of God. It definitely does not teach "You create your own reality," for we are subject to the circumstances we find ourselves within, but we can by choosing to do the will of God (to remain loyal to truth, beauty, and goodness) become more "real" and more godlike, thereby yielding abundant fruits of the spirit; peace, love, gentleness, goodness, forgiveness, patience, etc., and thereby grow in grace and truth.

4. Nevertheless, this is subject to certain spiritual laws, such as the principle of cause and effect (karma).

Well, in the physical world "cause and effect" has been recognized for a long time; hardly new age. The teachings that "what you sow, you shall reap" is not new age either. And this is a consistent principle with both physical reality--I can drink myself to death; and spiritual reality--I can habituate my choices to evil, sin, and iniquity by consistently choosing to rape and murder whom I will for my own selfish pleasure, and surely I will eventually so wreak havoc upon my mind and soul that I eventually will lose the ability to turn about and repent of such horrendous choices. Habituated Iniquity is a reality in the universe; Charles Manson or Hitler are possible examples, but ultimately only God can judge this one.

5. The individual has a purpose here on earth, in the present surroundings, because there is a lesson to learn. The most important lesson is love.

For 2000 years every major religion upon the earth has been teaching our life has a purpose, this is not "new age." How silly. Christians have been preaching God has a plan for our life for 2000 years, so was the author of this silly stuff born yesterday? Hum, Jesus taught the two greatest commandments were to "Love God with all your heart, all your might, and all your soul, and to love your neighbor as yourself." He gave a new commandment, to love and serve one another selflessly, even to love one's enemies. So how is this "lesson of love" in any way "new age"? Again, Cathar is ludicrously uninformed

6. Death is not the end. There is only life in different forms. What some refer to as an afterlife does not punish us but teaches us, perhaps through the mechanisms of reincarnation or near-death experiences.

Jesus clearly taught " Death is not the end," as does every other major world religion. And so do all the world's major religions teach there are "different forms" of life, i.e., spiritual forms. Whether this is true or not is another question, but to call this teaching "new age" is a joke, showing whoever wrote this (and reposted it) is terribly uninformed and thoughtless when it comes to understanding what they are claiming. I guess liberal Christians who don't believe in hell and eternal punishment are "new age" too Neither does the Urantia Book teach such an absurd doctrine as a hell where bad people go for punishment. I have already shown the UB does not teach "reincarnation" and as for "near-death experiences," they are documented extensively, but of course that proves nothing regarding the question of there is life after death or not.

7. Science and spirituality are ultimately harmonious. New discoveries in science (evolution, quantum mechanics), rightly understood, point to spiritual principles.

The Urantia Book does not teach such a simple minded belief. It rather teaches the proper domain of science, philosophy, and religion and how they relate and interrelate with each other. Science cannot prove God, it claims, which refutes the belief that if we "rightly understood" science we would find God. True science and true religion are not in conflict, but that does not mean one leads to the other, or one can be replaced by the other. They each have their domain appropriate methodologies.

8. It shares with many major world religions the idea that Intuition or "divine guidance" is a more appropriate guide than rationalism, skepticism, or the scientific method. Western science wrongly neglects such things as parapsychology, meditation, and holistic health.

As I noted above, this is a simple minded belief. Science is based upon reason and logic, and uses the language of mathematics and the fact that via the scientific method science can become a community enterprise and self-correct way of obtaining information about the universe we live within. As for "skepticism," the Urantia Book speaks approvingly of the "logical, skeptical type of mind," but notes that sometimes the word "skeptic" can be associated with "trifling skeptics" and "carping critics" who really are not after the truth. The Urantia Book definitely does not teach that the "scientific method" can be replaced by "intuition", although intuition is a part of the scientist's toolbox of human nature which aids him in his search for understanding and truth. It refutes "parapsychology" by its support of science. Yes, we can through faith-insight become aware of the guidance of the indwelling spirit of God, but this is guidance in our realization and choosing of spiritual values as these relate to truth, beauty, and goodness.

9. There exists a mystical core within all religions, Eastern and Western. Dogma and religious identity are not so important.

The Urantia Book does not teach there is a "mystical core within all religions," but rather distinguishes between personal religious experience and second hand authoritarian religion based upon dogmas and doctrines. The former leaves the individual free to follow living truth wherever it will lead; the later dares to deny facts and to confer false presumed knowledge upon authorities based upon dogma, such as when religious beliefs attempt to claim the earth is 5,000 years old based upon dogmatic literalistic beliefs in scripture. And there is nothing "new age" about this, as any history of comparative religion reveals.

10. The Bible is a wise and holy book. Many important truths are found in the Bible, or are referred to only very obliquely. Some say that Jesus was an Essene, or that he traveled to India in his youth to study Eastern religions. Others say that Jesus was a later, more advanced avatar of Buddha.

Well, I suppose that Biblical Criticism has been around for almost 100 years now, so it hardly qualifies as "new age," yet it does not view the Bible as infallible, but rather in a historical context. Biblical Criticism acknowledges the "many important truths are found in the Bible," and so on. The Urantia Book does not teach Jesus was an "Essene," the "Buddha," but it does claim he traveled and studied other languages and cultures. That part certainly is "new."

This is growing old fast.

Yes, there are "new" teachings in the UB, but is it "new age"? Well, I guess that depends by what one means by "new age," after all. And obviously, there is much that falls into this category that is flat out refuted by the UB. So, of what is the point of posts like Cathar's and how do they relate to the actaul teachings of the UB? Hard to tell, as he posts irrelevant material without the slightest effort to confirm his facts. Hence, he is uninformed what it actually teaches, and the more he posts such uninformed claims, the more I am starting to reevaluate my position of whether there is such a thing as "absolute uncertainty" or not

[Billurantia]

Cathar1950,

You paint with a broad brush my friend.

I believe Rob saved me a lot of work by finding relevant quotes in the Papers to answer the specifics named. Thank you, Rob.

Now you raise the question of channeling which is not accepted by those who understand the Papers. Channeling is the favorite of a certain group who have hijacked the UB for their own purposes. These people will be found at "new age" events and demonstrate by their acceptance of many of the "new age" ideas you cited that they are not students of the Urantia revelation.

Such foolishness is beneath the dignity of sons of God.

"New age" is a pop culture catchall which equals "nut".

[Woody]

Hi Cathar,

Bill is a UB fundamentalist similar to certain Christians who are Bible fundamentalists.

Everything Bill said he stated as a "statement of fact", whereas in reality he is only offering his opinion.

Bill- Now you raise the question of channeling which is not accepted by those who understand the Papers

A clear example of where Bill is presuming to speak for everyone who understands the ub.

I have been a reader-follower of the UB for 24 years and I do not reject the possiblity of the effacy of so-called channeling.

Please speak only for yourself Bill, or perhaps additionally for other specific individuals who have given you the express authority and permission to speak for them. You certainly don't speak for me or for Bro Dave who is obviously also a long-time reader and user of this information.

[Billurantia]

Woody,

Bill- Now you raise the question of channeling which is not accepted by those who understand the Papers

The operant word here is understand. I stand by my statement.

[Woody]

I agree Bill. The operative word is UNDERSTAND

I stand by my statement

[Rob]

Bill is a UB fundamentalist similar to certain Christians who are Bible fundamentalists.

Ad hominem.

Everything Bill said he stated as a "statement of fact", whereas in reality he is only offering his opinion.

It is a statement of fact that the Urantia Book is just a book and any person and any group of people with a common set of beliefs can read it and associate themselves with it. Since there is no ecclesiastical authority (other than my friend McCullock ) other than each individual’s own understanding of it, such groups are left to develop as they see fit. Nevertheless, there are groups who have attempted to associate themselves with the book, who claim to be “channeling” the purported authors of the Urantia Book, and who teach and believe all manner of what some among them call “new age” beliefs, from emotions cause earthquakes, the planet earth is imbued with personality and they channel it, along with trees, the “hundredth monkey syndrome” is a scientific fact, and all manner of other pseudoscientific and what Jesus purportedly called above in this post “enslaving superstitions.”

I have been a reader-follower of the UB for 24 years and I do not reject the possiblity of the effacy of so-called channeling.

-- Post 52: Fri Dec 09, 2005 9:06 am

Woody is a devotee of the Teaching Mission (TeaM), one of those groups that seeks to attach itself to the Urantia Book, and which practices so-called channeling which produces such beliefs as noted above. So, as somebody who believes in the credibility of these channeled messages being produced by TeaM, it is only natrual that Woody also believes in channeling too.

Rob calls me a "member" of the TM

Could Rob please present a copy of my TM badge or membership forms/designation/tatoo.....anything?

-- Post 57: Fri Dec 09, 2005 11:47 am

A few hours later:

The Teaching Mission (TM) associated with The Correcting Time (CT) Program is not a club or organization that has official or registered members.

.... I consider myself to be a PART of the TM, and am proud of it. And I am likewise a believer in these 2 movements, and am proud of it.

-- Post 62: Fri Dec 09, 2005 3:37 pm

True and genuine inward certainty does not in the least fear outward analysis, nor does truth resent honest criticism. You should never forget that intolerance is the mask covering up the entertainment of secret doubts as to the trueness of one's belief. No man is at any time disturbed by his neighbor's attitude when he has perfect confidence in the truth of that which he wholeheartedly believes. Courage is the confidence of thoroughgoing honesty about those things which one professes to believe. Sincere men are unafraid of the critical examination of their true convictions and noble ideals." (1641.4)

The Urantia Foundation makes the following statement regarding such groups:

Channeling and The Urantia Book?
The South American Question

In past issues of URANTIAN News, the Foundation has made disclaimer statements on the phenomenon known as "channeling" (See URANTIAN News, November 1993). The Foundation continues to receive occasional inquiries from concerned readers who want to know if there is any connection between the Foundation and claims of "channeling" and related material that includes concepts, names of personalities, and other identifiable information from The URANTIA Book.

Until recently, most inquiries from readers have been about several "channeling" groups in the USA, such as "The Teaching Mission" and "Gabriel of Sedona," both of which claim to have "channeled" a continuation of the Fifth Epochal Revelation.

However, on a recent trip to South America, Trustees and staff visited study groups in ten cities in seven countries, and many readers in several countries asked if the Foundation was connected with a group called "Hermandad YO SOY" (the I AM Brotherhood). This group is based on "channeled" writings that are influencing groups of URANTIA Book readers throughout Central and South America. Some of the written material is entitled Annex of the Fifth Epochal Revelation and contains terms like Grandfanda, Morontia, Hanavard, Lanaforge, etc., words that are unique to The URANTIA Book.

After reviewing these writings, we can see that it would be easy for new readers to be confused. Because these writings incorporate so many names from The URANTIA Book, many new readers believe it is the continuation of the teachings of The URANTIA Book.

Also in these writings, phrases familiar to URANTIA Book readers, such as "Order of Melchizedek," "Global Government of Humanity," "Truth, Goodness, and Beauty," etc., are mixed with new-age, astrology, reincarnation, and occult or esoteric terminology. Essentially, the authors use phrases, terms, and names from The URANTIA Book for credibility and to reinforce their authority on their believers.

These writings are easier to read but very different from The URANTIA Book and its teachings. If it is misconstrued that they are officially connected in some way with The URANTIA Book or the Foundation, there is a danger of dilution and confusion of the Fifth Epochal Revelation.

While URANTIA Foundation neither endorses, promotes, nor denies any individual's personal experiences, we must assure readers that the Foundation has no connection with any of this so-called "channeled" material about which each individual will have to make up his or her own mind. Even so, the Trustees want to make the Foundation's position very clear: URANTIA Foundation disavows such material as having anything to do with The URANTIA Book or URANTIA Foundation.

-- http://www.urantia.org/unews972.html

[McCulloch]

Bill is a UB fundamentalist similar to certain Christians who are Bible fundamentalists.

Ad hominem.

Yes, this is an example of an ad hominem fallacy. I don't believe that this comment is a personal attack. The label of fundamentalist is proudly worn by some. Woody, please show how Bill's "UB fundamentalism" is relevant to the question for debate which is, "Are the believers of the Urantia Book a branch of Christianity?"

Woody is a devotee of the Teaching Mission (TeaM), one of those groups that seeks to attach itself to the Urantia Book, and which practices so-called channeling which produces such beliefs as noted above. So, as somebody who believes in the credibility of these channeled messages being produced by TeaM, it is only natrual that Woody also believes in channeling too.

Without further elaboration this also appears to be an ad hominem fallacy. (Please note, not a personal attack, which is against the rules). If the implication is that Woody's membership in the Teaching Mission renders his arguments invalid, then it is truly an ad hominem fallacy. However, if the implication that the existence of the Teaching Mission and Woody's membership in it has some relevance to whether or not the believers of the Urantia Book a branch of Christianity, then the logical connection has not been made clear to me.

[Woody]

Hi McC,

You are correct sir on most points.

I was not using the term fundamentalist with any negative connotation.

Rob calls me a "member" of the TM

Could Rob please present a copy of my TM badge or membership forms/designation/tatoo.....anything?

I can speak for myself thank you everyone.

So Rob is incorrect again, picking on me again, and perpetrating ad hominem attacks.....again.

Oh and McC......he also did the ad hom thing against you in his above post as well.

Have a good day all

[Billurantia]

Let us return to the question.

As a "fundamentalist" Urantia Paper student I would say this question is relevant as it allows the "fundy" to be a Christian, as Christians have no truck with "familiar spirits".

This would place the channeling believers as well as most of their "new age" associates in the non-Christian group because of these beliefs.

So, I guess the answer is some of us are Christians and some who read the Papers are not.

It still returns to comprehension of the material.

[Rob]

[T]he Teaching Mission and Woody's membership in it has some relevance to whether or not the believers of the Urantia Book a branch of Christianity, then the logical connection has not been made clear to me.

Perhaps I did not do a very good job.

Rob calls me a "member" of the TM

Could Rob please present a copy of my TM badge or membership forms/designation/tatoo.....anything?

-- Post 57: Fri Dec 09, 2005 11:47 am

A few hours later:

The Teaching Mission (TM) associated with The Correcting Time (CT) Program is not a club or organization that has official or registered members.

.... I consider myself to be a PART of the TM, and am proud of it. And I am likewise a believer in these 2 movements, and am proud of it.

-- Post 62: Fri Dec 09, 2005 3:37 pm

True and genuine inward certainty does not in the least fear outward analysis, nor does truth resent honest criticism. You should never forget that intolerance is the mask covering up the entertainment of secret doubts as to the trueness of one's belief. No man is at any time disturbed by his neighbor's attitude when he has perfect confidence in the truth of that which he wholeheartedly believes. Courage is the confidence of thoroughgoing honesty about those things which one professes to believe. Sincere men are unafraid of the critical examination of their true convictions and noble ideals." (1641.4)

The point regarding Woody's association with and belief in the Teaching Mission is only that given this groups commitment to "channeling," it is "only natrual that Woody also believes in channeling too." This groups beliefs are not necessarily the same as the teachings of the Uranita Book, as is easily shown upon close examination of their content and the differences therein. They will claim the Urantia Book supports channeling, but this claim is not supported by the content of the book itself.

Now, whether or not the Urantia Book supports the practice of channeling, is another question (only answered by the content of the book itself), and I do not believe it does.

The Urantia Book is closer to traditional Christianity in this regards. It teaches that each human being is indwelt by the Spirit of God, that Jesus bestowed the Spirit of Truth, etc., and that through balanced prayer, worship, and meditation (worshipful problem solving, not mysticism) we can seek and experience communion and guidance from these spiritual benefactors. It rejects channeling, shamans, etc., as a form of primitive religion called shammanism, in which so-called pychics act as intermediaries between the individual and God. As the quotes I provided above with regards to Cathar's post show, the UB puts more emphasis upon loving service than mystical or esoteric teachings (which it denies) or special mechanisms in approaching spiritual experience.

Many of the teachings and claims being put forth by these various channeling groups are explicitly rejected by statements in the Urantia Book. In many cases, the Urantia Book's position, upon close examination of the content, is closer to the traditional Christian position.

Where does this leave us with regards to the question which is the topic of this debate? I don't really know. I think time will determine this question, and historians at some far future date will be in a better position to answer it. Many readers of the UB attend mainline liberal Christian churches because that is closest to the teachings of Jesus presented in the book.