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.

[Sandycane]

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[Cathar1950]

My opinion is that it is a New Age Christian Heresy. Not that there is anything wrong with that!
But most of Christianity is Heresy if you ask two Christians you may get 3 answers. Nothing wrong with that. They say that about Jews also.
The Ebonites would say that Paul was a heretic. I tend to agree. This would exclude Paul's letter from their theology.
I think that you have a point McCulloch it does seem more like JW's or Mormons.
Sandycane wrote:

A Christian's source of truth is the bible, the Word of God.

That is just one Christian view of Christianity.

Is this 'material' truth or fabrication?
Which teachings do they follow?

I think it is a fabrication taken seriously by some believers.
Who cares what they follow?

Correct me if I am wrong but, they do not believe in original sin or salvation through the blood of Jesus or, that Jesus, the only begotten Son of God is, in fact, God.
The Jehovah's Witnesses' and Mormons are not true Christians, either.

I think that original sin and salvation through blood are poor parts of some Christianity. As would the poor Ebonites.
True Christianity? I think we have been here before McCulloch. What do you think?
I do think that there is a difference between Jesus' religion and Christianity as it takes the form of a religion about Jesus. But it is an interesting phenomena. It kind of lets you see what went on in early Christianity before they organised into diverse groups.

[Sandycane]

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[Colter]

Christianity itself is a wide departure from the teachings of Jesus. It is a religion about Jesus, not the religion of Jesus.

Again I just love all the opinions about the UB from people who have not read it. To say you know "something" about it because you read a few pages is like saying you understand the United Stated federal tax code because you glanced at a few pages.

The best kept secret here on this board seems to be what the UB actually says.

[Sandycane]

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[Colter]

Hi there Sandycane,

Now, I think, if you can answer this, Would a UBer place his/her hand in a bible and make this Statement of Faith? , the debate will be settled.

Which statement of faith? Iim not sure I understand what you mean.

I know of only one Jesus, he told us that the way to recognisee other believers is by their spiritual fruits not their theology. I recognized you as a disciple of Jesus by your fruits a long time ago now.

I have a question, nearly 50 years after Jesus left John saw a vision or revelation while in exile on Patmos. Why do you so readily accept this bizarre revelation yet reject the UB out of hand? The UB explains a lot of what John saw in his vision. Does that not interest you?

[Colter]

Hi Sandycane,

What am I swearing on the bible about?

There is only one Jesus that I know of and he told us that the way to recognize believers is by their fruits. I recognized you as a disciple of Jesus long ago by your fruits. What is it about Ubers that leads you to think our faith in Jesus is false?

[Sandycane]

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[Billurantia]

We accept those areas of doctrinal teaching on which, historically, there has been general agreement among all true Christians. Because of the specialized calling of our movement, we desire to allow for freedom of conviction on other doctrinal matters, provided that any interpretation is based upon the Bible alone, and that no such interpretation shall become an issue which hinders the ministry to which God has called us.

Sandycane,

This looks circular to me. Who determined who were the true Christians? Were they the ones who could wholeheartedly agree with this entire statement? If that is the case most "Christians" are not Christians.

No person who understands the Urantia Papers could sign your statement. I think that is why we prefer the term Jesusonian to describe our faith.

Bill,
Faith son