Religion from A Melchizedek Viewpoint—Part 12: A Philosophy of Faith & Belief

Last week we continued our study of religion, Paper 101. The Real Nature of Religion presented by a Melchizedek.  Paper 101 is a remarkable account of religion as a reality in human experience.This week, Paula, André, Chuck and Marvin will be taking a look at sections 7. A Personal Philosophy of Religion and 8. Faith and Belief.  Religion is very personal. The acid test for any religious philosophy consists in whether or not it distinguishes between the realities of the material and the spiritual worlds while at the same moment recognizing their unification in intellectual striving and in social serving. A sound religious philosophy does not confound the things of God with the things of Caesar. Neither does it recognize the aesthetic cult of pure wonder as a substitute for religion. [101:7.5] Belief has attained the level of faith when it motivates life and shapes the mode of living. [101:8.1] Faith does not shackle the creative imagination, neither does it maintain an unreasoning prejudice toward the discoveries of scientific investigation. Faith vitalizes religion and constrains the religionist heroically to live the golden rule. The zeal of faith is according to knowledge, and its strivings are the preludes to sublime peace. [101:8.4] Do not make the mistake of judging another’s religion by your own standards of knowledge and truth. [101:9.2] This series of rich and insightful papers are often called the Religion Papers. Many great cross references will enhance our study, We hope you can join us on The Cosmic Citizen as we continue this exploration on how The Urantia Book defines the meaning, purpose and value of true religion. http://tobtr.com/11622347