FAQ

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1:  Where did The Urantia Book come from?

In response to questions regarding the origins of The Urantia Book, our best source of information is the book itself. The papers of Parts I, II, and III were completed in 1934 and 1935 as stated on the last page of each section. The book gives no specific date of completion for Part IV. There are no additional or unpublished parts to the book. The section “The Titles of the Papers,” pages vii through xii, list the authors of each paper primarily by their order of being. Different sections throughout the book describe these orders; you may want to refer to “The Table of Contents” to find the appropriate sections. The Acknowledgment on pages 16-17 and section 8 beginning on page 1341 refer to the human sources for the book’s contents. The limits of revelation are presented on pages 1007, 1008, and 1109. You may also wish to refer to the last full paragraph on page 865 for an explanation of the role of the midwayers and to pages 1208-9 and 1258 for references to the human subject involved in the revelation.

Much speculation exists about the physical origins of The Urantia Book. Information about the specific role of individuals involved and the exact mechanics of how the book was transmitted was wisely withheld from us to circumvent undue regard for the individuals and the book’s origins. We do know, however that in the early 20th century, a physician practicing in Chicago became the head of a group known as the Contact Commission. This small group was the focal point for the production of, and the primary custodian for, the final text of The Urantia Book. They were sworn not to disclose details about the transactions in order to preclude future generations from venerating the participants. Because of its revelatory nature, the book stands on its own merit, nature, and content. The true value of The Urantia Book lies not so much in its origins as in the spiritually significant content of its message.

As the contents of The Urantia Book were being transcribed, the Urantia Papers were read to, and questions were requested from ‘The Forum,’ a group that had been meeting regularly for discussions at the doctor’s house. The answers to these questions were then incorporated into the papers. These early readers formed the first core group of believers in the revelation and became committed to the mission of bringing the teachings of The Urantia Book to all of mankind.

 

Q2:  What is The Urantia Book about?

The book’s message is that all human beings are one family, sons and daughters of one God, the Universal Father. It reveals the genesis, history, and destiny of mankind and our relationship with God. It also presents a unique and compelling portrayal of the life and teachings of Jesus, opening new vistas of time and eternity and revealing new concepts of Man’s ever-ascending adventure of finding the Universal Father in this friendly and carefully administered universe. The Urantia Book’s view of science, philosophy, and religion is perhaps the clearest and most concise integration of these subjects available to contemporary man. A more detailed description is provided in the Foundation’s description brochure.

 

Q3:  Who wrote The Urantia Book?

The Urantia Book was published by Urantia Foundation in 1955. The authors of the individual papers are identified as various orders of celestial beings. The book asserts that it is the first epochal revelation to mankind since the coming of Christ to our planet. The section “The Titles of the Papers,” pages vii through xii, lists the authors of each paper primarily by their order of being. Different sections throughout the book describe these orders; you may want to refer to “The Table of Contents” to find the appropriate sections. The Acknowledgment on pages 16-17 and section 8 beginning on page 1341 refer to the human sources for the book’s contents. The limits of revelation are presented on pages 1007, 1008, and 1109. You may also wish to refer to the last full paragraph on page 865 for an explanation of the role of the midwayers and to pages 1208-9 and 1258 for references to the human subject involved in the revelation. 

 

Q4:  What is “Urantia”?

“Urantia” is the name given to our world, planet Earth. The book is titled “The Urantia Book” because it deals with a broad range of subjects relevant to the world in which we live. Subjects such as science, philosophy, history, cosmology, and religion are integrated to form a unified view of reality which reveals the history of our planet from its beginning, through the evolution of life, the development and evolution of civilization and the God concept, up to the destiny of our planet and its relation to the cosmos. A personality from anywhere other than earth would refer to the third planet in our solar system as “Urantia.” Our planet was given this name around 1 billion years ago when its crust had begun to cool. The beginning of Part III, The History of Urantia on page 651 provides further insight.

 

Q5:  Are you a new religion or a cult?

The Urantia Book has nothing in common with radical or fanatical movements or cults and it does not advocate a new religion. Rather the teachings of The Urantia Book are intended to build upon the spiritual truths that exist in all the religions of the world and add an expanded view of Deity and the cosmos that is commensurate with modern day thought. The book’s viewpoint builds upon the religious heritage of the past and present; it is designed to act as a leavening ingredient for the thinking and belief systems of the modern day world. Urantia Foundation does not seek to start a new religion. It is committed to the dissemination of a book and its teachings, the purpose of which is to expand cosmic consciousness and enhance spiritual perception (p.1, par. 2) in order to bring about a spiritual rejuvenation among the people of the world.

There is no church or ordained hierarchy associated with the Foundation or the book and its teachings. The Foundation is a non-profit foundation and is solely dependent on donations to achieve its objectives. Its purpose and the duties of its Trustees are stated in the “Declaration of Trust Creating Urantia Foundation.”There are groups and associations of readers all around the world—some affiliated with Urantia Foundation, and others not—who come together to study the book and its teachings and to fraternize with one another. However there is no official interpretation of the book and no authoritative body that dictates to the readers. Urantia Foundation is not a reader organisation but readers may choose to support the work of the Foundation by assisting as volunteers or by providing financial assistance. Any formal organisations of readers usually exist for the purposes of coordinating and communicating to its members on reader activity, fostering the study of the book, disseminating the teachings, and keeping people in touch with one another.

Many people who read and believe in The Urantia Book, no matter which religion or denomination they come from, find that it takes nothing away from the essence of their existing spiritual beliefs. Although it may challenge their belief in some of the traditional theology and dogmas of their religions, many have said that having become a reader of The Urantia Book has made them a better Christian, or a better Muslim, Buddhist, or Jew. Many remain active in their churches and traditional religions.

 

Q6:  Are you connected with any religions, sects, or cults, or with any other written works?

Urantia Foundation has no connection with any religion, sect, or cult. There is no teaching in The Urantia Book that advocates the formation of alternative communities and Urantia Foundation is neither affiliated with nor endorses any such activities. In fact, the Foundation has made every possible effort to make sure that The Urantia Book is not identified with any one religion, cult, or belief system. A life of service and involvement with family, friends, and community are central to the teachings of The Urantia Book. Urantia Foundation respects the rights of all individuals to make up their own minds about any social, political, economic, or religious issue. The Urantia Book advocates the living of life in accordance with natural laws and the highest concepts of goodness, truth, beauty, and love.

Moreover, the Foundation and The Urantia Book have no connection with any of the many written works dealing with religious and spiritual material. Urantia Foundation does not attempt to evaluate other books or the activities of other organisations. We recognise that many readers of The Urantia Book study other works in their pursuit of a broader understanding of themselves, the world around them, and the larger universe. In fact, The Urantia Book encourages each individual to develop his own philosophy through study, experience, and decision-actions. 

 

Q7:  Do you publish any other books on religious subjects?

The only books published by Urantia Foundation, other than The Urantia Book and its translations, are study aids to assist in the study of The Urantia Book. The Foundation’s order form lists all of our publications.

 

Q8:  Why Does Urantia Foundation own the registered marks and the copyright in The Urantia Book?

The Declaration of Trust creating Urantia Foundation charges the Foundation to “perpetually preserve inviolate the text of The Urantia Book” as well as “retain absolute and unconditional control of all plates and other media for the printing and reproduction of The Urantia Book and any translation thereof. ”The Foundation registered the copyright in The Urantia Book to insure the words, as they were delivered, would be kept intact, that the text would be kept inviolate. Without having the words to read in the format and context in which they were presented, we would not have the opportunity to experience the wholeness of the truth of the revelation. The Foundation wants to ensure that the words are kept inviolate so that future generations will have them as they were presented to us and not in a fragmented, distorted, or dismembered form.
 
In addition, the copyright in the original English text of The Urantia Book is crucial for the spreading of the teachings worldwide through accurate, faithful, and fluent translations. It is the duty of Urantia Foundation to control the quality of the translations in order to deliver to the people of the world translations that reflect, as accurately as possible, the teachings of the revelation. This would not be possible without the copyright registration.

Urantia Foundation also holds, as registered marks, the words “Urantia” and “Urantian” as well as the Concentric Circles Symbol. After the Foundation’s copyright in The Urantia Book expires, there may be multiple publishers of The Urantia Book. Some of them may publish something other than the inviolate text. But the inviolate text, published by Urantia Foundation, will be identifiable because it alone will rightly bear the name Urantia Foundation and the Concentric-Circles Symbol.

Urantia Foundation has used the Concentric-Circles Symbol as a stand-alone, registered mark since 1950. The marks are used to identify in foreign countries 1) the authenticity of The Urantia Book and its translations, 2) the existence of a new revelation, distinct from other works, 3) the presence of Urantia Foundation’s offices and Representatives, and 4) the existence of an organised group of believers in the teachings of The Urantia Book worldwide, a group who work in cooperation with the Foundation to disseminate the teachings.

If these symbols were not registered by Urantia Foundation or were in the public domain, they could be used to give credibility to publications, activities, and organisations either promoting distorted personal interpretations of The Urantia Book or having little or nothing to do with its teachings. As there was, and still is, little understanding in the world as to what these symbols mean, it is important that their significance be protected and preserved until there is a wider understanding of the teachings by more of the world’s population.

The Foundation’s copyright and trademark policies give individuals the freedom to use the marks for their personal use. These policies are available from the Foundation upon request.

In cases of copyright and registered marks violation, Urantia Foundation is committed to negotiating and doing everything possible, within the constraints of its trust, to avoid litigation. Litigation is used only as a last resort if the infringing parties offer no other choice.

 

Q9:  Urantia Foundation’s General Policies and Programs

Urantia Foundation’s policies and programs are designed to pursue a wise and steady course of action that follows duly constituted rules and procedures within a minimal organisational structure. The Trustees hope thereby to temper impatience while avoiding the crystallization of truth.

In practical day-to-day operations, Urantia Foundation endeavours to make The Urantia Book and its teachings widely available by providing accurate translations and distributing the book through libraries, bookstores, and directly to the public around the world. In addition, the Foundation encourages the study and dissemination of the teachings through the formation of study groups, fraternal associations, and service organisations. 

The Foundation provides a reader referral service, assists readers in their studies by answering questions, publishes various non-interpretive study aids, and sponsors electronic study groups via the Internet in several languages. Study aids include an exhaustive Concordance, a computer version of the book on CD-ROM in multiple languages with a FolioViews search program, an English Audio Version, and an ongoing effort to develop a dictionary of Urantia Book terms. Furthermore, the Foundation fosters social and fraternal cooperation among readers through the framework of the International Urantia Association (IUA.)

It is the Trustees’ firm belief that individual readers who live the teachings of The Urantia Book will provide a sound cornerstone for advancing the religion, philosophy, and cosmology of all people throughout the world commensurate with their intellectual and cultural development.

Further information is available in Urantia Foundation’s booklet titled “Introduction to The Urantia Book and Urantia Foundation.”

 

Q10:  Inquiries About Translations

Translations are currently available in Dutch, Finnish, French, Korean, Russian, and Spanish. Translations into Arabic, Chinese, Estonian, Farsi (Persian), German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, and Swedish are in various stages of progress. New translation efforts are continually being considered.

The Foundation is dedicated to providing accurate translations of the highest quality possible. It is necessary therefore for the translators to be native speakers in the language into which they are translating, to be fluent in English, well versed in The Urantia Book and its teachings, have good literary skills in their own languages, and to agree to work within a team of translators to avoid the translation reflecting only one person’s interpretation. All translations must be translated directly from the English text. All translations are an ongoing process, and even after initial publication they continue to be improved and revised for subsequent printings. Suggestions from readers for revision may be sent to the Foundation.

Because of its large size and singular content, translating The Urantia Book is a long and arduous task requiring considerable financial support. Contributions to this program may be designated specifically for the translation projects. In addition, the Foundation offers several deluxe, leather-bound editions of The Urantia Book, the profits from which are reserved to fund translations.

 

Q11:  How do you use donated funds?

The Foundation uses donated money primarily for the printing and worldwide distribution of The Urantia Book and its translations as well as for basic operating expenses such as maintenance of the office building, office equipment and supplies, and staff salaries. We appreciate your donations and welcome the opportunity to be of service. Contributions are deductible for United States tax purposes. Citizens of other countries should consult their tax advisor.

 

Q12:  What is the Foundation/Brotherhood split all about?

After The Urantia Book was published in 1955, the early Trustees of Urantia Foundation knew it was necessary to disseminate the teachings and to protect the text of the book. The Foundation developed policies and programs for this protection, some of which were perceived to be restrictive by some readers. The Foundation introduced copyright guidelines to be used by any reader in developing publications and secondary works or making presentations at conferences. The 1982 guidelines granted some permissible uses, but only 500 words of The Urantia Book could be read aloud, in public, other than at study groups or conferences, without obtaining written permission from Urantia Foundation. Urantia Foundation required all constituent Societies of the Urantia Brotherhood to enter into a licensing agreement to use the trade and service marks, “Urantia”, “Urantian”, and the Concentric-Circles Symbol.

In the early years following publication many of the readers and Urantia Brotherhood members were veterans of the Forum. (The Forum was the name given to the group who gathered in Chicago to study the Urantia Papers prior to the publication of The Urantia Book in 1955.) They were naturally protective of the text of the book. But as new readers entered the movement, and more and more Forum members passed on there ensued a shift in direction on the part of readers who desired a less constraining approach. 

Tension between these differing philosophies increased. There were those who advocated a policy of slow growth and those who preferred a more rapid approach. The strain developing in the readership affected both Urantia Foundation and Urantia Brotherhood. Those who advocated greater constraint on the Urantia movement followed a course of action they perceived to be responsible based on the Declaration of Trust.  

On the other hand, there were those who saw protective measures and enforcement through the courts as thwarting the growth of the Urantia movement, negatively affecting the distribution and acceptance of The Urantia Book. Advances in technology created abundant media opportunities for active promotion of the book as many of these post-Forum readers sought to bring their visions of quickened growth to the forefront of the movement.  

Over time, readers debated various issues, such as the price of The Urantia Book, marketing and distribution practices, and copyright and trademarks. Tensions escalated to uncompromising positional stands. Leaders of the Urantia Brotherhood increasingly pressed for more freedom in its activities and the Trustees of Urantia Foundation stood steadfast in their protective role.  

In September 1989 dramatic changes occurred. The Executive Committee of Urantia Brotherhood issued a strongly worded statement concerning its vision of the Urantia movement unencumbered by, and independent of, the restrictions they perceived were being imposed on the readership by Urantia Foundation. After unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issues, Urantia Foundation felt they had no choice but to de-license Urantia Brotherhood and terminate its lease of office space at 533 Diversey Parkway, Chicago, Illinois. This occurred in October of 1989. In 1993 the International Urantia Association (IUA) was formed and is the fraternal readership organisation which supports the goals and objectives of Urantia Foundation. Its membership includes many members of the former Urantia Brotherhood who chose to remain loyal to Urantia Foundation after the 1989 split.

 

 

Q13:  Prisoner Referrals

There are many Urantia Book readers who have discovered the book while confined to correctional facilities. In providing reader referrals, Urantia Foundation does not give the names of readers to anyone while in confinement. Many have requested to correspond with other readers. Anyone wishing to volunteer to correspond with these readers may contact the Foundation.

 

 

Q14:  Does The Urantia Book have anything to do with the “Channelling” phenomenon or the “Teaching Mission”?  

Within certain groups of people reading The Urantia Book, there has developed a phenomenon labelled “channelling” or the “Teaching Mission.” Advocates of this phenomenon claim to be in touch with superhuman personalities, who sometimes have names taken from The Urantia Book. We believe that these claims of “channelling” have diverted groups from the in-depth study of The Urantia Book to the “short-cut” of seeking contact with spirit beings through voices or trancelike states.  

While Urantia Foundation neither endorses, promotes, nor denies any individual’s personal experiences, we must assure readers that neither Urantia Foundation nor The Urantia Book has any connection with any of this phenomena or so-called “channelled” material. Each individual will have to evaluate these issues for himself.

Urantia Foundation has taken great care over the years to insure that The Urantia Book is not publicly identified with cultic, psychic, or occult groups and phenomena. Our intention is to let the beauty of The Urantia Book’s teachings be unencumbered by public alliance with either New Age religions on the one hand or traditional religions on the other.

The Urantia Book teaches:

Altogether too much of the uprush of the memories of the unconscious levels of the human mind has been mistaken for divine revelations and spirit leadings. [p.1099]

Under no circumstances should the trancelike state of visionary consciousness be cultivated as a religious experience. [p.1099]

The secret of (Jesus’) unparalleled religious life was this consciousness of the presence of God; and he attained it by intelligent prayer and sincere worship--unbroken communion with God--and not by leadings, voices, visions, or extraordinary religious practices. [p.2089]

 

 

Q15:  Do you believe in UFOs?

Urantia Foundation has no connection with any aspect of the phenomena of UFO’s and so-called extra-terrestrials as they are depicted in the popular culture of today. The Urantia Book does indicate our world, Urantia, is a member of an enormous cosmos belonging to a well nigh infinite family if inhabited worlds. It also discusses various spirit beings who traverse the universe. Such celestial beings, however, do not require any material vehicles to traverse space. For example, see page 222, paragraph 8; page 260, paragraph 6; and page 324, paragraph 3. As with all phenomena of this type, each individual must decide upon its validity for himself.

 

 

Q16:  Do you have any connections with the author J.J. Benítez?

There is no official connection between the writing of J.J. Benítez and Urantia Foundation. The writings of Sr. Benítez appear to be fictionalized accounts based upon the information contained within The Urantia Book and other source material. Although we are aware that Sr. Benítez has used The Urantia Book as a major inspiration for many of his books, much of his writing also appears to come from his imagination, reasoning, and observations. His works are not authorized by, legitimately connected with, or affiliated with Urantia Foundation.

 

 

Q17:  Does Urantia Foundation or The Urantia Book predict the end of the world?

Urantia Foundation is not involved in any fashion with predictions about the imminent destruction of planetary life or other cataclysmic event. Urantia Foundation has no connection with anyone making such statements. Occasionally individuals use The Urantia Book to justify, explain, or expand upon their personal beliefs and experiences. The Foundation does not comment about anyone’s personal experiences. We are, however, quite optimistic about the future of our planet and its inhabitants. We believe The Urantia Book teachings can be quite valuable in helping individuals develop their own philosophy and belief system.  

 

 

Q18:  Concerns about The Urantia Book’s Comments on Eugenics

The Urantia Book teaches that on a normal planet biologic improvements of all the races naturally occur as part of the planetary evolutionary plan. However, our planet has experienced two major defaults which have significantly thwarted the original sequence. The Urantia Book suggests as a part of the progressive evolution of humanity, selective reproduction at some point should be fostered as an intelligent means to improve the genetic blending of the races and to remove disease or defective genetic propensities of mankind. This in no way infers elimination by any method, only wise planning.

When taken out of context, some statements may be misinterpreted. But, in context with the authors’ overview concerning the physical, mental, and spiritual evolution of human life on the planet, it is easier to comprehend. Consider the statement on page 1487: Spiritually, all men are equal. The kingdom of heaven is free from castes, classes, social levels, and economic groups. You are all brethren. We feel sure that through an in-depth study of the book in its entirety a broadened perspective on this subject can be gained.

 

 

Q19:  Concerns about The Urantia Book’s Stand on Race

The Urantia Book does not teach or foster racism or race superiority of modern day people. When taken out of context, some statements may be misinterpreted. But, in context with the authors’ overview concerning the physical, mental, and spiritual evolution of human life on the planet, it is easier to comprehend. Consider the reasons for the evolving coloured races [p. 726] and the effects of the Adamic default [p.846]. Also consider the statement on page 1487: Spiritually, all men are equal.  The kingdom of heaven is free from castes, classes, social levels, and economic groups. You are all brethren. An in-depth study of the book in its entirety will provide a broadened perspective on this subject.

 

 

Q20:  Concerns about The Urantia Book’s Stand on Reincarnation

There are several references in The Urantia Book on the concept of reincarnation explaining its origin and the development of this belief over the ages. Please refer to pages 953, 1029, and 1811. The book does describe at length our future universe career and the many phases of reality we will experience after the death of our physical bodies. Our experience of progression from the material state we are now in through the morontial to full spiritual status is not referred to as reincarnation, but could be more properly termed progressive repersonalisations from material to spiritual form. Paper 112, Personality Survival, and Paper 47, The Seven Mansion Worlds may be helpful in understanding the planned process.

 

 

Q21:  Readers Sharing their Religious Experiences

Many individuals have drawn upon The Urantia Book teachings to explain or expand their personal religious experiences. Urantia Foundation neither comments upon, endorses, promotes, or denies any individual’s personal experiences. However, The Urantia Book can be quite helpful in developing an understanding of their nature, origin, and personal significance. We suggest that Papers 91, 100 to 103, and 107 to 111 may prove useful.