What The Urantia Book Means to Me - Theresa Schumann

By Theresa Schumann, South Africa

I was given a copy of The Urantia Book by a friend in 2008 after the Sunday service at our spiritualist church, the Sanctuary of Light. A relative had sent it to her, but since she spoke Afrikaans, she said I could have it since she didn’t understand the English. I took the book and flipped it over to read the description. I was intrigued by the fact that Part IV was about the life and teachings of Jesus. I was even more fascinated by the authorship. Now I really became excited, certain that I would learn more truths about Jesus. I hurried home, determined to read this book as soon as possible.

I had no problem with the English, and that night as I started to read, I realized that this was a book that needed to be read in small doses; to be savored, like an elixir of life. I cried when I read of Jesus’ crucifixion and his suffering, but I loved the way the soldiers were “spooked.” I slowly worked my way through Part IV and then turned my attention to the front of the book. I discovered strange new words, and learned about morontia, Mighty Messengers, and mansion worlds. The concept of Thought Adjusters was easy for me to understand because as a spiritualist, I believe we have spiritual guides with us in our daily lives.

The Urantia Book confirmed many of my spiritualist beliefs. For example, our mission statement says, “The Sanctuary of Light brings spiritual enlightenment to ALL people regardless of their race, religion, or creed.” I am reminded of Jesus traveling about, speaking to various groups of people. Regardless of what prejudices they may have held, he opened their minds to look at their situations in a different light.

I discovered Urantia Book International School (UBIS) in 2017 and began to study online. Since that time, I have completed 13 courses on a wide variety of subjects. In 2018 I learned of a retreat for women at Urantia Foundation headquarters, called “Dancing with God— Courageously Living His Love.” When I mentioned to my family that I wanted to attend they all said, “It’s a scam! Don’t waste your money.” That made me even more determined, and I made the long flight from Johannesburg to Chicago. I so enjoyed the retreat and was delighted to meet other readers.

I had donated my copy of The Urantia Book to the Sanctuary of Light’s library. South African bookshops don’t stock this kind of book, and Amazon doesn’t deliver because there is a high risk that the delivery drivers may get hijacked. So, I was delighted to find another copy in 2020 through Takealot, South Africa's largest online retailer. I also have a copy of The Untold Story of Jesus with its beautiful paintings.

I have given many readings and addresses at the Sanctuary of Light using themes from The Urantia Book. I have even read the Our Father prayer. I emphasize that the unity of truth, beauty, and goodness can only be realized in the spiritual experience of the God-knowing personality, and that the great challenge to modern man is to achieve better communication with the divine presence within.

I end this story with the words we always use at the Sanctuary of Light: “I leave this with you in love and light.”

Image