Can Two Things, Seemingly Different, Be True At The Same Time?

By Dr. Stewart Bitkoff

Yes. Have you ever gotten into a discussion with your significant other where both were at polar opposites? For example one wishes to paint the house and the other does not. In this situation, we are not considering if the house needs paint, to what degree and by which standard but simply if the people involved want it painted. In this scenario there is no correct answer and in time a compromise is reached, one gives into another or the matter remains unresolved.

Now one of the characteristics of indoctrination systems, is they foster particular beliefs and state others who disagree are incorrect. Each will claim that they are “really right.” This type of belief system is rigid with little room for difference and is the most difficult to engage in compromise. Examples of indoctrination systems exist within political, religious and extremist groups. Followers of indoctrination systems often oppose anyone who does not believe similarly.

One might think that indoctrinated people are single minded extremists and maybe a bit crazy. Therefore due to their beliefs, it would be easy to recognize, discount or even marginalize them. However, this is not always so, because sometimes we are the indoctrinated. What makes indoctrination so insidious is that we are often unaware of our own intolerance, prejudice, feelings of privilege and dogmatism. (more…)

BE AWARE for Goodness Sake!

By Niann Emerson Chase

I am aware of how messed up our world is in many ways and have written numerous articles about the complex problems of our planet. In those same articles I have included hope for opportunities to solve problems and change things for the better because I am at heart an optimist—a realistic optimist who appreciates the practical application of scientific, philosophical, and spiritual facts and ideals in day-to-day life.

Why am I such an optimist when I am so aware of evil (yes, I dare to use the e word)? Because I am also aware of the presence and power of goodness—goodness residing deep within individual persons and goodness in various groups aimed at improving some aspect of civilization. In fact, I believe that there is a pattern of goodness present on our planet, a reservoir of potential goodness for us humans to pull from.

I think that a divine pattern is present in the particles of space as well as in the particles on this world, a pattern that can partially be seen through telescopes and microscopes. And this divine pattern—cosmic and earthly, huge and humble—is always good and beautiful. (Yeah, yeah, this is getting to sound a little too metaphysical. But hang in there. I think this is important to explore a bit.) (more…)

How To Develop Your Spirituality By Writing

by Freddie Tubbs

Everyone writes - some for money, some for fame, some because it’s their job. However, all people write for deeper reasons, reasons that steer more towards the existential and less towards the material.

Writing is not a necessary skill in most of the jobs, disciplines and in life in general. However, it’s something we do for deeper, more profound reasons. You don’t have to be a professional writer. You don’t have to make a bestseller list. You don’t have to make money on it  or any other similar reason.

However, you can write to have a happier, more inspired and whole life. (more…)

Each Great Faith Works

By Dr. Stewart Bitkoff

Q: How is it possible for each of the great faiths to work?  I am still having trouble with this.

A: It is a matter of belief; if you take as true or work for something hard enough and the energy is aligned with universal potential- it happens.  By making the statement, the great faiths work, we mean, prayers are granted and these faiths help people draw closer to the Absolute.

Researchers have begun to examine the relationship between prayer, belief and spontaneous healing.  They are questioning people who have been ‘miraculously’ healed after going to a holy man/woman or famous shrine; the researchers are trying to identify the factors that are operating.  Their hypothesis is focused on belief and what happens, phenomenally, when we strongly believe something; testing energy patterns, brain waves and questioning eyewitnesses. (more…)

The Simple Truth In Relation To Conspiracy Theories And The Anunnaki

by Gabriel of Urantia

Millions of people listen to YouTube channels on the Internet. So in a very real way, we have a variety of Internet journalists who affect the mass consciousness of those who listen to them on a daily basis, just like millions of Americans listen to the nightly news through ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, and Fox. These two views of reality—independent Internet commentators and mainstream journalism—are diametrically opposite each other in many ways.

A recent example of these two extreme views was around the landing of the Mars explorer. I watched the corporate television news coverage, and when the explorer landed successfully on barren, uninhabited Mars, at least a hundred people at NASA’s flight control center in Houston, Texas stood up and congratulated one another with hugs, the shaking of hands, kisses, and high-fives for this accomplishment of a United States probe soft-landing on Mars.

At the same time, some Internet journalists and conspiracy theorists are claiming that millions of people have been taken to the moon, Mars, and other planets, where we have colonies. They claim that there are people being born in these colonies who have never seen the earth and that we have had this advanced technology to colonize other worlds since the 1950s. Some also claim that extraterrestrial communication has existed even longer, like with the Nazis prior to World War II. (more…)

What You Believe

By Dr. Stewart Bitkoff

Each society and age develops specific ideas, beliefs and goals around which to base their culture. These beliefs and goals in time become assumptions about life and operating principles. Rarely are these beliefs and goals questioned and the community is organized formally and informally around them.

In order for the culture to be successful, a majority of people must agree these things are true or important. Specific beliefs and goals then become both internally and externally accepted.  Anyone questioning these operating principles will be subject to sanctions or pressure from family, friends or themselves. Sometimes these sanctions will be in the form of punishments from the larger society or feelings of personal guilt. (more…)

How to Correct World Wide Imbalances & Atrocities?

By Dr. Stewart Bitkoff

Over the last 2 days I have read 3 articles on the internet that have caused me sorrow and concern. The first was about climate change and how weather conditions will continue to erode becoming more dangerous and destructive unless we take immediate action. The second was on how across the world there has been ongoing genocide of women indicating over recent time more than 200 million women have disappeared; this being due to men treating women as less than human. The third was about the sex scandal and ongoing cover-up in the Catholic church and how the writer, who lives in Baltimore, could no longer consider herself catholic and go to mass; not knowing who or what to believe.

I must say I am reeling from these articles and if what they report is accurate- what the hell is going on? What is happening to our world? (more…)

Spiritual University: How to Lead an Original Life

By Dr. Stewart Bitkoff

In any form of learning, travelers require a structure. If you wish to live an original life and fulfill your own, individual destiny, follow these principles.

• Strive to lead a balanced life and avoid excess.

• Enter into the mainstream of your community. Strive to become an ‘ordinary’ citizen within the society you find yourself.

• Seek to help others.

• Say the prayer of submission each morning and evening. Prayer is intended as a joy not a burden.

• Follow the religion of your birth and fully embrace it. This is a starting point for more advanced spiritual study. If you are not able to follow the religion of your birth then say the prayer of submission or seek another Path.

• Abstain from mind altering drugs and stimulants. Rarely use alcohol.

• Follow your heart wherever it may lead you. You have a Life Plan and must learn to follow it. You do this by listening to your heart.

• Spiritual learning is part of life. It is intended as a center from which to come forward. Lead a complete life. Use all of your abilities.

• Avoid people who are obsessed. Be someone who is not “weird” and is normal. Try to be someone whom you would trust.

• Remember to trust yourself. You have everything you need inside of you; you have been given enough for the journey. Listen to your higher self -it knows your Life Plan.

• Make your way to the teacher.

• Remember, travelers are different and there are many paths. Find your own path; embrace and follow it.

(more…)

Unlearning & Conditioning

By Dr. Stewart Bitkoff

Traveler: It is said, that in order for the spiritual traveler to reach their goal, first, they must unlearn much of what they have been taught. What is meant by this?

Master: Each person’s consciousness is a mosaic; a series of shifting patterns. Some thoughts arise from our biologic nature, directed at physical survival and caring for the body. Other thoughts are tied to emotions, and expressing our self in the world. Still others arise from specific operating principles, beliefs, and rules of conduct prevalent in our society. These codes and unwritten rules are necessary to maintain social order and daily life. In many ways, these thoughts form the fabric of each day and allow for orderly social patterns. (more…)

Mitakuye Oyasin

The Wisdom of the Ancient Ancestors Moving Into the Twenty-first Century

by Gabriel of Urantia

Throughout history, the wisdom of the ancestors of many indigenous peoples has been passed on, generation after generation, family after family.  As we look at the crises happening across our strife-torn world today, we find ourselves searching like never before for solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems.  Yet I believe the ancient ones had a key:  in Lakota it is said, “Mi Ta Ku Ye   O Ya Sin,” — “we are all related.” (more…)