Lately I’ve been thinking about where our community exists. We don’t have a single church or a center to call home base, nor do we have a network of readers homes that we can visit wherever we might be in town.

This got me thinking about a few issues that I would like to tackle.

First being the fact that we do not have a church to gather in or visit. I know that the UB does not call for us forming a church to praise and pray but it sure would be amazing to have a center or meeting place besides our living rooms that we could invite others to and have sermons by fellow readers, as well as a home base for the communities Urantia book readers and guests that we might invite. Though I very much respect the one on one interaction of an at home study group there is a definite missing. For me it is other ways to express my passion for what I learn when studying the UB. Look at the success of the large churches. They have a watered down version of Jesus’ truth and with a little light show and some music they rock the house and attract millions of followers!

Second is a network of readers who are willing to host fellow traveling readers. How much more enticing would it be to a young evangelist if he knew he had a home to stay in for a night or two in most cities? A network of loving families to support him/her while traveling for the gospel of the good news. Outreach is going to take a million and one shapes but the support for the disciples must be solid. This website will be announcing a program that you can participate in to help this much needed network start to take shape. Stay toned for more and IC’11!

There is another issue I would like to bring light to. Last week I was talking with a long time Urantia Book reader about the culture and attitude of the movement. We discussed how when many of the now older readers found the book they where immediately driven to serve. Many traveled to Chicago in search of a loving dynamic community to join and serve in. But what they found was a group of kind but inactive UB readers who looked down on these inspired souls and their desire to share this books greatness with the world. Most where told that the revelation needed to be spread through slow “one on one” introductions. This attitude still persists even now! And look where the Urantia Book sits on the world stage. It doesn’t.

Meredith Sprunger saw this happening in his community and tried to intervene. And I quote:

“ Many people who long to serve and help spread the good news of the fifth epochal revelation are confused by conflicting advice given by leaders in the URANTIA movement. Some are even afraid of violating some “hidden” or “implied” directive of the revelators of The URANTIA Book. It is time that these ambiguities be laid to rest.” follow the link for more.

Jesus tells us on p. 1729.6

“The religion of the spirit means effort, struggle, conflict, faith, determination, love, loyalty, and progress. The religion of the mind–the theology of authority–requires little or none of these exertions from its formal believers. Tradition is a safe refuge and an easy path for those fearful and halfhearted souls who instinctively shun the spirit struggles and mental uncertainties associated with those faith voyages of daring adventure out upon the high seas of unexplored truth in search for the farther shores of spiritual realities as they may be discovered by the progressive human mind and experienced by the evolving human soul.”

THIS WAS IN 1983 for crying out loud! But let me be clear the time is here my friends. The beauty and truth in the UB can not be held down anymore by those who are afraid in their own hearts to live its teachings. This generation will hold itself and those who negate the outreach movement accountable.

It says in the UB loud and clear.

195:10.5 ” In winning souls for the Master, it is not the first mile of compulsion, duty, or convention that will transform man and his world, but rather the second mile of free service and liberty-loving devotion that betokens the Jesusonian reaching forth to grasp his brother in love and sweep him on under spiritual guidance toward the higher and divine goal of mortal existence.”

Is slow growth going the second mile? I would say its surly is not. The second mile is living a dynamic spiritual life. Being upfront and proud of your relationship with God and all that it brings to your experience of existence.

This is not about making anyone or any group of people wrong let us make that clear. This conversation is about actually LIVING THE TEACHINGS OF THE URANITA BOOK! We must forgive ourselves for falling into the patterns that are natural to the nature of being human.

To let religion take over your life is to exercise faith on a level we rarely see in our culture. And when we do see such a dynamic individual we have no idea how that person achieved it. So what our goal is as young readers is to form a community of purpose driven evangelist who are always in training on ways to live the teachings of the Urantia Book. “The religion of the mind–the theology of authority–requires little or none of these exertions from its formal believers.” and not only that its not very inspiring.

This generation is dedicated to bring a world full of lost

and hungry souls to the gates of heaven.



Thank you for listening. With love and respect.

by Joseph Earle 

The Apostles of Christ heralding from I AM Eden International proclaiming the Everlasting Gospel to the world as a living reality must ever remain free from unholy secular alliances. However it's leaders must be capable of understanding and supporting this truth postulate and assist these individuals to attain their ideal life and model careers ever keeping in mind this instruction. "nothing equals the importance of the work of the world in which you are actually living." 

  99:3.10 Religionists, as a group, must never concern themselves with anything but religion, albeit any one such religionist, as an individual citizen, may become the outstanding leader of some social, economic, or political reconstruction movement. As this occurs their must ever remain a distinctive gap between the true religionists and the other work made possible by this direct instruction from Jesus. 

Never forget there is only one adventure which is more satisfying and thrilling than the attempt to discover the will of the living God, and that is the supreme experience of honestly trying to do that divine will. And fail not to remember that the will of God can be done in any earthly occupation. Some callings are not holy and others secular. All things are sacred in the lives of those who are spirit led; that is, subordinated to truth, ennobled by love, dominated by mercy, and restrained by fairness -- justice. The spirit which my Father and I shall send into the world is not only the Spirit of Truth but also the spirit of idealistic beauty.

Always remember In your transition experience, as you ascend from this material world, you will always be able to consult the records of, and to be otherwise conversant with, the history and traditions of your status sphere. Make your work here on Urantia a tribute to the spirit of the Father and the Son and the Host of Heaven who cheer you on, and remember to draw upon the full personality credits of nature and grace.

^99:3.8 There is always the great danger that religion will become distorted and perverted into the pursuit of false goals, as when in times of war each contending nation prostitutes its religion into military propaganda. Loveless zeal is always harmful to religion, while persecution diverts the activities of religion into the achievement of some sociologic or theologic drive.

 

  ^99:3.9 Religion can be kept free from unholy secular alliances only by:

1. A critically corrective philosophy.

2. Freedom from all social, economic, and political alliances.

3. Creative, comforting, and love-expanding fellowships.

4. Progressive enhancement of spiritual insight and the appreciation of cosmic values.

5. Prevention of fanaticism by the compensations of the scientific mental attitude.

  ^99:3.10 Religionists, as a group, must never concern themselves with anything but religion, albeit any one such religionist, as an individual citizen, may become the outstanding leader of some social, economic, or political reconstruction movement.

  ^99:3.11 It is the business of religion to create, sustain, and inspire such a cosmic loyalty in the individual citizen as will direct him to the achievement of success in the advancement of all these difficult but desirable social services.

Updates on our Adventures

NEWS UPDATE JUNE 18,2024

On May 25th Ronald Fournier came with a little white workhorse that has been a blessing to clear away some of the damage from the hurricane from two years ago that is still being cleaned away. Monica wants to give it a name rather than calling it the little white truck. Any suggestions. 

The workshop in the background just received a new metal roof and we are getting ready to board in the extension. This gives us a workshop 35 feet by 30 feet with two floors for the construction phase 1. 

Ronald also brought with him an electric chain saw that can be used for trimming the fruit trees and ornamental flowering trees. 

When Monica and I visited Ron and Yolande recently we brought home a portable septic tank Ronald purchased to use with the camper he brought to the property last fall. The Camper can sleep and house several woolfers as well as students or teachers as they begin arriving at Nova Eden David Campus.

The Singular Commandment

In the heart of the Urantia revelation lies a singular, profound commandment: to proclaim the gospel of Jesus. This directive is not merely a rule but a way of life, encapsulating the essence of our existence and aligning our lives with the divine purpose of our Father in heaven.

Resting in Divine Assurance

When you dedicate yourself to this sacred mission, you can rest with peace in your heart. Trust that both our Father in heaven and Jesus know your needs intimately. In moments of doubt about what you should wear or what you should eat, question if you are truly embodying your role as an ambassador of heaven. Are you living fearlessly? Do you give without expecting earthly rewards? If so, you are embracing true greatness.

Seeing Through the Lens of Brotherhood

By seeing the world through the eyes of your brethren, you begin to perceive the world as they do. This shift in perspective is crucial, for it merges goodness and greatness—qualities that are eternally united in God. As you venture into the world, following God’s one law to proclaim the gospel of Jesus, you will increasingly recognize the inherent goodness in all things. Everything is okay; you see glory where your less enlightened brethren see chaos. You see the hand of the Supreme Being in even the smallest details.

Embracing Divine Order

When you carry the truth of the gospel to the world, you are working for our Father in heaven. You are fulfilling His will, and nothing can divert your focus from seeking light and life in all your actions. By adhering to this one law, you become its living embodiment. When people see you, they see the will of God manifested in you. You reflect the gracious will of our Father, who rules the universe by the mandate of His law.

The Law is Love

This one law is also love. The ultimate reality is love, and everything else leads to this singular truth. Love is the only reality. Loving Jesus by proclaiming His gospel of everlasting truth aligns your soul with that which is beautiful and true. As you follow this path, all things will work for your good. Fear will vanish because providence will be evident in your life; it simply cannot be otherwise.

Living Fearlessly in Providence

When you follow in the path of truth, beauty, and goodness, you become both great and good. People will be drawn to you because they will sense that you have understood a profound truth. You are an ambassador for the kingdom of heaven, and as you give yourself fully to the will of our heavenly Father, this kingdom perspective will manifest more clearly in your life.

 Actualizing Divine Potential

Your potential is becoming actualized because that is how our Father in heaven has always seen you. To Him, your potentials are already realities. As you actualize more of your potential, you will find it increasingly meaningful and valuable to flow with the divine currents of the universe. Following God’s one law will become your passion, and you will want to share it with everyone you meet. You will do this often and fearlessly, giving your heart to our Father in heaven. As you do, more of His spiritual presence will touch your soul.

Experiencing Spiritual Presence

It is not that the Father in heaven has withheld anything from you; it is simply that you have not listened before. You were too focused on material realities, in which the spiritual Father is almost nonexistent. However, all that has changed now. You are following the one law and doing what you love. Continue in this path. One day, you will see the Supreme Being in everything, and when this happens, you will know that we have only one reality to share: the reality of love.

Living in Divine Love

The Father in heaven embodies living love. As you see this more and more, you will desire to remain in worshipful contemplation of His holiness always. God is law. God is love. Living in this reality transforms you, and you become a beacon of divine love and truth.

Conclusion: The One Law

In conclusion, the Urantia Manifesto reveals a profound truth: there is only one law, and this law is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus. This proclamation is not merely a duty but a manifestation of love, the ultimate reality. By aligning yourself with this law, you align with the divine, becoming a reflection of God's will and a bearer of His love. As you live by this law, you will find peace, purpose, and the fulfillment of your highest potential.

Train and send Gospel Teachers into the world's Nations

Train and send Gospel Teachers on successive three month outreach missions offset with three month rest periods for further training and instruction at DavidCampus.

This is and will remain our Primary Mission until this Promise of our Creator reaches full fruition.

^143:1.4 Truth is a liberating revelation, but love is the supreme relationship. And no matter what blunders your fellow men make in their world management of today, in an age to come the gospel which I declare to you will rule this very world. The ultimate goal of human progress is the reverent recognition of the fatherhood of God and the loving materialization of the brotherhood of man.

All activities of Gospel Teachers and Religious leaders will be focalized by an implicit faith and whole souled belief this truth postulate.

  ^149:2.1 Jesus understood the minds of men. He knew what was in the heart of man, and had his teachings been left as he presented them, the only commentary being the inspired interpretation afforded by his earth life, all nations and all religions of the world would speedily have embraced the gospel of the kingdom. The well-meant efforts of Jesus' early followers to restate his teachings so as to make them the more acceptable to certain nations, races, and religions, only resulted in making such teachings the less acceptable to all other nations, races, and religions.

.

ESTABLISH A MELCHIZEDEK UNIVERSITY 

A school of higher learning to compensate for the difficulties caused by the Lucifer Rebellion and the Adamic default. To understand the mission and work of our Vicegerent Planetary Prince of Peace read here.

Whenever and wherever special help is needed, there you will find one or more of the Melchizedek Sons.

This training of mind and education of spirit is carried on from the worlds of human origin up through the system mansion worlds and the other spheres of progress associated with Jerusem, on the seventy socializing realms attached to Edentia, and on the four hundred and ninety spheres of spirit progress encircling Salvington. On the universe headquarters itself are numerous Melchizedek schools, the colleges of the Universe Sons, the seraphic universities, and the schools of the Teacher Sons and the Union of Days. Every possible provision is made to qualify the various personalities of the universe for advancing service and improving function. The entire universe is one vast school. 

PREPARE THE WORLD FOR THE 6TH EPOCHAL REVELATION

At any hour the Leader of the Seraphic Hosts expects the arrival of Machiventa, Adam &  Eve or even some of their children. We will prepare and be ready to receive them.  

CREATE A COMMUNITY THAT CAN SUPPORT THE AGENTS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF CHRIST MICHAEL SERVING THIS DAY AND GENERATION.

Jesus spoke often about the successors of his original Apostles. We will prepare a community of servers that provide for the training as well as provide a resting place for these full time agents and representatives of our Sovereign Creator Son as well as today's Messengers, Evangelist and Spiritual Leaders. Training will model the preparations Jesus provided to the original 12 apostles. 

What a transcendent service if, through this revelation, the Son of Man should be recovered from the tomb of traditional theology and be presented as the living Jesus to the church that bears his name, and to all other religions! 

Teach Political Leaders at Melchizedek University's School of Political Statesmanship

"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof." "He removes kings and sets up kings." "The Most Highs rule in the kingdoms of men."

 ^134:5.3 Religious teachers must always remember that the spiritual sovereignty of God overrides all intervening and intermediate spiritual loyalties. Someday civil rulers will learn that the Most Highs rule in the kingdoms of men.

 DavidCampus I AM Eden International University courses will be developed using the instructions and truth postulates found in the 5th Epochal Revelation Papers concerning the Government of All Mankind and the essential steps or stages of establishing a true type of  representative government.  Establish a School of Political Statesmanship as a model for every Nation of the world by taking full advantage of the Papers written by the Order of Melchizedek on human governments. 

STRANGE PREACHER SUBSTACK INDEX ON SFN

It required a great power, a mighty influence, to free the thinking and living of the Western peoples from the withering grasp of a totalitarian ecclesiastical domination. Secularism did break the bonds of church control, and now in turn it threatens to establish a new and godless type of mastery over the hearts and minds of modern man. The tyrannical and dictatorial political state is the direct offspring of scientific materialism and philosophic secularism. Secularism no sooner frees man from the domination of the institutionalized church than it sells him into slavish bondage to the totalitarian state. Secularism frees man from ecclesiastical slavery only to betray him into the tyranny of political and economic slavery. [195:8.4]

We know that Machiventa was the ‘mighty influence’ referred to above and one has to wonder given that we now face GLOBAL political tyranny and economic slavery if it might be necessary for him to return to help us overcome this challenge?

The Revelators continue:

Materialism denies God, secularism simply ignores him; at least that was the earlier attitude. More recently, secularism has assumed a more militant attitude, assuming to take the place of the religion whose totalitarian bondage it onetime resisted. Twentieth-century secularism tends to affirm that man does not need God. But beware! This godless philosophy of human society will lead only to unrest, animosity, unhappiness, war, and world-wide disaster. [195:8.5]

One could say that Secularism is something of a jealous god. It has long craved and even now demands complete allegiance. It has a growing resentment towards traditional religious devotion and is lining up to make such devotions illegal. Indeed, anywhere godless secularism has acquired the balance of power one of its first goals is the eradication of the faithful, a rather peculiar proclivity.

...Jesus referred one phase of the kingdom to the future and did, on numerous occasions, intimate that such an event might appear as a part of a world crisis. [170:4.15]

I think that it is fair to say that we are witnessing the beginnings of the first man-made disaster of truly global proportions. The Melchizedeks are the Emergency Sons, always first on the scene to help salvage wayward planets from catastrophe. There certainly is room for speculation that such a global disaster, as we now face, could be sufficient to merit the attention of the Melchizedeks, and if they were to send any then why not the vice-gerent himself?

The Master told us: “And when the kingdom shall have come to its full fruition, be assured that the Father in heaven will not fail to visit you with an enlarged revelation of truth and an enhanced demonstration of righteousness.” [176:2.3]

I think we can all agree that the first part of the excerpt above as being the FER itself but the second element has not yet manifested and it would not be a stretch to imagine that this could be a response to the growing global crisis. The revelators teach that, “Times of great testing and threatened defeat are always times of great revelation,” [195:9.3] and, Heaven knows, this is true. I have been frankly astounded by the revelations of the last three years.

For all the pomp and ceremony, for all the apparent decorum and delicacies, we have only the thinnest veneer of civilisation. Scratch the surface and you find a ferocious brutality and chaos bristling to be free. Truth is not loved by the majority. Presently, the majority are motivated by convenience and ease. It is the twenty first century and many are so peasant minded that they subconsciously believe that “the power to feed carries with it the right to rule,” and they unflinchingly bend the knee to those that provide the bread. They resist, with almost murderous rage, having to think their way through a proposition. What’s more ugly, is that they consider their blind acquiescence to this power a virtue, regardless of the fact that by bending the knee they are selling their children [and ours] into slavery. In this age of endless irony, the Virtue Signallers are, in fact, signalling the absence of virtue.

It is worth noting that the next age, the so-called spiritual age, will be a time in which people will strive for a quality of thought. The implication is that we are currently passing through an age during which quality thinking is not prevalent, the sufferings of the age being an indirect consequence of the lack of this. Given the recent turn of events this seems quite prophetic. It certainly seems hard to argue against.

It seems clear that western civilisations are crumbling as a result of ideological and moral subversion. This subversion, whether brought about through Machiavellian design or spiritual ambivalence, is giving birth to a global tyranny that is being spearheaded by a powerful but corrupt elite. The teachings warn that we need to protect ourselves “against the unfair and enslaving practices of unjust minorities who may be able to entrench themselves behind political, financial, or ecclesiastical power.” The cleansing of the Temple by the Master teaches that “Shrewd, wicked, and designing men” should not “be permitted to organize themselves for the exploitation and oppression...” Interestingly, “This episode also demonstrates that Jesus did not look with approval upon the refusal to employ force to protect the majority of any given human group.” [173:1.11]

It certainly seems like economics, information, and institutions are being weaponised against the public in order to reduce the general population to “economic & political slavery”. We are warned: “… an ideal society cannot be realized when either the weak or the wicked lie in wait to take unfair and unholy advantage of those who are chiefly actuated by devotion to the service of truth, beauty, and goodness. In such a situation only one course is practical: The "golden rulers" may establish a progressive society in which they live according to their ideals while maintaining an adequate defence against their benighted fellows who might seek either to exploit their pacific predilections or to destroy their advancing civilization.” [71:4.16]

Nor need we fear such a move, if it is God’s will, for we know that: “All the forces of evil and the hosts of sin shall not prevail against this human fraternity of the divine spirit.” [157:4:5]  (1747.3)]

So, we are faced with one of two choices: we either fight to retrieve our world from the growing gloom of tyranny and the despair and tragedy that ever follow in its wake or we find some way strike out on our own. Undoubtedly, if we do nothing we, along with our children, will be consumed by the growing darkness. But should we, or could we, withdraw and endeavour to establish a more progressive society on the fringes of the collapsing civilisation? Or should we stand our ground and fight for the establishment of a better world? That’s a tough call. Both have their merits.

We are taught that “The spiritual impetus of nominally accepting Hellenized Christianity came to Rome too late to prevent the well-started moral decline or to compensate for the already well-established and increasing racial deterioration. This new religion was a cultural necessity for imperial Rome, and it is exceedingly unfortunate that it did not become a means of spiritual salvation in a larger sense. ” [195:3.8]

Many of our current prophets assert that our current cultural pathology is distressingly similar to the final days of Rome [even Egypt]. We have allowed corrupt and venal men to occupy the seats of power in our countries, and they are – literally and figuratively – selling us out before our very eyes. Without question, this ascendancy of the corrupt is in part a response to the failing spiritual immunity of an aging religious structure whose spiritual power, allure, and influence is waning to socially dangerous levels. Consequently, “paganized and socialized Christianity stands in need of new contact with the uncompromised teachings of Jesus; it languishes for lack of a new vision of the Master's life on earth. A new and fuller revelation of the religion of Jesus is destined to conquer an empire of materialistic secularism and to overthrow a world sway of mechanistic naturalism. Urantia is now quivering on the very brink of one of its most amazing and enthralling epochs of social readjustment, moral quickening, and spiritual enlightenment

.” [195:9.2]

Perhaps I am making too much of this. Perhaps the phase of the kingdom we are passing through refers to the grave danger that occurs “when most men will speak well of kingdom believers and many in high places nominally accept the gospel of the heavenly kingdom. Learn to be faithful to the kingdom even in times of peace and prosperity. Tempt not the angels of your supervision to lead you in troublous ways as a loving discipline designed to save your ease-drifting souls .” [178:1.10]

Our current trials might simply be a lesson to teach us the importance of not abandoning or the dangers inherent in neglecting our spirituality and faith, as opposed to a dramatic global crisis that might merit divine intervention.

We are offered avenues wherewith to challenge the current trend: cease to sponsor the social systems and industrial policies of Western civilization. This would imply not only that we should ‘cease to sponsor’ but that we should actively seek to sponsor that which is better. This presents multiple challenges in the interregnum, between abandoning the old and not yet having established the new. However, there is inspiration to be found in the Cross. The Cross reveals a tremendous light to those that have the faith to see. It is the ultimate symbol of loving service, of the bestowing of one’s life for the enhancement of all life, of an all consuming and fearless love for both the Great Father and the brotherhood of His divine children - the worship of the One expressed in service for the many, it is the great symbol of that unflinching courage which recognises its duty and dares to do it regardless of the consequences. Above all the Cross reveals the courageous abandonment of what was and the daring faith required to establish what could and should be.

The Revelators teach us that: If the Christian church would only dare to espouse the Master's program, thousands of apparently indifferent youths would rush forward to enlist in such a spiritual undertaking, and they would not hesitate to go all the way through with this great adventure. [195:10.10]

How many times have the brethren asked “but what is the Master’s Program”? What does he prescribe?

The answer is there: cease to sponsor the social systems and industrial policies of Western civilization. Reform the social contract - exalt the Great Father, Family, and Fatherland, promote justice and eschew corruption, foster and protect freedom of thought and expression, honour service, condemn and punish treason and treachery, exalt trustworthiness and reward faithfulness.

We need a community of spiritual people who: “delight in bearing one another's burdens; [who] actually desire to practice the golden rule.” Who know how and who will abundantly and knowing fully the cost willingly bear the fruits of the spirit.

We are warned that “The overstressed and isolated morality of modern religion, which fails to hold the devotion and loyalty of many twentieth-century men, would rehabilitate itself if, in addition to its moral mandates, it would give equal consideration to the truths of science, philosophy, and spiritual experience, and to the beauties of the physical creation, the charm of intellectual art, and the grandeur of genuine character achievement.” [2:7.9]

The hope of modern Christianity is that it should cease to sponsor the social systems and industrial policies of Western civilization while it humbly bows itself before the cross it so valiantly extols, there to learn anew from Jesus of Nazareth the greatest truths mortal man can ever hear - the living gospel of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. [195:10.21]

CLICK  IMAGE TO VIEW WWOOF SITE

Tuesday March 26,2024

Discussions

Confirmation Ceremony Reflections

I AM Eden International

I AM EDEN INTERNATIONAL

DavidCampus, Nova Scotia, Canada 

Discussions on Teaching Frameworks | Subject: Confirmation Ceremony Reflections

Confirmation Ceremonies marked a very significant change in the lives of our young people. These Rites of Passage spelled their transition from liberties and latitudes of childhood to the duties and responsibilities of adulthood. The keynote that our ancestors sought to impress upon our young men was Responsibility and Duty. They did not want to sugar coat the child’s expectations of life. Growing up and growing old is hard, difficult, and often painful. Often it can feel like you are being torn apart. That’s life. There is hurt and there is healing but, no matter what, there is always duty.

Rites of Passage for young men could often be cruel and painful. Curiously, females were often spared these gruesome trials as they were sometimes believed to be subject to the “three humiliations of the blood”: the first period, the first child, and menopause. For some of the ancients, Mother Nature herself initiated her daughters but the men of the tribe had to initiate the boys. Hence, the fashion of circumcision, scarring/tattooing, fights, challenges of valour, strength, and wit. Males were expected to prove themselves worthy, which carried with it the implication that – as they currently stood – they were not worthy. To be thought of as worthy they needed to successfully complete the trials. Failure to successfully complete these trials very often carried serious social consequences for the males. Such males were treated with suspicion, categorised as female, and were not allowed to have children. This mistrust was evidenced in the saying ‘the uninitiated man would burn the village done just to warm his feet.’ The men of the village believed these failed candidates were morally weak, and their loyalty and courage were inadequate.

These days we can dispense with the cruel elements of such rituals but I doubt it would be wise to dispense with these rituals altogether. However, in what way could we reframe these ancient rites so as to impress upon our youth the nature of the challenges that lie ahead of them and the attitudes that would be most beneficial in life? I think there should be a variety of trials and challenges. One Challenge should be completely personal and individual. One should be a trial involving a mentor. The Final Trial should be a Group Challenge. The Final Trial should be the “Class” organising the Final Day Party. They should be responsible for everything, using a minimum of adult guidance: the sourcing of the food, the prep and cooking, the serving, the music, the clean up, the logistics, the determining of roles – everything.

The individual trial should be something that challenges the kid close to breaking/physical exhaustion, ideally involving the achieving of some new personal best. This victory should be witnessed by the child’s nearest and dearest, and they should be howling in encouragement to help them get over the line. These challenges might not necessarily be physical in nature, it depends on the child’s specific strengths. There are benefits to helping the child choose the goal, lessons to be learned in acquiring the discipline needed to achieve the goal and so on. However, it should be a genuinely difficult challenge or else it’s pointless.

The Mentor Challenge highlights the generations and that we rely on and need one another. As the Older fades the Younger must take up and complete the challenge. Such challenges reveal symbolise that one day the child will grow old and its fading strength will be compensated by the next generation. The inability of the older to finish the challenge also indicates that most things worth doing cannot be achieved in one lifetime. It symbolises that each generation must give its all, teaching us that ambivalence of the older generation to the welfare of future generations, heaps unasked for hardship on the youth – at the same time stressing to youth that debauchery and decadence squanders the work put in by their elders and impoverishes future generations. There are ways to dramatise this such that the adverse impact of selfishness and laziness are highlighted. This could well be a group activity, even teams competing – with similar crowds howling in encouragement. These crowds are emblematic of our ancestors who made this moment possible and are praying for our success, the unseen divine agencies that are likewise tirelessly toiling away for our prosperity, and our very own loved ones that have worked and sacrificed so that these kids could go out into the world take on responsibility and dare to make the world a better place.

The Final Challenge focuses on responsibility and teamwork. It also creates a special and highly memorable day, and a fitting end to the antecedent challenges. It involves a lot of moving parts. Each iteration will undoubtedly give rise to their own stories and legends. Over time these could get quite involved but that’d be OK.

I feel that this version of the Initiation Rites/Rites of Passage for Adolescents would offer great social and spiritual value.

CLICK THE DOWNLOAD LINK BY THE TITLE TO DOWNLOAD WORD DOCUMENT

CLICK THE BROWSER REFRESH ICON IF WORD DOCUMENT DOES NOT APPEAR BELOW