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Discussion Questions
for a study of
The Urantia Book
by Dr. Meredith J. Sprunger
Paper 4: God's Relation to the Universe
1. From our limited human point of view, what are some of the possible purposes God is actualizing? How do we search for God's purposes?
2. If the watchword of the universe is progress, what should be our attitude toward conservative minds who resist change? How do we distinguish progress from change?
3. Is the universe more like "a clock that is wound-up and running independently" described by Deism or like Gaia- "a living organism"- pictured by contemporary thinkers like Lawrence Joseph and Rupert Sheldrake?
4. Why does the Old Testament speak of an angry God and a God who regrets his actions?
5. How do we harmonize the changelessness of God with the many different manifestations of God?
6. In the face of obvious inconsistencies in scripture, why do some denominations believe in the literal inerrancy of the Bible?
7. Why has the atonement doctrine been so popular in Christianity?
8. What do you think of the idea that Christ is the creator as well as the savior of our local universe?
9. If the watchword of the universe is progress, how well is the contemporary church and world doing?
10. Why is it so difficult to transcend religious tradition?
11. What contemporary or historical "accidents of time" appear to you to be a part of larger purposes in the universe?
12. What aspects of planetary religion give evidence of spiritual progress?
A Service of
The Urantia Book Fellowship