Reply Jim Rigney

[Jim Spencer]

Jm, you said that, "just because it is in red type, does not mean that  Jesus actually said it", and, "show me where it says that in the Bible".

So, on one hand, when it's convenient to you, you rely on the Bible being the word of God---and when it's not, you rely on The Divine Principle and Father's WORDS as being the spiritual authority. The answer to this dilemna should be easy for you to grasp---if you think it through. All "truth" that either comes from a book or from someones mouth needs to be examined through your mind as to its validity. I think that we could both agree that ultimate truth comes from God himself----and He's not talking.

In God's Plan of Creation; he designed human beings so that they could choose to devote themselves to finding Him; getting closer to Him---through the growth of their souls. When men choose to exercise their heartfelt will to knowing God and dong His will-----they can become channels for God to give His eternal truth. When you study the history of the Bible; you learn that it was a collection of the thinking of many
God-seeking men over thousands of years. The Bible did not fall out of the sky. It was actually over 300 years after Jesus that an evil leader--Constantine---called 300 Bishops together and asked them to make a book. Those Bishops went through all of those fragments and produced a manuscipt, called the Bible. They left out the Apocrapha and many other works; and; the Dead Sea Scrolls had not been discovered yet. But, they came out with a Book; which people began to worship as the Complete Works of God.

God did not stop speaking through enlightened men---as witnessed by the Divine Principle. So, the moral of the story is----an honest man, sincere about knowing the truth---will carefully examine and weigh all information. He may settle on something he can identify with for a time----but----when he discovers something that is more in line with his own personal spiritual growth----he will embrace that. Fearful men have a hard time. They get locked in along the way---and fear that if they venture outside of their comfortable belief system----something bad might happen to them. And it becomes more complicated when spiritual leaders stiffle spiritual growth with threats of "devils" and "hell". But I have learned from Jesus that "Heaven is in the midst of you". Because humans have a spirit man, they live in between the physical world and the spiritual world. So, your state of mind----and the love in your heart--your companssion, your caring nature---determine if you are in heaven or hell. I have lived in both heaven and hell---for a long time. I lived in hell due to my own selfish nature, my narrow-mindedness, my lack of understanding, and my own lack of love and compassion. It it were only up to me, I would still probably being living in hell. It is only through the grace of God and His mercy---coupled with my desire to find the true God---that  He was able to elevate me into His presence. I owe my life to Him.

God led me into the Unification Church in 2973, as the first member in Alaska. He led me to the feet of Rev. Moon; and sent me all over the  world to experience Hinduism(India), Buddism(Thailand), and Islam(Saudi Arabia). I learned a lot from being in the UC about serving, group worship, teamwork, and dedication.  The fact that I moved on, fostered a close personal relationship with the living Jesus---did not mean that I went back to hell. I could be in hell in or out of the church---as I'm sure that many members realize. I have found God to be very big, sometimes very unorthodox, and surprising at times.

I myself, have sometimes felt that I was stepping out into deep water. But, like a trapeze artist, you have to let go in order to grab the other swing. When I discovered a path that led me in a different direction, I too, felt that I may be deserting God's will. But, that's before I discovered a greater light-----Now, I will walk by faith even when I cannot see. Each of us must walk by the faith that we have discovered. I will respect you and I hope you will give me the same courtesy. That is what  the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man is all about my friend.