Urantia Book Study Groups
The URANTIA Book speaks to different individuals in different ways. Not all readers or students of the book choose to study in groups. Some prefer to read or study alone. This does not lessen the growth, learning, or satisfaction to be gained from the study of the teachings of The URANTIA Book. Those who choose to study and socialize in groups can usually find a group which will suit their individual needs.
One of the important duties of the Trustees of URANTIA Foundation is to "...disseminate the teachings and doctrines of The URANTIA Book and to devise, to develop, and to effectuate means and methods for such dissemination...." The Trustees continue to encourage the formation of study groups at home and abroad. As study groups continue to form throughout the world, we are often asked for some guidelines on beginning and conducting them.
URANTIA Foundation does not have any set
guidelines for the formation of and the conduct within a study group.
However, we can share with you what we've learned from fellow readers
who have benefited from membership in various types of study groups. Over
time, each group develops its own character and particular style of studying
the book, one that best fits the individual needs of each of its members.
What appears to be an essential ingredient for a successful study group is a core group of readers are who committed to meeting at a routine time and place thereby giving the group consistency and coherence and providing the occasional visitor and new reader with a reliable schedule. This routine may vary from group to group -- some meet once a month, some once a week, some have fifteen to twenty readers, others four or five. In general, most groups meet for a couple of hours. They read the papers out loud, discuss and share their insights and then have time for a friendly gathering.
Groups may read the book in a variety of ways -- some start at the beginning and read one paper at a time together -- some pick a topic or section of the book they wish to study and begin reading there. Others will prepare for the meeting with everyone reading a paper in advance, while still others may chose someone to prepare a paper or a topic for discussion. As you can see, there are a number of ways to meet and study the book, and we hope that every group will discover their own unique and satisfying way of studying The URANTIA Book and its teachings.
A study group provides a unique opportunity for readers of The URANTIA Book to learn to work together as a team and to develop skills as students, teachers, and leaders. Members of a group can encourage study by keeping the focus of discussion on The URANTIA Book and its teachings while taking a tolerant and loving attitude that encourages listening to divergent viewpoints and that welcomes everyone's questions and participation.
Please remember, we are not giving definitive guidelines for study groups; rather we are sharing with you from the experiences gained from many readers reflecting wide and varied social, cultural and geographic backgrounds. Keep in mind you will ultimately have to evolve that method of study which best meets the needs of your group. There is no specified way for a group to study the book.
Study of The URANTIA Book is a personal adventure in discovery of fresh insights and new truths. One reader's interpretation may not always agree with another's. There are no official interpretations of The URANTIA Book.
If you wish to begin your own study group, and have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
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