4. Is Urantia a new religion?

ANSWER #1: The word “Urantia” refers to our planet, Earth. Some long-time readers of the book have made it their religion, and some churches use the book in its ministry, but there is no formal religion that calls itself Urantia. The book itself maintains that true religion is one’s personal relationship with God and discourages creating another “ism.” People from many religions embrace the teachings in the book and still remain in good standing in their denomination, often supporting their traditional faiths through insights gleaned from the Urantia Book.

ANSWER #2: The Urantia Book is not a religion. As a group, the readership is not an organized religion, but the concepts, cosmology and philosophy from the Urantia Book have helped me tremendously in developing my relationship with God and the universe. My relationship to God is the crux of my religion.

ANSWER #3: The book reflects a broader spiritual perspective and understanding that embraces all religions. In fact, the Urantia Book redefines religion as one’s personal relationship with God and the way one lives his or her life.

ANSWER #4: No, Urantia is the name of our planet. The Urantia Book, however, contains the teachings, tenets, doctrines, ideologies, and gospel of a new religion embracing aspects of the others. One of the original intents for the establishment of Urantia Foundation was for the “fostering of a religion.” Article II from the Declaration of Trust says: 2.1. PRINCIPAL OBJECT: The object for which this Foundation is created is ... the fostering of a religion, .... So it has been understood since early on that the book contains the precepts for a new religion, one that doesn’t require its believers to formulate new sects, churches, or temples.

ANSWER #5: No. We believe in God and follow Jesus, but have not yet evolved a formal religious practice. We sing a lot—songs like Amazing Grace. We sometimes pray in groups, spontaneously or with a leader. We often have a moment of silence before a talk or presentation. Some of us choose not to participate in these group activities, and prefer to worship only in private.

ANSWER #6: No. There are people from existing faith traditions as well as non-affiliated believers who read the Urantia Book. The community of readers is actually an interfaith association which is worldwide. There are simply study groups and societies which are regional organizations of study groups.

ANSWER #7: No, it is not a formalized religion. It is a broadly-based body of information in the areas of spirituality, science, history of civilization, cosmology and anthropology. It is filled with both factual information and spiritual truths. It seeks to give a deeper understanding of existing spiritual teachings while delivering new, revelational information. There is no official interpretation or set of doctrines to be adhered to. Instead, every individual is encouraged to absorb the book’s teachings with the freedom to manifest them as their own, individual spirit within leads them. There is a global community of readers with diverse viewpoints and a common appreciation for the transformational quality of the teachings.

ANSWER #8: The Urantia Book does not call forth an organized nor institutionalized religious response. It is filled with the presence of God and Spirit. We learn anew in the UB that religion is about our personal experience with God and the loving relationship between persons. It supplies us with the knowledge and inspiration to lead Spirit-filled lives of love and service. The Urantia Book inspires religious living but is not a religion.

ANSWER #9: The Urantia Book defines true religion as “a matter of personal spiritual experience” and “a faith-trust in the goodness of God.” It also states that true religion “is to know God as your Father and man as your brother.” No organized religion based on the Urantia Book exists at this time and many who believe in the book feel it would be both unnecessary and undesirable. Organized religions or cults tend to adhere to a standardized set of beliefs leaving no room for personal exploration or interpretation. The Urantia Book actually encourages the individual’s freedom to do both.

ANSWER #10: The Urantia teachings uplift and illuminate the truths in all religions, but it is not a separate and competing religion.