UBH HAROLD KARRER to MEREDITH SPRUNGER

Chicago, April 11, 1957

Dear Dr. Sprunger,

This is to be a hurried note, but I want to tell you of a new development that I know you will be very interested in.

Last night Dr. Sadler gave us what we all have been waiting for so long—a breakthrough on the scientific level. As you may know, Dr. Sadler considers your acceptance of the Urantia revelation as the first breakthrough on the theological level. Now comes the acceptance of the Book by a scientist in toto. The scientist in question is a Dr. Zachow of the University of Pennsylvania. On Monday, April 15, he will deliver a paper before the Gravitational Society; this paper was read to us last night. Although the Book was not quoted he requested to use the names of the various parts of the universe as found in the Book. He sets about the tremendous task of proving by what is known of linear gravity laws as developed by our scientists in the last five years that the cosmos could not be organized other than it is in the cosmology of the Urantia Book. He uses complicated charts to show that the universes of time and space must be divided into seven superuniverses, that there must be an Havona, and a central organized body of material called the Isle of Paradise. He demonstrates by scientific jargon that I don’t understand yet, that the laws of linear gravity prove that there must be just ten major sectors in a superuniverse and that the various subdivisions of the major sectors must be organized as in the revelation.

He said in his letter he was making no reference to the supermaterial origins of these new hypotheses as the talk was before a very technical group, but he refers to the Universal Father and the Celestial Father who must be responsible for all these universal phenomena. As you were the first to put your theological reputation on the line, here is a scientist who is willing to put his scientific reputation on the line. It was a thrilling moment.

I called Dr. Grauer the other night, but he was so busy. I should have known better at this time of the year. He did say, “Oh, I can see the value of such a book.” He said for me to call him up and come over and talk to him after Easter, which I shall do. . . .

Kindest regards to you and your family,
Harold E. Karrer

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UBH WILLIAM S. SADLER to MEREDITH SPRUNGER

Chicago, April 17, 1957

Dear Dr. Sprunger,

I haven’t forgotten you. The Trustees of the Foundation wouldn’t act without the advice of the copyright attorney and that’s what we’re waiting for now. I will drop you a line just as soon as we get this proposition straightened out.

I wonder if you are going to be up to Chicago sometime in the near future.

Sincerely,
William S. Sadler

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UBH MILDRED BUCKLIN to MEREDITH and IRENE SPRUNGER

Chicago, after April 21, 1957

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sprunger,

What a delightful hospitality springs from the Sprungers’ domicile! To be unexpectedly included en famille on an Easter Sunday is an experience I shall not forget here or hereafter.

It was an added pleasure to tell the First Urantia Society on a Sunday afternoon of our Culver visit. Everyone in the group is always eager to hear news of the Sprungers. Indeed you seem to be one of us.

You might be interested in knowing that our Society observed the Remembrance Supper for the first time since its organization on the Sunday following Easter. Our Mr. Kulieke Sr. presided, impressing us all with the simplicity and true meaning of the occasion as described in the paper on the Lord’s Supper. Commenting afterwards, several think August 21 a most appropriate time for such a service in the future and I for one hope it so develops.

Oh, we have lots of problems to solve. It would be helpful to have your ideas about a number of things. You have a wonderful setup to do your work and a wonderful family to help.

Remember—the Bucklins will be most happy to have you drop in on them any time you can make a Chicago visit and I intend to enjoy another one of your church services before too long.

Greetings to the family and thank you all so much for a lovely Easter.

Sincerely,
Mildred Bucklin

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UBH HAROLD KARRER to MEREDITH SPRUNGER

Chicago, April 29, 1957

Dear Dr. Sprunger,

Just a few minutes before the day’s work begins to tell you that you might have been out of sight yesterday, but hardly out of mind. I spent about fifteen minutes telling about your work and methods, and everyone was very interested. I want to thank you for the questionaire and study group material. I had the questionaire multilithed and it created a great deal of interest. The women also reported on your Easter program and they were delighted with your home and hospitality.

A letter was read [to the Forum] from Pearl Buck²⁵ in which she ridiculed the Book unmercifully. I think she only scanned it. I think author ego got in the way and somehow I got the impression that she has a personal religion of her own that she pretty much accepts as an absolute for herself and probably everyone else. Her letter was a shabby performance—for a respected authoress.

I could not quite understand your [possibly verbal] comments about Dr. Zachow and what he has done. Perhaps I should have used the word “cosmography,” although “cosmology” is the more inclusive word and covers the structure of the universe. I really think in the not-too-far-distant future astronomers will be proving the setup of the universe as given in the Urantia Book. It just never occurred to me that laws of gravity would be instrumental in proving it so conclusively as Dr. Zachow seems to have. I think he is a very gifted, but young physicist. We are trying to find out more about him.

We hope to see you in Chicago some Sunday soon.

Sincerely,
Harold Karrer

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UBH MEREDITH SPRUNGER to WILLIAM S. SADLER

Culver, In., May 4, 1957

Dear Dr. Sadler,

We have been looking over our schedule to see when we can come to Chicago on a Sunday afternoon. It appears that we can get away on May 19. We will no doubt have to dismiss our own study group which meets on Sunday evening. We enjoyed meeting and visiting with the ladies from Chicago on Easter Sunday. We are looking forward to visiting with you again and meeting many of the other folks.

Am interested in learning more about Dr. Zachow. Am also wondering about the condensation in reference to the lawyer’s opinion and suggestions of the Foundation.

Cordially,
Meredith

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UBH MARIAN ROWLEY to ARNOLD ZACHOW

Chicago, May 4, 1957

Dear Mr. Zachow,

We have been hoping to hear from you as to reactions or comments you may have received regarding the article you planned to submit to the Gravitational Society on April 15. Did you get any comments, either adverse or favorable?

We would also be interested in knowing something about the Gravitational Society. Is it a national or local society? What is its purpose? You mentioned that it was a technical group. Are the members in industry, teachers, students? So far we have not been able to find any information about the society and we would appreciate your help. We would also be interested in knowing something about yourself, your background, your work, and so on. We are especially curious as to where you got the Urantia Book.

Some of our people who have seen your article have asked for extra copies of it. . . . If you do not have extras, may we have your permission to reproduce it ourselves?

We would really appreciate hearing from you.

Cordially,
Marian Rowley

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UBH ARNOLD ZACHOW to MARIAN ROWLEY

Haverton, Pa., May 6, 1957

Dear Miss Rowley,

I have delayed answering your earlier letter, for I had hopes of gathering some unusual information that would be of considerable interest to you. However, to this date I have not been able to materialize a program. What I have attempted to do is to take the theme of this essay and present it to the top men of the companies around the country, who I believed would be interested in pursuing the concept. So far I have seen and had answers from about fifty percent of the twenty-one firms and research organizations I initially contacted. None of the physicists that I have discussed the concept with so far have refuted it or found serious fault, but the concerns are not at the present interested in pursuing such a program. It is costly . . . but I believe if backed by the proper company then a contract could be obtained from the Office of Naval Research. I am thoroughly enough convinced of this to spend two months of my time, full time, to try to sell the program, much to the dismay of a number of people.

In regard to the Gravity Research Foundation, it is located at New Boston, New Hampshire. The founder is R. W. Babson²⁶. . . . It is a little-known organization that gives yearly prizes for the best essays on gravity, or any devices related to it. The winners are not announced until June.

Your question on where I got the Urantia Book somewhat puzzles me, for I ordered it from you last Christmas, 1956. I had, however, been reading it for many months before that, having borrowed a copy from the Association of Research and Enlightenment in Virginia Beach, from Mr. Cayce²⁷. . . .

I am sorry that I cannot furnish you with any additional copies of the essay for I have only a few left, but I will gladly give you permission to reproduce same. I would very much appreciate the opinions expressed by those who have seen it already and would like to correspond with those seriously interested, for I have only scratched the surface. As to my background, the attached resume²⁸ may help you. Not reflected there is considerable research in cosmology, metaphysics and astrophysics.

Now I have several questions for you that I haven’t had time to inquire about. Could you provide me with a somewhat detailed write-up of the facts behind the Urantia Book? Why did you change your name to Brotherhood? What are the dates of presentation of Papers 15, 41, 42, 43, and 57? Were these papers re-edited celestially as a number of the other papers are reported to have been? Also, since this Book is an unusual publication job, how are you able to cover cost at only $10.00 a copy? Do you have records as to the number published to date and how many have been sold? On what basis do most individuals seek out this book, through metaphysical work? Next question then is how much do they benefit from it, for much of the text is written so that considerable thought is required to interpret same. In addition, considerable cross-reference is required no matter what subject you may be pursuing. Incidentally, has anyone attempted to cross-reference this work, or any type of breakdown? Can you provide me with a copy?

There are two very important questions in my mind still unanswered, though I have read only about half of the book. There is no mention of reincarnation directly—it might hint at it but I feel that man’s mind tends to want to read it that way because of his other metaphysical studies. As you know the other only worthwhile basic text is A. J. Davis’s Principles of Nature. In consuming that from cover to cover there isn’t a single word on reincarnation! What is your interpretation? Along the same line is the question of Atlantis. Neither the Urantia Book nor Davis’s text confirms its existence, yet all other metaphysical works play it to the hilt. Mu and Ur and all other pre-civilizations are covered, but no Atlantis!

I hope I have answered your questions and will be glad to be of assistance wherever I can. I may be in the Chicago area shortly and will look you up for a rather comprehensive chat, but if any of your present organization are in Philadelphia I would enjoy chatting with them. I hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely yours,
A. A. Zachow

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UBH WILLIAM S. SADLER to MEREDITH SPRUNGER

Chicago, May 7, 1957

Dear Dr. Sprunger,

I have your note telling me you will be with us on May 19. That is the Sunday that I have the program so I will arrange for you to have part of my time to tell our folks whatever you may have on your mind that you think will be helpful to them.

I will talk with you about the condensation problem at the time of your visit.

Sincerely,
William S. Sadler

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Sir Hubert Wilkins, back from three months in Alaska, wrote to Harold Sherman on April 8:

Thoughts Through Space is much sought for in the several places I have been—someone swiped the copy from our Quartermaster Research Library and several people in Alaska want copies. . . . The Urantia Book is also in great demand by my friends. I have disposed of some twenty-five and have a request list waiting to be filled. Some recipients are thrilled, some indifferent, and what seems strange—but not too strange from what we know—some of the books just seem to have disappeared in the post office and tracers have found no evidence of them. . . .

On April 12 Sherman responded:

. . . Was interesting to learn of the interest in Thoughts Through Space. Interest in our books is steadily increasing and our biggest sale is still ahead of us. I have given quite a number of talks on our work and they have always been spellbinders to luncheon clubs, etc. Public acceptance of ESP is growing right along, as is interest in such subjects as Urantia—although the book is over the heads of many who say they don’t have time to go into it. Others consider it too fantastic, but we both know this book contains some of the most remarkable knowledge on this planet today. . . .

To his friend Adolf Thies, who had asked Sherman to review some of his scientific papers, Sherman wrote on April 19:

. . .While I am studying your material, I wish you would get a copy of the new book, Urantia. It is a tremendous volume. I know a great deal about it, its origin and its development through the years. I prefer to hold my own opinions in abeyance until you have read it, with an open mind, and given me your judgment. I want you to compare its contents with your own concepts. This book can be obtained through Kroch’s, I believe, and it will cost you probably $10, but I think you will find it a worthwhile investment. Some of its contents are profound enough to even challenge the brain of an Adolf Thies! (This book Urantia was set up and printed by Donnelley & Sons, you may be interested to know.)

Thies responded on April 27:

. . . You want me to read Urantia. I know of the book, but have not read it. You think I should. Surely, libraries are full of profound concepts, complex, interesting, but intrinsically hollow, for the sole reason that a human can only reason in human concepts inextricably tied to things, physical things. Nothing makes sense without a connection to graspable things. . . . Must I read Urantia? Of course I will, if this will make you happier, although I don’t see why. An obvious fact cannot be found again in a different form. . . .

On May 7 Sherman replied:

. . . Yes, I would like you to read Urantia and to get your evaluation of it. I would like you to check as to how some of the concepts agree with your thinking, since they are supposed to have come from higher sources. You believe it is possible for higher intelligences to communicate new ideas and concepts for the advancement of the human race on the planet—BUT . . . is it also possible that designing intelligences—or the wrong kind—can also communicate? I want to make clear that I do not accept a lot that is in Urantia—for instance, the Jesus story, appended—but I know considerable about its origin and I do not want to “color” your own mind in advance. . . .

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UBH HAROLD KARRER to MEREDITH SPRUNGER

Chicago, May 20, 1957

Dear Dr. Sprunger,

It was good seeing you and your wife again yesterday; I wanted to talk with you a bit longer, but I felt it would be depriving my fellow Urantians of the pleasure of meeting and talking with you. Knowing that gang like I do, and understanding their reactions a good deal, I would do them an injustice to say they considered you anything other than great. . . .

I like the enclosed editorial which was in The Tribune this morning; probably you have read it already. Perhaps I am all wrong, but I have never approved of evangelism of the type of [Billy] Graham’s.²⁹ There is too much emotionalism in it; the religious roots seem shallow. Maybe, in the same manner we shouldn’t look with disdain on those who need symbolism in their religion, we shouldn’t disparage needy souls who require emotionalism to bring them into the flock. I am sure you know more about this than I do.

I, too, am desperately frustrated at times, but never discouraged. I just look at the minds of men and I think, how could they be so stupid? What has happened that I just can’t understand their thought patterns and reactions? Could it be only that of human loyalties? I know they are so hard to budge. Is truth so hard to discern?

Again, thanks for coming over, and we will all look forward to when you come again.

Cordially,
Harold Karrer

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UBH JACQUES WEISS to URANTIA BROTHERHOOD

Paris, France, May 31, 1957

Dear Sirs,

On January 7, 1957, your Secretary-General answered my letter of December 26, 1956, dealing with the possibility of translating and publishing the Urantia Book in French, and commenting about the Index. She said that she had turned over my letter to the Urantia Foundation. She finished her letter by the sentence, “Please let us know if we can help you in any way.”

Naturally enough, the help would be to let me know the answers and reactions of the Urantia Foundation to the questions put up.

Also, a passage in the Book seems to indicate that a soul never incarnates again on Urantia. I refer here to page 1811, nine lines from below, where it is written: “The Master found it difficult to make men believe that their souls had not had previous existences.”

Also page 436 paragraph 2: “A mortal never returns to his native planet during the dispensation of his temporal existence.” This would be misunderstood here, because experiences show that reincarnations exist on our planet. Therefore, an interpretation should be given in order to clear any potential misunderstanding.

Now, I go a little further. After an extensive study with qualified friends, we came to the conclusion that the translation of your book into French was desirable, possible, and worthy to be undertaken. The effort is enormous, and we entertain no illusions about it. Something like three years of work and many thousands of dollars for the translation alone, about the same time to find the adequate number of readers (both periods overlapping for a part), plus then the cost of publishing the book in four to six volumes, at intervals of six months or so. The work on an index and glossary should be added.

Outside of me and my group, I see nobody in France who may contemplate such an effort. Therefore, I ask you formally by the present letter if you would agree to give me the French copyright for a period of seven to ten years, the right being cancelled at the end of the period if I am not able to show you at least a good typewritten translation.

Awaiting your reply, I remain

Sincerely yours,
J. Weiss

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UBH MARIAN ROWLEY to JACQUES WEISS

Chicago, June 5, 1957

Dear Mr. Weiss,

Thank you for your letter of May 31 regarding an interpretation on the question of reincarnation and also asking for the French copyright for translation.

I am turning your letter over to the Urantia Foundation and you will no doubt hear from them in the near future.

Cordially,
Marian Rowley

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UBH EMMA L. CHRISTENSEN to JACQUES WEISS

Chicago, June 12, 1957

Dear Mr. Weiss,

Replying to your letter of May 31, you can be sure that the Urantia Foundation is greatly interested in seeing the Urantia Book translated into the modern languages.

In planning for translation, there are two important factors: first, financing and undertaking; and second, the organization of a competent group of translators. I am sure the Trustees of Urantia Foundation will always be in readiness to cooperate with any undertaking that promises the realization of these objectives.

The Foundation, I am sure, would not be willing to in any way manipulate the copyright of the Urantia Book and that would not be necessary in making any arrangements for translation. The Foundation will always hold all copyrights.

The Foundation will hold its quarterly meeting within the next two months at which time your letter will be formally presented for their attention.

About the matter of reincarnation, we note your reference to Paragraph 2 on Page 436. Yes, that seems to be the teaching of the Urantia Book. Mortals when leaving this planet embark upon a progressive career. That is, they do not come back during any one dispensation to the planet of their origin. Each change in personality is progressive. There is just one instance of reincarnation in all the wide universe. You will find reference to it on page 528, and it pertains to the spornagia, a type of celestial animal.

Sincerely yours,
E. L. Christensen

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On June 5 Christian Ronne returned the Urantia Book to Harold Sherman with the note:

Deeply regret the long delay—but!—once I started this survey for you I had to finish it. It was one of the most “difficult” works I have ever read, studied, and analyzed. My report on it follows in a few days (being typed).

Ronne’s report arrived on June 13 while Sherman was out of town on business, and Martha wrote to him:

You had Christian Ronne’s analysis of Urantia today and he expresses some points of view that are unique. I expect I had better hold it for you to read here at home. . . . I might comment that he feels the writing to be too similar in expression to have been composed by such a variety of beings with such supposedly vastly different backgrounds. He does feel that much of the material is not to be found in any other writing. As for the Adam and Eve story, he thinks it awful—gauche is his word for it. Now, it certainly will be interesting to see what Adolf’s comments will be! . . .

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HMSA CHRISTIAN RONNE’S REPORT on URANTIA

This is a volume of Bible length. All of it was written automatically by a man who for many years acted as a subject under the spell of superhuman entities who dictated their messages to him.

Urantia is the name of our planet earth. However, two thirds of this Book is devoted to a very detailed account of a whole cosmogony of the universe which is quite unique, for its plan and evolution are entirely new and do not stem from any known classics on this subject; so are the chapters concerning our planet’s evolution, with the exception of Paradise which has in parts some resemblance to very ancient authors of the Hermetical and Pythogorean schools

Many superhuman entities dictated the contents of this Book, singly or in committees. Their infallibility is taken for granted since nearly all of these authors confine themselves to affirmations. The only exceptions to this occur when they frankly admit they lack full knowledge, or are forbidden by their superiors to add more. Several times these authors complain or point out that they are limited, or hamstrung in making statements clear, due to the English language they have to make use of in order to get through to the subject who is taking their dictation, or because of the limitations of the human brain.

The balance of this tome, roughly the last third, is exclusively devoted to a life of Christ. This is the best and most understandable of this extremely difficult and ponderous work, and was dictated by a committee headed by the disciple Andrew [sic]. In many ways this is the best life of Christ that has so far been published, in my opinion. It is minutely chronological (though it does not agree with any of the Fathers of the Church, or modern experts on such basic matters as how he was conceived by his mother, the date of his birth, his family, his miracles and crucifixion, and the major events in his life) and very impressive indeed in the passages that explain and stress his mission on this earth. According to these authors, Christ was made in the likeness of the inhabitants of eleven other worlds which he visited in human form, before his twelfth [sic] and last mission on our planet.

Since you asked for my opinion on this Book, I can truthfully say, after a great deal of time spent in meditation (over one year), most careful and disinterested thought and study of many similar books, but above all considered in the light of my inner knowledge based upon the teaching of the Master Elm,³⁰ that I cannot subscribe to the authenticity of these superhuman entities, that seemingly were responsible for its inception. It is an impressive and powerful work that evidently brought together a group of influential people, no doubt men of good will, to finance its publication in its present form. It is in the same class as many other inspired books that have resulted in bringing forth a new religion, or sect, due to the faith of tormented humans who crave to learn the truth.

How much if any of the original script was edited, I cannot venture to say. It is one of the few books published in the United States that is absolutely free from typographical error, and that is exceptional indeed in these times of hurry and stress and great imperfection in the printing of books, even so-called fine editions.

Having read every word of its contents, I am convinced that the uniformity of its style denies the large number of its purported authors. This is aggravated considerably by the fact that (if taken for granted) there were so many differently constituted superhuman entities from vastly separated worlds and cosmoses who were employed to dictate their special messages that due to their tremendously different backgrounds from each world, would have used contrasting styles of expression. There simply is far too much uniformity of style, in vocabulary and in point of view throughout the thousands of pages of this book that deal with such a multiplicity of various subjects. To counter this criticism by saying that it was due to the fact that all these messages had to be channeled through the one subconscious mind of the medium would have been a lame excuse. I am firmly convinced there was but one author regardless how many entities might have inspired him, or how far he might have traveled on the several planes.

My greatest objection lies in the fact that whoever wrote the book evidently had no knowledge of the law of reincarnation. This is contrary to all Ancient Wisdom and its Beliefs. Denying reincarnation, the author is left with billions of individual souls (even though a certain number are eliminated periodically due to their unworthiness), and as he seems to be quite ignorant in reference to the difference in space-time in the superhuman, Seraphic Angels are numbered by millions of souls! But space is limitless as conceived or understood by humans, so there is always, and always will be, more and more space for this increasing multitude of ascending souls! This is not the truth concerning these matters.

The special terminology that is used throughout this book is not sufficiently clearly defined.

There are some interesting new theories that require a great deal of thinking out. The Thought Adjusters and the role they play in the conditioning of the first inhabitants of this earth especially is most arresting, until one realizes that it is a faulty and complicated way of saying that all men can receive the Spirit of God in their hearts when the time comes, and when they are ready for this momentous happening in their lives as mortals. The detailed delineation of other strange beings is attempted and fills many, many pages.

As for the chronological history of the various races of mankind, it does not agree with such [French] authorities as Le Normant, Fabre D’Olivet and Saint Yves D’Alveydre, to mention only these inspired authorities.

The story of Adam and Eve, and the geographical location of the Garden of Eden is also quite new and most original especially to Eve and the Serpent. It is ludicrous—gauche!

In conclusion, this Book, with its tremendous array of new facts, does not explain the First Cause which still remains unsolved and the intrinsic difference between the Absolute and the Relative Worlds; the Kingdom of God and its Creation; and the Kingdom of Man and its Creation.

All wise men, inspired men of God, have always, and always will learn and then understand that truth is extremely simple and can never be found through the intellect, but only through the heart, when they have at long last mastered their minds. Laotse was one of these ancient ones, and in our times so was Jesus.

It is far, far better to hold one’s tongue than to babble meaninglessly in the marketplace. The wise man is silent, motionless, timeless as he listens to God and learns the great secret of Love-Inspiration-Action-Joy. Only foolish men, due to their vanity and ignorance, talk much and shout in the marketplace, but the crowds that gather have no eyes to see nor ears that hear.

Christian Ronne
5601 Graves Ave.
Encino, Calif.

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UBH RUTH BURTON to MEREDITH SPRUNGER

Chicago, June 14, 1957

Dear Dr. Sprunger,

When you and your delightful family visited the Chicago Urantia group several Sundays ago, I did not get a chance at the close of your most interesting and intelligent remarks to tell you how much I enjoyed them, nor how encouraging was your enthusiasm for the revelation and your tact in dealing with it, and your good humor and patience with the restrictions placed upon us all. Especially does your statement that this revelation is primarily for the young, ring true in my ears.

In connection with the courses of study in Urantia School this spring, I wrote out the enclosed attempt at stating briefly the fundamental, basic concepts of the Urantia Book.³¹ No doubt it is presumptuous to try to encompass 2,000 pages (and such packed pages!) into only two. But in my own early contact with the papers, I would have ardently welcomed some such overall brief outline. I was confused by the many facets of the subject matter and felt overwhelmed by the tremendous quantity of it!

These feelings were not entirely allayed, upon the Book’s publication, even by that excellently detailed Table of Contents. If the size and complexity of the Urantia Book [seems] formidable to busy college students, or others seeking some unifying purpose in the baffling complexity about us, possibly this hilltop view of the reading terrain of the Urantia revelation will stimulate close-up exploration. To me, this landscape is the most thrilling site in the world. My description of it is of course inadequate—merely one person’s viewpoint. . . .

Best wishes to you and your fine family in all your efforts.

Sincerely,
Ruth F. Burton

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UBH MAX FREEDOM LONG to MEREDITH SPRUNGER

Vista, Calif., June 20, 1957

Dear Friend,

My tardy thanks for sending the Urantia Book.

I have been spending a half-hour daily on it and am surprised that I had not heard of it from at least one of my many Huna Research Associates or friends who have been interested in many things which have slipped my notice and who bring endless material to my attention.

May I ask the cost of the book? It seems a shame that I do not have it in my reference library.

And may I ask how the book was received? Someone must have written it down, and must have found ways and means to have it printed.

Is there an organization built around it as a religion, or what is the present standing of the material, if you do not mind telling me.

I would like to review the book in some future HRA Bulletin, as I am sure most of the members have never heard of it, and need to know a little of its history and background. I also need to be able to say whether it is to be purchased by anyone desiring a copy, and from whom at what price.

I must add that I am delighted not to have it turn out to be another copy of Thinking and Destiny,³² of which I have had three sent in the past three years, even after reviewing it for the HRA in a Bulletin.

Again, my warm thanks.

Max Freedom Long

 

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HMSA ADOLF THIES to HAROLD SHERMAN

Chicago, June 23, 1957

Dear Harold,

So, I read URANTIA, and I could give my opinion in just one single word—but I dare not; firstly, because I do not want to appear biased and secondly, I do not want to hurt your feelings. This latter thought has been with me throughout, and it grew to aggravation, causing me to glance back again and again, hunting, searching for something I must have missed, something a possibly closed mind of mine had failed to detect. The more I probed about, the more my first conviction was tempered, hardened.

Honestly, Harold, I am very sorry to say to you that I failed to find the “profundity,” and I cannot help it if this makes me a heel. It is your expressed caution regarding the Jesus story which lessens the severity of the ordeal of facing facts—facts as I see them.

On the whole, Urantia is of no help. All the “revelations” add to the already too great burden of compulsory belief which is now breaking the back of religion. Yet, believing (assuming) that all of the Urantia presentation is true, what, then, does it offer? There is a central autocratic authority hopelessly entangled in a conflict between the infinite and the finite, its nature being “explained” with a host of phrases of adoration. All of it is functioning in a mountain of bureaucracy, loaded with over-, under-, and between-lings, most outstanding in its inefficiency in doing anything, the very few objectors in this setup having been “interned”! All of all there ever was and will be, bearing a distinct flavor of English terminology and, sorry to note, ideology, bringing to mind the possibility that an Indian or Chinese patriarch might view the promise of his exalted future with considerable reservations.

Now, then, here is my considered opinion:

The anonymity of the work puts its very birth under an odorous cloud. I think the work is not only erroneous, it is fraudulent. Perhaps I should say here that there might be a few innocents involved, though I doubt this. The only clue to the origin is given in the URANTIA FOUNDATION. I feel certain that if the contributors were exposed, they would be shown to be the kind that have hitherto debauched social laws and their application, bent politics, national and international, to their murderous ends, and used what there was of science to foster mega-murder-for-profit.

This group, having used religion as well to further their evil doings, observed with alarm the waning effectiveness of church-control on the “masses.” When did this low ebb occur? In the thirties. Later in the text I found indeed that it was in the thirties when “these papers were first translated.” I say, they entered into English by a contracted-for and paid-for work, thought to stem the deterioration of unquestioning submission. It would have been, were honesty involved in any way, an obvious beginning, to explain the very act of this transpositioning of the papers. After all, they do not fall from the sky, nor do they grow on trees. Despite the diverse authorities and sponsors, etc., all the originals display uniform style, brazenness and cunning. Also, the fact that one origin was essential to keep the multitude of “wardheelers” (mine) reasonably straight, accounts for the late publication (completion) of the hoax—and I wish it were only that!

We may begin with a Freudian slip which appears somewhere: “Let’s you and I make a new religion”³³! . . . so that we may continue to reap the fruit of loot in luxury and leisure—a very pressing project in the thirties. How does one start a new religion? Naturally, by finding a new prophet. But a new prophet must be reasonably honest, else he is bound to slip sooner or later when the going gets to be rough. No one in the group would volunteer his chances here, for no one believed in anything here-after. So they let George do it. Christ, of course. Difficult, perhaps, but we have not been able to teach the mob to shout and die for freedom—the freedom to slave for us? Thus began the doctoring-up, the tedious work of the “knowledge perfectors.”

Strangely, not one of the whole gang had the slightest inkling of the dawn of the atomic age—even Raymond³⁴ pointed to that. We are then presented with a great hodgepodge of fact and fiction well-shaken and carbonized, but still running stale in a hurry. Please note how Urantia always comes up with precise figures when it is safe to do so. A cycle, in Urantia or any other years, can never be proved wrong if the phenomenon to which it applies cannot be proved, for the simple reason that it does not exist.

So we have our planet! Have it by dismissing the seven-day creation as an anecdote. But, we must not have man coming from monkeys! Then, with devilish skill, the Adam story was created. That we cannot explain the process is only natural—you simply are too stupid! Please note also the constant conflict between the dead matter and life. The former seems to enjoy a priority. It takes its sweet time while all the gods and godlings patiently wait around.

The episode of the Solitary Messengers is a jewel! Since one of us idiots might figure out that if he had to wait for an answer to his prayer, the millions years of travel, first for the message, and then for the relief, might be a bit disturbing, we have the messenger travel in multiples of the speed of light! (Just how that got in here, is not so clear.) And—just in case a heaven-goer or wishing-for-er should object to the prospect of being given that job (on the road all the time, sort of a truck driver), we have their number fixed—no reproduction, no wives, no children, but a built-in liking (craving) for their particular type of misery!

Just how are we going to get our hero into the act without offending, again, a lot of “people” (creatures, mobs, slaves, etc.)? Even this is being managed, but the process is again secret—super-super-duper secret!

Need I go much further? I find it difficult, and it really is not necessary to free the most magnificent concern of ours—namely creation—magnificent through understanding, not through absurd adornments, for ugly, filthy lies for a criminal purpose.

At this point I am upset enough to have planned to point, and point again, to many samples of monstrous creations of the wishful thinking of beasts splattering their filth over what little good there is left on earth (not Urantia)!

After a re-reading, I find this remaining space so refreshingly CLEAN!³⁵

Heartiest greetings,
Adolf

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UBH MEREDITH SPRUNGER to WILLIAM S. SADLER

Culver, In., June 28, 1957

Dear Dr. Sadler,

Have just returned from Cleveland where I was a delegate to the Uniting Synod of the United Church of Christ. This is no doubt the most significant church union in the history of Protestantism in the United States. It represents four denominations of different polity and national backgrounds and is the beginning, I believe, of significant developments in the American Church.

Slowly the seeds that have been planted during the last year are producing growth. Unusual developments are the most interesting. Last fall I gave a copy of the Urantia Book to a friend who is a denominational executive. I hesitated in giving the Book to Henry because his wife always appeared to be a straight-laced individual who would brook no nonsense. This week at Cleveland she said, “We have a book of yours; I’m wondering if you’re anxious to have it back?” Hesitantly I replied, “Which book is that?” When she referred to the Urantia Book and told me she was enjoying reading it, I was amazed. She referred to the rephrasing of the golden rule and other things which she considered excellent. “If people would read this Book,” she said, “their thinking would be favorably changed about a lot of things.” I would have never expected that from her! Henry has been too busy to read the Book but she assured me he would get around to it—and with that kind of a lady there to see about it, I know Henry will read it!

With a number of ministers and other educated people becoming critically interested in the Urantia Book, I realize that I must write up a brief history of the human side of the story—that which can be told. It seems this must be done for two reasons, first to insure accuracy and second to be a bit more comprehensive. I hope that I might get together with you sometime this summer to take notes on this material. . . .

I have also been increasingly compelled with the idea that this winter I should make a serious attempt to write a book possibly entitled A Critique on Christianity in which I attempt to present the insights of the Urantia Book which are reasonably clear from the standpoint of our evolutionary knowledge. This could be one of the forerunners preparing our society for an eventual introduction to the Urantia Book. This book would, however, be entirely evolutionary in its argument and point of view. If a large number of people would read such a book, the introduction of the Urantia Book might be much easier. I will appreciate any wisdom you have on the subject.

I hope you are having a pleasant summer. Best wishes to the family.

Sincerely yours,
Meredith

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UBH MEREDITH SPRUNGER to ARNOLD ZACHOW

Culver, In., June 28, 1957

Dear Mr. Zachow,

For some time I have been wanting to write you to express my appreciation for your paper, “Gravitational Energy and its Interrelationship to the Science of Cosmology.” Dr. William S. Sadler of the Urantia Society of Chicago showed your paper to me. My background is in the fields of philosophy, theology, and psychology. From these points of view the Urantia Book is superb. The cosmology of the Urantia Book I assumed was beyond empirical validation and so was quite amazed to learn of your paper.

This winter I plan to write a book using the insights of the Urantia Book that are reasonably clear from an evolutionary or empirical point or view. One chapter will deal with the fact that our present religious thinking is based on an antiquated cosmology. To get background for this chapter I have such books as The New Astronomy published by the Scientific American. I am wondering if I could have a copy of your paper for this purpose also. . . .

Sincerely yours,
Meredith J. Sprunger

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UBH HAROLD KARRER to MEREDITH SPRUNGER

Chicago, late June, 1957

Dear Meredith,

We had our annual Urantia picnic yesterday afternoon at the home of David Adler in Winnetka. A good time was had by all. Dr. Sadler and others spoke reviewing the first two years of the new “dispensation”; your work was commented on at length and that of many others. You see, many members of the Brotherhood, who don’t attend the regular meeting of the Urantia Society, always attend the annual picnic, and it affords them an opportunity to catch up on all that has happened. The Doctor said things were developing in such an interesting fashion that he hoped he could be around for a while longer. He impressed us again and again that this revelation is unprecedented and therefore completely unpredictable. I sometimes can’t help believing that he is being kept alive, because he still has a function to perform. More and more, I believe the planetary authorities could not have chosen a better agency for the bestowal of this revelation.

I need not say I am disappointed that there have been so few responses to my work, but I was perfectly prepared by you and others. Really, I guess, we can’t expect success except where there is hunger and in cases like yourself where independent thinking has brought you convictions much in line with the doctrine of the revelation. But discouragement is not to be reckoned with, with convictions as strong as mine. . . .

Best regards to you and your family.

Harold

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HMSA HAROLD SHERMAN to ADOLF THIES

Ark Haven, June 30, 1957

Dear Adolf,

Your brilliant analysis of URANTIA has been received and I first want to thank you for the investment in time and money you made to get this book and go through it so thoroughly. I did not want to prejudice you by telling much about it in advance, but Martha and I spent much time in Chicago reading this book in manuscript form at the home of Dr. William S. Sadler (noted physician and psychoanalyst) who was supposed to be the custodian of this material which came through a “Sleeping Subject” (identity carefully guarded). . . .

Some day, when we are together, if interested, I will give you the whole fantastic story of how we became interested, and involved. In the beginning, I have reason to believe that some of this material came from so-called higher sources, but was soon swallowed up in the colossal designing greed and lust for power of those controlling these papers.

This is what is so sickening. Perhaps you have read the book, There is a River, telling the story of Edgar Cayce, whom I knew personally. And once again, what is told is not true! Again I could tell you a tremendous story. I know whereof I speak! It has been part of my mission, apparently, to investigate many of these developments, to determine whether or not they were genuine, because my quest has been for the truth, at whatever cost.

It is criminal, how the mass of humanity is being duped, but it is the same unhappy story over and over again. I am not writing to be quoted—this is confidential—it is not my job to go abroad in the land exposing fakers. It is my job to know, whenever possible, who is genuine and who is fake, for my own protection.

When you reveal the truth, as you come to know it and prove it in your own life, it can combat lies and errors. It is difficult, if not impossible, to tell the fanatical followers of a Cayce or a Urantia Foundation that their faith is not founded upon truth. They prefer to believe in lies because the lies have become so appealing and so reassuring to them. However, individuals who are sincerely seeking can be reached.

You can pass on a spiritual truth such as a technique for right thinking, as described in different books of mine, and people can prove it out in their own lives by practicing the techniques and getting results. . . . You possess a mind of great penetration and discernment. Your masterly breakdown of the Urantia Book is just another evidence of it. . . .

Best to you!
Harold

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HMSA ELSIE BAUMGARTNER³⁶ to MARTHA SHERMAN

Chicago, June 30, 1957

Dear Martha,

This has been a lovely weekend—sunny and bright and yet not hot nor humid. Perfect June weather. The supper dishes have been done and we are sitting in the yard listening to the birds twittering and watching the sun as it goes down in the west. So quiet and peaceful and nice to be thinking of you.

Just a few days after I received your note of the 4th, Rachel told me she had written you about the turn of events which changed her plans about a trip to Denver and a possible visit with you. All spring she had been trying to inveigle me into saying I would make the trip with her but I told her it would not work with the plans we had made early in the year. I guess it was wishful thinking more than anything else. . . .

Lulu Steinbeck and Caroline Brown are again in Guadalajara, Mexico, for the summer. Grace Palmer is back in Chicago and she tells me she expects to give up her apartment this fall. There had been talk about the folks at 533 selling the building but lately I have heard that the deal is off and they are selling the lake property. The Forum picnic was held yesterday at the home of the Adlers in Highland Park but I had too many other things to do so I did not go.

Did you know that Dr. Hornell Hart³⁷ has a Urantia Book? I sent him one through the Brotherhood last fall and as far as I know he never has acknowledged it. I know that prominent people in the field of education do get bombarded with books and literature of all sorts, so it probably is just another book to him. I have read quite a bit of his writings and like them all. I have a book containing a collection of lectures given for the Garvin Foundation called The Garvin Lectures. Garvin, a retail merchant, created a trust fund for the delivery of lectures on the subjects “The Idea of God as Affected by Modern Knowledge” and “The Immortality of Man.” Hornell Hart gave the 1943 lecture originally under the title, “The Immortality of Man” but called in this book, “Psychic Research and the Life Beyond Death.” After reading his lecture I felt he should be interested in the Urantia Book so sent him one. Sure wish we could get some reaction on it from him.

Alice Leverenz stopped me a few Sundays ago to tell me that she and Fred have attended service meetings of a newly organized group meeting in Evanston and had heard Hornell Hart speak there. Don’t remember the name of the group but do remember the word “Fellowship” as a part of it. ³⁸ After learning from the Brotherhood that I had sent him a book, she has written him about this new group and mentioned that he had been sent a U book. This may get a reply from him. I would also like to know something about this group. . . .

The California U group have had a charter granted them but have as yet not organized. They are so widely separated that it is difficult for them to meet regularly. The Oklahoma group is growing and is expected to be requesting a charter to organize a Urantia Society.

. . . I wish you and Harold and all your family are well and of course I know you two are busy as usual. Always so nice to hear from you. [Elsie's sisters] Phyllis and May join me in sending best wishes and as always my love,

Elsie

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UBH MAX FREEDOM LONG to MEREDITH SPRUNGER

Vista, Calif., July 2, 1957

Dear Dr. Sprunger,

Thanks so much for the sheets telling more of the origin of the Urantia Book material and for offering to let me have the loan copy for $10—for which I enclose my check with thanks.
I shall hold up the proposed review until later, as you suggest.³⁹ I am sure your history will be of great value in many ways to the student.

I am always interested in the material that comes through sensitives and cannot help but wonder why, when Huna was so old and was the most highly developed psycho-religious system of all, and when we find it so clearly behind the secret teachings of Jesus as well as hidden in the early writing of Yoga, it should have entirely escaped the notice of the entities who gave Oahspe to Dr. Newbrough, the Book of Mormon to Joseph Smith and now the Urantia Book (not to mention the many other writings from similar sources, some of which are supposed to be written by Jesus himself).

I am wondering if the same sensitive is still getting material of this sort through and if it might be possible to ask through her/him or the circle, for information as to the overlooking of Huna. Of course, I realize that the Huna system of three selves, three potentials of vital force and three tenuous bodies does not at all match the system given in Urantia to fill this hole in human knowledge. I have tried several times to pass on the knowledge of Huna, as I now see it, to spirits communicating from the other side of things, but with no luck. They all seem to be entirely set in their ideas and unable to tolerate anything contradictory. My guess is that the average communicator is lacking mana enough to do fresh thinking and/or must do with what he did on earth or accept memories from other spirits without thinking them through.

Again my warm thanks, and now my aloha,
Max Freedom Long