Jesusonians are individuals who align themselves with the teachings and principles outlined in the Urantia Book, a philosophical and spiritual text that is viewed as a revelatory work providing insights into the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The term “Jesusonian” specifically refers to Jesus’ disciples who seek to follow the spiritual path illuminated by the Urantia Book.
The following are some core characteristics and beliefs associated with Jesusonians.
• Jesusonians adhere to the teachings found in the Urantia Book, considering it a comprehensive guide to understanding the life and teachings of Jesus, as well as other spiritual and cosmic concepts.
• Central to the beliefs of Jesusonians is the emphasis on the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of humankind. They strive to live in accordance with these principles, developing a community of unity and shared spiritual purpose among all people.
• The Urantia Book encourages its readers to seek and cultivate personal spiritual experiences. Jesusonians often focus on the inner, personal relationship with the Father and the development of a spiritual life that is in accordance with the teachings of Jesus.
• Jesusonians are guided by the teachings of love, compassion, and service to others. They seek to embody these principles in their daily lives, contributing to the well-being and spiritual growth of both themselves and all those around them.
• The Urantia Book provides a cosmological framework that extends beyond traditional, mainstream Christian doctrines. Jesusonians may incorporate these cosmic perspectives into their understanding of the universe, the divine plan, and the role of others within the larger cosmic context.
• While Jesusonians may form communities or fellowships to study and discuss the Urantia Book, their approach to community and worship may vary. Some may engage in communal gatherings, study groups, or other forms of spiritual fellowship.
Again, the Urantia Book is considered by Jesusonians to be a revelatory work, and those who identify as Jesusonians typically see themselves as followers of the spiritual path illuminated by the teachings within the Book.
Additional Concepts
The Urantia Book and the beliefs associated with being a Jesusonian are not as widely known or recognized within mainstream Christian denominations. The following will help to clarify some of the differences between Jesusonians and other Christians.
Scriptural Authority
Jesusonians derive their spiritual guidance from the Urantia Book.
Concept of God
Jesusonians embrace the concept of the Fatherhood of God, putting a very strong focus on a loving and personal relationship with our heavenly Father.
Understanding of Jesus Christ
Jesusonians acknowledge Jesus as a divine Son of God, as outlined in the pages of the Urantia Book.
End-Times and Eschatology
The Urantia Book provides its own cosmology and eschatological perspectives, which often differs from the eschatology of mainstream Christianity.
Evangelism and Outreach
While there may be a desire to share the teachings of the Urantia Book, Jesusonians typically do not engage in structured evangelism in the same way as certain other Christian groups. For example, they do not send out missionaries or evangelizers to knock on people’s doors in order to convert the householders to the “Jesusonian” religion. Besides, most Urantia students understand that forcing one’s beliefs upon others was never taught by Jesus, and it is not a belief that Jesusonians want to adopt today.
Community Practices
Community practices among Jesusonians may vary, but the emphasis is often on spiritual fellowship, study of the Urantia Book, and living in accordance with the principles presented in the Book.