2009 UAI International Conference

BRIDGING THE GAP: FROM DISHARMONY TOWARD UNIVERSAL UNITY
Benalmadena Costa (Malaga, Southern Spain), from the 17th to the 21st Abril 2009

In the course of history, the Iberian Peninsula has acted as a convergence point for many diverse peoples and cultures. Circumstances occasioned it to be a meeting place of:

• Africa and Europe: Favored by its unique geographical location, the Iberian Peninsula was invaded by Arabian people during 8th century, and later by peoples of Northern Africa.
• Islam and Christianity: From the 8th century to the end of 15th century, the Iberian Peninsula experienced the (more or less peaceful) coexistence of the three main monotheistic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islamism.
• America and Europe: Columbus’ discovery provoked a long period of colonization from the Iberian Peninsula, which gave rise to the Latin American culture.

Such circumstances, which largely determined Spaniard culture and character, have been the inspiration to the concept of "bridging the gap" as a potential conference theme. But how is this theme related to the teachings of The Urantia Book?

As readers of The Urantia Book, we must take care of disseminating its teachings. The best way to carry out this dissemination is by bridging the gap between our fellow siblings, affording every opportunity to those who want to profit from it. Moreover, dissemination also consists of bridging the gap between other cultures and religions, for thus the idea of a shared sonship is fostered, i.e., that we all are the sons of God, and therefore brothers and sisters.

Everything that fosters mutual understanding and comprehension leads to knowing one another better and therefore to loving one another more. It is normal to fear what we do not know. Therefore, we should strive to know one another better. To that end, this Conference should focus on how the teachings are disseminated in diverse world cultures, on how to set up relationships with the various world religions, and on how to coexist with individuals of different cultures and religions in light of the teachings of The Urantia Book.

Moving toward universal brotherhood is part of practicing the religion of Jesus.
We could, for example, try to analyze throughout the Papers of Part IV the main characteristics of the life and religion of Jesus (we have a Father, then we are brothers/sisters), and its capacity of transforming the society and leading us toward universal brotherhood. We should also explore how Jesus lived his life and passed on his message.

Another possible application of the theme could be a discussion on overall globalization (not only an economic one), on the Global Village from the point of view of The Urantia Book, i.e., bridging the gap toward a better future, toward a higher civilization. To set up a meeting place for all races and cultures. We must set up a meeting place for all religions. In addition, this meeting place of all religions and ideologies must be based in a welcoming atmosphere that excludes no one.

Since we have an extensive variety of individuals on this planet, "unity" must be pursued from our own diversity, not from uniformity. In addition, we should pay some tribute or recognition to the beings that we don't see, but who we know are continuously bridging the gaps between us and offering us their hands, searching to iron out differences and gently leaning us toward the direction that is good for us. In some way, we have to bridge the gap between us and them in order to facilitate their task. All in all, it’s for our benefit.

SUBTHEMES OF THE CONFERENCE

Following the development of ideas about the theme for the Conference, the Conference Committee has proposed these subthemes or sections, to facilitate that volunteer speakers give their insights about each one of these aspects:

I. Bridging the gap between our fellow siblings:: dissemination of the teachings.
II. Bridging the gap between different cultures and religions: the concept of sonship as a meeting point.
III. Jesus and his way of bridging the gaps.
IV. Bridging the gap toward a better future and a higher civilization: the Global Village from the point of view of The Urantia Book.
V. Bridging the gap between us and celestial beings..
VI. Bridging the gap between us and the Universal Father: self-realization or personal growth.

If you are interested in giving a speech at the Conference related to some of these subthemes, please send your proposal to uai2009en@gmail.com.