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About Universal Foundation for Better Living ~ Our History
The Universal Foundation for Better Living (U.F.B.L.) is an international association of Bible-based New Thought Christian churches, centers, and study groups dedicated to spreading the abundant life teachings of Jesus the Christ.
The UFBL was founded on the principles of healing by the Reverend Dr. Johnnie Colemon who in 1952 was diagnosed with a terminal disease and given only six months to live. The words, “God is my health, I can’t be sick,” from a poem by Hannah Moore Kohaus, sent shockwaves through her mental/emotional system and led her to Unity School of Practical Christianity where she began studying universal spiritual principles and laws, the application of which, ultimately led to her healing.
Dr. Colemon was ordained as a Unity Minister in 1956 and set up her first ministry, Christ Unity Temple in Chicago Illinois. She later withdrew from the Association of Unity Churches to become an independent church. Dr. Colemon renamed her church Christ Universal Temple and also founded the UFBL in 1974.
The aim of this dynamic not-for-profit Foundation is to make the empowering principles of practical Christianity accessible to all people. The UFBL therefore envisions itself as an empowering agent that prepares and supports leaders and their congregations to do ministry effectively in the world. As an empowering agent, its three-fold mission is to:
Organize, Coordinate and Encourage the establishment growth and development of its member foundations, centers and study groups.
What Is New Thought?
This question was answered in Abel Allen's 1914 book Message of New Thought burst onto the scene with a powerful message that Holmes' found both inpirational and instructional.
"NEW THOUGHT is not, as many believe, a name or expression employed to define any fixed system of thought, philosophy, or religion, but is a term used to convey the idea of growing or developing thought. In considering this subject, the word "New" should be duly and freely emphasized, because the expression "New Thought" relates only to what is new and progressive." "New Thought" is the result or creation of perpetually advancing mind. The growing mind is not content with the past or its achievements. It is not satisfied with systems of philosophy or religion originating in other ages and handed down through succeeding generations... Those who grasp the true meaning and spirit of New Thought, or, as it is sometimes called, progressive or unfolding thought, do not conceive that a finished or completed system of thought, either philosophical or religious, is a possibility. All systems of thought change with the flight of time."
Important Core Concepts in the New Thought Movement include Human Rights, Scientific Thinking and Co-creation. Co-creation is about the power of partnership. Together, with love, respect and cooperation, we can create a more compassionate world. Our predecessors have given us a wealth of insights and individual systems of New Thought, while some may feel content to memorize and recite the words of others, even ape their points of view, the New Millennial New Thought, or New Thought 3.0 moves beyond the confines of ether saturated teachings to a new comprehension which recognizes that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are essential to our progress such that humanity will thrive today and for all time.
Women have always been essential in the development of New Thought
From the earliest days of New Thought, women lent their energy to the transformation and expansion of the New Thought into the wonderful rainbow of expressions we see today.
New Thought views Jesus the Christ a a guide and way shower who brought the realization that man is not separate from God, but that God’s unconditional Love lives within each heart and when we live by the Word of God as taught by the Christ we are saved from our own self-imposed sin and limitations. Mahatma Ghandi said: “Religions are different roads converging on the same point. What does it matter that we take different roads, so long as we reach the same goal?
Depending on which historical point of view you take, New Thought began in 1638 with Anne Hutchinson who taught essential principles: "All people regardless of what they look like are Divine Reflections of God," "All people will one day awaken to their Christ Consciousness," "To be a woman is a blessing, not a curse," with the Deists who emphasized Human Rights and Freedom of Thought, with the Transcendalists, or with Phineas Quimby in the mid-19th century.
If it is loving, if it grows, expands or deepens love, it's the right thing to do!
Insights from participants:
Janet H.
participating for 5 years
At Oasis Rising Center I found a delightful group of people. We share a love based spirituality which is truly empowering. For many years, I thought I was alone in understanding that there are universal spiritual principles which are shared within all compassionate spiritual paths. Oasis Rising Center has show me that I am not alone.
Eleanor M.
Animal Chaplain with 3 years of participation
I grew up on a farm, and feel a strong connection to the land. Today I live in an urban community. At Oasis Rising Center I have found a community of like minded souls who love life and share a common understanding that the answer to creating a better world is found in wisdom which is knowledge + compassion. We talk about real issues that affect our lives. We ask questions about life and find answers rooted in Ancient Wisdom, yet enfolding today's insights.
Bill J.
participant for over 2 years.
Joining Oasis Rising Center led me to Eleanor. She is an amazing soul who shares my belief that life is precious. I found a community filled with people who are kind, caring and ask questions! Individually we have our points of view, together we have collective wisdom and can take action to create a more compassionate world.
Anne W.
participating for 3 years.
I grew up in a regular church. Every Sunday we were 'treated' to a sermon about how the world was coming to an end and regular people who weren't at that church were going to hell without a handbasket. My friends at school were all supposedly doomed. As soon as I got old enough to say 'no' I left. I never thought I would go to church again. Then I found Oasis Rising Center and discovered that real spirituality isn't about fear or denying oneself, real spirituality is about love. Loving each other and the Divine within.