Publication date: 2024
This anthology aims to provide, in one introductory volume, the highest quality research essays about The Urantia Book. The pieces in this anthology were chosen because they showcase genuine scholarship or in-depth research. These essays were also selected because they are suited for readers who are new to the UB and in most cases provide such inquirers with a helpful bridge to contemporary knowledge outside the Urantia text. It is our further intention that this anthology may inspire scholarly publications that serve as valid contributions to religious studies, philosophy, theology, history, general humanities, or for classroom use in these fields of study.
Like the Urantia Book teachings themselves, this anthology is holistic and interdisciplinary. However, it does not provide essays covering the social and natural sciences, which will be covered in a future volume.
Reason and Revelation is divided into four parts:
Because no prior knowledge of the UB is required, Part I provides a beginner’s orientation, as does the Introduction that follows this Preface. This preliminary material provides a general overview and should be considered required reading for those new to the Urantia text. For more advanced definitions and explanations of key concepts, readers can go to specific essays in Parts II, III, or IV or turn to the glossary. Please note also that each part begins with a Prologue that features epigrammatic UB quotes pertinent to that section.
Most but not all of the later essays in this anthology are chosen because they are comparative, that is, they assess the UB’s teachings in relation to the contemporary academic understanding of the chosen topic. Chapters 9, 10, and 11 were chosen especially because they showcase advanced studies of important topics written by professional academics, two of whom are anonymous; it is our hope that these essays will inspire readers to look up and study their many citations. And finally, to further aid readers, Reason and Revelation provides appendices and an extensive glossary.
Editor’s Preface
Introduction: A Beginner’s Overview of the Parts of The Urantia Book