While archaeological evidence has verified Biblical records, it continues to evoke questions about the life of Jesus the man, making for interesting and thought-provoking documentaries.  One such documentary is “The Mystery of Jesus,” first aired by CNN in 2006.  I had the pleasure of viewing it again during Christmas.  In this well-made documentary many questions are explored: Did Jesus have siblings? Was Mary really a virgin?  How did Jesus live, and why did he have to die?  Who was Jesus the man?  How accurate is the portrayal of his birth - a humble babe in a manger, heralded by a star in the east and attended by three wise men?  What happened during the “missing years?” Who was Mary Magdalene and what was her real association with Jesus?  What exactly happened at Jesus’ tomb after his death?

Aided by archaeology, historical records, and astronomy, the emerging facts are provocative but inconclusive, leaving us with lots of unresolved mystery. But our world is now in possession of an epic text that gives greater clarity and significance to all the Jesus information that is available and/or being discovered and researched.  In chapter eleven of my book, Heaven Is Not the Last Stop, I explored my beliefs about Jesus with historical, archaeological, and astronomic records and discoveries, and then reconciled this understanding with the sweeping account of Jesus’ life presented in The Urantia Book. Before writing my book, I was skeptical of this revelatory text but willing to consider its information as part of my research.  As I reconciled and synthesized theology and science with revelation there was greater clarity and depth in my understanding.  A passion emerged for becoming the very best I could be for the sake of others; I am sure this was experienced by Jesus’ followers before and after his death. This urgency for spiritual growth and loving service is energized after discovering a more replete knowledge of Jesus. 

I have one heartfelt desire for all my readers in the New Year: that in their reading and reflection of Heaven Is Not the Last Stop they discover new and higher spiritual meanings in their beliefs about Jesus, God and the universe. In the coming years this expanded worldview will help humanity advance toward greater spiritual unity and social progress.