The Urantia Book: Unveiling A Mystery and the Health Myths of Dr. Kellogg’s Era and His Road to Wellville

In 1973, I was a senior in high school. One day, my brother, who was seven years older than me, told me he was heading downtown to Tacoma to order The Urantia Book. I had no plans, so I decided to go with him. On the way, he told me about the book, and by the time we reached the bookstore, I was intrigued enough to want a copy. It was $25, quite a bit of money back then, but we decided to order two.

It felt like forever, but about a month later, we went back to pick up our copies. We both still have them today. Over the years, I heard very little about the book and only met a few people who knew of it. One day, while attending Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, I was driving around when I passed a "Urantia Reading Room" building. It had a nice sign out front, small but inviting.

Later, at a party, I mentioned the book to a local girl attending the same university. She knew all about it and said there were similar reading rooms scattered around the country. She wasn’t familiar with the Urantia Foundation, but she was still fascinated by it. By then, I had owned the book for about a decade.

Fast forward another fifteen years, and I was telling my son, who was in his teens at the time, about The Urantia Book. Now, in his mid-thirties, he has his own copy. This past year, he decided to read the Bible, then the Quran, and now he’s halfway through The Urantia Book. We talk about it often, sometimes daily, even though we’re in different cities. I never finished the book myself. I got through the Bible decades ago, along with the teachings of Buddha, other Eastern philosophies, and Western philosophy, but I never made it through The Urantia Book.

But I did discover something interesting about it. Like many religious texts, whether or not you call The Urantia Book a religious book, I realized that these texts often don’t describe reality but rather mythology and legend—stories retold from much older cultures with modified details like names and locations. When I tried to read The Urantia Book, I found that you have to start from the beginning.

Over the years, I’d done what many people do with books, even with the Bible: open it, read a passage, read something else, and then close it, only to repeat the process later. One day, decades ago, I decided to read The Urantia Book from the beginning. It was a mistake I had made before with TV shows.

I’d often hear people rave about a TV series, and before streaming was a thing, I had to catch whatever episode was on in its original run. Sometimes it didn’t click for me, and I’d say I wasn’t interested, which fans couldn’t understand. But when I had access to the entire series, whether on tape, DVD, or streaming, I found I loved it. All because I had started from the beginning.

So, I started The Urantia Book from the beginning. I can’t say that I ended up loving it, but I did find it interesting and unusual in many ways. At some point, I reached a section where the book explains that it will use some familiar words, but in a very different way, redefining them for the reader. That’s when I realized why it’s a mistake to jump in the middle. Without starting from the beginning, you can’t possibly grasp what’s being said.

You have to redefine certain well-known words as you go along, which helps you understand the content. But then it gets even more interesting, as the concepts presented are challenging and unfamiliar for most theists. I’m not a theist myself, though I was raised Slovak Catholic in Tacoma, Washington, during the 1950s and ’60s. After high school, I spent the next few decades exploring different religions to better understand my past and the beliefs of others. I ended up identifying as an atheist or agnostic and a Buddhist of sorts.

So, for me, The Urantia Book wasn’t as unusual as it might be for others. However, what I found fascinating about the book was that, despite its unusual format and the concepts it presents, it really stretched my mind. It required me to think deeply about some very large, challenging ideas.

I had also come from a culture heavily influenced by Timothy Leary, Donovan, Jefferson Airplane, magic mushrooms, LSD, and the hippie movement—ideas about breaking with tradition, expanding one’s perspective, and so on. All these movements claimed to “expand the mind,” and I found that The Urantia Book did exactly that, in a way that no other book, especially religious ones, had done.

What I took away from reading the book wasn’t necessarily about the belief system it presents. Whether you believe in the book’s message or not, the process of reading it had a profound effect on me. I can't explain it any better than that.

I had a similar experience years ago with a fantasy book, James Branch Cabell's Jurgen. I had raved about it to a friend, but they didn’t quite understand what I found fascinating. Ah well...

Anyway, I’m still enjoying my conversations with my son as he continues reading The Urantia Book. He finds interesting things, which leads to fascinating discussions between us. It’s also just nice to talk to him. So, what exactly is this book?

The Urantia Book is a complex and controversial text that covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of God, the universe, the life of Jesus, and human history. One of the most interesting and often debated aspects of the book is its depiction of a vast, hierarchical structure of celestial beings and worlds. The book presents a detailed cosmology, including the idea of multiple levels of existence and an enormous, interconnected universe governed by various divine entities.

One particularly captivating idea is the book’s description of Micahel of Nebadon, who is presented as the incarnation of Jesus on Earth, but also part of a larger spiritual hierarchy that spans across universes. It portrays Jesus not just as a human figure, but as a divine being who is involved in the broader cosmic mission of spiritual evolution. This interpretation is different from traditional Christian theology, which focuses on Jesus’ divinity and humanity in a more singular, historical sense.

Another intriguing concept is the idea of ascending mortals, individuals who, after death, progress through various spiritual realms in the universe, eventually reaching a direct union with God. This offers a unique perspective on the afterlife and human spiritual potential.

The book's attempt to reconcile science, religion, and philosophy in a unified worldview is also a compelling feature, though it has been criticized for its lack of verifiable sources and its dense, often cryptic writing style. For many, it presents a fascinating alternative cosmology that blends elements of mysticism, science fiction, and spirituality.

But is there one passage of particular interest?

One particularly fascinating passage from The Urantia Book is found in Paper 27, titled "The Two Orders of Life". It discusses the nature of God the Father and the cosmic journey of beings toward divinity. Here’s an excerpt that stands out:

“The goal of human life is not to become a servant of the will of God but to become the perfected and final self of the will of God, to be one with the Father... The destiny of all will be completed, the goal attained, the eternal future will be realized, and every will shall find satisfaction in doing the will of the Father."

This passage reflects the idea of humans not merely serving a divine plan, but becoming one with the divine in the most profound way, transcending the limitations of individuality to merge with God's will. It’s striking because it blends the notion of human evolution—spiritually and cosmically—with a deep philosophical contemplation of divinity, unity, and the purpose of existence.

What makes this especially interesting is that it paints a picture of a goal-oriented spiritual journey that extends far beyond traditional Christian ideas of salvation, emphasizing an ongoing, dynamic process of spiritual evolution that culminates in a total alignment with divine will.

This passage is not only profound in terms of theology, but it also taps into universal themes about the nature of existence, identity, and ultimate purpose, making it one of the more captivating aspects of the book.

So who really wrote this book, and how did they come up with this stuff? My son is has found some issues, mostly of astrological nature, that we know nowadays are incorrect, but well done for the time in which it was written.

The authorship of The Urantia Book is a subject of much debate and mystery. The book was published in 1955 by the Urantia Foundation, and its origins are often attributed to a group of celestial beings or "superhuman" authors who allegedly transmitted the content to a human intermediary. This intermediary, sometimes referred to as the "contact commission," is said to have received the information through a process of "revelation" or "celestial dictation," though there is no clear, verifiable evidence about how the book was actually produced.

The identity of the human authors is not definitively known, but some suggest that a man named William S. Sadler, a Chicago physician and psychiatrist, played a key role in the book's creation. Sadler was involved with a group of people who were interested in mysticism and spiritual matters, and it’s believed that he might have facilitated or been part of the group that helped produce the text.

As for the content, The Urantia Book reflects the thinking and understanding of the time it was written, and some of its ideas—particularly regarding astrology, science, and cosmology—are outdated or contradicted by modern knowledge. For example, its views on the solar system and other astronomical concepts were considered progressive at the time of publication, but many are now inaccurate given the advancements in space exploration and scientific discovery since the 1950s.

While the book offers a fascinating spiritual and cosmological narrative, its reliance on concepts like astrology and the structure of the universe is often seen as a product of the era, with many ideas that were later debunked by scientific research. It’s commendable that your son is critically evaluating these aspects—it's a good reminder that while the book offers thought-provoking perspectives, it’s also important to keep in mind its historical context and the scientific advancements since its publication.

I read a book by an author years ago who dug into its creation and found some interesting things about the association with the 7th Day Adventists.

The connection between The Urantia Book and the Seventh-day Adventist Church has been a topic of speculation and research for many years. Some scholars and critics have pointed out certain similarities between the teachings found in The Urantia Book and aspects of Seventh-day Adventism, particularly its focus on health and wellness, as well as certain apocalyptic ideas.

The most notable connection is through William S. Sadler, who was associated with both the Urantia Book's creation and had connections with the Adventist movement. Sadler was known to have been a member of the Chicago Adventist community, and some of the ideas in The Urantia Book bear similarities to certain theological concepts held by Adventists, especially the emphasis on spiritual health and the focus on progressive revelation.

Additionally, there was a significant influence from the early 20th-century religious and philosophical movements in America, which included elements of Adventism and other millenarian groups. This broader context of spiritual revivalism and esoteric thought during that time influenced the formation of new religious ideas, including those found in The Urantia Book.

One of the books that delves into these connections is The Urantia Book: The Great Cult Mystery by Dr. Karl H. H. Menges. He, along with other researchers, has explored the origins of The Urantia Book, including the possibility that Sadler and his associates drew on existing religious traditions, including Adventism, to shape the book's content.

While there’s no concrete evidence proving direct links between the Adventists and The Urantia Book, the broader context of religious thought and Sadler’s own background suggests that Adventism may have played a role in the shaping of the book's ideas. The mix of esoteric spiritualism, health doctrines, and apocalyptic visions are recurring themes in many early 20th-century religious movements, and The Urantia Book reflects this broader landscape.

My interest in the connection to Adventism might be more focused on how The Urantia Book ties into those earlier religious movements, and how its teachings might have emerged from, or aligned with, the thinking of groups like the Adventists. The influence of the time period and its various religious strains can't be understated in understanding the book's origins.

How did this all have anything to do with Dr. Kellogg and that enterprise?

The connection between The Urantia Book and Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, the famous physician and health reformer associated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, is one of the more intriguing and debated aspects of its creation. Dr. Kellogg is best known for his work in promoting vegetarianism, hygiene, and alternative medicine, as well as for founding the Kellogg Company, which started as a health food enterprise. He was also a prominent member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which emphasized a holistic approach to health, combining both spiritual and physical wellness.

While the direct connection between Kellogg and The Urantia Book itself remains unproven, several aspects of Kellogg's beliefs and practices align with the themes found in the book. Dr. Kellogg was heavily involved in promoting a vision of physical health that included ideas such as the importance of dietary practices (such as vegetarianism) and the avoidance of certain substances (like alcohol and caffeine). These ideas about health and wellness resonate with some of the teachings in The Urantia Book, which includes sections on spiritual health, dietary recommendations, and the importance of physical well-being as a means to spiritual growth.

Additionally, Kellogg’s work with the Battle Creek Sanitarium, a health retreat and medical center that was closely associated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, played a significant role in the development of a broader health and wellness movement that mixed spirituality with medical and dietary practices. The Sanitarium, where Dr. Kellogg practiced, was known for its focus on holistic health, which combined dietary reform, exercise, and spiritual well-being. This focus on integrating mind, body, and spirit echoes themes in The Urantia Book, particularly in how the book emphasizes the importance of mental and physical health for spiritual evolution.

Dr. Kellogg was also part of a larger circle of Adventist leaders who were engaged in reformist movements during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some researchers suggest that members of this circle, including Sadler, who was associated with the development of The Urantia Book, may have been influenced by Kellogg’s views on health and wellness. While there is no direct evidence to confirm that Dr. Kellogg had any role in the creation of The Urantia Book, it's possible that Sadler and others in the Urantia circle were familiar with his work, and some ideas may have been shared or adapted from the broader religious and health movements of the time, including those promoted by Kellogg.

In sum, while Dr. Kellogg himself may not have been directly involved in the creation of The Urantia Book, the health and spiritual principles he promoted, which were tied to his Seventh-day Adventist background, likely influenced the broader religious and wellness environment in which The Urantia Book emerged. It's an example of how multiple religious and health reform movements of the time could have shaped the ideas found in The Urantia Book, even if the connections are more circumstantial than direct.

There is a movie with Matthew Broderick, The Road to Wellville that was about Dr. Kellogg. Most people only know about Kellogg's Corn Flakes now. But there's more to it.

The movie The Road to Wellville (1994), starring Matthew Broderick, Anthony Hopkins, and Bridget Fonda, is based on the novel by T.C. Boyle. It centers around the life and eccentricities of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, focusing on his work at the Battle Creek Sanitarium and his health reforms, including the creation of Corn Flakes as part of a diet to promote digestive health. The film delves into Kellogg's controversial ideas on health, wellness, and sexuality, portraying him as a quirky, idealistic, and somewhat obsessive character.

While The Road to Wellville brings attention to Kellogg’s more radical health beliefs and practices, most people today associate Dr. Kellogg with Kellogg's Corn Flakes—a product he invented in 1894 as part of his efforts to promote a bland, vegetarian diet to curb unhealthy desires, including those tied to sexuality. This dietary idea was in line with his belief that simple foods would lead to better digestion and, in turn, better spiritual and moral health.

Dr. Kellogg's ideas went well beyond just Corn Flakes, though. At the Battle Creek Sanitarium, he promoted a very strict health regimen, including vegetarianism, exercise, hydrotherapy, and even the idea of controlled bowel movements to improve overall well-being. Some of his more unusual practices, like his use of yogurt enemas and his promotion of sexual abstinence for health reasons, earned him both followers and critics.

The sanitarium became a hub for health reformers during the early 20th century, attracting many wealthy individuals and even some famous figures like Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. But Kellogg's personal quirks—particularly his obsession with controlling his patients’ lifestyles—were a bit too much for many, leading to a dramatic fall from favor.

In terms of the larger cultural impact, Kellogg's health reform movement and the sanitarium he ran played a role in the broader American wellness movement, which also influenced ideas about spirituality and the body. These ideas likely contributed to some of the spiritual health concepts that appear in The Urantia Book as well.

It's funny how most people now only know him through the cereal brand, when his legacy was really more about his ambitious and sometimes controversial ideas on holistic health, much of which was a reflection of the religious and reformist atmosphere of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His association with the Seventh-day Adventist Church and his obsession with cleanliness, diet, and moral health were part of the larger wellness movement that touched many different aspects of society at the time.

Dr. Kellogg also seemed to have a problem with pickles.

Dr. John Harvey Kellogg had a rather curious and somewhat humorous stance on pickles! He believed that pickles, along with other fermented foods, were unhealthy and morally corrupting due to their fermentation process. Kellogg thought that pickles, like other "spicy" or "seasoned" foods, overstimulated the digestive system and were inherently unhealthy. He even considered these foods as potentially harmful to one’s moral fiber, promoting passions and vices—his view was heavily influenced by his strict, religious, and puritanical approach to health.

Kellogg, as part of his broader health reform movement, promoted a very bland and simple diet. He emphasized plain, easily digestible foods like whole grains, vegetables, and unsweetened cereals—including his own Corn Flakes, which were designed to be a part of a mild, vegetarian diet. According to his beliefs, spicy and fermented foods, such as pickles, could upset the body's natural balance and lead to moral and spiritual deterioration.

This distaste for pickles and other strongly flavored foods is a perfect example of how Kellogg’s health philosophy went beyond just the physical to include a strict moral dimension. He associated dietary choices with virtue, and certain foods were seen as obstacles to spiritual purity. In fact, he often recommended that his patients eat foods in their plainest form to promote health, which extended to discouraging anything that might tempt indulgence or excess.

Kellogg's views on food were a reflection of the broader social and religious reforms of the time, as many reformers believed that physical health and spiritual well-being were intimately connected. So, it’s not surprising that pickles, along with other "tempting" foods, were on his list of things to avoid for a moral, healthy life!

But we have found more recently that fermented foods are pro- and/or prebiotic and more healthy than anything he had considered?

In recent years, research has shown that fermented foods—including pickles, yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir—are, in fact, quite beneficial for gut health and overall well-being. Far from being harmful, fermented foods are now recognized for their probiotic and prebiotic properties, which can have a positive impact on the gut microbiome, digestion, and even the immune system.

Fermented foods contain beneficial bacteria (such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria) that support gut health by helping to balance the microbiome, improve digestion, and enhance the body's ability to absorb nutrients. They can also aid in the breakdown of certain nutrients, making them easier for the body to absorb. Additionally, the prebiotics found in these foods help to fuel the good bacteria in the gut, further contributing to gut health.

Some of the health benefits of fermented foods that have been supported by modern science include:

1. Gut Health: Probiotics in fermented foods help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is linked to improved digestion, reduced bloating, and better overall gut function.

2. Immune System Support: A healthy gut microbiome is associated with a more robust immune system, as a large portion of the immune system is located in the gut. Fermented foods can help support immune function.

3. Mental Health: There is emerging evidence that gut health plays a role in mental health. The gut-brain connection suggests that a healthy gut microbiome can help regulate mood, reduce stress, and even alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

4. Nutrient Absorption: Fermentation can enhance the bioavailability of certain nutrients, such as vitamins (e.g., B vitamins) and minerals (e.g., calcium and magnesium), making them easier for the body to absorb.

5. Weight Management: Some studies have suggested that consuming probiotics regularly may help with weight management by influencing the gut microbiome, although more research is needed in this area.

Dr. Kellogg’s views on fermented foods—particularly pickles—were, in many ways, based on the health and scientific knowledge of his time. At the time, the beneficial microbiological and biochemical processes involved in fermentation were not well understood, and fermented foods were often viewed as "unhealthy" or "unnatural" due to their strong flavors and preservation methods.

But today, the growing body of evidence points to the many health benefits of fermented foods, showing that they are an essential part of a balanced diet. It's a great example of how scientific understanding evolves over time and how once-controversial ideas (like fermented foods) can be re-evaluated as our knowledge improves.

So, while Dr. Kellogg's views on pickles and fermented foods were quite rigid, modern science has shown that these foods are not only safe but are also beneficial to health in ways that he could not have anticipated!

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT