A History of the Urantia Papers [Hardcover]

Larry Mullins (Author), Meredith Justin Sprunger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 18, 2000

Are we children of God, or simply complex animals? Will we survive death, or are we doomed to extinction? Is humankind an accident, or are we part of a grand universe plan? The Urantia Papers give persuasive answers to these questions. Over 500,000 copies of The Urantia Book are now in print. But, who wrote it, and by what authority? More intriguing and thrilling than any science fiction or mystery story are the actual events that were set into motion in Chicago nearly 100 years ago and eventually resulted in one of the most astounding publications ever printed. However, until now, a carefully documented history of these Papers, where they came from, and how they became published as The Urantia Book, has not been available. In A History of the Urantia Papers, Larry Mullins and Dr. Meredith Sprunger have collaborated to strip away prejudice and superstition and unfold the facts about the origin and history of the Urantia Papers. Whether you are familiar with the Urantia Papers or simply curious about them, you will find A History of the Urantia Papers a captivating and challenging story.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...by far the clearest, most carefully researched and documented history of The Urantia Book yet to appear in print. -- David Kantor Chairman: International Fellowship Committee, The Urantia Book Fellowship

...it will open the eyes of many readers around the world. -- Ángel F. Sánchez-Escobar, Ph.D. , Seville, Spain

From the Publisher

Larry Mullins has studied the Urantia Book for over 30 years. He was convinced that many questions about the origin remained unanswered, and several “forbidden” doors had never been opened to candid investigation. He had hoped eventually some Urantian old-timer would fearlessly open those doors and begin an authentic historical investigation. Then it dawned on him one day that he had become an “old-timer” himself. He had been handed a first edition of The Urantia Book by Clyde Bedell, who was one of the first Urantians, and a charter member of a group called the Forum. He had watched Clyde pore over an immense table covered with files of 3 x 5 cards, as he prepared his original Concordex of The Urantia Book. He worked for Clyde for three years, and discussed the Urantia Papers and his experiences in the Forum until Clyde's death in 1985. In the seventies Larry had several conversations with one of the surviving Contact Commissioners, and served for eight years as ! a General Councilor in what was then called the Urantia Brotherhood.

Fortunately, his wife Joan (who had originally suggested this project) has a remarkable knowledge of the Papers. Larry has always depended upon Joan’s insights and integrity when developing Urantia undertakings. Even so, they came to realize that they needed help, and that an adequate history of the Urantia Papers could only be achieved with group wisdom and collaboration. A team effort by several Urantians would be necessary. They first sought out their friend Dr. Meredith Justin Sprunger, the only living colleague of Dr. William Sadler. Gradually they added several seasoned Urantians who have an exceptional knowledge of the Urantia Papers, and a great deal of experience in the Urantia Movement. Unhampered by "official" sanctions or approval, the team has produced a watershed work, unquestionably the most authorative, clear, and best documented record of the Urantia Papers written to date.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 436 pages
• Publisher: Penumbra Press (December 18, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 096772631X
• ISBN-13: 978-0967726311
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.8 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,330,998 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #70 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Urantia Book

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitive History of the Fifth Epochal Revelation, February 15, 2001

By 

Daniel Love Glazer (Northbrook, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A History of the Urantia Papers (Hardcover)

The Urantia Papers, published as "The Urantia Book," constitute an epochal revelation of spiritual truth to our beleaguered planet ("Urantia"). There is a mystery associated with the origin of the Papers, a mystery which has given rise to much controversy, confusion, and misinformation, both innocent and scurrilous. In "A History of the Urantia Papers," Larry Mullins, assisted by Dr. Meredith Sprunger, presents the most complete, thoroughly researched, well-documented, cogently-structured, and intelligently-argued account of the Urantia Papers and what people have done with them that we are likely to get in this world. This History is a must for students of The Urantia Book and a great service to Urantia.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great secondary work, February 7, 2001

By 

Behzad Sarmast (San Francisco, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A History of the Urantia Papers (Hardcover)

Mr. Mullins has finally provided the world with a much needed history of the Urantia Papers. His writing is clear and straightforward, but has enough personality and wit to make the history come alive with excitement. I was enabled to share the emotions of the early readers as they waited for the release of the book, and wondered at its future. The story of how Dr. Sadler was introduced to the one mystery he couldn't solve, and how he eventually became a full believer in the revelation, is a thrilling ride through human psychology and spirituality. Mr. Mullins has made a great contribution to my historical understanding of the greatest book in the world.

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for any student, or new reader of the Urantia Papers!, March 8, 2001

By 

Jonathon Johnson "Author" (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A History of the Urantia Papers (Hardcover)

I first discovered the Urantia Book over 30 years ago while in New York. I was only 19 years old, and there was much mystery about both what the book was, and where it came from. Even though the mystery was there, I still read the book and if you'll pardon a much used cliché, "It changed my life."

After about four years of studying the book on my own, I contacted Christy in Chicago to hopefully, "solve the mystery." From there I began to meet and study with many Urantia Book students throughout the world. By stories I heard from many of the older readers, (many who were around when the "Papers" first starting coming), I was eventually able to get an idea of how the "Papers" came to be. Although there was still "some" mystery, most of the ridiculous rumors were dispelled.

Now, 30 years later, a group of highly respected, and scholarly students of the Urantia Papers, have lovingly put together the history for all to know. What a wonderful service they have provided future students and this planet! How I wish that this book, "A History of the Urantia Papers," had been available when I first found the book.

I highly recommend this book for all new readers, seasoned students and curious seekers. It's a fantastic piece of work! Thank you Larry Mullins, and Dr. Meredith Sprunger!