Self-denial
From Urantia Wiki, the encyclopedia of The Urantia Book
Capital, representing the application of labor, is a sacrifice of the present for the sake of the future, as seen in the development of food hoarding and savings for survival and security. (69:5.1,4)
Jesus did not teach fasting and other forms of self-denial. 142:8.1
Sowing seeds of self-denial reaps subsequent harvests of augmented happiness in the kingdom of heaven within their own hearts. 140:5.7
Self-control, not extreme self-denial, is the key to balanced living and true freedom. 89:3.7
Self-mastery, not self-denial, is the path to spiritual development and true freedom. 143:2.2-5
In the Urantia Book
Historically
- Renunciation of physical pleasures, including sexual ones, was a common practice in many ancient religions and has been carried on to modern theological systems through fasting rituals. 89:3.1
- Man's first self-denial, food saving, became the foundation of society's agelong struggle for balance in a world overwhelmed by excessive desires and luxury. 68:2.5
- Self-denial was seen as a powerful tool for coercing spirits, particularly in sexual suppression practices. 87:6.16
- Men sought approval of their gods by practicing self-denial through vows of self-torture and fasting, believing that pleasing the ghosts with discomfort would earn them extra credits on the self-denial ledgers of their gods. 87:2.4 89:3.5
Bible parallels
Passages that the paragraphs cited above parallel, quote or reinterpret, from Duane Faw’s Paramony cross-references. Hover a reference to read it.
- Return to Judea 142:8.1 — Jn 3:22.
- The poor in spirit, the humble 140:5.7 — Mt 5:3; Lk 6:20b.
- Publican's prayer 140:5.7 — Lk 18:10-14.
- Ritual fasting 89:3.1 — 1 Ki 21:9,12; Is 58:3.6; Mt 9:14; Mk 2:18; Lk 5:33; 2 Sam 12:16,21-23.
- Sacred vows and oaths 87:6.16 — Gn 31:13; Ex 22:11; 2 Ch 15:12-15; Lv 5:4; Ps 105:9-10; Nm 6:2-15; Nm 30:2-16; Dt 29:12-15.
- Penalty for violating oaths 87:6.16 — Jg 11:30-39.