by Jesse Thurston
“War on Urantia will never end so long as nations cling to the illusive notions of unlimited national sovereignty. There are only two levels of relative sovereignty on an inhabited world; the spiritual free will of the individual mortal and the collective sovereignty of mankind as a whole. Between the level of the individual human being and the level of the total of mankind, all groupings and associations are relative, transitory, and of value only in so far as they enhance the welfare, well-being, and progress of the individual and the planetary grand total– man and mankind.” (Jesus, The Urantia Book, 134.5)
On a beautiful weekend at the end of September, about forty like-minded world citizens gathered to officially inaugurate the Supernation of Urantia. These young idealists, some familiar with the Urantia Book, others not at all, pulled up to the gardens outside Beverly, Massachusetts in cars and trucks, dressed in suits and ties, dresses and heels, or jeans and sandals, prepared to declare emphatically that they were not satisfied with the current state of the world. We spoke first of the world we know: one in which nations protect their own self-interest by attacking their neighbors either in retribution or anticipation of violence; one in which civilians are more often the victims of aggression than soldiers. We spoke then of the future we imagine: one in which national identity is powerful and clear, but our global identity as fellow men and women is stronger. We imagined a world in which the idea of committing violence against another nation is offensive to the soul because that violence is violence against our true brothers and sisters. We imagined a world under the wise jurisprudence of a representative supernational court– a world in which wars between nations are kept in check by a judicial body given real teeth by the investment of every world citizen.
Together, we took the Supernational Pledge, which contains three simple declarations
1. I commit to overcoming evil with good.
2. I refuse to participate in international violence.
3. I appeal to a Supernational court for the arbitration of international conflicts.
After taking this pledge, we raised for the first time the Supernational flag on a beautiful flagpole hewn from a local cedar tree. Suddenly something that was a powerful idea in my mind was made real and visible to me: the brotherhood and sisterhood of mankind, uncomplicated by national or ethnic identity.
The Supernational Pledge was conceived by Jon Zoba, and this event was lovingly put together by Jon, his family, and his community. If you are interested in taking the Pledge and declaring yourself a supernational, visit www.thesupernation.org for more information and to contact Jon. Check back often, because the site will soon be interactive and allow you to take the Pledge online.
This is frankly a very simple idea but it has profound significance. Imagine if millions, billions of global citizens took this Pledge. Our national governments would have no choice but to listen, and we would be much closer to an era of world peace. This is not a quick fix, but by keeping our eyes on a united vision, we will be able to effect real change.
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4 thoughts on “A Step Closer to Peace”
This is facinating, the idea of a global citizen….and later….cosmic citizenship?
I love this idea/l. How can I best share it with others around me, in and out of Urantia Book context?
It’s a beautiful idea and ideal. Hats off and three cheers to Jon and the team! The flag seems perfect. Are the 7 stars intended to be emblematic of the 7 continents? It’s a good beginning you’ve made for the inevitable. I especially like your first declaration. God’s speed and will.
But, sorry to have to say, I hesitate to pledge only because of this rather blunt warning from a Melchizedek in Paper 71:4. How do you see the Supernation in light of his advice:
…Idealism can never survive on an evolving planet if the idealists in each generation permit themselves to be exterminated by the baser orders of humanity. And here is the great test of idealism: Can an advanced society maintain that military preparedness which renders it secure from all attack by its war-loving neighbors without yielding to the temptation to employ this military strength in offensive operations against other peoples for purposes of selfish gain or national aggrandizement? National survival demands preparedness, and religious idealism alone can prevent the prostitution of preparedness into aggression. Only love, brotherhood, can prevent the strong from oppressing the weak…. P.804 – 17
Hey Rick, all,
Thanks for the encouraging comments. Generally the seven stars represent diversity– diversity of political bodies. If each star on the US flag represents a state, and if all groupings are relative and transitory, then regardless of whatever political regrouping may happen in the future, the seven stars represent that there are diverse groups, no matter their present or future definitions. They are equidistant from the center and surrounded by a white and blue circle– unity in diversity.
Thanks for posting the wise words from the governmental masters, the Melchizedeks. This is in fact what we are attempting to do. We are working to minimize the devastating effects of war, which often wipe out idealists. The second declaration speaks directly to the warning about “offensive operations”. The Declaration says nothing about military preparedness for defense–which is permissible. A simple line is drawn by refusing to participate in international violence, meaning you will not go into someone else’s country and use violence against them. It is legal and right to defend your home from an intruder, as it is legal and right to defend your nation from an intruder. It is not right to enter a suspected neighbor’s home or homeland and wipe them out.
In due course there should eventually be a Supernational police force which eventually will come to replace militaries.
We recognize that these delicate and complex issues should ever be guided by a commitment to the good.
This is how I see the Supernation in light of the advice of the Melchizedeks.
I would be happy to respond to any other concerns or questions.