A spiritual movement centered on the revelations received by Marshall Vian Summers, aiming to prepare humanity for future challenges and interstellar life.
Founding and Mission
The Society for the New Message from God, established in 1992 by Marshall Vian Summers, is an independent religious nonprofit organization based in Boulder, Colorado. Its primary mission is to disseminate and preserve the New Message from God, a series of spiritual teachings that Summers claims to have received through divine revelation. The organization operates with the vision of uniting humanity, preserving Earth, safeguarding human freedom, and advancing civilization in anticipation of significant forthcoming changes.
Since its inception, the Society has been dedicated to assisting Summers in spreading these teachings globally while maintaining their original form. This commitment extends to fostering a community of individuals who are devoted to learning and living according to these principles. The organization emphasizes the importance of preserving the unity and integrity of the New Message, stressing the need for a close connection to the Messenger and his appointed successors to ensure the authenticity of the teachings.
The New Message and Its Origins
Marshall Vian Summers, the founder of the Society, asserts that he was chosen and prepared by the Angelic Assembly to receive and convey the New Message from God. This comprehensive revelation is purported to guide humanity during a critical juncture in its evolution. Summers claims that these teachings are delivered through his collaboration with a divine source and encompass wisdom from extraterrestrial entities and angelic beings.
The revelations, which Summers says began in 1982, are intended to address both earthly concerns and humanity’s place within the broader universe. Over several decades, these messages have been compiled into a substantial body of spiritual texts and recordings, forming the core teachings of the movement. The Society presents these revelations as a divine communication aimed at preparing humanity for significant challenges, including environmental degradation, social upheaval, and potential encounters with extraterrestrial life.
Key Teachings and Concepts
The New Message from God covers a wide range of topics, including spirituality, relationships, the environment, world affairs, and personal development. One of the central concepts in the teachings is “Knowledge,” described as a deeper spiritual intelligence within each person. The Society encourages followers to cultivate this inner knowing through meditation, study, and application of the teachings in daily life.
Another significant aspect of the Society’s doctrine is the belief in “The Great Waves of Change,” a series of global shifts and crises predicted by the New Message. These include economic instability, resource depletion, and environmental disasters. Followers are urged to build self-sufficiency, develop personal resilience, and form supportive communities to navigate these changes.
The teachings also place considerable emphasis on humanity’s role within the “Greater Community” of intelligent life in the universe. The New Message warns of potential risks associated with contact with extraterrestrial beings and advises against seeking or engaging in such contact. Instead, it suggests that humanity must become united and self-reliant to resist potential exploitation by these alien forces.
Publications and Outreach
The Society’s activities include publishing Summers’ writings and translating the teachings into multiple languages. Key texts include “Steps to Knowledge: The Book of Inner Knowing,” “The Great Waves of Change,” and “Life in the Universe.” These publications articulate a wide-ranging spiritual philosophy covering topics such as living with certainty in an uncertain world and understanding humanity’s role within the Greater Community of intelligent life.
To engage with its global community, the Society hosts events and online forums. These gatherings provide opportunities for followers to study and discuss the teachings, often including periods of contemplation, group discussions, and presentations on various aspects of the New Message. The organization also utilizes modern technology and social media platforms to reach a global audience, offering podcasts, videos, and online study programs.
Community and Practice
The Worldwide Community of the New Message is described as an open, global network of individuals dedicated to studying and embodying the principles laid out in Summers’ revelations. The Society emphasizes personal spiritual practice, community involvement, and global awareness as key components of its teachings.
Followers are encouraged to integrate the New Message into their daily lives rather than focusing on formal membership or hierarchical structures. The organization maintains that the teachings are applicable to people of all backgrounds and religious traditions, stating that the New Message is not meant to replace existing religions but to provide a new understanding for the modern world.
Funding and Structure
The Society for the New Message from God operates primarily through its official website and various online platforms. Funding for its activities comes mainly from donations and the sale of books and other materials related to the teachings. The group’s activities and Summers’ messages are overseen by the Society’s leadership, which includes members of Summers’ family and close associates.
Reception and Criticism
The Society for the New Message from God has drawn both interest and criticism since its inception. Supporters find solace and direction in Summers’ messages, viewing them as a source of guidance in a rapidly changing world. Many followers report feeling a sense of purpose and clarity through their engagement with the teachings.
Critics, however, have raised questions about the validity of Summers’ revelations and expressed concerns about the group’s potentially insular nature. Some skeptics point to the similarities between the Society’s teachings and other new religious movements, questioning the originality of the claimed divine messages. Additionally, there have been concerns about the potential for undue influence over followers, particularly given the emphasis on preparing for future calamities and extraterrestrial threats.
Despite these criticisms, the Society continues to grow, attracting individuals seeking spiritual guidance and a sense of purpose in a world they perceive as increasingly complex and challenging.
Global Reach and Future Outlook
While the Society for the New Message from God remains a relatively small religious movement compared to major world religions, it has managed to attract followers from various countries. The organization’s use of digital platforms and translation efforts has enabled it to reach a diverse, international audience.
Looking to the future, the Society remains committed to preserving and disseminating the teachings that Marshall Vian Summers claims to have received. Their stated goal is to continue preparing humanity for what they believe will be a future of great change and challenges. As global concerns about environmental issues, social upheaval, and technological advancements grow, the Society’s messages may resonate with individuals seeking alternative spiritual perspectives on these matters.
Conclusion
The Society for the New Message from God represents a unique blend of spiritual teachings that encompass both earthly and cosmic concerns. Founded on the revelations claimed by Marshall Vian Summers, the organization has developed a comprehensive worldview that addresses personal spiritual growth, global challenges, and humanity’s place in the universe. While controversial in some aspects, particularly regarding its claims of divine revelation and warnings about extraterrestrial life, the Society continues to attract followers who find meaning and guidance in its teachings. As the world faces increasing complexities and uncertainties, the impact and relevance of such new religious movements may continue to evolve, reflecting humanity’s ongoing search for understanding and purpose in a changing world.
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