Ethereal Cued, Act II

[Amigoo]

(reflecting on the renaming of The Kulieke Theater)

Ethereal Cued, Act II, Scene Won

Here, on this stage where stories unfold,
a leader once labored with vision and cheer.
Brick by brick, next by act, with words oft told,
his stages now memories, so sweet, so dear.

When time turns corner and names be renewed,
we’re gently reminded that fences be mended,
with hands wide open and future reviewed,
mutual love for art that never be ended.

May each curtain rising, each gathering here,
echo his wish for lasting joy and success;
that shows go on, that voices waft clear;
that together we honor, forgive, and progress.

Even afar, upon wings, ethereal cued,
graduated performers gather to share
their own fond memories, similitude,
long ago gifted by stages “down there”.

May next curtain rising, on stage of Prospect,
replenish his vision of joy and success.
The show must go on, with goal to perfect
the intended closure of distant distress.

Let these words express not farewell, but vision
that all who care deeply will ‘liven this place
with spirit of joining, of healing, of passion,
for uplifted stages, his lasting embrace.


Reflecting on his "fair weather" support
as exhumed associations fade his past acclamation.

Ethereal Cued, Act II, At Rest

Releasing the joy of setting sun
doesn’t sour the hours it shone —
for fair weather, though short fair,
can oft be ‘xactly what we need
if only uplifting but few hours
before need succumbs to sleep.


Rod, PAé.

[happyrain]

Thank you Rod, I really liked your poem.

[Amigoo]

For the record ...

PAé. (Prompt Artisté) is the first opportunity to use this:

Given the theme, Perplexity created the pattern with four verses,
then I modified the four, added two, and included a name.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Q&A that casts shadow on current societal motivations of renaming ...

Q: How does the Urantia Book enlighten that change should be for positive reasons - not negative?


(UB Tutor) "The teachings emphasize that change, whether personal or societal, should be motivated by positive intentions and aligned with spiritual growth rather than driven by fear, negativity, or avoidance of wrongdoing. This principle is rooted in the understanding that true moral and spiritual development arises not from the repression of negative impulses but from the active cultivation of positive virtues and the pursuit of higher ideals. For instance, it is highlighted that strong character is built through proactive engagement in doing good rather than merely abstaining from harmful actions.

The text also critiques negativism in religious practices, describing it as a significant error when religion focuses solely on prohibitions and fear-based motivations. Instead, it advocates for a proactive approach that inspires individuals through the recognition of universal brotherhood and the realization of a loving relationship with the divine. This perspective encourages change that is rooted in love, service, and the pursuit of truth, which leads to genuine spiritual growth and ethical behavior.

Furthermore, the parable of the fig tree illustrates the importance of nurturing potential and providing opportunities for positive transformation. When the tree fails to bear fruit, the gardener’s decision to give it additional care rather than cutting it down immediately symbolizes the value of patience, mercy, and the belief in the possibility of redemption and growth. This approach reflects the broader teaching that change should be guided by hope and the potential for improvement rather than by judgment or despair.

In essence, the teachings encourage individuals to focus on the positive spiritual values of truth, love, and service, which are inherently uplifting and transformative. Dwelling on negativity or acting out of fear can hinder spiritual progress, whereas embracing positive motivations fosters a deeper connection with the divine and contributes to the betterment of both the individual and society. "


(Perplexity) "The Urantia Book offers a philosophical framework in which personal change is regarded as meaningful when it leads to positive spiritual growth and character development. It teaches that the ideal motivation for change is to pursue goodness, truth, and alignment with the divine will rather than reacting to negativity or destructive impulses.

Key points from the text include:

Divine Guidance for Positive Change: The presence of the Thought Adjuster — God's indwelling spirit within each individual — serves to gently guide people toward mature, spiritualized thinking, helping them grow in soul reality, but always respects human free will. The Adjuster works cooperatively with the individual's will, aiming for character ennoblement and selfhood unification, which are inherently positive outcomes.

Creativity vs. Destructivity: The Urantia Book distinguishes between constructive, creative change (leading to personal integration and spiritual advancement) and destructive change (which leads to conflict, evil, and disintegration). When inner creativity is misused for destructive purposes — out of fear, selfishness, or other negative impulses — it results in the 'devastation of evil and sin' such as oppression and conflict. In contrast, when inner creativity is employed for personal growth and the service of others, it fosters positive transformation and unity.

Transformation Through Adversity: Positive change is often catalyzed by encountering and overcoming difficulties. Experiences of error, suffering, and hardship are portrayed as opportunities that can push individuals toward greater truth, altruism, courage, hope, and unselfishness, provided one chooses a higher path. The correction in suffering and adversity is not an end in itself but serves to inspire inner growth and a deeper commitment to good.

Focus on Goodness and Growth: The Urantia Book contends that true spiritual progress and happiness result from seeking and practicing goodness, beauty, and truth. Experiences that enhance moral will, the capacity to serve, and the desire to do the Father's will are described as good, whereas preoccupation with evil leads one away from positive development.

In summary, The Urantia Book enlightens that change should be embraced for positive, creative reasons — the pursuit of higher ideals, spiritual maturity, and loving service — rather than as a response to negative, destructive motivations. Negative experiences and tendencies are to be overcome and transformed, not merely reacted to, ensuring that change remains a force for personal growth and the realization of divine potential."


Rod

[Amigoo]

More Q&A about sources for this "investigative reporting", hinting that
this reporting was perceived as "Hot Scoop" news more than journalism.


Q: Regarding the recent renaming of The Kulieke Theater of Prospect High School,
what are the documents that reveal Alvin Kulieke's opinions about eugenics?

(Perplexity) "The documents that reveal Alvin Kulieke's opinions about eugenics primarily stem from investigative reporting
by Prospect High School student journalists, who uncovered archival Urantia movement materials connected to Kulieke.
The key findings are as follows:

Kulieke co-authored workbooks used as study aids for the Urantia movement in the 1950s and 1960s. These workbooks,
referenced in both the student exposé and local news coverage, contain annotated passages advocating that 'subnormal'
men should be 'kept under society’s control' and justify forms of slavery.

The investigation also unearthed science exams written by Kulieke for the Urantia Brotherhood School,
which included exam questions about which races were 'most intelligent (and) belligerent'.

These documents — workbooks and exams — are available in the Urantia Historical Society’s online archives
and were cited as primary sources by student reporter Sage Gilliland in her May 16, 2025, article in The Prospector.

No direct personal letters from Kulieke explicitly stating his individual beliefs about eugenics have been referenced
or published publicly — what has been documented is his role in producing educational materials aligned with
the early Urantia movement’s teachings, which included eugenicist and racially hierarchical ideas.

Community response and additional commentary:

Some Urantia Book readers and Kulieke family members have disputed the interpretation, claiming the eugenics-language
reflects the era and founders of the Urantia movement rather than Kulieke’s own beliefs, but the documented evidence
centers on his scholarly contributions and material authorship.

The findings from the student journalist, specifically citing the annotated workbooks and exams, were significant enough
to prompt District 214’s review and eventual removal of Kulieke’s name from the theater.

In summary, the key documents linking Alvin Kulieke to opinions on eugenics are the annotated Urantia Brotherhood School
workbooks and science exams co-authored or authored by him, as described in both investigative student reporting and
local news summaries of the district’s review process. No independent, explicit personal statements from Kulieke
on eugenics have been detailed beyond these educational materials."


Q: So, these materials were expressly for study of the Urantia Book and not information related to Kulieke's
educational leadership of Prospect High School and Theater? Apparently, study meant to comprehend these
celestial authors' seeming controversial statements about eugenics and the long evolution of race?

(P) "Yes, materials tying Alvin Kulieke to opinions about eugenics — specifically workbooks and science exams —
were created expressly for the study and teaching of the Urantia Book and its movement, not for his work as
a public high school educator or leader of Prospect High School and its theater. Key points:

The workbooks co-authored by Kulieke (with William S. Sadler) were used as study aids for training teachers and students in the Urantia movement in the 1950s and 1960s. They contain passages justifying eugenics and certain forms of slavery, paralleling the language found in the Urantia Book itself.

Science exams written by Kulieke were created for the Urantia Brotherhood School, which was essentially a seminary-style institution for adherents of the Urantia movement. These exams included questions about racial intelligence and other eugenics-related ideas, mirroring problematic doctrines found in the original text.

No evidence has surfaced that connects these Urantia-related materials or their eugenics content to Kulieke’s official educational leadership at Prospect High School or in his role with the theater. His high school work and his involvement with the Urantia Brotherhood appear to have been distinct activities.

The identity and impact of Kulieke as a local educator are documented separately from his deep involvement as a leader
within the Urantia movement, where he co-authored these controversial instructional materials.

In summary, the documents that raised concerns were not related to Prospect High School curricula or administration;
they were created solely for Urantia Book study and movement activities."


Q: Wasn't eugenics a less controversial subject in the early decades of the 1900s when the Urantia Papers were authored,
a subject even supported by government policy and legislation?

(P) "Eugenics was indeed much less controversial in the early decades of the 1900s than it is today. During this period — roughly from 1900 through the 1920s and into the early 1930s — eugenics enjoyed broad support across American society, academia, and among influential political and scientific leaders. It was widely considered a legitimate, even progressive, application of science towards societal improvement.

Government policy and legislation reflected this acceptance. Many states passed laws requiring medical exams before issuing marriage licenses, anti-miscegenation laws, and particularly infamous, laws mandating the compulsory sterilization of those deemed 'unfit' (including the mentally ill, disabled, poor, and people of color). Indiana enacted the first such sterilization law in 1907, with a number of other states following suit. By 1938, over 30,000 Americans had been forcibly sterilized under these policies, a number that would double by the 1960s.

Public displays and academic events further mainstreamed eugenics, such as the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915, which celebrated 'race betterment' alongside advances in science and health.

Key supporters included mainstream scientific organizations, universities, philanthropies, and prominent individuals such as President Theodore Roosevelt, the Rockefeller and Carnegie families, and academics from leading institutions.

While critics and some states resisted eugenics laws in specific cases, the overall climate was one of significant support for both the principles and practical applications of eugenics. Opposition intensified only later, especially after the atrocities of Nazi Germany brought the darker implications of eugenic policy to light.

So, in the era when the Urantia Papers were written (purportedly between the 1920s–1930s), eugenics was considered mainstream,
widely supported by government and policy makers, and far less controversial than it would become after World War II."


Q: When were minstrel shows with blackface performed at Prospect High School theater (named Kulieke Theater in 1973)?

(P) "Minstrel shows featuring white students in blackface were performed at Prospect High School after its opening in 1957, when Alvin Kulieke was principal. Prospect High School opened in 1957, with Kulieke as principal from the school’s founding until his death in 1973. The precise years or frequency of the minstrel performances are not detailed, but this practice is unequivocally dated to the period following the school’s opening in 1957 and before such practices were broadly recognized as offensive in mainstream society."


Rod