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


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


Book Description
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. Nearly 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, explaining where they came from, how they became published as The Urantia Book, and exactly what happened to them after their 1955 publication 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.


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.


From the Author
Histories are inescapably adversarial and painful processes. The people who undertook this task of developing a good, sound history are aware that the final product is a compelling argument that could help shape the destiny of the Urantia Papers. The stakes are high, because what is ultimately at issue are the various philosophies and agendas of those who seek to control the Urantia Revelation. It will come as no surprise then, that the interpretations of the events relating to the Urantia Papers are destined to be fiercely contested. Sometimes the facts about the Urantia Papers are at issue, but more often the meaning of the facts will be the center of historical controversy. Our effort to develop a good history was very carefully orchestrated, but we are aware that it will not contain the final words. Our team discovered many unexpected things along the way that need a great deal more research. What we will attempt to achieve here are three cardinal goals: [1]. To establish a reasonable foundation of documented facts, [2]. To open as many heretofore “forbidden” doors as possible for further investigation, and [3]. To lay down threads for future Urantians to pick up, follow, and develop. In short, we are attempting a beginning.


About the Author
Larry Mullins was handed a 1955 first printing of The Urantia Book in 1968 by an advertising colleague, Clyde Bedell. Bedell was a member of the original Forum that helped publish the Urantia Papers as a book. Larry is author of Jesus: God & Man (1976), the first derivative work to be accepted for publication by Urantia Foundation. He has served the Urantia movement as President of the First Urantia Society of Oklahoma, and eight years as a General Councilor for Urantia Brotherhood. He is a noted public speaker and the author of several books on the Self-Actualization process including Immature People with Power: How to Handle Them and most recently: Get Real. In reference to writing this book, Larry believes A History of the Urantia Papers is the achievement of a team of dedicated Urantians who agreed to follow truth wherever it led. He adds that he is fortunate that his wife, Joan Batson Mullins, so enthusiastically contributed to this project. Dr. Meredith Justin Sprunger has had a remarkable career as a college president, professor, and executive administrator, a licensed psychologist and therapist, and an ordained minister. He has served congregations in the midwest and taught at Elmherst College and the Indiana Institute of Technology, functioning as the head of the Department of Psychology, Chairman of the Division of Liberal Arts, and as President. He is the only living colleague of Dr. William Sadler (1875-1969), a prominent Chicago psychiatrist and debunker of psychic phenomena. Dr. Sprunger is a devoted Urantian, serving in numerous capacities including President of Urantia Brotherhood. He is author of many secondary works, including his book Spiritual Psychology (Jemenon, 1988). Dr. Sprunger is probably the most reliable source of first-hand information about the intriguing origin and history of the Urantia Papers. He is founder and executive editor of The Spiritual Fellowship Journal and lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana with his wife, Irene.