Glory to the Lord: Peace Theological Seminary’s Masters and Doctoral Graduation, 2008

Click here to view the photo slideshow from the PTS Masters and Doctoral Graduation, 2008

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
But to your Name give glory.”
(Psalm 115:1)

To the divine canon “Non Nobus, Domine”, our 2008 graduation ceremonies for Peace Theological Seminary and College of Philosophy (PTS) began with a glorious processional of joyful DSS faculty and graduates led by PTS Founder, Dr. John-Roger, and Spiritual Director, Dr. John Morton. The 9 Doctor of Spiritual Science (DSS) candidates and the 30 Masters of Spiritual Science (MSS) graduates shined radiantly as we acknowledged their devotion and commitment to “Learning the Lessons of the Physical and Spiritual Worlds.”

Dr. Paul Kaye, Vice-President of PTS, welcomed us all and noted that we have had nearly 1,500 graduates from the MSS program since it began 15 years ago. Presently, we have 185 participants in MSS classes around the world, including the United States, South America and Australia. Our DSS program is in its 11th year with 80 graduates in that time. Currently, 280 participants are attending DSS classes in California and Pennsylvania.

For the 2008-2009 academic year, 18 MSS and DSS monthly classes are planned in locations around the world. In addition, in the next couple of years, PTS plans to develop an MSS Program On-Line.

For this year’s graduation, family and friends came from around the world to support the graduates. The joy of the afternoon was palpable as each graduate came to the stage, beaming in their success. Although asked to hold our applause until the end of the ceremonies, enthusiasm leaked out through cheers of delight and loving support. It’s particularly inspiring to watch the Doctoral graduates kneel as John Morton places their doctoral hoods upon them, signifying the earning of their doctoral degrees. All of the grads also receive hugs from John and John-Roger. Congratulations to everyone!

After our graduates were honored, Paul explained that John Morton has traveled around the world, visiting every MSS and DSS class to share and answer questions. John Morton then shared with us about the value of seeing the Divine in everyone. He spoke of how we each encounter our divine nature in personal ways. We then extend our divinity by sharing our joy. Make people laugh, John suggested to us, as a way of doing our part to bring more joy into the world.

John reminded us that we are all God’s beloveds and are being called upon to receive of God’s love. Love ourselves, love our lives, and love all that comes forward for us, John encouraged. At times of doubt, John reassured us that God’s vote of loving for us can be found in our next breath. God’s love for us is always coming forward purely, wholly and totally.

Baruch Bashan

Read more articles from MSIA’s Conference of the Rest of Your Life, 2008