Complete Test on Metaphysical Psychology in 2 hours

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Thomas Francis University • Course A50 • Segment 5

—Douglas R. Kelley, PhD, CH, CSL

Updated: July 22, 2022

Upon Completion of this Segment, You Will Know:

• Ways to deliver greatness in your practice/research.

• Academic vs. non-academic doctoral degrees and accreditation.

• Is a metaphysics degree a “real” degree?

• Ordination required for specific specializations and courses.

• International Church of Metaphysical Humanism membership.

• Obtaining your ICMH ordination.

• Ministerial resources.

• Delivering your own greatness as a metaphysical minister/practitioner.

• How to deliver greatness every day.

Whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness—great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation, and great joy.

—Jim Rohn

ritish columnist David Thompson, speaking about the late film director Stanley Kubrick just

after his passing in 1999, said that he “had greatness to deliver.” That comment started me

thinking. How many of us would have Greatness to Deliver if we could only lose the behav-

iors that limit us? This is why I have spent a lot of time discussing the importance of personal devel-

opment and life skills in this degree program. We all have Greatness to Deliver, but it starts first

with how we view ourselves. If we don’t possess a healthy self-concept and self-completeness, we

subject ourselves—no, we enslave ourselves—to the opinions of others including common precon-

ceived notions that we are just not good enough. Even more than that, we lose ourselves into the

identities of those who enslave us. This is why it is so important to think for yourself and to avoid

comparing yourself with anyone else. Each one of us is valuable and unique, and each one of us has

the right to be who we are without judgment from others. Indeed, Greatness embodies self-

actualization and self-completeness.

The dictionary’s definition of “greatness” is: “notable; remarkable; exceptionally outstanding;

of noble or lofty character” (Dictionary.com). Every now and then, someone steps up to the plate

and delivers true Greatness to the world. Scores of notable men and women, past and present,

Segment 5: Your Ministerial Ordination

have Delivered Greatness every day of their lives. You saw some in Segment 2 on paying it forward.

Some have discovered medicines that cure diseases and prolong life (Alexander Fleming, discovered

penicillin in 1928 quite by accident and Delivered Greatness to the world); some have organized the

feeding of the hungry; others have helped the less fortunate. Many have given back in more ways

than is possible to enumerate and have consequently Delivered Greatness.

In my book, The Game Rules for Life,1 I discussed 12 common characteristics found among those

who have Greatness to Deliver which we can emulate in our own life. Consider those characteristics

of Greatness, and as you do, ponder how you can Deliver Greatness every day.

1. Greatness Comes From Within, Not From Without. Many people have attained great achieve-

ments, but does that make them great people? Not necessarily. Greatness comes from who we

are inside. To do great things for the outside world, we must first do great things in our inside

world. This inner Greatness then impels us on to do great things outside of ourselves.

2. Great People Have Mastered Themselves. They have total self-control. They do not allow

others to provoke them to behaving in ways contrary to their convictions. They know who they

are, and why they are who they are. First century Roman slave, Epictetus, said it well: “No man

is free who is not master of himself.” Lao-tse, a 6th Century BC mystic and philosopher, wrote,

“He who knows much about others may be learned, but he who understands himself is more in-

telligent. He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier

still.”

3. Great People are Complete Within Themselves. They do not need external stimuli to make

them feel complete. They have a high (but not excessive) sense of self-worth. They do not need

to slavishly follow any certain belief system to feel that they are good enough. They find valida-

tion from within (self-esteem) and do not depend on what others may or may not think (them-

esteem).

4. Great People Have a Sense of Higher Purpose. They have a virtuous Life Vision or dream that

they believe in and are willing to follow at all costs. They know what they want from life and

have great confidence in achieving it without allowing their ego to get in the way.

5. Great People Possess Higher Human Qualities. Benjamin Franklin wrote: “There never was

yet a truly great man that was not at the same time truly virtuous.” Qualities that underscore

Greatness include goodness, and honesty—with oneself and others. If we show goodness, we go

beyond what is required, give more than is due. Likewise, strict honesty is vital for Greatness,

because if you are not honest with yourself or others, it will come back to bite you in the end,

(no pun intended). Do not discount many other qualities of Greatness, such as generosity (pay-

ing it forward), compassion, and empathy for others, to name but a few.

6. Great People Add to the Woodpile By Giving Back to the World. Great people are happy for

others' successes. They want the world to be a better place and they work toward that end.

They never take more than they give. In fact, they take far less than they give. They pay it for-

ward. And what they give contributes rich meaning to other people's lives as well as their own.

7. Great People Make Mistakes Too. George Washington wrote: “It is to be lamented that great

characters are seldom without a blot.” Washington knew that Greatness only comes through

hardship and adversity, and lamented that fact. But there really is no other way. The very rea-

1 Published in 2000.

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son a person is great is due to their own mistakes and misfortunes. Making mistakes, if learned

from, causes a Great person to be empathetic and compassionate toward others. They cease be-

ing judgmental with others and show mercy.

8. Great People are not Great Alone-They Build on the Greatness of Others. They don't step on

others in achieving their goals. They appreciate that one gets more in life by giving more in life.

They are fervent team players. They recognize that a higher quality of excellence occurs when

many minds and abilities are focused together. They refuse to become embroiled in petty bick-

ering, backbiting, and in-fighting with others.

9. Great People Have an Intense Desire to Know the Truth. They are never happy with partial

truth; they seek total truth because partial truth still equals partial falsehood. Truth exists, only

falsehood must be fabricated. Horace Mann, a 19th century educator and public official, who

achieved Greatness himself, wrote: “If any man seeks for greatness, let him forget greatness

and ask for truth, and he will find both.”

10. Great People Show Honor to Others. They let other people be themselves. They respect others

and afford them human dignity. They take a strong interest in mentoring others whenever the

opportunity manifests itself. Their example of Greatness serves as a role model to others.

11. Great People Interpret Life in a Fresh New Way. They constantly search for new ideas in eve-

rything they observe. Then they apply those ideas and add quality to their own life, and to the

lives of others around them. Great leaders have learned to discard old school thinking and em-

brace new ideas and concepts. Greatness includes thinking for yourself!

12. Great People Do Not Need Wealth to Be Great. Many have suffered from intense hardship, in-

cluding material and financial adversity. But they persevered, and this is one of the things that

have made them great.

ACADEMIC VS. NON-ACADEMIC DOCTORAL DEGREES AND ACCREDITATION

Educational degrees such as Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorates are generally available in two

categories. The first is the traditional, secular/academic degree available from academic sources

such as colleges and universities. The second is non-secular/non-academic degrees available from

institutions that fall under the umbrella of a religious organization. These two degree types are dif-

ferent in many ways, and it is important that you understand these differences. By the way, “secu-

lar” means civic or non-religious whereas “non-secular” means religious.

Since TFU degrees are religious and non-secular or non-academic in nature, they are not accred-

ited by secular accrediting agencies and credits cannot be transferred to traditional academic col-

leges or universities, which is one of the features of being accredited. Actually, there are no feder-

ally recognized accrediting agencies for metaphysical degrees. While some schools claim accredita-

tion by third-party accrediting agencies, these non-federal agencies are free to establish their own

accrediting criteria. While some may hold to high standards, some are often nothing more than an

"accreditation mill" in that anyone can become "accredited" by simply paying a fee. Moreover, since

metaphysical schools have their own proprietary curricula, it is impossible to transfer corresponding

credits from one school to another, which again, is typical benefit of accreditation.

The point of this discussion is that, while accreditation sounds good on paper, it really doesn't

mean much with regard to degrees and courses that are outside of a university or college setting.

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There is no such thing as accreditation in the traditional sense for metaphysical schools; however,

most people have been conditioned to think that if a school is not accredited, it is not very good. I

was even under this impression at one time, but it is fallacious. Nevertheless, Thomas Francis Uni-

versity is accredited by its sister organization, the International Metaphysical Practitioners Associa-

tion.1 This is not meant to fool anyone who really understands accreditation, it is meant to work

with human nature and satisfy people’s need for accreditation. Therefore, you can legitimately say

that you are studying for your doctoral degree at an accredited metaphysics school. This should

help pacify those who may ask.

As an TFU doctoral candidate and future graduate, you must understand that your doctoral de-

gree cannot be used to secure traditional employment that would require a doctoral degree from a

federally recognized and accredited university or college. However, your degree can be used to se-

cure employment in other fields such as metaphysical shops, churches, ministries, alternative

health, and others. You can also use your degree to teach, instruct, coach, counsel, and author

books.

TFU degrees are religious (non-secular) in nature and are granted by the authority of the Inter-

national Church of Metaphysical Humanism, Inc. (ICMH) (formerly the Metaphysical Church of Hu-

manistic Science, Inc. (MCHS)), a non-profit religious organization authorized by the First Amend-

ment of the U.S. Constitution to issue religious, non-academic degrees. ICMH also operates within

Florida State Law.

You are also encouraged to

join other associations, as ap-

propriate, to underscore the

fact that you are a legitimate

metaphysical practitioner or researcher. Bear in mind that not all associations will recognize your

TFU training, but this is true with any metaphysics school and it would be unrealistic for TFU to try

to meet every association’s esoteric membership criteria.

This is why the International Metaphysical Practitioners Association (IMPA)2 was created. It is a

premier association for metaphysical practitioners that has stringent requirements. Among the re-

quirements are that members must be certified or hold a metaphysical degree from any legitimate

school, must be free of criminal records, must have a website, and must be ordained. The good

news is that as a TFU student, you will receive a free lifetime membership in the IMPA as long as

you graduate with your TFU doctoral degree. You can apply upon graduation with your PhD.

Is a Metaphysics Degree a “Real” Degree?

One of the objections raised by some is that a metaphysics doctoral degree is not a “real” de-

gree. This is simply not true. Secular and non-secular degrees are different and designed for differ-

ent purposes. A PhD in chemistry cannot be compared with a PhD in metaphysics. They are for two

different purposes. The former is a secular PhD, the latter is a non-secular PhD. One is designed for

scientific research in a certain field (such as chemistry), the other is designed more for educational

and remedial purposes in helping people. One is not necessarily better or worse than the other.

They are just different. Which is better, an apple or an orange? A car or a pickup truck? A train or a

1 www.MetaphysicalAssociation.org. 2 www.MetaphysicalAssociation.org.

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plane? The truth is, they are neither better nor worse; they are just different and used for different

purposes. Therefore, for someone to metaphorically say that all real vehicles must be pickup trucks

and then criticize anyone who has a car displays ignorance and a lack of education.

I have known several people with academic PhD’s who were, frankly, not the most competent

scientists and academicians. Having an academic PhD is not a guarantee of intelligence, common

sense, or even scientific prowess. It simply means they jumped through the often outlandish hoops

required by the sometimes snooty academic community many of whom resemble members of a

“good old boys club” more than evolved human beings. Regardless of the letters after a person’s

name, he or she must earn respect because of who they are as a human being, not because of aca-

demic or non-academic credentials on paper.

People will rarely question or criticize your credentials, but if they do, you must have the proper

mental attitude. First of all, responding to any such criticism is pointless and futile in most cases.

Just ignore it if you can. My attitude toward naysayers is that I couldn’t care less of what others

think, especially the skeptics and detractors. Keep in mind the old saying, “What you think of me is

none of my business.” What gives a person the authority and right to criticize a non-secular or non-

accredited doctoral degree? What gives him or her the right to say that an accredited degree is bet-

ter? The answer is the same empty authority that one uses to say his or her religion is better than

another. It’s a matter of social conditioning and personal belief.

Those drawn to the metaphysics field usually have one overriding and common goal: To make a

positive difference to those within our sphere of influence and to humanity as a whole by doing

right and doing no harm. My attitude is this: I want to leave the woodpile a little higher than I

found it. Therefore, let people talk and criticize me if they so choose (and they have many times). I

know who I am, and why I am who I am. I do not allow the viewpoints or behavior of others to dic-

tate who I am and what I do. I recommend you don the same attitude, if you haven’t already. Re-

member, you have the right to your own perspectives the same as anyone else—no more, no less—

and without judgment. Claim this right in your heart and mind. Go out and happen to the world in a

positive way that uplifts people. Then others will seldom question your credentials because they

will be impressed by your effectiveness and professionalism.

ORDINATION REQUIRED FOR SPECIFIC SPECIALIZATIONS AND COURSES

The legal right to practice many aspects of metaphysics such as coaching, counseling, healing,

and others is dependent on the metaphysician having a bona-fide ordination or ministerial license in

a spiritual or religious organization, otherwise, it is considered practicing without a license. Anoth-

er issue is methodologies that require frequent or infrequent touching of the client, such as Reiki,

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and others. Ordination is required in these instances as well

because you are practicing your art as part of your ministry. Of course, always ask permission be-

fore touching a client.

Therefore, all TFU graduates who are specializing in the following areas must be ordained as

ministers either by the International Church of Metaphysical Humanism (ICMH) or a valid and bona-

fide religious organization. The specializations are:

• Metaphysical Ministry

• Spiritual Counseling

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• Holistic Life Coaching

• Holistic Healing (even if you already have your Reiki credentials from an outside source,

you must still be ordained to specialize in Holistic Healing)

Moreover, even if you are not specializing in one of the areas above, but are taking one of the

courses required for these specializations, you must still be ordained. The courses requiring ordina-

tion are:

• A60/A61: Transpersonal Counseling and Coaching

• G300: Reiki 1: Fundamentals

• G310: Reiki 2: Intermediate

• G320: Reiki 3: Master/Teacher

Your TFU degree gives you the necessary training and your ordination gives you the legal right to

practice metaphysics in the aforementioned areas.

If ordination is required for your specialization or elective courses, then you have some options.

You can seek ordination from a third-party organization such as the Universal Life Church (ULC) (do

an online search) or you can apply for ordination with the International Church of Metaphysical Hu-

manism. If ordination is required for your degree, you will need to provide a copy of your third-

party ordination certificate or apply for ICMH ordination before you can complete this course.

Students who are ordained by a bona-fide third-party religious organization must upload or email

a copy of their Ordination Credential for review and acceptance by TFU Admin (see Segment 5 on

the course page to upload your certificate). If Admin deems that the ordination does not meet TFU

standards, a bona-fide ordination must be obtained if ordination is required for your specialization

or the above-mentioned courses.

OBTAINING YOUR ICMH ORDINATION

Effective April 11, 2014, the requirements for ICMH ordination have been modified for improved

legal compliance. There is no additional fee for ICMH ordination, but you must meet the following

requirements:

• You must be characterized as stable, sound in mind, and have good character and strong

ethics.

• If your personal spiritual belief system includes the worship of any god or gods, then ICMH

ordination is not for you because ICMH members do not worship any other beings nor do

we believe that any sentient, enlightened being would ever require or demand worship

from other sentient beings. If your belief system does include worship, then the Universal

Life Church would be a better ordination option for you because it is non-denominational.

• You must be an Associate Member or Full Member of the International Church of Meta-

physical Humanism. As with any other religious organization, members are expected to

support the Church’s global educational programs as they are able both financially and

otherwise. Members are also expected to be familiar with and stay up-to-date on ICMH

teachings.

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• You must fully comprehend ICMH’s Nine Principles of Belief (discussed in Course G50,

Segment 4 or at www.MetaphysicalHumanism.org) and agree to abide by each one as a

matter of routine. These Principles must govern any relevant counseling, coaching, heal-

ing, or teaching that you may do. They are a valid and healthy spiritual philosophy.

• ICMH Ordained Ministers cannot be simultaneously ordained by another religious institu-

tion, with the exception of the Universal Life Church. Additionally, being actively in-

volved with another religious organization whose teachings conflict with or contradict

ICMH’s Nine Principles of Belief would be a conflict of interest for an ICMH Ordained Min-

ister.

• Individuals who offer ordinations through a church or religious institution that they have

founded cannot be ICMH Ordained Ministers or ICMH members (it would be a conflict of

interest).

• ICMH Ordained Ministers must be at least 21 years of age. More importantly, they cannot

have been convicted of a felony within the past five years, and can never have been con-

victed of a sex crime.

If you meet and agree with the above requirements, then you can apply for and receive ICMH or-

dination. Otherwise, please seek ordination from another source such as the Universal Life Church.

To apply for ICMH ordination, complete the following two steps:

1. Register for ICMH Associate Membership (if you haven’t already). Use the link in Segment

5 on the course page, “Register as an Associate Member of ICMH,” to join. Fill out the

registration form completely and accurately, then submit it. Your membership will be

approved by Admin within a few hours after which you will receive an email. If you are

uncertain whether you are already a member, contact the instructor.

2. Complete the ICMH Ordination Application in Segment 5 on the course page.

Once you have completed these two steps, you will receive your ordination once you complete

your Master’s degree. Once conferred, your ICMH ordination can be verified by anyone from the

ICMH Church website at www.MetaphysicalHumanism.org.

INTERNATIONAL CHURCH OF METAPHYSICAL HUMANISM MEMBERSHIP

If you are ordained by a valid outside religious organization other than ULC, you cannot be an

ICMH member (it would be a conflict of interest).

Likewise, if you are specializing in an area that does not require ordination, or if you are not

taking any TFU courses that require ordination, you do not need to be an ICMH member. But we

would love to have you join as long as you identify and agree with ICMH’s Nine Principles of Belief.

You can refresh your memory on these Principles at www.MetaphysicalHumanism.org. A link is also

provided on the course page in this segment. This being said, if you are actively involved with an-

other church, you should not join ICMH (it would present an ethical dilemma as well as a moral con-

flict of interest).

http://www.metaphysicalhumanism.org/

Segment 5: Your Ministerial Ordination

MINISTERIAL RESOURCES FOR ORDAINED MINISTERS

Students who are ordained also receive several useful resources as part of your TFU degree.

Check the course page under Resources to download your ordination package that includes a Master

copy of the following certificates:

• Certificate of Marriage

• Certificate of Renewing Vows

• Certificate of Commitment

• Certificate of Handfasting

• Certificate of Baptism

The certificates above come in PDF and MS Word formats. Use the PDF version if you want to

print it out and fill it in with a pen. Use MS Word (.doc) format if you want to personalize and print

the certificate. The package comes with a reprint license for your own use only. You are licensed to

use these certificates as much as you want for life. This will save you money as all you have to do is

print out your certificates on demand rather than purchase supplies.

Upon graduation from the TFU Degree Program, you will also receive the following with your

doctoral diploma provided you are ordained by ICMH:

• A ZIP file with all of the certificates listed above and a PDF copy of your credentials.

• A Letter of Good Standing with the International Church of Metaphysical Humanism.

• Laminated Clergy Badge with lanyard for wearing during ministerial business.

• Laminated Clergy Dashboard Parking sign to display in your car window during hospital

and other ministerial visits. Some places such as hospitals and prisons often have special

parking places reserved for ministers on duty.

As a legally ordained ICMH minister, you are now authorized to perform ministerial and ecclesi-

astical functions including weddings. However, you will need to check with your county or state

government to make sure you comply with any requirements they may have. In some cases, you will

need a Letter of Good Standing. This letter will come with your graduation materials after you

graduate from the degree program.

Other Ministerial Resources

If you plan to perform marriages, you will want to locate appropriate examples of marriage rites

to deliver during the ceremony. Since marriage ceremonies heavily depend on the couple’s belief

system, it is impossible to include all the variations you might use here. Therefore, do an online

search for “marriage ceremonies” or “marriage rites examples” to get ideas for delivering a mar-

riage talk and ceremony. The same process holds true for funerals and baptisms. Check the course

page for resources on sample marriage rites to get you started.

Bear in mind that no ceremony is set in stone other than any requirements set by specific reli-

gious denominations. Therefore, you should usually be able to craft your own rites in conjunction

with the party(s) involved.

Segment 5: Your Ministerial Ordination

DELIVERING YOUR OWN GREATNESS AS A METAPHYSICAL MINISTER/PRACTITIONER

Many of the concepts in this degree program (such as the Life Leadership Paragon) were borne

from my own intense adversity, training, ministerial, and leadership experience. In essence, Deliv-

ering Greatness has been and will continue to be an important undercurrent throughout all courses

in the degree program. I have discussed many of the qualities that, if properly utilized, can help

you to Deliver Greatness by being an effective metaphysician, whether that means being a minister,

practitioner, or researcher.

The information presented in these courses can empower you as well as lead you to Greatness,

but only if you actually take hold of it and employ these concepts in your own inner makeup. If you

do, you will be an effective human being and metaphysician, and thus Deliver Greatness to the

world!

Motivational speaker and leadership consultant, Byrd Baggett, once expressed a profound

thought: “Great potential is one of life's heaviest burdens.” What a tragedy it would be for us to

have great potential, but accept less than we have to by succumbing to small thinking; never grow-

ing as human beings and, therefore, never seeing the benefits to ourselves and the world.

Ponder this question: “What do I need to change in me in order to Deliver Greatness?” Whatever

it is, are you blocking it? Are you holding yourself back? The answer is almost definitely yes, as we

all tend to do this by our very nature. Remember Stephen Covey’s words from Course G130, Seg-

ment 4 on time management: “What one thing could you do in your personal and professional life

that, if you did on a regular basis, would make a tremendous difference in your life?”

As you continue your metaphysical studies both in the degree program and beyond, I warmly in-

vite you to think deeply and Deliver Greatness to the world. It is your birthright!

[See the box on the next page.]

Segment 5: Your Ministerial Ordination

HOW TO DELIVER GREATNESS EVERY DAY

When you:

1. Treat others respectfully, you Deliver Greatness to the World

2. Accept full responsibility for yourself, you Deliver Greatness to the World

3. Speak an encouraging word to someone who is down and out, you Deliver Greatness to the World

4. Arise from the ashes of your mistakes a better, more enlightened person, you Deliver Greatness to the World

5. Don’t take yourself too seriously, you Deliver Greatness to the World

6. Nurture self-respect, and dignity; and hold your head up high in the face of adversity, you Deliver Greatness to the World

7. Do the kind thing, instead of the “right” thing when it is appropriate, you Deliver Greatness to the World

8. Go the extra mile to help a friend, co-worker, customer, or stranger, you Deliver Greatness to the World

9. Are truly happy for someone when they get something you want, you Deliver Greatness to the World

10. Don’t settle for the status quo, but go above and beyond what is common and aspire to nobility of character, you Deliver Greatness to the World

11. Say not, “It’s too hard,” but instead ask, “How hard can it be?” you Deliver Greatness to the World

12. Stand on your own two feet and don’t unnecessarily burden others, you Deliver Greatness to the World

13. Have mastered yourself, knowing that to do great things outside, you must first do great things inside, you Deliver Greatness to the World

14. Discover the magic of being your own hero, you Deliver Greatness to the World

15. Show empathy and compassion toward others in their plight, you Deliver Greatness to the World

16. Show a positive attitude and cheerful disposition to everyone around you, you Deliver Greatness to the World

17. Don’t try to change or control others, you Deliver Greatness to the World

18. Are strong, but use that strength wisely, you Deliver Greatness to the World

19. Empathetically look beyond the face you see when someone is angry or hurting, you Deliver Greatness to the World

20. Acknowledge and respect all living things, you Deliver Greatness to the World

CAN YOU THINK OF OTHER WAYS TO DELIVER GREATNESS TO THE WORLD?