Have you heard about Oprah’s latest addition to her book club, Eckhart Tolle’s, “A New Earth?”
I had so many inquirers ask me what I thought about the metaphysical work, that I picked up a copy at an airport a couple of months ago and read it through to see what all the interest was about.
Oprah is sponsoring a series of ten seminars on the Web where she interviews Tolle about his ideas, and over 700,000 people signed up, I believe. So interest in his perspective is high at the moment. Millions of copies of his book have sold in a short period of time.
I read the book through looking for ideas that might help in my own pursuit of Truth, and also with an open mind to understand why people were attracted to its teachings. “A New Earth,” has deep roots in Buddhism, with a few references to Christianity, and under Hindu influence as well.
Many of Tolle’s comments easily resonated with me. There were many ideas shared that a student of Christian Science would agree with and say, “I’ve always believed that.” For example,
“You do not become good by trying to be good, but by finding the goodness that is already within you, and allowing that goodness to emerge.”
“Whatever the ego seeks and gets attached to are substitutes for the Being that it cannot feel.”
“…you don’t live your life, but life lives you. Life is the dancer, and you are the dance.”
As much as many of Tolle’s ideas jumped off the page and turned on mental lights for me, as I read through the book I got more and more troubled about where Tolle was trying to take me. The basic premise of his thinking felt out of kilter with what I had learned about Truth in my study of the Bible and Christian Science.
Stop thinking
For instance, his method of finding Being includes ridding your consciousness of thought. You must literally quit thinking, and this is because all thinking is what he calls “ego,” and ego must be annihilated and dissolved so that the one Consciousness can take over. He explains how to do this by concentrating on breathing, for example, until your thinking is empty of ideas. This is the route to Enlightenment and Awareness, he asserts.
I could readily see how emptying the human mind of anger, resentment, worry and fear leads to much greater peace and even to what he calls Enlightenment. After all, it’s all these negative emotions that cause so much human suffering in the first place. I could even see myself doing that. In fact, many times in my life, I have felt so mentally free of human mind turmoil that I felt very close to God, at-one with Love. And it is a blissful state that is indescribable in words. But the route to that peace was one of avid spiritual growth and obedience to the demands of Love that required thinking and reasoning to get there, at least, for me.
To focus first in one’s metaphysical journey on “not thinking,” and letting the absolute take over reminds me of a statement Mary Baker Eddy made to a student who kept declaring absolute truths in her prayers but did not obtain earthly results. Eddy rebuked her student’s absolutism by saying something to the effect of, “Your head is in the clouds while your body is on earth being filled with bullets.”
I remembered Eddy’s proclamation, “The time for thinkers has come,” on the first page of Science and Health. And it seems to me that Jesus Christ taught his students and disciples to think—to think more spiritual and less material. So, voiding consciousness of thought was a difficult place for me to go.
Tolle would say my concern is ego getting in the way. And I understand what he means in terms of mortal ego refusing to submit to the divine Ego. But the extension of his logic to a total annihilation of our individuality as children of God is what I had a hard time accepting. I’ll go more into that later.
I believe in one Ego, God, the divine Mind, but I also believe man expresses that Ego. Each of us expresses the divine Ego, the divine Mind, which means we manifest thinking, intelligent consciousness. I don’t believe we are absorbed into a vast ether of Consciousness where our identity ceases to exist.
Nonresistance
Tolle also preaches nonresistance. In my study of history, I’ve seen many virtues to nonresistance and how the world has been blessed by leaders who advocated this approach over violence. But these leaders are often victims of assassination, which is very unfortunate. It seems to me, that a higher path is required for long term success.
Nonresistance has some major limitations when warring against evil, especially when evil is malicious and aggressive. As James preached, “Resist the devil and he shall flee from you.” Resistance is required, but it’s a spiritual resistance, a Truth-resistance that brings desirable results.
I learn from Jesus Christ’s example.
Jesus’ form of resistance was more than nonresistance. He resisted evil to the hilt, with words of wisdom and understanding, and with prayers that neutralized evil intent. The crucifixion is not an example of nonresistance, but of spiritual demonstration. He purposely turned himself over, in that case, to his enemies to prove they could not kill him. And he proved his point for humanity’s all-time benefit.
Because of his example, we do not have to do the same. We can apply his lesson of how divine Love triumphs over evil, and protect ourselves from the assassin’s bullet in the first place.
Mary Baker Eddy discovered how to do this scientifically. Assassins attempted to take her life through physical and mental means, but she knew how to neutralize their evil thoughts and prevent them from killing her. This is the ultimate form of defense against evil. And it requires thinking, praying and spiritual reasoning to accomplish. It’s a method that transcends nonresistance. It’s the ultimate in spiritual resistance.
Acceptance
Another topic of Tolle’s that gave me trouble was his concept of “Acceptance.”
Tolle’s answer to “What about evil?” is to accept it for what it is. In the end, it is illusion, he states, but in the human experience, you often have to simply accept it. He tells his reader to not argue with it or let it preoccupy thought. Just accept it, void consciousness of emotion about it, and be at-one with Consciousness.
He wrote, “Accepting means you allow yourself to feel whatever it is you are feeling at that moment. It is part of the is-ness of the Now. You can’t argue with what is.”
If an event adverse to your well being happens, he wrote, “You would immediately accept the situation and thus become one with it rather than separate yourself from it.”
I asked myself, though, what about times of severe pain or incurable disease, lack, poverty, oppression, and their kin? Am I supposed to accept these?
I thought about a time when I flew back home from Africa and fell deathly ill. I had been taught by the Bible and Christian Science to not accept illness, but to resist the temptation to give into it, to rise up in the strength of Christ and heal it spiritually, which is what I did. If I were to “accept” the illness, it would have taken me over, rather than be defeated. I wouldn’t have been able to heal it.
Form and identity
I loved Tolle’s discussions on how we should not identify with form. By “form” he meant material things, objects of sense, as well as mental forms such as emotions and internal feelings. I have spent hundreds of hours in prayer disassociating myself from “form” over the decades, from money, position, status, prestige, and their relatives and with grand success. It is very freeing to become unattached to material things. So I could readily see the benefit of his counsel. But as I continued with his logic of deserting form I became greatly troubled again by where he was taking me. In his final analysis, man has no form. Man has no identity. There is only Consciousness, Presence, Being.
I believe there is one God, one Being, one Presence, but I also believe man (as a generic term) has identity in this Presence. The book of Genesis states that God made man in His image. Man has an identity. It is not apart from God. Man is not a god unto himself. But man does have form and shape—spiritual form and shape—in divine Being.
I think of God as being one infinite Individual, and man as expressing God’s infinite individuality.
For instance, like there is one Europe, but millions of people living in Europe who are called Europeans, there is one God, one Universe, but inhabited by countless divine offspring who are God’s children. We each have distinct identity within the One Grand Whole of God. Collectively, all of man reflects the wholeness and completeness of God.
And this point of Tolle’s was the most difficult for me to accept—the total dissolution of individual identity.
Jesus Christ taught, “You shall be as angels in heaven.” Eddy wrote, “All is Mind and Mind’s idea.” The “idea” Eddy described, is the “angel” Jesus saw. We each are God’s idea, God’s angel, with eternal individuality in heaven, in Mind, I believe.
Consciousness
Tolle states, “And who are you? Consciousness. And what is consciousness? This question cannot be answered. The moment you answer it, you have falsified it, made it unto another object. Consciousness, the traditional word for which is spirit, cannot be known in the normal sense of the word, and seeking it is futile. All knowing is within the realm of duality—subject and object—the knower and the known. The subject, the I, the knower without which nothing could be known, perceived, thought, or felt, must remain forever unknowable. This is because the I has no form.” (p. 242) After reading this, I thought of the Apostle Paul’s experience on Mars Hill when he came across the altar marked, “To the Unknown God.” He further declared, “Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.”
My understanding of Deity is that God is knowable. God is Love, tangible, concrete, meaningful powerful Love right here in the human experience, to be felt, expressed and blessed by. The Christ comes to us where we are and helps us, restores us and heals us. There is nothing unknowable about divine Love. It’s real, and it’s here and it’s ours to experience to the fullest.
Summary
There are many other points I could discuss, like his explanation of how the divine descends into matter, for example into the brain, and exits it if the brain becomes defective and can no longer “be used.” Or how to deal effectively with what he calls a “pain-body,” but this is enough. I feel I have accomplished my original purpose of getting my mental arms sufficiently around his text to gain insights into his philosophy.
I found his book very thought-provoking and very helpful in forcing me to understand my own beliefs better. Tolle is a good writer. His explanations are clear. I’m grateful to have read his book because it has given me a much clearer understanding of Eastern philosophy and what the Eastern thinkers mean by the concepts of Presence, Being and Consciousness. I do not know the degree to which Tolle’s thought is aligned with Buddhism, but I feel his explanations have given me a much better understanding of what Eastern philosophers teach. And that is a good thing. Understanding and respect for neighbors is important to promoting world peace and brotherly love.
I can see now, though, that what millions call Presence, Being and Consciousness, is not the same thing I mean when I say God, or divine Love. There are many similarities, but also some major distinctions and differences. The role and place for individuality is a major distinction.
Tolle uses John’s vision in the book of Revelation of “the new heaven and new earth,” as the inspiration for the title of his book, “A New Earth.” His “New Earth,” is the effect of people putting his teachings into practice, and successfully reaching Consciousness, where form is no longer worshipped and the human mind is void of thought. It’s a state of existence where Consciousness is in control, not ego.
He wrote, “The new earth arises as more and more people discover that their purpose in life is to bring the light of consciousness into this world and so use whatever they do as a vehicle for consciousness. Awakened consciousness then takes over from ego and begins to run your life.”(p. 300) As with many of Tolle’s statement, I can easily agree with what seems to be the obvious outline of this vision. I too, believe, in one God, in one Deity, and that our role is to be “taken over” by the divine power to fulfill the purposes of good. But I also believe we each have individuality as children of God, and that our individuality is to be cherished, honored, respected, understood and loved.
On the final page of his book, Tolle quoted Jesus Christ who taught, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” “The meek are the egoless.” Tolle wrote.
Yes, I agree, that the meek are those void of mortal ego, but also reflecting the divine Ego which manifests itself in the form of tangible spiritual individuality.
You and I are children of God, blessed with precious individuality that is forever ours. United in the one individuality, God! Yes! But still in possession of individuality.
For those of you following the Tolle discourse, I’d love to hear your thoughts on what you’ve been discovering.
I think some of your concerns might be adjusted if you watch some of the webcasts where many of your questions/concerns are voiced by people watching the cast and Tolle responds. The webcast in very interesting because the author is there being asked questions most ask while reading something like this and are never able to ask and he explains alot, but not all.
He’s very clear that he isn’t a guru nor a “church” builder.
Your points are very interesting and need some time to ponder. While watchinmg the webcasts he recommends Goldsmith as reading for Christians. I was struck while watching how amazing that his basic ideas were so similar to Mrs. Eddy’s and that she put hers forward in 1860s!!!!!!! It would be interesting to know if Tolle has read S&H…
I have not watched the webcasts but have read most of the book. He is drawing heavily off of A Course in Miracles and is just paraphrasing many of the ideas set forth in that teaching but making it more esoteric and impractical than ACIM. This book did not resonate with me and I have been a serious student of CS, ACIM and Goldsmith for many years. I think the idea of “acceptance” and the “painbody” were what I found most incongruous with what I have come to understand in my study–it just didn’t feel right to me at all. I do hear others that are really finding this work helpful and at first found this a little confusing because I wondered if I was missing something here. But through these years, I’ve learned to recognize when a way is for me and it’s not something I really have to force and this book felt very forced for me. I am very glad, however; for those that it is resonating with and know that we are all working out our salvation in very individual ways.
You say that he is drawing heavily off of these other peoples ideas??? but where did theirs come from?. I have never been religious. I never read anything on enlightenment or Buddhism. I have just lived I haven’t got caught up in what others think I should believe or not or do or Don’t ECT. I adapted some things like cognitive thinking and resiliency training into my everyday life. I also adopted the values of The United States Army. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless service, Honor, Integrity and personal courage.. I have been asked for years what I believe in and I say nothing…. This could take all day so to save myself from typing a lot more.. I have been doing everything Tolle talks about and Buddha and Jesus and Muhammad… Just by being a good person and using common sense.
I just posted the previous post but wanted to add that Tolle did touch on an idea that I think is important, or at least it reminded me of an idea that I have found is important, i.e., that egoic thoughts, human thoughts, or mortal mind thoughts, whether they be ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ are simply meaningless and have no real power or real effect. In CS I think this is sometimes confused with the idea of treatment–that by me recalling ideas in thought that are in-line with truth, by merely affirming truth and denying error at the level of human thought, that I will experience healing. My experience has been that treatment raises my thought to a level of receptivety, where I can then hear those thoughts of God, that are an awareness and a knowing of truth that is far beyond just human thinking and this heals. So the idea of not thinking, to me is the idea of recognizing that human thoughts don’t really have any power for good or evil because there is only power and that is found only in the thoughts of God, the only real thoughts…an awareness, a knowing that is full and alive.
the proof is in the pudding . . .
Evan, you are not alone in your concern. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NizojZIX7Aw
Tolle has drawn many in Christians into his New Age philosophy with Oprah’s influence. Great CS principles can become New Age by removing the need for Jesus Christ. Thanks for standing against this deception!
Evan –
Thanks for your insights on this. I haven’t read Tolle, or followed his rise with Oprah. But I do a fair amount of interfaith reading and discussion, and I often have a similar response. On the surface, I find many religions/philosophies very helpful and appealing. Many — especially when you get to their roots — seem to echo the emphasis on spirit, truth, and love that we have in CS. But I find other systems lacking in detail or in specifics or in pure spirituality.
For others exploring Tolle or other thinkers or writers, I’d say to dig in… but realize that there may be something even deeper out there. I’ve found that depth in Christian Science.
Scott
This has been my experience as well Scott. Thank you for sharing.
Evan, this is a brilliant article. Like a lot of the “new” spirituality, Tolle’s work sounds good, is thought provoking, but does not heal the sick. I am reminded of a logical dissection of the errors in Rush Limbaugh’s writing published some time ago. He is another author who says things that sound true, but part of you knows they aren’t, yet it is very difficult to put one’s finger on the problem. Your analysis of Tolle’s writing is extremely helpful, especially the parts about individuality of man, and the idea of the tangible concreteness of divine Love.
I really appreciate what Eckart Tolle is doing in helping people see and understand who the real Jesus is, not the Jesus of America. As a former born again fundamentalist Christian, there were so many things in the church that bothered me such as if you are a good Christian you should vote Republican. If you are a true Christian you should be for family values and attack gays even though Jesus never said anything bad about gays. If you are a real Christian you should hate rock music, but country music was ok. For a while I thought it must be me, then I read Tolle and now understand that being a true Christian is not about saying Jesus Jesus Jesus and following a set of norms taught by old white men. But following Jesus means to follow his example of losing the ego trip. Not judging but forgiving. Being full of love and not full of condemnation. I think Eckhart Tolle’s book may become one of the most important books on how to live as Christ that has ever been published. All I know is that I now walk closer to Jesus than I ever did when I was going to church and “trying” to live as the church expected me to. I am truly now free at last. Thank you Jesus and thank you Eckart Tolle. Peace out.
don newsofthespirit.com
Just a little side note:
The quote by Tolle “…you don’t live your life, but life lives you. Life is the dancer, and you are the dance.” reminded me of something I recently saw on TV.
Charlie Rose was interviewing Mikhail Baryshnikov, the famous Russian dancer. Charlie asked Mikhail if he had ever “…danced the perfect dance.”
Mikhail pondered the question for a moment and then replied (in a very Russian accent), “Not to be dancer, but be audience.”
To be so unequivocally “one” with the effortless flow of agility, balance, and love of art, as to feel that he was merely a witness to these qualities unfolding in his experience.
It was especially interesting to contemplate Mikhail’s answer in context to Jesus statement, “My Father worketh hither to, and I work.”
Jim
PS Another little side note: The Russian language has no equivalent to the word “the.” This is why most Russians don‘t use the word. Lacking this life experience, it’s confusing to know where to place it or when it should be used within a sentence.
Dear Evan
Thank you so much for taking on this topic .
Can you explain the difference to me between the meditation approach of quieting thought and detatching from the content of thought by some kind of process like focusing on breathing or on a candle flame or something; and the CS approach of “getting quiet and listening to God”? I have not really found a way yet to quiet my thought and go into that profound stillness where God speaks, but I used to experience that stillness years ago when I used to meditate. Should I take up meditating again or how else can I reach that place of stillness? I really do want (and need!) to hear what God is saying to me but I just don’t seem to be able to quiet my thought.
I agree with you about the concepts of individuality and identity in CS. I think they are VERY, VERY precious and that was something that always disturbed me about systems that seem to be proposing undifferentiated consciousness.
I would be so grateful if you could answer this.
Thank you.
Amanda
I have just re-read your post, after leaving the previous comment and I think you have already covered the points I raised. But one question remains: How to get outside the hurly-burly of the human mind when it is constantly, aggressively demanding attention. When I am overcome with fear, emotion or any of the other overwhelming human states of thought. How to quiet that and get out of it and reach the stillness where God’s voice is heard.
Do we do this in CS by DOING something – a Christian act, or a thought of gratitude, and then another and then another, minute by minute, second by second if necessary? Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, one by one and consciously? Is there ever a time in CS prayer when reaching out to God is like a voiding of human consciousness?
What happens if you are humanly unconscious?
How do you become unconscious of pain, grief and other intense human feelings and go into the all absorbing consciousness of God. How does this differ from letting the absolute take over?
Thanks again.
Amanda
THx Evan for this thought provoking post.
To Amanda,
You asked about quieting thought in order to hear God.
“Be still, and know that I am God,” from the Bible comes to my thought.
I have never practiced a meditation technique, as taught by some schools, but I definitely have found the “stillness of God,” and can readily at any time I choose.
My “method” if you will, is to quiet mortal mind by filling thought up with truth and love.
My understanding of meditation, such as focus on breathing taught by Eastern schools, is to void consciousness of thought. According to Tolle, you’re supposed to think about inner parts of your body, like in your hand, or in your foot, or something similar, and “feel” what it’s like in there. This approach is exactly the opposite of what I’ve learned in Christian Science.
In CS, the purpose of prayer is to spiritualize thought, not materialize it. Our intent is to get so far out of the physical sense of body, that we start to genuinely feel close to Spirit, even at-one with Spirit. To do this, you cannot be thinking about the physical body and dwelling in any material sense of self.
To “get still,” my prayer is not so much to get rid of thought, but to replace thought–replace material wants, desires, anguish, etc., with a deeper love for God, for Spirit. I “let go of the world,” let go of worldly concerns, and be grateful for all the spiritual good God is.
“To be spiritually minded is life and peace,” Paul taught. That’s my goal, to be truly spiritually minded. It’s not an emptiness of mind that gets you there, but a fullness of Mind–of the divine Mind. This consciousness is not a fraud or fake. It’s the real thing!
Hope that helps…
I have read Tolle’s Books and noticed that in regards to “feeling” your inner body, I don’t think he means to feel a physical hand or foot, but more to “feel” the inner energy that is not matter, and this tends to get us out of mortal thinking. I can feel that inner body that he is talking about but for me it’s not a mortal body I am feeling but it’s the translation of things into thoughts.
Mrs Eddy says “let us feel the divine energy of spirit bringing us into newness of life..” Does this run paralel and what does she mean to ‘feel’? How do you feel this divine energy she is talking about? Do you go into the inner body to feel? Not sure but have been thinking a lot about that sentence and what she meant by it
Thanks for the book review
Thank you for this reply Evan. It was very, very, helpful to me. I have a well meaning friend who continues to send me videos and articles of Tolle and Joel Goldsmith. I had remembered you had written your thoughts on Tolle so came back here to reread them. I continue to be so very grateful for your generous sharing. I love being guided by your wisdom. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And I thank Christian Science and Mary Baker Eddy for the guidance given to you.
Again, to Amanda’s 2nd question…
What happens if we’re humanly unconscious…?
This brings up another super important point…we are never alone!
My understanding of meditation techniques, etc., is that success is largely, if not totally, dependent upon what the meditator does.
In CS, success is dependent upon Christ, Truth. We are never alone, doing the doing by ourself. Christ, the power and presence of God, is ever with us moving us in the progressive direction we need to go. So even when we “get it all wrong,” or can’t seem to do anything right, or do anything at all, the Christ is at work within us still helping us, lifting us, moving us forward. You can’t help but progress and improve under Christ’s care.
This is why understanding Jesus Christ is so critical for success in the search for spiritual life. Jesus was crucified, on the cross. Humanly, he was rendered totally helpless. Yet, he still walked out of the tomb alive. How did that happen? It was the Christ that endured, that survived the crucifixion. The Christ, Jesus’ spiritual self, was not crucified or murdered. The Christ was still alive, even when Jesus looked dead on the cross. And this is why we need to understand Jesus and what happened. Because his example says to us, “The Christ protects and saves you too, just like it did me!” “Follow Christ. Follow Truth, and let it save you.”
Thank you, Evan, for those thoughtful and helpful answers to my questions.
Yours gratefully,
Amanda
Thanks Evan for your comments and your answers to Amanda’s questions. I too struggle with the inability to get as quiet and calm with prayer as I did when meditating. I’ll keep pondering your comments, but maybe it’s a subject calling to be addressed more.
I appreciated much of what you had to say about Tolle, especially regarding non-resistance, it shed some light on why, perhaps, some, following God’s path met with their deaths. But then it occurred to me that was not true for many, many more. Rosa Parks was practicing non-resistance, surely a God-directed woman and she lived a long, blessed life. One of the major participants in that particular movement, John Lewis, serves with honor in the U.S. Congress. So, I wonder if it’s possible to be so clear about the true meaning of the practices and principles of other faiths, if we haven’t lived or deeply studied them.
Perhaps we can only say what works for us. I wonder if there isn’t a way to discuss/debate other practices, faiths, beliefs, without inadvertently repudiating, rebuking the people purporting them? Most of these people are working with what they know, what they’ve been led to, so far. Christian Science may be the definitive answer but it is far from readily available to everyone. I myself searched for years for God, Truth and didn’t find Science for years. And no human being or book sent me there. It was God, directing me specifically into The Mother Church. And since then, I’ve heard quite a bit of condemnation of others’ faith, while few of them were out making Science available to the general public. A lot of people have no idea of its existence.
Finally, I ask myself if God, divine Love, healing Love is only available to those who’ve read Science and Health? That’s a question not a statement. I don’t know the answer. But perhaps, if we’re all practicing love, reflecting love, seeing the good everywhere, that many are doing, praying to see and know that Love, God is in control, then we can know that everyone is getting the information they need when they need it? That everyone is doing what God has directed them to do at the time? Not in any human, material sense, but as we know this scientifically, it’s reflected in the world, in the actions of others And no one is outside of God’s kingdom?
What do you think?
Sancy
To Sancy,
I believe God’s healing love is available to everyone whether they’ve read Science and Health or not. Just like the Christ is within everyone whether they’ve read the Bible or not.
But Science and Health is a book people can turn to for the pure Truth that takes them to a safe place in Spirit.
I more than hesitated to even comment on Tolle’s book for fear of sounding critical and trying to be judgmental. That’s not my goal at all. But I have learned a very important truth in raising our two children. When our children are presented with options, and one option is clearly better than the other, but they’re not sure, it’s my job as a parent to help them think about the choices and come to a moral and spiritual conclusion. Our teenagers are constantly bombarded by all kinds of choices from friends and peers, and many of those choices, if not resisted, would lead them down a wrong path. I do not sit by and let my children run into the ditchbank of needless suffering if I can help it. I talk with them. I discuss with them. I help them see the pros and cons of different choices, and of course, my prayer is that they make the best choice. That is their decision in the end.
And oppositely, I’ve seen the awful suffering that children can get into if no parent or guardian is their to guide their choices. These morally unguided individuals often make poor choices that sideline succes in their life. And it wouldn’t have happened if someone caring enough had stepped in and helped them think through the options.
That was my goal with Tolle’s book…to understand what his message was so I could make a clear choice about whether it was a path I wanted to go down or not, and also to be able to talk about that path with others who ask me.
I’ve about decided that restraining from any kind of comment on others views for fear of sounding critical is not a wise position anymore. Error can be very aggressive at times, and if we don’t counter it with truth, it grows and takes over. I’ve seen it happen in my children when I was not alert as a parent…and have since worked hard to not let it happen again to the best of my ability–with my children and with those who discuss spiritual concepts with me.
Evan, many thanks for this thoughtful and helpful zeroing in on the differences, not just the similarities.
One minor point, and I hope this doesn’t come across as picky, re the term “non-resistance” — thinking of Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr.(both assassinated as you said), they followed a form of resistance called non-violent resistance. They resisted injustice through non-violent marches and protests.
Again, many thanks for your clarity.
To Sandi,
Aw, yes,…thank you for the clarification!!
Evan, Not to put you on the spot but I wanted to ask you a question concerining the recent Banner article concerning your sister’s revision of Science and Health. My reason for mentioning it here is I have always felt Science and Health is tough for the general public and maybe it should be revised. It seems that with someone like Tolle and the other things out there like the Secret et al that come across as new age aren’t just another facet of mortal mind with some glimpses of the divine shining through. I totally agree with your view of things and wanted to add that the thing we continue to avoid in these discussions and permeates S & H is the need to rid oneself of sin. The continued redemption of the human consciousness so it reflects the divine is our ultimate goal and I was just wondering if the revised edition helped elucidate that.
To anon,
No, the so-called “revised edition” does not elucidate the points your bring out. Science and Health grew out of Mary Baker Eddy’s experience. It is my feeling that no one else will ever have the same experience MBE had, and no one can possibly step into her shoes and in essence “become her.” We can all have our own experiences and are justified in sharing those experiences under our own name. But until one is able to raise the dead as MBE did, and instantaneously heal the worst cases of disease, as MBE did, it seems to me that they cannot possibly interpret correctly what she wrote and get it right. Until then, I find it safest to study the original work, which I don’t find hard to understand, really, and patiently wait until humanity gains the spiritual stature and maturity necessary to properly plumb the depths of Science and Health and correctly appraise it’s deepest meanings.
I find in my experience that Science and Health is “hard to understand” for material sense. It’s quite easy to understand by spiritual sense. It’s all about how you read it…
Evan,
Felt I needed to respond to your response to me, if for no other reason than to apologize if my comments sounded like criticism, since that was the original point. It sort of makes my point that these kind of discussions don’t always accomplish their objective but confuse the issue. I certainly wasn’t saying anything about how people teach/raise their children, that’s a very private, individual thing.
I can’t help but think how fortunate we are in this society, in this era, even to be able to speak out about our beliefs, when we know that is not, has not always been available to many, even Christian Scientists in certain places.
Thinking about it after the fact, I think my underlying point was that my novice understanding of Science is that being what it is, the actual law of God, of Life, of Love, it’s for me, beyond comparison. Like gravity in the material plane. Having spent many years on the way to Science exploring many disciplines, I don’t see them as a threat. They cannot affect Truth. But we each have our own ideas about what is bad, what is threatening. I worry only about things that “preach” overt harm to other people, hate, etc. I’m grateful for things that lead in some small way to love and freedom, increased understanding, even with flaws, it’s a beginning. Just as I am, following Mrs. Eddy’s urging, grateful for all the physicians who are taking care of people who have no idea about Christian Science or the power of prayer. I see Christian Science, Divine Science as sort of encompassing, including all that is good in these things, and by definition dissolving what isn’t, what is not truth. My knowing that Mind is All, for me renders anything else powerless. But, to each his own. Just wanted to clarify and suggest there may be less to fear than one would think. Since Mind is All, is thought, I doubt there really is such a thing as an mind empty of thought, saying to me there’s so much room for misunderstanding of these things, as in that point made by another that MLK really was promoting non-violence. A good thing, I would think.
Anyway, my apologies again, enjoy your blog, lots of helpful ideas.
Sancy
Hi Sancy,
Oh, heavens, I didn’t view your post as critical at all. Sorry if it sounded that way! And I agree with you, that interchange through posts like these leaves much to be desired at times! Reason being, we often type out partial thoughts or impressions, and can appear to the reader as having large gaps in our reasoning. But, I think we all learn this through experience in participating in blogs and so on. It’s part of the medium.
And I also agree with you that Truth is popping up in all kinds of places throughout humanities experiences, and even in Tolle’s book. And we want to be grateful and appreciative for every advance of Truth in human consciousness that brings mankind closer to Love. But I also believe it helps to sift the tares from the wheat and be sure we’re bringing the “wheat” into our storage house (into our consciousness) and not the tare instead. Or a poor mixture of both!
Anyway, lots of love to you. I value your comments and look forward to more!
Hugs,…
Evan, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the above blogger about the revisng of S & H. As I pondered your response a very clear point came up about what you said that Mrs. Eddy wrote for spiritual sense and this really brought it home to me. I do think is much easier to understand when looking at it from that standpoint. Thanks.
Evan — I read your comments on Tolle. You take exception to some of Tolle’s references to stop human thinking but there is also much in MBE’s writings to encourage that. Actually, more of her statements about one Mind & one divine consciousness come to me than her teaching man to think more.
I was surprised in your references to MBE’s earlier comments re:mental assassins. Did she not grow out of that? We know she kept culling many early statements out of S&H and narrowing her chapter on Animal Magnetism to a mere 7 pgs. What you wrote suggests she believed in real enemies but I can’t imagine you want to let that stand.
I agree with you that the acceptance of problems is invalid & unacceptable. CS teaches us to make conscientious protests & to mentally contradict every complaint from the body. Tolle is fairly young in his writings, comparatively. He, too, will learn more of our Eternal Builder and grow beyond the notion of an unknown God.
You state that what others call Being & Consciousness is different than what you call God & divine Love. I’m actually finding more common ground with “others” because of CS. To those who enjoy calling God, Being, I appreciate that MBE has a whole chapter in S&H entitled, Science of Being.
One of the previous posts mentioned being grateful for even flawed beginnings. It heartens me too! And to the posting about all positive/negative thoughts are meaningless and of no real effect is so true. When the smoke of battle clears away, MBE already said it– the human mind isn’t a factor in healing, the human mind cannot kill or cure, and that man doesn’t have a mind of his own. One just has to cease to sigh over “wrong” thought.
Thank you for allowing me one final comment to something you said re: teaching your children what is right when there are options. This is likely another subject for another time, but I think it would be interesting. The question to me is when is it just the ego(or personal sense) dictating a human sense of right vs wrong?
At some point “beholding the perfect man” has to mean seeing that everyone includes all right ideas, right? Respectfully,
To above,
As you are grateful, I too am grateful, for evidence of Truth advancing whenever I see it. And many eye-opening statements of truth are found in Tolle’s work. As I wrote, it was the final destination he wanted to take me, which included the annihilation of individuality, that troubled me greatly. The “Being” I have come to worship honors individuality. It doesn’t absorb it, but actually accentuates it, brings out our true self as God’s image, which is a glorious distinct identity to be cherished, honored and valued.
You mention about mental assassins…I didn’t find in my blog what you found, but regardless, you are correct that Mary Baker Eddy did not make a reality of evil, but undid it’s seeming reality. And that’s the important point to remember. In this world where evil seems very real to the human mind, it cannot be ignored, but has to be undone in belief so it doesn’t keep perpetuating it’s crimes. Eddy wrote in Science and Health, “… the teacher must thoroughly fit his students to defend themselves against sin, and to guard against the attacks of the would-be mental assassin, who attempts to kill morally and physically.” She used the word “attempts,” which I believe is a critical point to notice. The Pharisees attempted to kill Jesus Christ and failed because Jesus understood the powerlessness of evil. We have to learn the same in order to make the same type of demonstrations.
Thanks for your comments! Christ is unfolding its glorious Truth in many different ways and through many different people the world over…
Evan — just clicked the wrong key and my response to your response vanished. (Hmm…a message in that?) Just quickly to clarify that your comments re:assassins were in your original posting under Nonresistance. Just sounded “old-theologyish” to me.
I sense that Tolle is not advocating an annihilation of individuality but that he has found a way, for himself, to lay down personal sense, or a so-called selfhood apart from God. He just doesn’t use our familiar terms. MBE called it getting Mary out of the way…or MBE she was the weakest of mortals but as Discover of CS she was bone & sinew of the world.
Anyway, I can sure see why so many are appreciating that his book teaches a way to lay off the old man and to put on the new.
Thanks for having the forum!
Made an informative comparison. Tolle obviously is an excellent writer. He is fulfilling prophecy. He has pulled those who weren’t sure of their spiritual connection, their roots; they are searching. Some will stay for a little while and find their path of truth.
Several scrips come to mind from the originator:
But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. .. Matthew 15:18,19
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God. . . Romans 12:2
“An herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men . . . Acts 24:16
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things… Philippians 4:8.
The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. . . Psalm 10:4
The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity… Psalm 94:11
Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment… Matthew 6:25.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves… Romans 12:9, 10
love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude. It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. . . Love never fails 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
We listen to what we want to hear that does not require much change on our part.
True change, true and lasting transformation cannot be attained via our human efforts alone but through God’s Spirit.
Unfortunately, the world no longer exists without evil. Look around.
Ponder this:
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man but of God. . . John 1:12, 13.
Evil is a spirit. You cannot fight spirit with flesh.
Tolle sounds good but where is it all heading?
There will never be a new earth ruled by humans in their present state.
You can stop the mind from thinking by drugging it. I don’t think a person numbed by drugs. . . their mind is working.
Just thought I would throw in my two cents.
I am so greatful to Eckhart Tolle and Oprah for turning me onto Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor and her beautiful book “”My Stroke of Insight””. Her story is amazing and her gift to all of us is a book purchase away I’m happy to say.
Dr Taylor was a Harvard brain scientist when she had a stroke at age 37. What was amazing was that her left brain was shut down by the stroke – where language and thinking occur – but her right brain was fully functioning. She experienced bliss and nirvana and the way she writes about it (or talks about it in her now famous TED talk) is incredible.
What I took away from Dr. Taylor’s book above all, and why I recommend it so highly, is that you don’t have to have a stroke or take drugs to find the deep inner peace that she talks about. Her book explains how. “”I want what she’s having””, and thanks to this wonderful book, I can! Thank you Dr. Taylor, and thank you Eckhart and Oprah.
Thankyou for this wonderful blog !.I was sent it by my brother MONTHS ago but didnt have time to look at it for ages..tonight I read what you have said about Eckhart Tolle’s book “A New Earth” with amazement as my friend gave me this book only a few days ago and I had barely started to read when I thought it sounded alot like Christian Science in some parts so I am VERy interested in your comments.
Thank you, Evan, for taking the time to read A New Earth and share your comments on it here.
Having looked deeply into the message being shared in this wonderful gift to humanity, I cannot think of anything that doesn’t support my practice of Christian Science. One reading of Tolle’s book would be like one reading of Science and Health…. there could be many misconceptions and misunderstandings because beliefs systems and attachments to certain words can seem to be so important to mortal mind aka ego–Tolle’s term. I often watch mortal mind try to make a religion out of Tolle’s message and try to compare it to Christian Science which is a religion. There is no comparison. A number of your comments were about what you believe and beliefs are conditioned thought forms and beliefs are not the Truth. They may point to the Truth or be about the Truth, but they are not the Truth. Tolle makes this very clear in his writing and even more so as one of the commenters mentioned on the webisodes when questioned live on the webcasts. Tolle mentions some eastern philosophies, but his book is no more focused on eastern philosophy than it is focused on Christianity. He makes mention of how religions and philosophies point to the same Truth… many paths… one destiny. In my study of Christian Science, I have noticed Mrs. Eddy made the distinction between beliefs and facts. Beliefs are subject to change and can be argued. The “facts of being” cannot. I found about 17 references to the “facts of being” in the concordance to Science and Health and it seems to me that this is what Tolle is doing his best to point to with the words that came to him when he was led to write this book. As far as nonresistance goes, what about “agree with thy adversary quickly” (Matt. 5:25) and “resist not evil”(Matt. 5:39)? Oh, I could go on and on in commenting on your take on Tolle’s book… this issue of individuality, for instance. However, I don’t expect you to study A New Earth like you do Science and Health especially since you find S&H so easy to understand. That book is the textbook for your practice and teaching of Christian Science. I realize that you have your priorities in your life and the study of Science and Health have their place in that for sure and I appreciate that and support you in that for you are doing wonderful work and I rejoice in the contributions you are making to the rising of a new earth. Tolle is making contributions that I also appreciate as I am sure are many whom I may never hear of.
Thank you, Evan. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for “Spiritview.”
I am a Christian Scientist who has recently read through “A New Earth” several times — along with my continued and forever study of Science and Health. I feel the need to speak up here because based on the comments I don’t think many of you have devoted much genuine attention to Eckhart Tolle’s writings. Mr. Tolle is clearly himself a deep thinker, and this article isn’t a fair characterization of what he means when he says “stop thinking.” To be a thinker, whose time has come, indicates a readiness to move beyond (not below!) the incessant monologue of mortal mind. Mrs. Eddy describes this as the spiritual consciousness that instantaneously heals the sick. That consciousness is not filled with analytical thoughts — it is filled with stillness, quietness, and perhaps even silence for the space of a half an hour if one can even imagine that. We are commanded in the Bible to “stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will accomplish for you today.”
Mr. Tolle points out that this is something most people are very unpracticed at — and yet he explains that we must learn to do this if we are going to put an end to sin. Just as Mrs. Eddy explains that “mortals must find refuge in Truth in order escape the error of these latter days.” Mrs. Eddy also discusses how an intellectual understanding of metaphysics not the same as the consciousness of being at one with God (see p.505). My own experience has been that Mr. Tolle (perhaps without intending to) is building a bridge to a deeper understanding of Christian Science by using simple everyday examples to reveal how mortal mind interferes with our sense of oneness with God. This is literally so simple a little child could understand it. He may not have a church organization behind him, but the accusation of “deception” on his part simply does not resonate with what I’m seeing.
So, as an active Reading Room librarian who often has to respond to these issues, let me tell you, Evan, this is so helpful. I have one brief item to add.
A man came into the Reading Room who had studied Tolle and many other inspirational writers, grappling with his ideas, appreciating them. He decided to read Science and Health. He was about a quarter of the way through it, in wonder of the concepts, considering them, appreciating them, when, to his astonishment, he was healed of debilitating arthritis in both knees. When he came to a Wednesday testimony meeting to report this, (reminding us all of the lame man at the temple, leaping and praising God) he said, “I’ve read all the scriptures of the world, all the inspirational books I could find, and they are all wonderful. But none of them HEALED me. This book healed me.”
Great experience! Thanks for sharing.
Here it is March, 2015 and I just found this discussion! So Grateful! I was raised in C.S. and went to Principia all my school-age years. But, for various reasons, I never really “got” Christian Science. Perhaps it was because I never really saw it “lived” or never experienced any real healings……??? I went out into the world and explored many, many religions, philosophies and New Age Thinking and books. I loved all of it and learned so very much! I found I was always comparing what I found to Christian Science and would often say, “This is a lot like C.S.!” I have to agree with several other commentors….the thing that distinguishes C.S. from all other religions, philosophies, etc. is that it HEALS!!! And Healing is what Jesus taught his followers to do. It is the spiritual Healing that is at the core of Christianity and of Christian Science. True Spiritual Healing is how we change the world and witness a New Earth! Thanks so much Everyone! Much Love! Bev
haha, april 2015, just discovered the article. Very inspiring and interestesting Evan. I would love to see you with Ophra. Wow what a happening! The audience would experience the New Earth already. Like in his books we have to find it, while we are already there!! I read some books of Tolle just out of interest. I also went to see him to experience his presence. I missed the ‘demonstration’ of his letters. He is a goed writer for sure, but I didn’t feel the practitioner. What I mean is I didn’t feel the New Earth with him, while I expereince it when I read your articles or Science and Health or when I ask a practitioner for healing support. I met a couple of very goed spiritual writers or componists of high quality music. They certainly are divine gifted but to my surprise they where not living or demonstrating the power of their letters. So I learned that the gifts come from God through the individual. But the individuals very often actually are not aware of the divine source, Thank you Evan for your spiritual passion!!!
How wonderful to read your article on Tolle, Evan, and to read the thought so of so many others. My husband and I lived in Asia for 12 years, surrounded by Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and (happily) a few Christian scientists. It was a great experience to be able to learn about so many religions. We did attend a workshop on meditation by a Burmese Buddhist monk one time and he explained that the purpose of meditation was not to “void your mind of thought” because the mind can never cease from “thinking” that thoughts are constant. He told us that becoming aware of your thoughts is possible when you sit quietly and observe them. He told us to just “note” the thought and then let it go. When the knee starts hurting, note the thought and let it go. When the worry about money and lack comes, note the thought and let it go. I could see the connection to Christian Science in this because often as an American, I obsess on a topic and it is only with help of a CS practitioner that I can “break the spell” and let the negative thinking go. So without actually having to become a Buddhist 🙂 I found the monk’s workshop on meditation very useful. Finally, I will add that I used to worry that learning about other religions would take me away from CS but ha ha that “worry” was also dispelled when we had a wonderful CS lecturer come to the Asian city I was living in and give a talk on the One Mind. She was able to connect with the audience of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslms, Taoists etc. because she affirmed that there is really only one Principle, one Mind that guides us all. So while I have never read Tolle, I think that if we stay firmly on the path of Truth, with guides like you Evan, then learning about Eastern practices can show us the wisdom and truth of CS.
Thank you so much this is so helpful! I have been searching many philosophies and have read all of Tolle but I always seem to land back on CS. Also, meditation left me feeling numb and empty which seems to be the point but I was miserable. Thanks for addressing this.