I had similar thoughts as I was reading the book...and then on reflecting on the bible quotes I felt that it provided me clarification and an in-depth understanding of the quotes that I didn't have before. de

Oliisa,

I don't know if you are aware but "the New Earth", Eckhart Tolle get's his inspirations from ALOT of religions. Type in my name food4thgt and go under my thread that is titled "Christians, Did you know that Eckhart Tolle get's his inspirations from ALOT of inspirations. You will see a bit of info about the book showing all the religions he uses from Buddha, Islam, etc.

I don't know how you feel but I feel that God is the One & only True God, and I give him my exclusive devotion. I know the dangers of getting my ears tickled by reading materials that involve alot of OTHER religions & their ideals TOO. I pray you see what I am trying to tell you.

Food4thgt

Hey...I don't think you're turning on the Lord at all...It's as if we finally have the TRUE MEANING of HIS words...I see it as now I finally understand all of the "symbolism" the bible was written...which really wasn't symbolism at all but interperted only through the "ego". So don't feel like a deserter, feel that clarity in knowing that you finally have the REAL connection to Christ!

decafin,

When a book is anti-spriptual and trys to make us think that normal thinking or questioning of things is our EGO, we seriously need to look at what we are reading. Over & over I have read that alot are finding it hard to understand, even after reading it over & over & some feel troubled with the NEW AGE thinking it presents. As a christian we are so blessed, we have the bible for:

2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is inspired of GOd and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for settings things straight, for disciplining in RIGHTEOUS that the "MAN OF GOD"< may be fully competent, COMPLETELY equipped for every good work."

Agape Love,

Food4thgt

Dear food4thgt
Please read again your scripture quote with the emphasis on the very first two words. Then look up the definition of scripture. Please meditate on this.

Do not be afraid. The foundation of your belief is not really based on a the Baptist denomination per se, but rather on the Holy Scriptures. No matter how wonderful these words are in a , if they you can not find them confirmed in scripture, don't do anything, put it on the back burner for now.

You will only see things in a new light. Going to church should be seen as a social phenomenon and doesnt have to interfere with the way you think about things.

You are a grown-up individual who has the perfect right to pay attention to the things you find useful in this book (or any other book) and to not pay attention to the rest.

Ollisa - I believe religion is the foundation for a spiritual journey that most people seek but few achieve. Why? Fear. The opposite of Love. Seek and ye shall find. Ask and ye shall receive. The truth shall set you free. Be not afraid. Trust. Hard words because fear sets in. Don't be. Trust that your journey is good because you are born of goodness. Afterall, you were born in His image. How can it not be good? I left my religion quite a while ago because for me, I saw control. Jesus was not controlling. I stopped seeing Jesus in my church. Just people wanting everyone to fit into their interpretation of Jesus. I don't think that was his intention. Be open to receive His word...he will not steer you wrong;-) If you are here - maybe he is directing you? Seek and ye shall find.

Hi oliisa,

I don't find any conflict between my Christian faith and A New Earth. In fact, I feel like I understand the message of love and connection to God that is at the core of the Bible even better, now that I have read A New Earth.

Also, with regard to the quote from Timothy. My understanding is that at the time that Timothy was written, the Scriptures that the author of Timothy referred to was the Greek Septuagent, which included books that were later removed from the Bible, roughly 200 years later, by the Roman Emperor Constantine. The author of Timothy probably didn't intend his own words about scripture to apply to the letter he was writing. However, I don't think that diminishes the message in Timothy at all. Scriptures that are inspired by a deep connection to God, will help people return to God.

I hope that no one feels any form of criticism or exclusion here. All are welcome with open arms. If another person has a different opinion than me on anything, I respect that. Hopefully, I have learned the basic mesage in Eckhart's book that my opinion about anything, is not who I am. Opinions exist in the world of form, of flesh, but our real identity is spirit. When we think our identity is found in the world of form, or flesh, we suffer, but when it is found in spirit, we enjoy the fruits of the spirit. This is one of the key messages I have taken away from reading Eckhart's book.

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful messages. I can see the caring hearts in each of you.

Blessings,

Student99

Do not replace your religion with this junk. I would suggest that you talk to your minister about this. This stuff is not compatible with the Bible. In fact, it is in direct contradiction to the Bible. We are not Gods nor is Oprah. She is a talk show host and very rich, but not a God. Study your Bible daily and stay IN the Lord.

my best advise is to stop...take 3 deep breaths and try to connect with your consciousness (aka, your soul or your true self).

I completely resonate with what you are experiencing.

Maybe you do not have to incorporated the two but just allow yourself to move on to the next level.....

Could you comprehend algebra before addition!!!

not sure if that's the best metaphor but hope you get the point.:x

LOL,
Tanya

Read "Millionaires of the Bible" Jesus was rich. So were many more.

Hi flipinit,

I have the impression that you may not have actually read Eckhart's book, because I don't remember him advocating that anyone change their religion. In fact, I have the impression that he advises (but does not order) people to go more deeply into their faith.

Blessings, Student99

Dear Oliisa,

Your fear is very farmiliar to me. I too once felt that I was maybe stepping away from God, that is, away from the God I knew as a child growing up in my church. What I was reading frightened me and yet as I read it a part of me knew that this "new" idea I was being introduced to was Truth (which at that point I really didn't understand). This was years ago, so it was not this book but another that is very similiar to this one. How I resolved my fear was to ask myself as I read "Does what I'm reading resonate with Love and only Love?" and if it does than I am with God."

You may also want to know that I have not left my church, but in some ways I have left my religion, by that I mean I am not rigid in my belief like I once thought I needed to be in order to "do it right" in order to "be saved." I still appreciate many things in my church I just have a much larger sense of God's Love than I once allowed myself to have because of my fear (ego). I hope this helps in some way to relieve the fear you are feeling.