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| photo credit: Richard Quick |
ACIM Workbook Lesson #332 “Fear binds the world. Forgiveness sets it free.”
Many mind-over-matter systems are a part of our society. In the 1800's, mesmerism and hypnotism were thought to be the route to changing our physical experience and getting us what we want. Today we have "The Secret" and other systems telling us how to get the mate of our dreams, hot cars, and other material desires. Some may think the way of thought we're studying here falls into the same category, because we are "resolving things into thoughts". Here is an example of how it differs: Let's say we need a place to live. How do we think about this in order to manifest it in our existence? By understanding the substance of an idea! What are the spiritual qualities of this place to live, this house, this home? What does it represent? Some of the qualities of home could be warmth, comfort, peace, safety, beauty, love, hospitality. So the thought of "home" is really a spiritual idea, and these qualities of home already exist in our individual consciousness. We don't have to go out and find them, because they're already a permanent part of our being. We can express all these qualities included in the concept of home no matter where we are. And when we express these qualities, we are cherishing our spiritual home, and this blessing is extended to others as well. As we consistently express these and other spiritual qualities, we won't be surprised when every need we have is supplied.
Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"Divine Science, rising above physical theories, excludes matter, resolves things into thoughts, and replaces the objects of material sense with spiritual ideas.”
Science and Health Page 123:12-15
Hi
ReplyDeleteI fail to see the difference you are trying to point out between "resolving things into thoughts" and "the secret". Law of attraction also teaches that what you seek are already inside of you and that you should feel that emotions, as you described, everywhere and then you'll needs will be met, or emotions and thoughts will turn into things.
So sorry I didn't answer this sooner, but have been so busy I just realized I didn't even post yesterday's topic! Wow... Anyway, I certainly don't mean to denigrate the Secret or try to imply there are no laws of attraction. There certainly are -- in the material world! But A Course in Miracles and Christian Science both are leading us toward seeing the unreality of matter. Hence, our goal in these studies is not to turn thoughts into things, but rather to see how things are truly thoughts. I know, I know, it seems to be the same distinction, but the subtle difference is integral to seeing through the illusion. I absolutely agree that our needs are always met -- but not through manipulation of matter. I often go back to the movie, The Matrix. Neo is trying to bend a spoon and can't. He is told the secret is to realize the spoon is not there. I love that!!
ReplyDeleteThere's no pressure with the replying :)
DeleteAppreciate it though.