Conversations with God

[taijasi]

Originally Posted by Quahom1

Why not? He invented it...

who is putting restriction on whom?

v/r

Q

lol ... Invented what? English? rofl Well, yeah, "He" invented the toothbrush - but I was thinking more in terms of ... direct causative relationships. Now, granted, I wasn't sitting there watching the whole process ... as Sanskrit slowly influenced Latin, and the latter gradually morphed into early, medieval and modern English (okay, that was messy, but more or less accurate).

Still, I think this is the one area where I look to the Catholic Church for something that is otherwise missing - in my understanding of God ... Hierarchy. That God is the author of everything, many can agree, but through what agency. The CWG books, and directly? I say no. Indirectly, of course. What's the causative relation, precisely? Well, my thoughts are in the earlier post, where I say I think it's between the spiritual sub-conscious and super-conscious.

As far as who restricts whom ... Deity does. Imho and understanding, were it not for restriction (read Sacrifice) ... none of this would exist. And for Deity to manifest within the worlds of form, again - sacrifice is required. I know people who believe and insist that "God could do annnnnnnnnything He wants" (I think that was how she said it ). And I must simply & politely, disagree. At best, the potential is there. But babbling on about it is pointless. "He" won't. Even God, follows rules. Because He "made" them? Well, not the way I see it. He is them.

I have had some other thoughts on CWG, even before starting the 2nd volume. So, still on vol. I, I'll post those ideas shortly ...

andrew

[taijasi]

The more I reflect on Walsch's CWG (vol. I, so far) ... the more it occurs that this is really a helpful book for pretty much the same reasons most folks have mentioned. Even in this wonderful year, 2006, there are vast numbers of people (myself among them, often enough) who feel - for one reason or another - alienated from their own God. Really this applies to people of quite diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and creeds. Many are aware of the distance they feel; others deny it, or put on a front. Why do we feel so much of a cleavage?

Answers to the rhetorical question aside, what can we do about it? While some would quip that we should pray more often, I'm not sure that's always the answer. Not meditation, not prayer, and not going to church five nights a week instead of three. Nope, none of these seems to cut it for most people.

Conversations With God isn't an entirely new approach, but even as I disagree in one breath with the author's claim & insistence that "God told him to write this," I feel Walsch's contribution is important enough to defend this type of writing. And had he simply called it, Inspiring Conversations, let's face it - would it have (had) such appeal?

Nope. And we all know why. Everyone wants to feel ... aha. Close to God. Loved by God. Known by God. Connected to God. And I think that both Walsch, and the true author of CWG were/are aware of that. Since the work is an inspired one, with Divine enough sources, then to say it is "from God" isn't really deceitful, or dishonest. After all, dozens of televangelists get on the tube every darn day and beg for beaucoups d'argent $$$ for the God who apparently can't balance his own checkbook. If God speaks to them, and we had to pick between that joker and Walsch's God, gee, who would you choose?

Automatic writing is something that's been around a looooooong time. Much longer than the ouija board, the pendulum, and perhaps even tea leaves. Divination, in one form or another, has been practiced by the same Christian clergy which then came to forbid it - as I think I posted somewhere around here. And by now, several million New Agers have discovered that no, if you go poking around on the astral plane, Satan won't come and steal your soul and wreck your chances at eternal salvation. You might get a wee fright or two, and if your spook was 1st class, it might be some time before you go barging into the realms of mystery so boldly. But just because fools rush in (where angels fear to tread) - does not mean that anything that ain't in that there holy bible is verboten. sighhhh ....

It's a fine line, and has even been compared with the razor's edge, but I'm not even suggesting we all sit down, put pen to paper, and go to it. Most of us are so inhibited that we'd probably stare at a motionless pen for half an hour. Some of us might get a bit creative - if the muse decides to visit - and that's good. These are the folks in tune with themselves, and comfortable enough to let God speak. And who's to say, just exactly what the source is - of what comes through. It's those who intentionally open themselves to any passing spook, and every astral trickster ... and especially folks who are naturally mediumistic (who number in the millions) - these folks, are those who should exercise caution & prudence before devoting themselves to auto-magic writing.

No, I think Conversations with God is helpful, because it suggests to us that anyone can sit down, attune/center themselves (always helpful before prayer or meditation), and go into the stillness within - open to the possibility that God might talk back. And though it might seem contrary to my earlier post, I do think that God may speak to us in english, or spanish, or whatever. Is that the true form of the message? No. Is it likely God Almighty, Maker of Heaven & Earth, yadda yadda? Nope. Should we be heartbroken? I dunno. But I'm not. I don't feel insulted, or left out. And I don't think I've missed the boat, as some have rather uncharitably said.

And here's why. Some think Jesus is God. Fine. Suppose he might be busy? Yeah, but never too busy to talk to - ahhh. That word. ME. And the sooner folks get over it, and realize - that it's not about me, the better. Walsch's book may not reach light years in that direction, but he does help us to get over all this absurdity about hell, and damnation, and the big salvation hangup that keeps so many folks in a death-grip. Poor little kids, afraid to sleep at night, 'cause o' that crap. Man, it just really irritates me sometimes.

'Cause kids know better. They're born with it. An innocence, and an understanding. And they love to fly, and imagine, and relate to God. Wasn't it Christ who said, if we do not make ourselves as them, we can forget about Heaven? ROFL. Yeah, and the fearful always have to hang the fate of their "eternal soul" on this stuff. Never considering that he meant - you might live your whole life, and never understand. 'Til you cross over. There ain't no hell. 'Cept the one we've created, right here, right now (and its more unbounded parallel, in the next world). It will go away - when we stop feeding it. Kinda like war. And hate. Those, are hell.

DrFree, I appreciate what you say about the notion that God is to the Universe, as we are to our body. You fairly well hit the nail on the head. We could draw a thousand parallels, and some are more useful than others to ponder. The one I like, goes something like: Humanity comprises the brain of God, each person being like a brain cell. Lots of variety there, different areas of the brain, with different functions, and some cells being more active - and at different times - than others. And so on. But this is useful to ponder. If I am like a cell in God's brain - then the question of relationship will require me to decentralize a good bit, if I really want to understand how God regards me. Let's see, on a daily basis, how much is it that I sit and concentrate on individual brain cells?

Exactly. I just try to eat, sleep, excercise, and eat the proper diet, so that my brain functions well. And I might take some vitamins, or even listen to music, do various types of meditation, if I think that will help. And I bet there's a parallel, with how God goes about things. And one day, we'll know more about it. Bit by bit.

But the vast gulf, the chasm ... between God and Humanity - is one that must be, and has been, and is being, bridged. And I agree with whoever says that there are those who help to bridge it. There are people who are bridge-builders, and there are Divine Emissaries, Messengers & Prophets. Occasionally, a Teacher of Great Love & Wisdom. And they do show us how to acheive our Salvation, our Liberation from death, ignorance, and illusion. Folks like Walsch represent ... something like, the pre-conscious mind of humanity. The message is coming through for many folks, in such a way that they need to hear it. No more Papal Bull, no more Holy Writ, no more "this is the only authorized word of God, except for next year, when we put out a new version." And no more insistence that only if you worship in one of these here, recognized, mainstream religions ... might you have some hope of knowing God. Nonsense. Millions of people throughout history have known God within their own heart, with no need for churches, bibles, popes, and so forth. For other folks, that's what floats their boat. And to heck with the high and mighty who will sit and judge others because they are less formal. Go fish. Shoot, the Theravadins look just fine to me!

[colloquial/editorial mode OFF]

andrew

[Amit]

Some fascinating view points have been presented through this discussion

I have read nearly the entire series and have found them to be great source of inspiration. Will we ever know if it was God speaking through Neil or was it Neil himself imparting some wisdom from his subconscious?

I don't know and we may never know but looking deep inside me and asking questions based upon the ideas presented within the books I would say that I'm happy that books such as these are out there in the public domain. They have helped so many people and you cannot deny that some ideas are beautifully natural and feel that way too.

They helped me escape from a burdoning religion that was soul destroying and now I feel like I have a personal one on one relationship with God.

[wil]

Originally Posted by Amit

Will we ever know if it was God speaking through Neil or was it Neil himself imparting some wisdom from his subconscious?

They helped me escape from a burdoning religion that was soul destroying and now I feel like I have a personal one on one relationship with God.

Lovely that you found away...and in another you said...

It's strange, some people seem to believe that God, the universe and it's workings are so complex that we will never be able to understand them. My veiw is on the opposite end of the scale and that is that it is all so simple and beautiful and we inherently know the truth deep in our subconscious. We chose to forget so that we could rediscover that simplicity and beauty.

My simplistic idea is that we are G-d, we are one, we are connected with each other and all. So was he or any other prophet or channeler talking to G-d or to his subconsious...in my simple thinking I ask...is there a difference?

[Amit]

Originally Posted by wil

Lovely that you found away...and in another you said...My simplistic idea is that we are G-d, we are one, we are connected with each other and all. So was he or any other prophet or channeler talking to G-d or to his subconsious...in my simple thinking I ask...is there a difference?

I couldn't agree more!

I understand peoples reasonings for looking at the material with a pinch of salt, as did I, however, it cannot denied that there is a simplistic beauty to the words within that book. Whether it was the gentleman called Neil or the
Supreme, it made an impact on me and gave me ideas and new ways of looking at God, the universe, people, the world, Everything!! It literally gave me new eyes...if that was the case for me and millions of others, then it can't be bad?!

[explorer]

Originally Posted by Amit

It literally gave me new eyes

It had the same impact on me.
If such a thing as absolute truth actually exists, my guess is that this book comes closest to it.

[modboy]

I like the teachings in conversations with God.. They agree with me on a very deep level.. the circumstances with which I came to read this book and what was going on in my life were truly a miracle (as is all of life). I believe the deeper message of the book is something which the world needs right now.. a spiritual element.

It was said that neale was having a conversation 'with him self' and in the book he questions him self many times on this matter. The point was that there is no difference between having a conversation with God or yourself because there is no division. God it is said, is your highest thought.. the feeling which triggers your greatest compassion or inspiration. In Neales case, he cried out to the heavens for help and he got a response in a very direct manner.. It seems this response was destined to be heard by a very wide audience. It is stated that Words are only one way of communicating and usually the poorest, as they are so open to misinterpretation. God claims to talk through experience and through feelings ( feelings being the language of the soul )

Another point i wanted to pick up on was that The book 'personified God' this is another point raised in the book. God claims throughout the book that one should try not to asign any particular form to God as once this happens, humans tend to assign her that form forever more ( female pun used to illustrate point ) In the further series of books, God goes onto say that God has no form or particular personality save the one you give God and God could show up in many forms. I think the trouble people have is that people just cannot hold the extraordinary though that God could actually have a conversation with some one, in the way you would talk to a freind.. sharing a joke.. even the odd profanity.

[modboy]

were it not for restriction (read Sacrifice) ... none of this would exist. And for Deity to manifest within the worlds of form, again - sacrifice is required.

In order for sacrafice to be necessary you would have to believe that lack exists.. that there is not enough God to go around.. that energy is somehow limited. God creted the physical manifest world.. so that God could experience life as a reality and not just as a principle. The energy vibration which is all all life knows nothing of lack or sacrafice. The realms of the physical are part of the holy trinity and sublime plan of God to go from realisation to non realisation to realisation eternally..because as has been written, in the absense of that which you are not, that which you are, is not. and this is why we exist.. this is not sacrafice.. this is a plan for salvation and sacrafice is not required.