Slightly blurred, the theological snapshot I presented of Myrtle at the beginning of this class is now in focus as I come to the end of it.
My snapshot placed God at the forefront of Myrtle’s life. That position has not changed. Having read the required books for this class, God was indeed at the forefront of Myrtle’s life. Further, I said she believed that God is the Source of all good and through God all things are possible. She embraced that completely. But now, I can add another view to Myrtle’s belief--it was not enough to pray. Prayer was just one of many steps necessary to get closer to God. One had to think of God as the all-powerful healer, in every part of one’s mind, heart and body. It is the God in the midst of us that frees and heals.
In my snapshot Myrtle incorporated prayer and spending time in the Silence as part of her daily spiritual practice. She believed that it was through prayer that one could change one’s thoughts, and thereby open one’s heart to God’s omnipresent good. Again, I can now add to that view. Myrtle believed that it was possible to stay in the silence too much so she cautioned against the practice. Rather, she believed that walking and talking alone with God would be more beneficial.
Omitted from my snapshot, and an integral part of Myrtle’s theology, was the teachings of Jesus Christ. Myrtle saw Christ as the first Christian metaphysician. She believed that to insure success and to inspire faith and confidence in ourselves and our undertaking, we should always have Christ as the source of our inspiration and prosperity. Our success and satisfaction in business, in home, in our social lives is always greater when we take Christ Jesus as our partner.
Slightly blurred was my view of Myrtle’s theology of healing. While I touched on placing complete faith in God and forgetting prior limitations, there was much to learn. Myrtle believed there is no such thing as a disease or incurable condition. She thought such conditions, weaknesses or abnormalities stem from the failure to understand Truth and to live by the divine law of life.
Included in my snapshot was Myrtle’s faith in the healing process which extends to her belief in prosperity. While correct, I can now add that she believed that to be prosperous, one must first comply with laws that are revealed by the Spirit of truth within; such rich consciousness leads to continuous healing as well as prosperity and abundance. A rich consciousness always demonstrates prosperity. Those who are prosperous and successful are the people who have a rich consciousness. Further, she felt that if one lived a Christ life then one could expect to attract blessings of all sorts, and there was no need to worry about financial matters or anything that could have an adverse effect on one’s life.
While my snapshot revealed that Myrtle did not embrace the doctrine of Methodism to which her parents were staunch believers, debatable however, is the influence or lack thereof Myrtle’s early exposure to Methodism had on her theology.
Myrtle relied on the Bible, and scripture was widely used in her writings. She believed that to know the word of God is a cause for individual rejoicing because one is now embracing truth, and words of Truth should be spoken and received with joy and with love. That is its power. God is Truth, and we are an expression of that Truth.
Thank you, Dr. Tom for the opportunity to learn about Myrtle Fillmore, and thank you fellow classmates for your posts which were insightful and definitely food for thought. Blessings!
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Monday, August 25, 2014
Myrtle Responds
An example of Myrtle’s theology in action is contained in Chapter 1, pages 9 – 11. Rather than addressing a specific problem, this letter advises, cautions, and lays out guidelines.
When I began reading this letter, I was surprised by Myrtle’s reluctance to talk about what she was discovering in her healing. She writes, “From our experience we find it wise not to talk too much about what we are discovering and using except to those who come to us for it. We know that it is not wise or profitable to call attention to differences, not even in an effort to explain our point.” My initial thought was, why wouldn’t she want to share this knowledge with others? She should have been shouting this discovery from the rooftops. After all, she had discovered the key to self-healing. But as I reflected some more, I was able to embrace what she did. Initiating attention could be a double edged sword, so it would appear that Myrtle was prudent in her approach.
Additionally, as I continued reading the letter I got the impression that it was not her intent to create discord. She says,” You will find that if you love folks and live happily among them, they will love you. If you do not try to change them or give them what they have no knowledge of wanting, they will not show resistance or resentment.” As if to prove this point she adds, “No one wants to feel that what he has and has been depending on is false and unreliable.”
It would appear that being cautious was a way with Myrtle, and it worked. It is a philosophy that seemed to have worked for her, and it helped to shape the Unity Movement, consciously or unconsciously.
This is also reflected in the manner in which Myrtle offers advice on what should and should not be done when attending another church or a class. She says, “We should endeavor to avoid points of differences or apparent contradictions. We should look for all points on which to agree, and praise the other’s faith and good works.” If one is stumped for a topic, she advises using one’s intuition to determine what subjects to talk about that would be interesting to others. While this is certainly a good strategy, it could be perceived by others as a sign of weakness, or uncertainty.
It is apparent that Myrtle was of the opinion that it was not necessary to compare Unity with other teachings as that is not the Unity way. It was her belief that adverse states of mind are built through some sort of contradiction or lack of understanding therefore, unless some “earnest soul” comes to you for an explanation or light on some point, she felt it was better to let others form their own conclusions.
Myrtle also cautions against stamping our faith “Unity” or stress points of doctrine. She says, “We no doubt would have met with objections from churches if we had given them opportunity to object.” Further, “If you do not in your attitude or inference show disapproval, of their beliefs or ways they will tear down their walls of opposition and indifference and after a while show interest in what you have.”
Myrtle’s stick-to-itiveness is demonstrated as she suggests turning to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, as the source of our light and His teaching as the way of life. She believed that it was important to give God the glory for any and all good in our lives and emphasize the Truth that it is God’s working in and through us that does the transforming. In addition, Myrtle did not think that it was necessary to “stand up for Truth if it is ridiculed.” Instead, she felt it was better to “let the Truth in you stand for itself.” She believed that knowing the Truth is proof enough. This is certainly a courageous stance; to hold steadfast to such theology.
Myrtle concludes this letter by saying, “If you have the poise to keep still when unbelief is talking, the day will come when you will be intrusted by the Father with speaking or doing that which will reveal Jesus Christ indwelling. Pray for understanding for yourself. Get all your faculties and powers awake and working in perfect harmony with the Christ pattern. You will be busy enough without bothering about what others are doing.”
Threads of Myrtle’s continued gentleness are woven throughout this letter forming a pattern of her theology and philosophy. While her approach might seem timid at times, it was certainly effective. It is apparent that she knew and spoke of her Truth.
When I began reading this letter, I was surprised by Myrtle’s reluctance to talk about what she was discovering in her healing. She writes, “From our experience we find it wise not to talk too much about what we are discovering and using except to those who come to us for it. We know that it is not wise or profitable to call attention to differences, not even in an effort to explain our point.” My initial thought was, why wouldn’t she want to share this knowledge with others? She should have been shouting this discovery from the rooftops. After all, she had discovered the key to self-healing. But as I reflected some more, I was able to embrace what she did. Initiating attention could be a double edged sword, so it would appear that Myrtle was prudent in her approach.
Additionally, as I continued reading the letter I got the impression that it was not her intent to create discord. She says,” You will find that if you love folks and live happily among them, they will love you. If you do not try to change them or give them what they have no knowledge of wanting, they will not show resistance or resentment.” As if to prove this point she adds, “No one wants to feel that what he has and has been depending on is false and unreliable.”
It would appear that being cautious was a way with Myrtle, and it worked. It is a philosophy that seemed to have worked for her, and it helped to shape the Unity Movement, consciously or unconsciously.
This is also reflected in the manner in which Myrtle offers advice on what should and should not be done when attending another church or a class. She says, “We should endeavor to avoid points of differences or apparent contradictions. We should look for all points on which to agree, and praise the other’s faith and good works.” If one is stumped for a topic, she advises using one’s intuition to determine what subjects to talk about that would be interesting to others. While this is certainly a good strategy, it could be perceived by others as a sign of weakness, or uncertainty.
It is apparent that Myrtle was of the opinion that it was not necessary to compare Unity with other teachings as that is not the Unity way. It was her belief that adverse states of mind are built through some sort of contradiction or lack of understanding therefore, unless some “earnest soul” comes to you for an explanation or light on some point, she felt it was better to let others form their own conclusions.
Myrtle also cautions against stamping our faith “Unity” or stress points of doctrine. She says, “We no doubt would have met with objections from churches if we had given them opportunity to object.” Further, “If you do not in your attitude or inference show disapproval, of their beliefs or ways they will tear down their walls of opposition and indifference and after a while show interest in what you have.”
Myrtle’s stick-to-itiveness is demonstrated as she suggests turning to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, as the source of our light and His teaching as the way of life. She believed that it was important to give God the glory for any and all good in our lives and emphasize the Truth that it is God’s working in and through us that does the transforming. In addition, Myrtle did not think that it was necessary to “stand up for Truth if it is ridiculed.” Instead, she felt it was better to “let the Truth in you stand for itself.” She believed that knowing the Truth is proof enough. This is certainly a courageous stance; to hold steadfast to such theology.
Myrtle concludes this letter by saying, “If you have the poise to keep still when unbelief is talking, the day will come when you will be intrusted by the Father with speaking or doing that which will reveal Jesus Christ indwelling. Pray for understanding for yourself. Get all your faculties and powers awake and working in perfect harmony with the Christ pattern. You will be busy enough without bothering about what others are doing.”
Threads of Myrtle’s continued gentleness are woven throughout this letter forming a pattern of her theology and philosophy. While her approach might seem timid at times, it was certainly effective. It is apparent that she knew and spoke of her Truth.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Myrtle's Theology of Healing
The following is an analysis of Myrtle Fillmore’s theology of healing:
Scripture
Myrtle studied the Four Gospels, and is said to have read them meticulously, especially studying the words of Jesus Christ concerning healing. She read and re-read from John:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do
the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do,
because I go to the Father.”
And from Mark:
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that
you receive it, and you will.”
And John:
“Do you want to be healed?”
For Myrtle, the Bible would become the guidebook to uncovering Truth and she references the following Bible verses in her writings on healing:
Jesus says, “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your
Heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt. 5:8).
Paul says, “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God… glorify God in your body” (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
She believed that God’s work of restoration never ceases its activity in us and that God seeks always to restore harmony, strength, life, and wholeness in that which He has created. The Father within is saying “be thou perfect.”
Tradition
Myrtle’s parents, Marcus and Lucy Page were deeply religious and were faithful Methodist. Myrtle never became a member of her parents’ church; she found much of the doctrine unacceptable in her own life and instead affirmed the truth her soul could accept about Methodism and quietly denied that part she could not accept. However, she did appreciate the services in the Methodist church she attended, and in fact, as an adult, she fondly recalled her Methodist experience. Writing to a friend she said, “I know my life must express many of the splendid ideas embodied in the Methodist faith. And I always have a warm spot in my heart for all Methodist people.” [See, Myrtle Fillmore Mother of Unity, p. 5]
Myrtle was of the belief that all religious orders should work together for the common purpose of oneness with God. She studied Christian Science and read religious literature from both East and West and consequently, “Practical Christianity” was developed. Practical Christianity was not Orthodox Christianity, Christian Science, Spiritualism, Theosophy, nor any of the systems of religion or doctrine formulated by man, but was instead the correct interpretation of the teachings of Jesus. This shaped her approach to healing.
Her approach to healing was in accordance with the threefold health law: spiritual, keeping a person assured of his God given freedom from all anxiety, worry, fear and lack; mental, giving him the intelligence that enables him to do that which promotes health and success; physical, forming those habits which keep him making the right use of his faculties and powers and the life energy and substance.
Experience
According to Myrtle, the best way to help someone is to pray for them to be spiritually illumed. The greatest help is to be able to show others how they may help themselves and become self-supporting and resourceful.
She often cautioned individuals to not let the opinion of any doctor cause them to waver in the least. God, she said is the health of His people, and He is your health. “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Ps. 46:10). “I am the Lord that healeth thee” (Ex. 15:26 KJV)
Myrtle spoke from experience when letter writers complained that they had tried, and prayed repeatedly without any results. She understood their feelings and comforted them. She too had prayed for most of her life, and even though she was always a religious person, yet she was sick, and in the 1880s, sick unto death. Myrtle said, “As I gained real poise and the ability to keep my thoughts and feelings truly free, I was healed and restored to strength, and normal functioning.” [See, Myrtle Fillmore Mother of Unity, p. 92]
From a young age Myrtle was dedicated to helping build a world where people would not crystalize and stagnate or get stale and stiff. She envisioned a world that would be alive.
As a young girl, Myrtle had a dream which at the time meant little to her, but as her healing was complete and her future assured, it meant the world to her. She says, “And over the ledge of rock came pouring a regular Niagara. I had to get back further into the woods, away from the spray. It ceased when the bed was filled. As I stood looking at the clear water of the stream, beautiful flowers sprang up. This is one of my many dreams, the meaning of which was to be made plain afterwards, although at the time Scripture verses came to me about the rock of salvation and the waters of life.” [See, Myrtle Fillmore Mother of Unity, p. 40]
Reflection
Myrtle was convinced that the key to her success was faith in the healing power of God within. She believed that the only way to abide in cosmic consciousness is to develop Christ consciousness, which is the key that will open the kingdom, and give Christ mastery.
When Myrtle began her healing work, her primary concern was on enabling individuals to overcome their physical and psychological ailments and return to good health. However, she soon came to the realization that physical healing was only one aspect of the work. The real goal was advancing the spiritual development of the patient.
Following is an excerpt from Neal Vahle’s Myrtle Fillmore Lighting the Way, p. 48 in which she describes her attitude toward healing when she first began practicing, and how her viewpoint has evolved:
“At that time healing seemed the most important thing in life to me. I loved seeing folks get well and happy. I do yet, but I have learned that the spiritual awakening and the daily development of Christ powers are more important. The soul must be awakened and brought to a realization of the Truth, and encouraged in the righteous use of all the God-given faculties and powers. The individual must be helped to unify his spirit, soul, and body in harmonious spiritual living here and now.”
Myrtle cautioned those who thought that they will get better results if they are treated by an individual healer. She said it was her experience that the healing averages higher where cases are handled from an impersonal standpoint. There is good reason for this -- the work is not done by the healer, but by the Spirit of Truth, where both patient and helper forget self and center all power in the Great Supreme; consciousness is raised to a higher plane and the result -- Divine.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
The Prescription
Myrtle’s views on regeneration have not
affected my views of her theology. So, on a scale of 1-10, I am at the lower end of the scale - 1. Her theology
is rooted in an omnipresent, omnipotent God with Jesus Christ as Teacher and
Wayshower. Her views on regeneration are
unwavering and in line with her theology.
She believed in an indwelling God, and the fixing of one’s undivided
attention upon the life of God within as essential in attaining eternal life
and the redemption of the body. Further,
she believed that those who follow Jesus in the regeneration are going through
a transformation; they are unfolding the Truth consciousness; they are letting
the Christ Mind express in, and through them.
According
to Myrtle, Jesus Christ was able to raise the body
consciousness through His realization of the Absolute and identified it with
the spiritual body, the character of which is so transcendent as to be beyond
human concept. This is the body in which
Jesus now lives and in which we shall all enter when we have lifted up the body
idea and set free the forces that enter into it. The emergence of the life of Christ in every
man is regeneration.
Myrtle references Paul who said, “Do all things unto
the Lord,” and, according to Myrtle, “we should submit every thought and every
act to the Divine Law. By doing this, a ‘holy
intercourse’ will ensue and the ‘immaculate conception’ takes place”… [i] Myrtle saw submission to Divine Law as a
means of being in communion with God ultimately resulting in the quickening of
Christ within each of us.
So, what does this mean for my theology and the
Unity Movement? Although I was a practicing Anglican, I have
never ascribed to the notion of a judgmental God out there somewhere in heaven,
nor did I believe in burning in hell for all eternity. Consequently, I drifted away from the Anglican
faith which was not fulfilling my spiritual needs. I eventually found Unity and was baptized in
a Unity church; my spiritual needs were being fed. While I have embraced Unity’s teachings, I am
finding it difficult to embrace the concept of regeneration. Myrtle states, “As far as we know, Jesus is
the only one who has overcome the ‘last enemy’ ” [ii]
The key therefore to overcoming death is to follow Jesus’ example by finding
the in-dwelling Christ. The foundation
of Unity, Myrtle’s theology has a lot to offer those who are seeking
Truth. Incorporating the best of all
religions, Unity’s teachings are based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Myrtle admits that regeneration is not for
the faint of heart and offers reincarnation as an alternative.
There is no doubt that the Unity Movement has made
and continues to make an impact on millions of people. Unity has a lot to offer those who are
seekers of Truth and its teachings have found a niche in the consciousness of
Truth seekers. While the concept of
regeneration seems central to Myrtle, it is not without problems. As a Unity theologian, I would offer the
following suggestions to the Unity Movement going forward into the 21st
century:
Ø Build
on the strong foundation of Unity’s Principles; that is paramount.
Ø Build
on the concept of having a body that is being continually refined, renewed and
spiritualized.
Ø Build
on the importance of consecrating one’s life to the Jesus Christ teachings and
practicing his principles.
Ø Emphasize
that reincarnation is an alternative to regeneration.
Ø Emphasize
that Unity does not force Christ principles on anyone; people are free to
choose their own destiny.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Myrtle's Regeneration
In describing regeneration in both the spiritual and physical sense, Myrtle was of the belief that while it is not easy to quicken, renew and transform a body that has been crystallized in the conditions produced by race beliefs, one of the essentials in attaining eternal life and the redemption of the body is to keep the attention undivided and fixed upon the life of God within. Those who follow Jesus in the regeneration can overcome as He did if they are diligent and faithful. Those who would follow Jesus Christ in the regeneration are going through a transformation; they are letting go of the material mind, the mind of the flesh, and are unfolding the Truth consciousness, and are letting the Christ Mind express in and through them.
Myrtle states,“as far as we know, Jesus is the only one who has overcome the ‘last enemy’. “ The key is to follow Jesus’ example by finding the indwelling Christ. The body which is inhabited by the soul that is in tune with God’s love and peace and life, is not going to wear out, and none of its organs are going to suffer.
Charles, according to Myrtle, has been a great help to her, and vice versa. “As we prayed and meditated together in the silence holding the same prayers, the law governing regeneration gradually unfolded to us. The world needs souls who demonstrate Christ principles.”
In linking her belief to biblical sources, Myrtle claims that sex passion is a taint and lust is the result of men and women thinking that true spiritual intercourse is a thing apart from the Lord. However, Paul said, “Do all things unto the Lord,” and according to Myrtle, we should submit every thought and every act to the Divine Law. By doing this, a holy intercourse will ensue and the “immaculate conception” takes place instead of the usual conception through lust in sin. When “immaculate conception” takes place, children will be born healthy just as Jesus was, then the regeneration of the body naturally will follow. When the sex force is purified, uplifted and consecrated to the Lord, it maintains the body in health, youth, strength it quickens the mental and spiritual faculties and makes the mind alert, keen and capable of discerning the deep things of Spirit. It makes the soul radiant and the body alive.
Myrtle posits that Jesus Christ raised the body consciousness through His realization of the Absolute and identified it with the spiritual body, the character of which is so transcendent as to be beyond human concept. This is the body in which Jesus now lives and in which we shall all enter when we have lifted up the body idea and set free the forces that enter into it. Paul said, “Christ in you, Hope of Glory, “and the coming forth of the life Christ in every man is regeneration.
Regeneration is a key element in Myrtle’s theology and her vision of the work of Unity. Unity teaches the regeneration taught and demonstrated by Christ Jesus and all who aspire to eternal health and prosperity, even eternal life her and now, are accepting the way of regeneration. Unity’s mission is to give the Jesus Christ teaching in its purity …. Those who are seeking the higher way that leads to eternal life are receiving the blessings that come from fulfilling the spiritual law.
According to Myrtle, those who really become students of Truth, and apply the teachings of Unity, grow younger, and more capable of managing their own affairs. Unity does not force Christ principles on anyone, and does not condemn generation. “It is all right for those who are not highly evolved sufficiently to accept and understand regeneration. Thousands of children are from those who are not yet ready for regeneration.”
__________
Quotes from Neal Vahle's Torch-Bearer to Light the Way, pages 92-96 and page 178 which, in error, was not cited previously.
Myrtle states,“as far as we know, Jesus is the only one who has overcome the ‘last enemy’. “ The key is to follow Jesus’ example by finding the indwelling Christ. The body which is inhabited by the soul that is in tune with God’s love and peace and life, is not going to wear out, and none of its organs are going to suffer.
Charles, according to Myrtle, has been a great help to her, and vice versa. “As we prayed and meditated together in the silence holding the same prayers, the law governing regeneration gradually unfolded to us. The world needs souls who demonstrate Christ principles.”
In linking her belief to biblical sources, Myrtle claims that sex passion is a taint and lust is the result of men and women thinking that true spiritual intercourse is a thing apart from the Lord. However, Paul said, “Do all things unto the Lord,” and according to Myrtle, we should submit every thought and every act to the Divine Law. By doing this, a holy intercourse will ensue and the “immaculate conception” takes place instead of the usual conception through lust in sin. When “immaculate conception” takes place, children will be born healthy just as Jesus was, then the regeneration of the body naturally will follow. When the sex force is purified, uplifted and consecrated to the Lord, it maintains the body in health, youth, strength it quickens the mental and spiritual faculties and makes the mind alert, keen and capable of discerning the deep things of Spirit. It makes the soul radiant and the body alive.
Myrtle posits that Jesus Christ raised the body consciousness through His realization of the Absolute and identified it with the spiritual body, the character of which is so transcendent as to be beyond human concept. This is the body in which Jesus now lives and in which we shall all enter when we have lifted up the body idea and set free the forces that enter into it. Paul said, “Christ in you, Hope of Glory, “and the coming forth of the life Christ in every man is regeneration.
Regeneration is a key element in Myrtle’s theology and her vision of the work of Unity. Unity teaches the regeneration taught and demonstrated by Christ Jesus and all who aspire to eternal health and prosperity, even eternal life her and now, are accepting the way of regeneration. Unity’s mission is to give the Jesus Christ teaching in its purity …. Those who are seeking the higher way that leads to eternal life are receiving the blessings that come from fulfilling the spiritual law.
According to Myrtle, those who really become students of Truth, and apply the teachings of Unity, grow younger, and more capable of managing their own affairs. Unity does not force Christ principles on anyone, and does not condemn generation. “It is all right for those who are not highly evolved sufficiently to accept and understand regeneration. Thousands of children are from those who are not yet ready for regeneration.”
__________
Quotes from Neal Vahle's Torch-Bearer to Light the Way, pages 92-96 and page 178 which, in error, was not cited previously.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Myrtle Replies
August 20, 1924
Marjorie Kendrick
Evanston, IL
My Dear,
Thank you for your generous offering and kind words about our works at Unity Society. It is quite an undertaking, but it is a privilege to do God’s will and to offer ourselves to God. We are doing whatever we may to encourage and help those who are led to come to us.
My dear, you have placed a label on me, that of a Methodist. I must confess that I have no use for labels. I see labels as nothing more than a form of compartmentalization. Well, if I were called upon to write out my creed it would be a rather strange mixture. I am decidedly eclectic in my theology.
Rest assured that you are correct in your belief that our Savior never intended to omit anyone from the ranks of the blessed. Know, my dear, that we are all God’s children. God does not discriminate. Galatians 3:26-28 reads:
“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
So, you see, we are all children of God. Remember that Methodism preaches that all persons are capable of being saved by faith in Christ.
You make reference to Jesus who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6), but Jesus also said, “suffer the little children to come onto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14).
As a teacher since my early years, and most recently a Sunday school teacher here at Unity, I cannot stress enough the importance of reaching little children who are so impressionable. We, as adults, have the ability to guide these little children along the right road of living and thinking.
Old age! My dear, we are as old as we think. Put the thought out of your mind. Why, I remember when everyone thought I was “at death’s door” that I had the most remarkable revelation which completely turned my life around. Prayer! That’s what you need to do. Pray. Now I am not suggesting that you do not pray. That is not my intent. What I am suggesting is that you turn your ailment over to God and leave it in his hands, while you continue to pray, looking at your faults, discovering what’s hindering your vibrant health. There is no reason for you to heave and sigh until you die. Know that with God all things are possible. Look among your virtues, not your faults. You have only to open your lungs to the fresh air provided by the ever-present supplier of all.
I would suggest that you take time each day to spend in quiet reflection, reflecting on the Truth of who you are -- a child of God and as such you are a beneficiary of all His goodness; all his gifts. Over time, although you will experience setbacks, especially with old ways and habits coming back, through perseverance you will see a change in your health. You will see that you are not destined to spend your years heaving and sighing, but you will enjoy the good health that is your birthright.
Yours in Christ,
Myrtle Fillmore
Marjorie Kendrick
Evanston, IL
My Dear,
Thank you for your generous offering and kind words about our works at Unity Society. It is quite an undertaking, but it is a privilege to do God’s will and to offer ourselves to God. We are doing whatever we may to encourage and help those who are led to come to us.
My dear, you have placed a label on me, that of a Methodist. I must confess that I have no use for labels. I see labels as nothing more than a form of compartmentalization. Well, if I were called upon to write out my creed it would be a rather strange mixture. I am decidedly eclectic in my theology.
Rest assured that you are correct in your belief that our Savior never intended to omit anyone from the ranks of the blessed. Know, my dear, that we are all God’s children. God does not discriminate. Galatians 3:26-28 reads:
“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
So, you see, we are all children of God. Remember that Methodism preaches that all persons are capable of being saved by faith in Christ.
You make reference to Jesus who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6), but Jesus also said, “suffer the little children to come onto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14).
As a teacher since my early years, and most recently a Sunday school teacher here at Unity, I cannot stress enough the importance of reaching little children who are so impressionable. We, as adults, have the ability to guide these little children along the right road of living and thinking.
Old age! My dear, we are as old as we think. Put the thought out of your mind. Why, I remember when everyone thought I was “at death’s door” that I had the most remarkable revelation which completely turned my life around. Prayer! That’s what you need to do. Pray. Now I am not suggesting that you do not pray. That is not my intent. What I am suggesting is that you turn your ailment over to God and leave it in his hands, while you continue to pray, looking at your faults, discovering what’s hindering your vibrant health. There is no reason for you to heave and sigh until you die. Know that with God all things are possible. Look among your virtues, not your faults. You have only to open your lungs to the fresh air provided by the ever-present supplier of all.
I would suggest that you take time each day to spend in quiet reflection, reflecting on the Truth of who you are -- a child of God and as such you are a beneficiary of all His goodness; all his gifts. Over time, although you will experience setbacks, especially with old ways and habits coming back, through perseverance you will see a change in your health. You will see that you are not destined to spend your years heaving and sighing, but you will enjoy the good health that is your birthright.
Yours in Christ,
Myrtle Fillmore
Monday, July 21, 2014
Salvation
Mrs. Fillmore writes, “Our salvation is in our living by the Christ pattern – not only by the teachings of the man Jesus Christ but by the Christ Mind within us. Jesus Christ is merging His consciousness with the universal race consciousness, that we may have His presence and the light, power, life, and love which are expressing as our pattern and constant, quickening help.”
The question for this week is threefold: salvation from what, for what and by what?
Salvation from Error Thinking – Paul says, “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Rom. 12:2).
Because all thought is formative, whatever thoughts we have are projected in our lives. If our subconscious mind is filled with negative beliefs and feelings, then we can expect to receive much of the same. Error thoughts such as sickness, poverty, lack, among others are detrimental to the Truth. We have to put a halt to worry and anxiety. We have to live in the present rather than dwell in the past and release any appearance of lack or sickness. Therefore, our attention ought to be on the Truth of God, the truth of our being, and on the very essence of our lives. This cannot be accomplished with negative thoughts.
According to Mrs. Fillmore, there is no such thing as a disease or an incurable condition, and anything that does not measure up to the Christ pattern of perfection can be changed. Whenever we have an experience of sickness, it is evident that we have been letting go of our hold on the gifts of God and have ceased to make use of the life of Spirit through our thoughts, words and actions.
All is not lost, however, as the way to healing is to first re-educate the mind and to establish the Truth in all the faculties, then to see the reality of the body and its functions and to stamp every part with the perfect pattern, which is God given and known as the Christ man.
Salvation for Illumination – “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32).
Mrs. Fillmore contends that it takes great illumination and constant identification with Jesus Christ and His wonderful humility and obedience if we are to rid ourselves of beliefs in materiality, in the power of disease, or in adversity of any sort. She stresses the importance of going to God-Mind for more light, love, life and substance. It is through the indwelling Christ Mind that we have the power to change our soul’s impressions, as well as our subconscious, thereby changing our bodies and their functioning and also the conditions about us.
By dwelling upon the Truth that we are one with Jesus Christ and one with God, we can quicken our own Christ Mind through the understanding that Jesus the Christ helps us to unfold.
It is when we cease to think shadows and lack of knowledge, and begin to call to mind the teachings of Jesus Christ that the light will shine for us. That stops the desire to recall past experiences thereby allowing the mark of helpfulness to abide with us. As a result, there will be renewed growth that will be pleasing and refreshing as we look at life, present and past, through eyes that see only God.
With renewed insight, each day should be spent in a period of stillness for the soul to gather power and restore life. God gives freely, and we have to be open and receptive if we are to receive those gifts.
Undesirable conditions result when we fail to identify with God and to use His gifts, and when we fail to let Spirit express through all our faculties and powers. Undesirable conditions lessen or dim illumination.
Salvation by Jesus Christ – “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27).
The teachings of Unity are based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, and, as suggested by Mrs. Fillmore, if we want to insure success and inspire faith and confidence in ourselves and all that we undertake, then we should always have Christ as the source of our inspiration and prosperity.
Jesus brought forth into expression the Christ, the God-Mind within and consciously identified Himself with Spirit. He has given us the ability to comprehend the life and the activities of mind that result in freedom from the limitations of race beliefs and intellectual reasoning.
According to Mrs. Fillmore, we are to pray for understanding – understanding for ourselves, and get all our faculties and powers awake and working in perfect harmony with the Christ pattern.
Jesus Christ eagerly lived the light that came to Him day by day, and He saw Himself and others in a new light. He understood why He had been born into the world and He knew where He was going. He knew that He was merging Himself with the race mind so that He might abide with us and bring us into the same wonderful light in which He dwells. Jesus was discovering the real purpose of life and fulfilling it not for Himself alone, but for all humanity.
We must depend wholly on the inner kingdom of supply and the indwelling Christ, for this inner way is the only way to receive permanently. We are to cease depending on outer, material avenues for prosperity, because when we look to the outer we look away from the one resource that is within us and gives drive to embrace and transcend excellence. We must think of the Lord as our God given Christ Mind and of Jesus Christ as ever with us in the spiritual consciousness that He has established and has merged with the race mind in order that we may be in touch with Him and lay hold of Him and build our lives according to His pattern. Jesus says, “Follow me” (Luke 9:59).
The question for this week is threefold: salvation from what, for what and by what?
Salvation from Error Thinking – Paul says, “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Rom. 12:2).
Because all thought is formative, whatever thoughts we have are projected in our lives. If our subconscious mind is filled with negative beliefs and feelings, then we can expect to receive much of the same. Error thoughts such as sickness, poverty, lack, among others are detrimental to the Truth. We have to put a halt to worry and anxiety. We have to live in the present rather than dwell in the past and release any appearance of lack or sickness. Therefore, our attention ought to be on the Truth of God, the truth of our being, and on the very essence of our lives. This cannot be accomplished with negative thoughts.
According to Mrs. Fillmore, there is no such thing as a disease or an incurable condition, and anything that does not measure up to the Christ pattern of perfection can be changed. Whenever we have an experience of sickness, it is evident that we have been letting go of our hold on the gifts of God and have ceased to make use of the life of Spirit through our thoughts, words and actions.
All is not lost, however, as the way to healing is to first re-educate the mind and to establish the Truth in all the faculties, then to see the reality of the body and its functions and to stamp every part with the perfect pattern, which is God given and known as the Christ man.
Salvation for Illumination – “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32).
Mrs. Fillmore contends that it takes great illumination and constant identification with Jesus Christ and His wonderful humility and obedience if we are to rid ourselves of beliefs in materiality, in the power of disease, or in adversity of any sort. She stresses the importance of going to God-Mind for more light, love, life and substance. It is through the indwelling Christ Mind that we have the power to change our soul’s impressions, as well as our subconscious, thereby changing our bodies and their functioning and also the conditions about us.
By dwelling upon the Truth that we are one with Jesus Christ and one with God, we can quicken our own Christ Mind through the understanding that Jesus the Christ helps us to unfold.
It is when we cease to think shadows and lack of knowledge, and begin to call to mind the teachings of Jesus Christ that the light will shine for us. That stops the desire to recall past experiences thereby allowing the mark of helpfulness to abide with us. As a result, there will be renewed growth that will be pleasing and refreshing as we look at life, present and past, through eyes that see only God.
With renewed insight, each day should be spent in a period of stillness for the soul to gather power and restore life. God gives freely, and we have to be open and receptive if we are to receive those gifts.
Undesirable conditions result when we fail to identify with God and to use His gifts, and when we fail to let Spirit express through all our faculties and powers. Undesirable conditions lessen or dim illumination.
Salvation by Jesus Christ – “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27).
The teachings of Unity are based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, and, as suggested by Mrs. Fillmore, if we want to insure success and inspire faith and confidence in ourselves and all that we undertake, then we should always have Christ as the source of our inspiration and prosperity.
Jesus brought forth into expression the Christ, the God-Mind within and consciously identified Himself with Spirit. He has given us the ability to comprehend the life and the activities of mind that result in freedom from the limitations of race beliefs and intellectual reasoning.
According to Mrs. Fillmore, we are to pray for understanding – understanding for ourselves, and get all our faculties and powers awake and working in perfect harmony with the Christ pattern.
Jesus Christ eagerly lived the light that came to Him day by day, and He saw Himself and others in a new light. He understood why He had been born into the world and He knew where He was going. He knew that He was merging Himself with the race mind so that He might abide with us and bring us into the same wonderful light in which He dwells. Jesus was discovering the real purpose of life and fulfilling it not for Himself alone, but for all humanity.
We must depend wholly on the inner kingdom of supply and the indwelling Christ, for this inner way is the only way to receive permanently. We are to cease depending on outer, material avenues for prosperity, because when we look to the outer we look away from the one resource that is within us and gives drive to embrace and transcend excellence. We must think of the Lord as our God given Christ Mind and of Jesus Christ as ever with us in the spiritual consciousness that He has established and has merged with the race mind in order that we may be in touch with Him and lay hold of Him and build our lives according to His pattern. Jesus says, “Follow me” (Luke 9:59).
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