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.
Leah, I appreciate how thoroughly you analyzed this excerpt and used some great passages. The way I read the letter, however, I didn't see Myrtle's comments as reflecting timidity. It sounded to me that her response was to someone who might have been asking how they can go about changing other people's minds/beliefs, and Myrtle's response was, essentially, that that's not what we do here. And that's so true. It's those who sought help from Myrtle (or anyone else) who (1) would be inclined to be open and (2) be inclined to have faith, which seem to be prerequisite to whatever healing might take place. I can see how you read timidity here, but I think it was Myrtle's way of giving advice by sharing from her own experience. She also suggests that being judgmental and disapproving of others with different views isn't effective in changing their minds: As you quoted: "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.” Sounds like she's responding to a reader who was battling others' ineffectively and asking Myrtle for help and she basically says, Stop battling. They would be more inclined to listen to you or believe you if your behavior were more loving...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leah, for a wonderful analysis. One of the things I've always liked about Unity is the laid back approach it seems to take about "selling" its message. Of course, there are those who feel we should be working hard to convert others to our spiritual views. As a Unity church board president I often heard from some congregants that we need to do a better job spreading the message. After all, they would often point out, Jesus did. If he's our wayshower, why don't we do likewise? However, I felt this position was most often financially motivated as it usually came up during discussions about raising money. For me, I was simply not comfortable taking that approach. However, I admit to simply being timid about selling my beliefs to people who haven't expressed a clear interest. It's simply not a direction I'd be willing to lead. While Myrtle gives many good reasons for her leanings and I willingly advocate for them, I can't help but wonder if some of her arguments are, to some extent, cover for a fundamentally timid mindset.
ReplyDeleteI will join on this band-wagon as well. I would make a terrible sales person, as it just isn't in me to "push product" and I, too, have always been drawn to the fact that Unity does not push to convert others. I like the way Myrtle described a gentle approach, not disapproving or negating someone else's beliefs, but living and expressing love. People are drawn to that. I was drawn to that.
ReplyDeleteAnd yet, it does feel like Unity has lost many opportunities to educate or to "spread the word" of what Unity is all about. I said to someone recently that, with the notoriety Unity received from both Oprah and Maya Angelou - well, if Unity were a book or a movie, we'd be flying off the shelves. But we're not flying off anybody's shelf.
As much as I like the gentleness of Myrtle's words, I feel there must be a stronger approach which Unity could take. Those of us, future Unity leaders, need to find a way to be comfortable with that strength and have it spring forth from within us.
Leah,
ReplyDeleteI will jump on that bandwagon too. I agree with the way I received Unity's message. It was the subtle approach that interested me as well. At my first Unity service I remember crying like a baby at the meditation time. I thought I would never go back yet, I was drawn to that experience as if I truly needed it. People find Unity teachings when they are ready and willing to do something about what they have lacking in their own lives. Great post and excellent insight.