Reinventing Jesus Christ

The New Gospel

Warren Smith Conscience Press, Ravenna, Ohio Copyright © 2002 by Warren Smith. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

All Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Cover illustration and graphic design by Colin A. Leslie Published 2002 Printed in the United States of America.

The author and publisher receive no profits from this book. Distributed solely by Discernment Ministries, P.O. Box 254, High Bridge, NJ 08829–0254. Individual copies $7.00 each plus $1.50 shipping and handling. Write for bulk discounts. Contents

Preface ...... 5 Introduction ...... 7

1. Helen Schucman and A Course in Miracles ...... 9 2. Barbara Marx Hubbard and The Revelation ...... 14 3. Neale Donald Walsch and Conversations with God ...... 20 4. Wayne Peterson and Maitreya...... 26 5. The Light that was Dark ...... 33 6. The Global Renaissance Alliance ...... 40 7. The “New Gospel” Campaign for Peace ...... 45 8. The Armageddon Alternative ...... 54 9. The “New Gospel” Doctrine of Separation ...... 60 10. The Silent Church ...... 66 11. The Final Word...... 71 12. Epilogue ...... 79

Endnotes ...... 82 Bibliography ...... 85

Preface

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write is in the process of taking the church to a unto you of the common salvation, it was “new dimension” and to a whole “new needful for me to write unto you, and level.” Many Christian leaders these days exhort you that ye should earnestly con- are so sure that what they are hearing and tend for the faith which was once experiencing is from God, they are rarely testing the spirits, or even considering the delivered unto the saints. possibility that they are being deceived. —Jude 3 The first century Bereans tested their leaders and tested their teachings as they In 1992 I wrote a book about my experiences “searched the scriptures daily” to see in the metaphysical “new age” movement. “whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). The book was entitled The Light That Was Apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers Dark. I wrote the book because I wanted to were always subject to God’s holy Word. warn people about the incredibly deceptive “New revelation” never nullified nor super- teachings of the “new age.” From my own seded scripture. The Bereans were not im- experience I knew just how powerfully se- pressed by supernatural power and spiri- ductive the spirit world is and how appeal- tual experiences that had not been tested ing its false teachings can be. by the Word of God. They did not depend At the end of my book I warned that on signs and wonders and miracles. They Christian believers were becoming in- depended on the authority and reliability volved in some of these same teachings and and trustworthiness of Scripture: deceptions. Spiritual deception is not just something that happens to unbelievers. The All scripture is given by inspiration of apostle Paul went to great lengths to warn God, and is profitable for doctrine, for the Corinthians not to be deceived by a reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16) “Jesus” that wasn’t Jesus Christ the Son of God, a spirit that wasn’t the Holy Spirit and Paul taught that if he or anyone else a gospel that was not the true biblical Gos- preached any other gospel — “new revela- pel (2 Corinthians 11:4). Throughout the tion” or otherwise — that person should be New Testament, believers are continually completely disregarded (Galatians 1:8). The warned not to be deceived by spiritual Bible warns over and over again that we teachings and experiences that are not from should not allow ourselves to be influenced God. Jesus Christ specifically warned his or intimidated by teachings that originate disciples that spiritual deception would be not from God but from the spirit world and a sign of the end (Matthew 24:3–4). from the hearts of men. “Now the Spirit Today it is very sad to see so many speaketh expressly, that in the latter times believers falling under the influence of the some shall depart from the faith, giving same spirit that influenced me when I was heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of in the “new age.” This spirit says that it is a devils” (1 Timothy 4:1). “Howbeit in vain time for “breakthroughs” and for the ful- do they worship me, teaching for doctrines fillment of our “destiny”; that there is some- the commandments of men” (Mark 7:7). thing “new” and exciting in the wind. This What had been called “new age” is teaching claims that we are in the midst of now being presented as “new gospel.” a great “transition” that will result in a These “new gospel” teachings are not new “paradigm shift,” and that through “new and have actually been around for centu- revelation” and “personal experience” God ries in one form or another. Whether it was Preface • 5 ancient gnosticism, the occultic teachings of With “new revelation,” often accom- Helena Blavatsky (1831–1891) and Alice A. panied by direct personal spiritual experi- Bailey (1880–1949), or the present day “new ence, people are being taught that because gospel” channelings, the bottom line has they are a part of God they are actually “at- always been the same — everyone is a part one” with God and all creation. This “new of God. gospel” teaches when people have what is described as their “God potential” or Reinventing Jesus Christ “Christ within” supernaturally “activated,” they actually experience themselves as a According to the “new gospel,” Christ part of the “one body” of God which is all is not a person. It is an office. The “new mankind. As these same people unite and gospel” teaches that while Jesus of Nazareth join together in remembering and experi- occupied the office during His active min- encing their “oneness” with God and with istry, He no longer holds that same posi- each other, they feel they are doing the tion. Today the office of “Christ” is occu- “work” that is necessary to prepare the way pied by someone else. And this “someone for Christ’s return. else” is presently in the process of establish- ing contact with humanity. This “Christ” The need for discernment intimates that he is already in the world awaiting mankind’s call. Unfortunately, undiscerning Christian Concerned that humanity is in peril leaders have not adequately exposed these and facing possibly extinction, this “Christ” “new gospel” teachings and, as a result, the explains that his “new gospel” will unify spirit behind the “new gospel” has entered the world’s major religions and bring peace the Church. to the world. He has communicated these The Bible warns us not to be ignorant “new gospel” teachings to his designated of our adversary’s schemes and devices so teachers, who in turn are now conveying that we will not fall prey to his deceptive these same teachings to the rest of the traps (“Lest Satan should get an advantage world. of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” This “reinvented” Christ of the “new 2 Corinthians 2:11). Scripture also tells us gospel” teaches that all of humanity is the that while “it is a shame” we even have to body of Christ. He, as the “Christ,” is the talk about these things, it is important that head. This “Christ” states humanity’s di- we expose them and bring them to the light lemma is that we have forgotten who we (Ephesians 5:11–13). are. We are not “sinners” separate from Because of my own involvement with God. We are all part of the one body of “new age/new gospel” teachings, and in Christ and the one body of God. Salvation light of the many Scriptures warning us not does not come by grace from accepting Jesus to be deceived and urging us to expose de- Christ as the Son of God. Rather it is achieved ception, I will attempt to update believers — when we accept ourselves as Christ and on the accelerated spiritual deception that when we accept ourselves as God. has been taking place. Hopefully, by pro- The “new gospel” teaches that when viding a general survey of this “new gos- humanity collectively accepts and experi- pel” deception, believers will be more dis- ences itself as being a part of Christ and a cerning when — in the form of prophetic part of God, we not only save ourselves, we “new revelations” — these same teachings save our world. The “Christ” of the “new try to move into their lives and into their gospel” warns that the hour is late. Peace churches. must come. He will help. He has a plan. But everyone must play their part.

6 • Reinventing Jesus Christ Introduction

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from lions of well-intentioned people around the him that called you into the grace of Christ world. Through his extraordinary use of the unto another gospel: Which is not another; mass media, this “Christ” has presented his but there be some that trouble you, and “new gospel” through a small but power- would pervert the gospel of Christ. ful network of key people who enthusiasti- cally proclaim his teachings. Convinced —Galatians 1:6-7 their “Christ” is the true Christ, most of those in the network seem to be unaware There is an amazing thing happening in the of his real identity. While the network front land. Jesus Christ is being “reinvented” in line is eagerly mainstreaming his “new gos- front of our own eyes and hardly anyone pel,” this “Christ” has been able to remain seems to notice or care. “Reinvented” is a in the background, overseeing his plan to term now being popularly used to describe birth a new humanity — a new humanity the transformation of something from one that will be empowered by his spirit, com- form into a thing uniquely different. Best- mitted to his teachings, and from which he selling authors David Osborne and Ted will one day emerge. Gaebler, in the preface of their book Rein- venting Government, state: The Bible warns about deception We have chosen an audacious title for this book.... The idea of reinventing gov- In the Bible Jesus teaches that in the ernment may seem audacious to those latter days a spiritual imposter will emerge who see government as something from the world (Matthew 24:15; Revelation fixed, something that does not change. 13:1–8). Jesus warns his followers not to be But in fact governments constantly deceived by the many false prophets and change.1 false Christs that will precede and prepare The authors then proceed to introduce the way for this ultimate deceiver (Matthew a plan for “reinventing government” which 24:24). The Bible warns its readers to test ignores and circumvents the constitutional the spirits because there are many false form of government in America. In like prophets in the world and the spirits behind manner, the architects and promoters of a them are not from God (1 John 4:1). Scrip- “new gospel” and new “Christ” are auda- ture warns that these very real, deceptive, ciously ignoring God’s Word. They are in- evil spirits tempt men to forsake the true venting a “Christ” of antichrist proportions. Gospel of Jesus Christ to follow the false Over the last twenty-five years, while teachings of His adversary (Ephesians 6:10– traditional Christian believers were sleep- 12; 1 Timothy 4:1). And Scripture describes ing, a vastly underrated adversary has how an extremely charismatic spiritual made significant gains in the spiritual mar- leader will one day deceive most of the ketplace. In a gradual series of well-con- world into thinking that he is Christ. But ceived and perfectly timed moves, this in- while pretending to be Christ, this antichrist genious spiritual being has already intro- figure will actually oppose Jesus Christ (2 duced himself to the world as “Christ.” And Thessalonians 2: 1–9). his “new gospel” is now accepted by mil-

Introduction • 7 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. —1 Timothy 4:1 Helen Schucman and A Course1 in Miracles

And Jesus answered and said unto them, In 1965 Columbia University Professor of Take heed that no man deceive you. For Medical Psychology, Helen Schucman, many shall come in my name, saying, I am heard an “inner voice” saying, “This is a 1 Christ; and shall deceive many. course in miracles. Please take notes.” —Matthew 24:4–5 Schucman’s initial resistance was overcome when the “inner voice,” identifying itself as “Jesus,” told her the purpose of the Course [i.e., A Course in Miracles, ed.]: The world situation is worsening to an alarming degree. People all over the world are being called on to help, and are making their individual contribu- tions as part of an overall prearranged plan. Part of the plan is taking down A Course in Miracles, and I am fulfilling my part in the agreement, as you will fulfill yours. You will be using abilities you developed long ago, and which you are not really ready to use again. Because of the acute emergency, however, the usual slow, evolutionary process is be- ing by-passed in what might best be described as a “celestial speed-up.”2 Helen Schucman and A Course in Miracles • 9 Baffled by her assignment, but never- is a “sinner” and that he needs an external theless obliging, the skeptical Schucman Christ to save him from his “sins.” The diligently took dictation from this “inner Course teaches that correcting our voice.” In the seven and a half years of cu- “misperceptions” has nothing to do with mulative dictation that became A Course in Jesus’ death on the cross. Correction comes Miracles, Schucman’s “Jesus” presents a from what the Course calls the “Atone- whole new way of looking at the world. ment” (“at-one-ment”). Using Christian terminology, sophisticated This “Atonement,” or “atoning,” is psychology, and convincing authority, when each person remembers and affirms Schucman’s “Jesus” teaches a completely and experiences their “oneness” (at-one- different gospel than the one found in the ment) with God and creation. The “Atone- Bible. His “new gospel” wholly contradicts ment” is the Course’s key to undoing “fear” the Bible’s Gospel of Jesus Christ. and dispelling the illusion that man is Schucman’s “inner voice,” while claiming “separate” from God. The Course stresses to be Jesus, actually opposes everything for that the healing of the world is dependent which the Bible’s Jesus stands. upon each person’s fulfilling their atone- In brief, A Course in Miracles teaches ment “function” to teach this “oneness” to that all is love. And while the Course the world. When everyone comes to under- teaches that the opposite of love is fear, it stand that “all is love and all is God” then explains that fear is just an illusion based “inner peace” and world peace will finally on wrong thinking. It states that the world happen. Only “fear” and the illusion of we see is merely the projected manifesta- “separation” stand in the way of man’s at- tion of our own illusive, fearful thoughts. taining this peace for himself and his world. As each one of us learns to correct our fear- A Course in Miracles was published in ful, wrong thinking, it will change not only 1975. In 1979 psychiatrist Gerald how we see the world, but also change the Jampolski’s book, Love Is Letting Go of Fear, world we see. The purpose of the Course is became a powerful testimonial and catalyst to facilitate this change in perception. for Course sales as it helped introduce According to the Course, love is all Course principles to the popular self-help there is. And because God is love, God is market. During the 1980s, the Course therefore in everyone and everything. Be- gained a grassroots following of dedicated cause God is sinless, perfect, and “at one” believers who were often mysteriously led with all creation, then we, as a part of God, to the Course through unusual “meant to are also sinless and perfect in our “oneness” be” coincidences and circumstances. It was with Him. Man’s only “sin” is in not re- always assumed that these “meant to be” membering his own perfect, sinless, divine experiences were divinely inspired. Over nature. The only “devil” is our illusion that time, curiosity and interest in the Course we are separate from, and not a part of, God. grew and it became a cult classic for those The Course tells its readers that a “sense of in the spiritual “know.” Believed to be mod- separation from God is the only lack you ern day revelation, this apparent “gift from really need correct.”3 God” presented new and seemingly plau- The Course teaches that while “Christ” sible reinterpretations to the teachings of the is in Jesus, so “Christ” is in everyone — and Bible. Because of the Course, spirituality that the “Christ” in everyone is their divine suddenly seemed to make much more sense connection with God and with each other. to many people. Yet, even as word spread, The Course teaches that a “slain Christ has the Course still remained relatively un- no meaning.”4 It states that wrong thinking known to the general public. has produced the “misperception” that man

10 • Reinventing Jesus Christ Mainstreaming “Christ” ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ That all changed in 1992 when a little ACourse In known author named Marianne Williamson and her new book, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course Miracles in Miracles, were featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Praising Williamson’s book about the Course, Oprah told her viewers Direct quotes from the “Jesus” that she had already purchased a thousand of The Course copies of Williamson’s book.5 After Oprah’s enthusiastic endorse- God ment, A Return to Love shot to the top of The New York Times bestseller list and stayed ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ There“ is no separation of God and His cre- there for months. The “Christ” of A Course ation. (Text, p. 147) in Miracles was suddenly out of the closet. God is All in all in a very literal sense. All being He and his “new gospel” had just been is in Him Who is all Being. You are therefore in mainstreamed into millions of American Him since your being is His. (Text, p. 119) homes. Thanks to Oprah, Marianne Williamson and the “Christ” of A Course in Man Miracles now had celebrity status. But dur- The recognition of God is the recognition of ing the interview that day, Williamson and yourself. (Text, p. 147) Oprah failed to mention that the “Jesus” of When God created you He made you part of the Course is not the same Jesus Christ de- Him. (Text, p. 100) scribed in the Bible — and that the teach- ings of A Course in Miracles actually contra- Everyone God created is part of you and dict and oppose the teachings of the Bible. shares His Glory with you. (Text, p. 174) Over the past decade, Williamson has Jesus continued to champion A Course in Miracles in the media and in her public appearances Is he [Jesus] the Christ? O yes, along with around the country. A more recent book, you. His little life on earth was not enough to Healing the Soul of America, has enabled teach the mighty lesson that he learned for all Williamson and the Course to make a subtle of you. (Manual, p. 87) transition into the political arena. Hoping Name of Jesus to inspire a “new gospel” approach to na- tional and world problems, Williamson, The Name of Jesus Christ as such is but a along with bestselling Conversations with symbol . It is a symbol that is safely used as God author Neale Donald Walsch, co- a replacement for the many names of all the founded The Global Renaissance Alliance. gods to which you pray. (Manual, p. 58) Many well-known “new gospel” advocates Christ and Course proponents have been recruited to serve in the Alliance. In fact, one of the Christ is God’s Son as He created Him. He is Alliance board members, in much the same the Self we share, uniting us with one another, manner as Helen Schucman, says she too and with God as well. (Workbook, p. 431) received “new revelation” from an “inner For Christ takes many forms with different voice” claiming to be Christ. That board names until their oneness can be recognized. member’s name is Barbara Marx Hubbard. (Manual, p. 88) Christ is the link that keeps you one with God . (Workbook, p. 431)

Helen Schucman and A Course in Miracles • 11 Crucifixion wholeness, your sanity and Revelation your limitless power. Do not make the pathetic (Text, p. 125) Revelation unites you directly error of “clinging to the old with God. (Text, p. 7) rugged cross.” The only Separation Revelation induces only message of the crucifixion is experience. (Text, p. 7) that you can overcome the The mind can make the belief cross. Until then you are free in separation very real and When revelation of your to crucify yourself as often as very fearful, and this belief is oneness comes, it will be you choose. This is not the the “devil.” (Text, p. 50) known and fully understood. Gospel I intended to offer (Workbook, p. 324) you. (Text, p. 52) Atonement Persecution The journey to the cross (“at-one-ment”) should be the last “useless This is not a course in You are not persecuted, nor journey.” If you can accept philosophical speculation, nor was I. (Text, p. 94) it as your own last useless is it concerned with precise journey, you are also free to terminology. It is concerned Sin join my resurrection. Until only with Atonement, or the There is no sin; it has no you do so your life is indeed correction of perception. consequence. wasted. (Text, p. 52) (Manual, p. 77) (Workbook, p. 183) The crucifixion did not By accepting the Atonement establish the Atonement; the for yourself, you are deciding Evil resurrection did. Many against the belief that you sincere Christians have can be alone, thus dispelling Innocence is wisdom because misunderstood this. the idea of separation and it is unaware of evil, and evil (Text, p. 36) affirming your true identifica- does not exist. (Text, p. 38) tion with the whole Kingdom For the undoing of the Antichrist crucifixion of God’s Son is the as literally part of you. work of the redemption, in (Text, p. 131) All forms of anti-Christ which everyone has a part of The full awareness of the oppose the Christ. equal value. (Text, p. 209) Atonement, then, is the (Text, p. 620) recognition that the separa- The song of Easter is the glad Devil refrain the Son of God was tion never occurred. never crucified. (Text, p. 428) (Text, p. 98) The “devil” is a frightening Yet you cannot abide in concept because he seems to Oneness peace unless you accept the be extremely powerful and Atonement, because the extremely active. He is If all His creations are His perceived as a force in Sons, every one must be an Atonement is the way to peace. (Text, p. 175) combat with God, battling integral part of the whole Him for possession of His Sonship. The Sonship in its The Atonement is the final creations. The devil deceives oneness transcends the sum lesson he [man] need learn, by lies, and builds kingdoms of its parts. (Text, p. 33) for it teaches him that, never in which everything is in We cannot be separated. having sinned, he has no direct opposition to God. Yet Whom God has joined cannot need of salvation. he attracts men rather than be separated, and God has (Text, p. 237) repels them, and they are joined all His Sons with “Atoning” means “undoing.” willing to “sell” him their Himself. (Text, p. 150) The undoing of fear is an souls in return for gifts of no essential part of the Atone- real worth. This makes The oneness of the Creator absolutely no sense. and the creation is your ment value of miracles. (Text, p. 5) (Text, p. 49–50)

12 • Reinventing Jesus Christ Marianne Williamson

Direct quotes from Jesus Armageddon A Return to Love Even if he takes another But we can bypass the name, even if he takes scenario of a nuclear Arma- On popularity another face, He is in essence geddon if we so desire. Most “of her book the truth of who we are. Our of us have already suffered For that, my deepest thanks joined lives form the mystical our own personal Armaged- to Oprah Winfrey. Her body of Christ. (p. 296) dons. There’s no need to go through the whole thing enthusiasm and generosity Jesus and other enlightened again collectively. (p. 82) have given the book, and me, masters are our evolutionary an audience we would never elder brothers. (p. 42) otherwise have had. (p. ix) Meditation Christ-mind Meditation is time spent with Man God in silence and quiet The concept of a divine, or listening. It is the time during To remember that you are “Christ” mind, is the idea which the Holy Spirit has a part of God, that you are that, at our core, we are not chance to enter into our loved and lovable, is not just identical, but actually the minds and perform His divine arrogant. It’s humble. To same being. “There is only alchemy. (p. 281) think you are anything else is one begotten Son” doesn’t arrogant, because it implies mean that someone else was Miracle worker you’re something other than it, and we’re not. It means a creation of God. (p. 30) we’re all it. There’s only one To become a miracle worker We are holy beings, individual of us here. (p. 30–31) means to take part in a cells in the body of Christ. You and I have the Christ- spiritual underground that’s (p. 32) mind in us as much as Jesus revitalizing the world, partici- does. (p. 42) pating in a revolution of the We are who God created us world’s values at the deepest to be. We are all one, we are possible level. That doesn’t love itself. “Accepting the mean you announce this to Christ” is merely a shift in anyone. (p. 68) self-perception. (p. 32)

Helen Schucman and A Course in Miracles • 13 Barbara Marx Hubbard and The2 Revelation

For we have not followed cunningly Self-described futurist and “conscious evo- devised fables, when we made known unto lutionist” Barbara Marx Hubbard writes you the power and coming of our Lord that in 1966 she heard an “inner voice” that Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses came in response to a question she had of his majesty. asked aloud and directed to God — “What is our story? What in our age is comparable —2 Peter 1:16 to the birth of Christ?” After asking the question she said she fell into a dreamlike state and was given an intense vision of the future.1 In the vision Hubbard saw the earth from a distance. She was made to under- stand that the earth was a living body and that she was a cell in its body. Feeling her “oneness” with the earth, she experienced its pain and confusion. When her vision abruptly fast-forwarded into the future, she could see the earth and its people were now surrounded by a radiant light. She watched as the whole planet was “aligned” in “a magnetic field of love” and lifted up by the brilliant light. Widespread healings took 14 • Reinventing Jesus Christ place as individuals experienced the merg- thousands of people and hundreds of ing of their own “inner light” with the groups and organizations about the “plan- bright light that was surrounding them. A etary birth experience” she had been shown tremendous force emanating from the light in her vision. In the process she has become sent powerful currents of joyful energy “rip- a respected “world citizen,” known and pling” through the body of humanity. The loved by many for her insights about “God” world celebrated as all the Earth was born and “Christ” and the future of humanity. again. The pain and confusion were gone. Hubbard is a co-founding board mem- Love had prevailed. The “inner voice” told ber of the World Future Society.6 In 1976 she her to spread the message of the vision. It seriously contemplated a run for the U.S. said: presidency.7 In 1984 her name was placed Our story is a birth. It is the birth of hu- in nomination for Vice-President at the mankind as one body. What Christ and Democratic National Convention in San 8 all great beings came to Earth to reveal Francisco. Her speech, based on her “Cam- is true. We are one body, born into this paign for a Positive Future,” was carried universe. GO TELL THE STORY OF live on C-Span.9 Today she is on a first name OUR BIRTH… Barbara!2 basis with many world leaders and proudly In 1977 Hubbard began to hear this describes herself as part of “the New Order 10 “inner voice” regularly. At one point she of the Future.” Her last three books were was told: funded by her “benefactor,” Laurance S. Rockefeller, through his Fund for the En- Have utter faith in my design. Achieve hancement of the Human Spirit. She thanks deep peace. Be prepared for a great force Rockefeller in her books for his generous to enter your life to do this work. It can- support over the years. And she specifically not enter till you have achieved deep peace. Your reward for peace, which can thanks him for his “intuition about the 11 only be achieved by faith, is contact with ‘Christ of the 21st Century’.” the great force and the other forces wait- ing in the wings.3 The Alternative to Armageddon On Christmas Day in 1979, she had a Through the years Hubbard has re- revelation that the presence in her 1966 vi- ceived voluminous information from her sion had been “Christ.”4 Then in February “Christ.” In her 1993 book, The Revelation: of 1980, at an Episcopalian monastery in Our Crisis Is a Birth (later renamed The Rev- Santa Barbara, California, she describes how elation: A Message of Hope for the New Mil- in the midst of “an electrifying presence of lennium), Hubbard and “Christ” “rewrite” light” her higher self “voice” transformed the Bible’s Book of Revelation. In The Rev- into the “Christ voice.”5 Over the coming elation Hubbard’s “Christ” provides specific months the “Christ voice” gave her more instructions on how a united humanity, information and insight about the vision she purposefully partnering with God, can lit- had in 1966 and more first-hand detail about erally re-create the future. Hubbard’s Christ what would one day be taking place in the teaches that the “violent” Armageddon world. Hubbard understood that it was her script described in the Bible does not have mission to continue telling the story of to happen, that it is only a “possible” fu- humanity’s “birth.” ture, emphasizing that a more “positive” fu- Since 1966 Hubbard has fulfilled her ture can and will manifest when humanity commission from “Christ” to tell his “new — without exception — openly declares its gospel” story. From NASA to the former “oneness” with him and all creation. This USSR, from the Georgia State Legislature positive scenario and the means to attain- to the United Nations, she has spoken to ing it is called “the alternative to Armaged- don.”12 Barbara Marx Hubbard and The Revelation • 15 Hubbard’s “Christ” describes how have no cancer cells. Cancer cells must be planet Earth is at an evolutionary cross- healed or completely removed from the roads. He states that the world is about to body. He describes the means of removal make an evolutionary leap that will take all as the “selection process.” The “selection creation to a new level. Those who awaken process” results in the deaths of those who to their own divinity, by aligning them- refuse to see themselves as a part of God. selves as one with God and one with each After the “selection process” the spirit other, will evolve. Those who continue to bodies of the departed individuals will con- believe in “fear” and “separation,” rather tinue to be “purified” in the spirit realm. than in “love” and “oneness,” will not Hubbard’s “Christ” emphasizes that they evolve. Hubbard’s “Christ” claims that with will not be given another physical body and his help most of mankind will choose to they will not be able to rejoin humanity until evolve, calling this evolutionary leap “the they rid themselves of all “self- Planetary Birth Experience.”13 He refers to centeredness.” He defines “self- it as the coming time of “Planetary Pente- centeredness” as “the illusion” that one is cost.”14 The “birth experience” is a shared “separate” from God. The self-centered event in the future, an “Instant of Co-op- temptation to see oneself as “separate,” and eration,”15 when everyone on the planet will not as a part of God, is “evil” and must be be mysteriously changed in “the twinkling “overcome.” He also refers to self- of an eye,” as humanity is collectively born centeredness, or this illusion of separate- again into a new creation. Those who evolve ness, as “Satan.” will actually become a new species as Homo In the future described by Hubbard’s sapiens is collectively transformed into Homo “Christ” anyone who refuses to see them- universalis, or the “Universal Humanity.”16 selves and others as “God” and “Christ” The “Universal Humanity” will live to- will be removed by the “selection process.” gether as a community of “natural Christs” Those professing Jesus Christ as their Lord in the “New Heaven” on the “New Earth” and Saviour would be subject to this pro- that is the “New Jerusalem.”17 cess, as would traditional Jews, Muslims and all others who refuse to see themselves The “Selection Process” as a part of God. But Hubbard’s “Christ,” while describ- The Global Renaissance Alliance ing the “birth experience” and affirming his love for all mankind, nevertheless warns Barbara Marx Hubbard, politically that there will be no place in the “New well-connected and extremely influential, Jerusalem” for those who refuse to see is a major figure in the emerging field of themselves and others as a part of God. He “new gospel” politics. Her “Campaign for describes, therefore, the necessity of a “se- a Positive Future” is still going strong. And lection process” that will select out resis- her formal involvement with Marianne tant individuals who “choose” not to Williamson, Neale Donald Walsch and evolve. This “selection process” is a “puri- other “new gospel” leaders in The Global fication” that will be accomplished through Renaissance Alliance represents a new kind “the shock of a fire.”18 of spiritual activism that is rapidly devel- “Christ” states that those who see oping into a social and political movement. themselves as “separate” and not divine Hubbard’s continued political ambitions hinder humanity’s ability to spiritually are possibly evidenced in an article she evolve. Those who deny their own “divin- wrote in a recently published book entitled ity” are “cancer cells” in the body of God.19 Imagine: What America Could Be in the 21st “Christ” warns that a healthy body must Century. In the article, a woman very close

16 • Reinventing Jesus Christ to her own description becomes President ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ of the United States after a successful cam- paign for a “positive future.” Her character’s campaign embraces the slogan The “new “Resolve to Evolve — The Only Solution is Our Evolution.” This president is unique in that she is the lead person in a first time revelation” ever team presidency.20 Hubbard, through her writings and lifelong spiritual and political lobbying, continues to implement the teachings and principles she received from her “Christ.” Direct quotes from Hubbard’s She is presently dedicated to the process of “Christ”* in The Revelation incorporating these “new gospel” teachings into her own local community of Santa Bar- Purpose of “new revelation” bara, California. With high hopes that her “ Santa Barbara “seed group”21 will become Behold, I am writing anew, through scribes on a working model for other communities Earth who are willing to listen to me again with new ears, in the light of the present around the world, Hubbard will no doubt crises on planet Earth. (p. 265) be looking for opportunities to showcase her project. You must demonstrate the psychological state The fact that Oprah Winfrey recently of universal consciousness as a new norm. bought a home in the Santa Barbara area That is the first purpose of your writings. (p. 74) should definitely increase Hubbard’s chances of getting some exposure. In a “new The second purpose of these writings is to call age” world that says “there are no coinci- for the completion of the good news concern- dences” it is interesting to note that ing the transformation of the world. (p. 74) Marianne Williamson, Oprah Winfrey and The alternative to Armageddon is open to you.

Barbara Marx Hubbard now all have houses ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ This is why we are writing this text. (p. 264) just minutes from each other in the Santa Barbara area. If Oprah does for Hubbard Resurrection what she did for Williamson, we will all be The resurrection was a future forecast of an hearing a lot more about Barbara Marx approaching new norm. The transformation of Hubbard, her Santa Barbara “seed group” Homo sapiens to Homo universalis is the and the “new gospel” plans her “Christ” acting out of that forecast by the human has for this world. species. What I did alone, now all can do who choose to love God above all else and their

neighbor as themselves. (p. 65)

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ I did not suffer on the cross and rise again on Sin the third day to show you what I could do, but what you can do. Yours is the power. Yours is My beloved church misunderstood me. It the glory. That is my message to you! (p. 100) preached the corruptibility of humanity when I came to demonstrate its potential Christ for incorruptibility. It propounded the sinfulness of humanity when I suffered to You were born to be me. You were born to be reveal your godliness and to overcome your partners with God. (p. 148) ○○○○○ guilt by demonstrating that you can totally The church is the body of believers who are rise above the death of the body. (p. 231) conscious of being me. (p. 102)

Barbara Marx Hubbard and The Revelation • 17 Return of Christ rate from God and you will will and desire alone. You are surely die. (p. 188) to be empowered by the I cannot “return” until force that creates the uni- Your triumph over Satan, that enough of you are attracted verse. (p. 94) and linked. (p. 66) is, over the illusion of separa- tion, will be a victory for the Israel I cannot come to you unless universal community. (p. 193) you grow up to be my equal. Israel is the idea of humanity (p. 75) Aliens and God as One. It is the idea of the transformation of Man Do not fear “aliens.” You have this world to a New Earth. It learned on Earth, after much is the idea of the transforma- I did not intend for you to suffering, that there are no tion of this body to a new deify me, but to deify your- “foreign” nations because body. It is the idea of the selves as being at the same there are no foreigners .You selection of the God-centered stage of evolution as I am. are living within one body. from the self-centered. It is (p. 231) You are all members of one the idea of the evolution of body. (p. 275) You all have the same master humanity from Adam of the from within. That master is You should know now that living soul to Adam of the me, your higher self, the there are no aliens in the life-giving Spirit, from Homo Christ within each of you who universe. They are Sons and sapiens to Homo universalis. is, right now, hearing the Daughters of God at various (p. 192) same voice, seeing the same stages of evolution. Yes, they vision of the future, despite are different — diverse New Jerusalem all differences of language beyond your present capacity and culture. (p. 243) to imagine — but they are The New Jerusalem is the new city which emerges The “living fountains of not alien. (p. 275) naturally from a New Heaven waters,” the source of ever- and a New Earth. It is the evolving life in each of you, is Evolution human community as a waiting to be turned on. It is Your unfinished species is collectivity of natural Christs. the mechanism for rejuvena- ready to evolve. The time has (p. 258) tion and renewal. (p. 151) come on Earth for this In the New Jerusalem, quantum change to occur in Satan humanity and God are one. many of you. (p. 65) (p. 286) The fallen angel is that You shall be enabled by the *According to Hubbard, these impulse in your being that process of evolution to transmissions come from urges you to believe only transcend your own limits. “Christ” and “higher voices.” what your creature senses You cannot do it by human tell you: that you are sepa-

18 • Reinventing Jesus Christ Cynics, disbelievers, those who fear and cannot love: The selection know that the mercy of God almighty is with you now. The second death, for you, is a process At the co-creative stage purification, an erasing of the of evolution, one self- memory of fear, through the centered soul is like a shock of a fire. It will burn lethal cancer cell in a body: out the imprint upon your deadly to itself and to the soul that is blocking you from whole. (p. 255) seeing the glory which shall Direct quotes from The surgeon dare leave no be revealed in you. (p. 267) Hubbard’s “Christ” cancer in the body when he in The Revelation Those who are not suffi- closes up the wound after a ciently educated to align with “Dearly beloved, I approached delicate operation. We dare the design, experience God’s the crucifixion far more easily leave no self-centeredness on purification process as long than I approach the selection. Earth after the selection as necessary, until they learn The crucifixion was done unto process. For when we com- how to know God or the my body. The selection will plete the process of the Intention of Creation experi- be done unto yours. (p. 197) transformation, all who live entially. They cannot return on will be empowered to be to the new Earth or the new The decisive moment of godlike. (p. 240) Heaven, in a self-centered selection has almost come. state. (p. 255) The judgment of the quick The selection process will and the dead is about to be exclude all who are exclusive. Remember, Satan is either made. The end of this phase The selection process assures consumed by fire or by love. of evolution is nearly com- that only the loving will In the New Jerusalem, there plete. (p. 189) evolve to the stage of co- is no illusion of separation. creator. (p. 303) (p. 297) By your acts you shall be judged as to whether you can After the selection process, The end is near. The old play evolve, or must be “cast into you will be born to the next is almost over. Suffice it to the lake of fire,” which is the stage of evolution. There will say, that if you do not choose second death. (p. 254) be a New Heaven, a New to evolve into a wholesome, Earth, a new body and a new co-creative human, then you The “second death” is for consciousness for all who shall not. (p. 195) those of you who cannot survive. (p. 261) evolve by choice, due to The only punishment is your some deeply seated error in Your triumph over Satan, that self-exclusion from the joy of your understanding of the is, over the illusion of separa- new life. The only pity is that nature of reality. (p. 267) tion, will be a victory for the you are missing the mark and universal community. (p. 193) choosing to die unfulfilled. It is to open your mind that (p. 195) you will undergo the second If you do not choose to have death. (p. 267) a new body to co-create with There need be no greater me, you will not have one. punishment. There need be [T]he fundamental regres- You may choose an imper- no threats. There is only sion is self-centeredness, or sonal future rather than the choice. That is the purpose of the illusion that you are transpersonal future. The freedom. Only those who separate from God. I “make impersonal future is bodiless. choose to evolve, do. Hence- war” on self-centeredness. It You divest yourself of your forth, the choice is yours. shall surely be overcome. The personal memory and your (p. 195) child must become the adult. DNA, and become an undif- Human must become Divine. ferentiated aspect of God. The stakes are high, dearly That is the law. (p. 233) (p. 196) beloved. Choose well. (p. 290)

Barbara Marx Hubbard and The Revelation • 19 Neale Donald Walsch and Conversations3 with God

For the time will come when they will not In 1992 Neale Donald Walsch, a disillu- endure sound doctrine; but after their own sioned and distraught former radio talk lusts shall they heap to themselves show host, public relations professional, teachers, having itching ears; And they and longtime metaphysical seeker, sat shall turn away their ears from the truth, down one night and wrote God an angry letter.1 He was amazed when “God” imme- and shall be turned unto fables. diately answered his letter by speaking to —2 Timothy 4:3–4 him through an inner voice. That night, and in subsequent conversations, Walsch wrote down all of the dictated answers to his ques- tions. The dictation continued for several years.2 Walsch’s Conversations with God: Book 1 was published in 1995 and became the first in a series of bestselling Conversations with God books. It seemed that in Walsch “God” had found yet another willing channel for his “new gospel” teachings. In a style reminiscent of John Denver and George Burns in the movie Oh, God!, Walsch and “God” present a more “down home” version of the same “new gospel”

20 • Reinventing Jesus Christ teachings that were conveyed through pre- Fox for throwing Bre’r Rabbit into the vious “inner voice” dictation to Schucman briar patch?7 and Hubbard. With Walsch playing the role Walsch, always the public relations of devil’s advocate, “God” cleverly plays off man, anticipates reader incredulity at state- of Walsch’s leading questions and com- ments like these by expressing apparent ments. Walsch and “God” come across dur- surprise and then asking “God” questions ing these conversations as a couple of “ev- that the skeptical reader would probably eryday Joe’s” who systematically dismantle ask. But in his process of seeming to chal- traditional Christianity with their straight- lenge “God” — which he does with con- from-the-source, “spiritually correct” teach- siderable skill — Walsch actually enables ings. With the assurance of two foxes now “God” to further expound upon and rein- in control of the henhouse, they emphati- force the thoughts and ideas of his teach- cally assert that the “new gospel” is from ings. Not surprisingly, Walsch always God and that the “old gospel” is not. seems to come around to “God’s” point of Delighted by the fact that they are be- view. Even to some of his more extreme ing taken seriously by millions of readers, views about death and Adolph Hitler. “God” and Walsch appear to thoroughly In a book entitled Questions and An- enjoy their process of bringing the public swers on Conversations with God, Walsch ad- up to spiritual speed. Continuing to build dresses reader concerns about the com- upon the foundation of “new gospel” teach- ments that “God” makes about Hitler and ings already introduced through Schucman, death. One of Walsch’s statements of justi- Hubbard, and others, “God” and Walsch fication is: add some special twists of their own to the “new gospel” story. Using Walsch as the Yet while the books do state that life is straight man, “God” introduces many of his eternal, that death is nothing to fear, and that returning to God is joyful, I do not more extreme teachings with smug, au- believe that any reasonable interpreta- thoritative statements such as: “There are no tion of the material could fairly portray 3 such things as the Ten Commandments.” “So God as condoning the killing of human who said Jesus was perfect?”4 and “Hitler beings — or brushing it off as if it were went to heaven.”5 of no importance or consequence.8 But Walsch does not address the fact Glorification of death that he and other Global Renaissance Alli- Walsch’s “God” makes a number of ance board members recommend Barbara other provocative statements about Hitler. Marx Hubbard’s book, The Revelation, in The net effect is a minimization of Hitler’s which “Christ” clearly describes a “selec- actions and an obvious glorification of tion process” that will result in the “second death. The following are two of “God’s” death” of all those who refuse to subscribe comments about Hitler and death: to his “new gospel.”9 So the first thing you have to under- stand—as I’ve already explained to you Humanity is “God” — is that Hitler didn’t hurt anyone. In a At one point in their “conversation,” sense, he didn’t inflict suffering, he ended 6 “God” develops the idea that man is not it. subject to God because man is God. “God” I tell you this, at the moment of your explains that there are no rules and there is death you will realize the greatest free- no right nor wrong because man, as God, is dom, the greatest peace, the greatest joy, his own “rule-maker.” Walsch’s “God” con- and the greatest love you have ever tends that because God and humanity are known. Shall we therefore punish Bre’r one, it is therefore up to humanity to deter-

Neale Donald Walsch and Conversations with God • 21 mine what God wants to do. If humanity with Schucman and Hubbard, “God” is in- wants to make up a new set of rules this directly critical of Bible-believing Christians late in the game, humanity can do that be- who insist that sin is real and that man is cause it was humanity, as God, that devised not God. “God” contends that the only real the original rules in the first place. Every- “sin” is for man to see himself as sinful and thing is relative. Everything is up to the “separate” from God. “God” says that the prevailing majority. Therefore, because hu- only “devil” or “Satan” is the separatist manity is God, humanity can create what- thinking that differentiates between man ever rules and whatever future it wants. For and God. Echoing A Course in Miracles, example, “God” tells Walsch: “God” states that only as humanity sees All of your life you have been told that through the illusion of “separation” and God created you. I come now to tell you “sin” and affirms its own godliness and this: You are creating God.10 oneness with all creation will the planet be saved from ultimate ruin. …You are your own rule-maker.11 Think, speak, and act as the God You “New gospel” politics Are.12 Walsch’s “God” warns that in the near …Your future is creatable. Create it as future people will have to make a choice 13 you want it. between the “old” and “new” gospels. The Create the grandest version of the great- choice they make will have great bearing est vision you ever had about yourselves on the future of mankind. “God” declares as a human race.14 that humanity, by collectively imagining “Conscious evolution,” or the process and envisioning its highest hopes and of mankind consciously exercising its au- dreams, can consciously create a positive thority as “God” to create its own future, is future. “God” expresses great optimism that the title of a recent Barbara Marx Hubbard the “new gospel” will prevail and tells book. “God” tells Walsch he gave Hubbard Walsch that humanity is standing on the the title of the book. “God” also takes credit threshold of a “golden” new age. for inspiring A Course in Miracles. The twenty-first century will be the time “God:” This is called conscious evolution, of awakening, of meeting The Creator and your species has just arrived there. Within. Many beings will experience Oneness with God and with all of life. Walsch: Wow, that’s an incredible in- This will be the beginning of the golden sight. That’s why You gave Barbara age of the New Human, of which it has Marx Hubbard that book! As I said, she been written; the time of the universal actually called it Conscious Evolution. human, which has been eloquently de- “God:” Of course she did. I told her to.15 scribed by those with deep insight among you.

“God:” All attack is a call for help. There are many such people in the world now — teachers and messengers, Walsch: I read that in A Course in Masters and visionaries — who are plac- Miracles. ing this vision before humankind and “God:” I put it there.16 offering tools with which to create it. These messengers and visionaries are “God” makes it clear to Walsch that the heralds of a New Age.17 his modern-day “revelation” is for all those Regarding how the “New Age” will be who have never really understood his achieved and ultimately overseen, “God” teachings about man being God. As he was impresses Walsch with the importance of

22 • Reinventing Jesus Christ bringing spirituality into politics and gov- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ernment. He tells Walsch: Conversations When you agree to spread the word, to carry the message that can change the human heart, you play an important with “God” role in changing the human condition. This is why all spirituality is ultimately political.18 Direct quotes from You cannot avoid politicizing your spiri- Walsch’s “God” tuality. Your political viewpoint is your spirituality, demonstrated. Yet perhaps it Purpose is not a matter of politicizing your spiri- And so I have chosen you to be My messen- tuality, but of spiritualizing your poli- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 19 ger. “You, and many others. For now, during tics. these times immediately ahead, the world will “God” is very specific about how this need many trumpets to sound the clarion call. spiritualization of politics should ultimately (CWG Book 1, p. 144) manifest itself. The purpose of this book, and of all the books “God:” Something will have to be new in the trilogy we are creating, is to create if you wish your world to change. You readiness — readiness for a new paradigm, a must begin to see someone else’s inter- new understanding; a larger view, a grander ests as your own. This will happen only idea. (CWG Book 2, p. 36) when you reconstruct your global real- ity and govern yourselves accordingly. New gospel There is only one message that can change Walsch: Are you talking about a one- the course of human history forever, end the world government? torture, and bring you back to God. That

20 message is The New Gospel: WE ARE ALL “God:” I am. ONE. (FWG, p. 373) “God” exhorts Walsch to carry out his mission to change the world and to bring God in a spiritually-based new world order by There is only One of Us. You and I are One. issuing this charge: (FWG, p. 23) Go, therefore, and teach ye all nations, God is creation. (CWG Book 1, p. 198) spreading far and wide The New Gospel: WE ARE ALL ONE.21 There are a thousand paths to God, and every one gets you there. (FWG, p. 357) And certainly Walsch seems to be do- ing his part. Responding to “God’s” charge Christ to spread the “new gospel” and to help es- Many have been Christed, not just Jesus of tablish sympathy for “a one-world govern- Nazareth. You can be Christed, too. ment,” Walsch co-founded The Global Re- (CWG Book 2, p. 22) naissance Alliance with Marianne Williamson. He also continues to write Man books, conduct workshops and speak to You are already a God. You simply do not large groups around the country. know it. (CWG Book 1, p. 202) You are the Creator and the Created. (CWG Book 3, p. 350)

Neale Donald Walsch and Conversations with God • 23 You are, quite literally, the Sin And if you think you would Word of God, made flesh. like to experience a different (FWG, p. 395) In truth, there is no such reality, focus on that, and thing as a “sinner,” for no one that is the outcome you can My purpose in creating you, can be sinned against — least draw to you. My spiritual offspring, was for of all Me. (CWG Book 3, p. 109) Me to know Myself as God. I (CWG Book 3, p. 87) have no way to do that save New world order through you. Thus it can be Quite an interesting concept. How did anyone get you to said that My purpose for There have been those believe that? you is that you should know leaders among you who have (CWG Book 2, p. 43) yourself as Me. been insightful enough and (CWG Book 1, p. 26) The act of Adam and Eve was brave enough to propose the not original sin, but, in truth, beginnings of such a new Atonement/oneness first blessing. world order. Your George (CWG Book 1, p. 56) Bush, whom history will judge You must realize that “atone- to be a man of far greater ment” is just that — it is “at- Evil wisdom, vision, compassion, one-ment.” It is the aware- and courage than contempo- ness that you and all others Evil is that which you call evil. rary society was willing or are One. It is the understand- (WG Book 1, p. 61) able to acknowledge, was ing that you are One with such a leader. So was Soviet everything — including Me. Aliens President Mikhail (FWG, p. 92) Walsch: And You’re telling Gorbachev . The only solution is the me that beings from outer (CWG Book 2, p. 199) Ultimate Truth: nothing exists space are helping us with in the universe that is sepa- that? Peace rate from anything else. “God”: Indeed. They are (CWG Book 2, p. 173) You can similarly end all war among you now, many of tomorrow. Simply. Easily. All it them. They have been Evolution takes — all it has ever taken helping for years. — is for all of you to agree. And do not stay so “stuck” in (CWG Book 2, p. 239) (CWG Book 1, p. 50) your present beliefs and The time will come when customs that you halt the your consciousness will rise Choice/decision process of evolution itself. and your fear will subside, This is the eternal moment, (p. 89, CWG Book 3) and then they will reveal the time of your new decid- themselves to you. Some of It’s important now, it’s time ing. (FWG, p. 230) now, to change your mind them have already done so — about some things. This is with a handful of people. Yet today is a new day. Now what evolution is all about. (CWG Book 2, p. 239) is a new time. And yours is a (CWG Book 1, p. 168) new choice. It is a choice to Creating your own create anew your personal This truly is an evolution future relationship with Me. revolution, for now larger and (FWG, p. 243) larger numbers of you are So if you think it would be creating consciously the interesting for the doomsday quality of your experience, predictions of the psychics to [Pages 23, 24 and 25 ex- the direct expression of Who come true, focus all your cerpted from: Conversations You Really Are, and the rapid attention on that, and you with God (Books 1, 2, and 3) manifestation of Who You can draw that to yourself. and Friendship with God, N.D. Choose to Be. Walsch.] (CWG Book 3, p. 279)

24 • Reinventing Jesus Christ Hitler and death

Direct quotes from Walsch’s “God”

Walsch: Well, I’m going to I do not love “good” more If you are a being who have to ask the questions than I love “bad.” Hitler went chooses to cut out a cancer here that I know so many to heaven. within you in order to pre- people“ are thinking and (CWG Book 1, p. 61) serve your larger life form, wanting to ask. How could a then you will demonstrate The mistakes Hitler made did man like Hitler have gone to that. (FWG, p. 369) no harm or damage to those heaven? Every religion in whose deaths he caused. Every aspect of divinity has the world I would think Those souls were released co-creative control over its every one, has declared him from their earthly bondage, destiny. Therefore, you condemned and sent like butterflies emerging from cannot kill a mosquito against straight to hell. a cocoon. its will. At some level, the “God”: First, he could not (CWG Book 2, p. 42) mosquito has chosen that. All have gone to hell because of the change in the universe So the first thing you have to hell does not exist. There- occurs with the consent of understand — as I’ve already fore, there is only one place the universe itself, in its explained to you — is that left to which he could have various forms. The universe Hitler didn’t hurt anyone. In a gone. But that begs the cannot disagree with itself. sense, he didn’t inflict question. The real issue is That is impossible. suffering, he ended it. whether Hitler’s actions (FWG, p. 371) (CWG Book 2, p. 56) were “wrong.” Yet I have And so, to your question. Is it said over and over again There is no “death.” Life goes okay to swat a mosquito? that there is no “right” or on forever and ever. Life is. Trap a mouse? Pull a weed? “wrong” in the universe. A You simply change form. Slaughter a lamb and eat it? thing is not intrinsically right (CWG Book 2, p. 40) That is for you to decide. All or wrong. A thing simply is. I tell you this, at the moment is for you to decide. Now, your thought that of your death you will realize (FWG, p. 388) Hitler was a monster is the greatest freedom, the For while you will understand based on the fact that he greatest peace, the greatest that you cannot end another’s ordered the killing of joy, and the greatest love you life in any event (all life is millions of people, correct? have ever known. Shall we eternal), you will not choose therefore punish Bre’r Fox for Walsch: Obviously, yes. to terminate any particular throwing Bre’r Rabbit into the incarnation, nor change any “God”: Yet what if I told you briar patch? life energy from one form to that what you call “death” is (CWG Book 2, p. 36) another, without the most the greatest thing that could sacred justification. happen to anyone — what (CWG Book 1, p. 96–97) then? (CWG Book 2, p. 36)

Neale Donald Walsch and Conversations with God • 25 Wayne Peterson and4 Maitreya

I am come in my Father’s name, and ye In February 1982 Wayne Peterson, a direc- receive me not: if another shall come in his tor of the U.S. Government’s Fulbright own name, him ye will receive. Scholarship Program,1 was relaxing in his —John 5:43 Washington D.C. home looking for some- thing to watch on TV. His interest was piqued when he noticed popular talk show host Merv Griffin holding up a book en- titled The Reappearance of the Christ and the Masters of Wisdom. Peterson, a former Peace Corps volunteer and veteran American dip- lomat, writes that his first thought was that the book had some “fundamentalist Chris- tian message,” but he questioned why Grif- fin would be “promoting” this religious group on his show. Fascinated, he stayed tuned as Griffin interviewed the book’s au- thor, British artist and esotericist Benjamin Creme. Peterson recalls what transpired in the interview: During this discussion, Creme said that the one Christians call the Christ had re-

26 • Reinventing Jesus Christ appeared and was living in a major in- refer to as angels are really “Christ” and dustrial city in the Western world. This these Masters of Wisdom. He read that in time his name was Maitreya and he was the future, as humanity transitions from the bringing with him a large group of his “old order” to a “new age,” there will be disciples, highly advanced, spiritual more and more open collaboration between men called the Masters of Wisdom. He said we could expect to hear more about these Masters of Wisdom and world lead- Maitreya on local and international ers in all fields and disciplines. Reading news programs very soon. Creme’s book, Peterson felt he was begin- ning to get the big picture. Maitreya’s purpose, Creme indicated, As I read Creme’s book, I learned more was to help us realize our innate divin- about the Christ, or World Teacher, ity through learning to live in right re- whose personal name is Maitreya. He lationship as brothers and sisters of one is the one awaited by all the major reli- great family. The first step was to estab- gions albeit unknown to them. The lish sharing as the way to eliminate the Christians wait for the return of the poverty and starvation that caused mil- Christ, Buddhists for the next Buddha, lions around the world to die daily in Muslims for the Imam Mahdi, Hindus the midst of plenty. Maitreya was for a reincarnation of Krishna, and the emerging in time to help us save our- Jews for the Messiah. These are all dif- selves and the planet, and would make ferent names for one individual, himself known to all in a televised ‘Day 2 Maitreya, who is here not as a religious of Declaration’ soon to come. leader but as a teacher for all human- As Peterson listened to Creme and ity.4 heard about Maitreya, he recalled an inci- Benjamin Creme, in The Reappearance dent from childhood. As a little boy in the of the Christ and the Masters of Wisdom, said: midst of a life-threatening illness, he be- lieved that he had been visited by “Mary,” In the esoteric tradition, the Christ is not the mother of Jesus. So powerful was her the name of an individual but of an Of- fice in the Hierarchy. The present holder help and presence that he expressed his of that Office, the Lord Maitreya, has desire to depart with her rather than stay held it for 2,600 years, and manifested in the world. In her successful effort to con- in Palestine through His Disciple, Jesus, vince him to stay in the world with his fam- by the occult method of overshadowing, ily, Peterson states that she told him the fol- the most frequent form used for the lowing: manifestation of Avatars. He has never left the world, but for 2,000 years has I am going to tell you a secret that few waited and planned for this immediate now know. If you stay with your fam- future time, training His Disciples, and ily, you will see the Christ because he preparing Himself for the awesome task will come to live with the people of the 3 which awaits Him. He has made it world. known that this time, He Himself will Convinced that Maitreya was the come.5 “Christ” that “Mary” had promised would Wayne Peterson’s book, Extraordinary come, Peterson ordered Creme’s book. Times, Extraordinary Beings, is his first per- From his reading, he learned more about son account of his personal involvement the “Christ” and his highly evolved dis- with Creme and Maitreya — what he expe- ciples, the “Masters of Wisdom.” Peterson rienced and what he was told. He writes read how these Masters of Wisdom are su- that, amazingly, within weeks of seeing pernaturally assisting in the evolution of Creme on Merv Griffin and reading his humanity. From his reading, Peterson came book, Creme actually came to Washington, to the conclusion that what we commonly D.C. Peterson was able to meet with him

Wayne Peterson and Maitreya • 27 and other followers of Maitreya and par- and diplomatic circles had had similar ticipate in a special “Transmission Medita- experiences and had also been contacted tion.” Peterson said that this new form of by members of a group of extraordinary meditation had been sent to humanity beings, who might be called the elder through Creme by one of the Masters of brothers of humanity, custodians of the Divine Plan for our evolution. World Wisdom. Peterson describes the meditation: leaders who are household names have Called Transmission Meditation, it was privately confirmed their knowledge of a service activity in which energy from and cooperation with this unfolding the Masters was ‘stepped down’ by the plan.9 meditators and made available to the Perhaps one of Peterson’s chief revela- world. In the process the meditators’ own spiritual development was en- tions is that one of the political figures who hanced manifold. I understood that it openly acknowledges that he is working was another way to help Maitreya and with Maitreya to bring peace to the world the Masters emerge as soon as possible.6 is former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Peterson reports that he has had sev- There was one individual, however, eral dramatic personal encounters with who made it clear he had no problem Maitreya and that he directly experienced with the public knowing he had met Maitreya’s extremely powerful spiritual with the Christ. His name was Mikhail Gorbachev. Since he was now out of po- energy. In describing one of those encoun- litical power in his country, I assume he ters Peterson writes: felt he had nothing to fear or lose from As we stood there with spiritual energy such a disclosure. flowing freely, I told Maitreya that, if people could experience this energy, I was not surprised to learn this about they would discard all their earthly no- Mr. Gorbachev, since I had heard much tions of ‘paradise.’7 earlier of his involvement with Maitreya from a Pentagon official. I had also Peterson quotes Maitreya in regards to ex- heard, from people I place much confi- periencing “living truth.” dence in, that Mrs. Gorbachev had been The Master is within you. If you follow to India several times to see the Avatar the disciplines of life the Teacher teaches Sai Baba. I find it interesting that the in- you, the Master reveals himself within ternational press never questioned Mr. you. Do not be attached to the human Gorbachev more about his spiritual be- form. The living truth is a matter of ex- liefs, since both he and his wife became perience.8 Christians during his term in office. From the freedom and openness he in- In his over thirty-two years of work troduced to the Soviet Union, it ap- with the Peace Corps, the U.S. Diplomatic peared obvious to me that he was being Service, and as a director of the Fulbright influenced by the Christ. Eventually, we Scholarship Program, Peterson writes that will hear more of this story and how the he was able to uniquely observe many of Soviet empire collapsed. the changes going on in the world. For a What I appreciate about this story is the while he was unaware of others who had sure knowledge that the Masters have also met with Maitreya. Gradually over already undertaken the task of offering time he was able to meet others in positions important world leaders a role in the of responsibility who had met privately coming global changes and of prepar- with Maitreya and the Masters of Wisdom ing them for the Day of Declaration. and were now actively working with them. These leaders, who are undoubtedly disciples of the Masters, will be work- What I did not initially know was that ing to promote the goals of the Spiritual many of my colleagues in government Hierarchy.10 28 • Reinventing Jesus Christ During a November 9, 2001 television humanity itself. If we decide to change interview in Santa Barbara, California, the way we live, we will enter a great Peterson mentioned that South African po- and glorious age with relative ease. If litical leader Nelson Mandela is another we refuse to change our ways, the tran- world figure who is actively working with sition will be difficult and many will suffer.14 Maitreya. Again, in the metaphysical world where “there are no coincidences,” the Peterson continues to travel around Santa Barbara television program Bridging the country and the world as a special ad- Heaven & Earth, on which Peterson ap- vocate for Maitreya. He anticipates being peared, is overseen by a board of directors employed as an ambassador for Maitreya that includes Barbara Marx Hubbard.11 after the World Teacher’s “Day of Declara- Peterson writes that many years ago, tion” when Maitreya finally appears and under some very unique circumstances, he makes himself known to mankind.15 was personally recruited into the Peace Corps by Chase Manhattan Bank President

David Rockefeller12 who talked him into ○○○○○○○ joining and actually pulled some strings in ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ regards to his first assignment. That David Rockefeller helped one of Maitreya’s chief spokespersons get his start in governmen- tal service, while brother Laurance S. Messages Rockefeller has been encouraging and fi- nancially supporting Barbara Marx Hubbard, is yet another interesting “coin- from cidence.” Especially in light of Peterson’s recent interview on the Hubbard-related television program. Maitreya Peterson also writes that there are a number of interesting areas of common ground between Maitreya and the “Blessed Direct quotes from Maitreya Mother” Mary. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ and Benjamin Creme Therefore, what I am hearing in the messages from both Maitreya and the New revelation Blessed Mother is that, if we are to place “ He comes now to release that energy of Will our trust in God completely and become and an entirely new aspect of Divinity will be Self-realized souls, we must abandon presented to mankind. This is the New Revela- fear. No half way attempt is useful. One tion. We have shown that we are ready must be completely free of fear to expe- because we are beginning to sense ourselves rience God, by whatever name we call as One. (Creme, Reappearance, p. 48) Him.13 Men must desire these changes for them- Many interesting parallels exist between selves; and begin implementing them of their descriptions of Maitreya’s Day of Dec- own free will — thus showing they are ready laration and the messages from the for the new Revelation and Teaching which He Blessed Mother. Both tell us we can ex- brings. (Creme, Reappearance, p. 36) pect a major spiritual event that will shake the world. This event, according New dispensation to the apparitions of the Blessed Mother, They stand ready today to receive the means will change humanity. Both say it can of change, the outlines of the New Dispensa- be easy or difficult depending upon

Wayne Peterson and Maitreya • 29 tion for this world. They The Master Jesus is going to the beginning, has dwelt stand ready to greet the reform the Christian within you. My Promise is dawn of that New Age which churches. (Creme, this: if you will follow Me into beckons all into divinity. Reappearance, p. 85) the New Time, I shall release (Maitreya, Messages, p. 238) for you your divine nature. “The Christ” Maitreya (Maitreya, Messages, p. 58) God The Christ is the Embodiment My friends, God is nearer to Every manifested phenom- of the energy we call the you than you can imagine. enon is part of God. And the Christ Consciousness or God is yourself. God is within space between these mani- Principle, the energy of the you and all around you. fested phenomena is God. So, Cosmic Christ. It is released (Maitreya, Messages, p. 88) in a very real sense, there into the world for us by isn’t anything else. You are Maitreya, the Christ, and to Reappearance or God. I am God. This micro- the degree that it manifests “return” of “the Christ” phone is God. This table is in us, we will recognize Him. God. All is God. And because (Creme, Reappearance, My plan is to reveal Myself all is God, there is no God. p. 48–49) stage by stage, and to draw (Creme, Reappearance, together around Me those My plan and My duty is to p. 110) enlightened souls through reveal to you a new way, a whom I may work. God also sits in majesty on way forward which will permit (Maitreya, Messages, p. 54) the Golden Throne, and when the divine in man to shine you are ready, we shall kneel forth. (Maitreya, Messages, One day, very soon now, together at His divine feet. p. 164) when enough people are (Maitreya, Messages, p. 88) responding to His Presence Share with Me, My friends, in and His energy, the Christ will a Great Work — nothing less Jesus allow Himself to be discov- than the transformation of ered. (Creme, Reappearance, He was, and still is, a Disciple this world. (Maitreya, p. 49) of the Christ and made the Messages, p. 142) One day soon, men and great sacrifice of giving up I am the River. Through Me women all over the world will His body for the use of the flows the new stream of God- gather round their radio and Christ. By the occult process given Life, and this shall I television sets to hear and of overshadowing, the Christ, bestow on you. see the Christ: to see His Maitreya, took over and (Maitreya, Messages, p. 86) face, and to hear His words worked through the body of dropping silently into their Jesus from the Baptism My Teaching is, as ever, minds — in their own lan- onwards. (Creme, simple indeed. Men must guage. In this way they will Reappearance, p. 46) share or die. (Maitreya, Messages, p. 272) know that He is truly the He is one of the Masters Who Christ, the World Teacher; will very shortly return to Man and in this way too, we will outer work in the world, see repeated, only now on a taking over the Throne of St. Within all men sits a God. world scale, the happenings Peter, in Rome. He will seek That God is your true Self. of Pentecost; and in celebra- to transform the Christian (Maitreya, Messages, p. 110) tion of this event Pentecost Churches, in so far as they will become a major festival The process of becoming are flexible enough to re- of the New World Religion. divine is a simple one, a spond correctly to the new (Creme, Reappearance, natural one, open freely to all reality which the return of the p. 37) men. It is the process of Christ and the Masters will releasing that God Who, from create. (Creme, Reappearance, p. 46)

30 • Reinventing Jesus Christ He comes, not as the Head of One world religion Choice/survival the Christian, or any other church, for that matter. It But eventually a new world A crisis of decision awaits may be that the orthodox religion will be inaugurated mankind... Take care where Christian leaders will be which will be a fusion and you place your feet: on the among the last to recognize synthesis of the approach of steps which lead to tomorrow the Christ. He is not the one the East and the approach of or — oblivion. and only Son of God, but the the West. The Christ will (Maitreya, Messages, friend and Elder Brother of bring together, not simply p. 130–131) Christianity and Buddhism, Humanity. (Creme, My plan is to reveal to men but the concept of God Reappearance, p. 49) that there exists for them but transcendant — outside of two paths. One will lead His creation — and also the Evolution/oneness them inexorably to devasta- concept of God immanent in tion and death. The other, My I make all men One. all creation — in man and all friends, My dear ones, will (Maitreya, Messages, p. 142) creation. (Creme, lead mankind straight to Reappearance, p. 88) The reason is the creation of God.... (Maitreya, Messages, the one humanity, the idea of p. 34) Aliens the one humanity. This, We are here together, you above all, is the Plan of the I am pledged to silence on and I, to ensure that man Christ. Mankind itself is certain work for and with the chooses the correct path, the beginning to sense itself as Space Brothers . only Way which can lead him One; in this coming time it (Creme, Reappearance, to God. (Maitreya, Messages, will be One. It is our next p. 11) p. 40) step forward in evolution. (Creme, Reappearance, I predict that you will see p. 151) over the coming months and the next couple of years, a [Maitreya quotes excerpted When I make Myself known, I tremendous increase in U.F.O. from Messages from Maitreya shall express the hope of all activity all over the world — it the Christ. Creme quotes mankind for a new life, a new is already beginning to take excerpted from The Reap- start, a readiness to change place — preparatory to the pearance of the Christ and direction; to see the con- reappearance of the Christ the Masters of Wisdom.] struction of a New World in and the externalization of the which men can live in peace; Hierarchy, which is going on can live free from fear of at the same time. themselves or their broth- (Creme, Reappearance, ers . (Maitreya, Messages, p. 206) p. 18)

Wayne Peterson and Maitreya • 31 “God” of this world: Sanat* Kumara

The god of this world In this coming age many, [Ed. note: Maitreya, the many people will see God, as “Christ,” appears to have at In whom the god of this Sanat Kumara. They will least a four-fold function: (1) world hath blinded the minds come before Sanat Kumara Help humanity to remember of them which believe not, and take the third Initiation. and experience their oneness lest the light of the glorious (Even more will come before with God and with each other. “gospel of Christ, who is the the Christ and take the first (2) Bring peace to the world image of God, should shine and second Initiations.) When through his reappearance or unto them. For we preach not you take the third Initiation “return.” (3) Introduce and ourselves, but Christ Jesus you see God, as Sanat oversee radically progressive the Lord; and ourselves your Kumara, the Lord of the economic, environmental, servants for Jesus’ sake. World . (Reappearance, p. political, spiritual and hu- (2 Corinthians 4:4–5) 135) manitarian projects around Alice Bailey Direct quotes from the world. (4) Lead mankind to the feet of the “Father,” (direct quotes from Maitreya “the her spirit guide) Sanat Kumara, who is Christ” described as being the “Lord All the qualities, the love and My task is to bring you, My of the World.”] the purpose of a supreme friends, before the Father, Entity, referred to in The New before the Gilded Throne of Testament as the “Unknown the Shining One, there to *Sanat happens to be an God,” are focussed in Sanat present you to Him and anagram for Satan. Kumara. (Rays, p. 367) establish you within Our [B]ut each ray quality will Ranks. My Prophecy holds: I serve to implement the shall take before the Father [Excerpted from: Messages expression of pure love, all who are ready in this from Maitreya the Christ; The which is the essential and — coming time. That is the Task Rays and the Initiations, A.A. at this time — the primary given to Me by Him Whom Bailey; and The Reappear- quality of the Lord of the we together serve. ance of the Christ and the World, Sanat Kumara. (Maitreya, Messages, p. 126) Masters of Wisdom, B. Creme.] (Rays, p. 387) I am with you as God’s Benjamin Creme Representative, as the (direct quote from Spokesman for that Divine his spirit guide) Being Whose dreams we are. I shall take you to Him when He is our “Father.” God is you are ready, when you both within us and can be have passed through the known — you can see God. Gates twice, and stood shining before Me. (Maitreya, Messages, p. 42)

32 • Reinventing Jesus Christ The Light that5 was Dark

Take heed therefore that the light which is Helen Schucman heard an “inner voice” in thee be not darkness. that claimed to be “Jesus.” Barbara Marx —Luke 11:35 Hubbard heard an “inner voice” that claimed to be “Christ.” Benjamin Creme and Wayne Peterson claim to have met the “Christ” and both report that he is already here on planet Earth. Neale Donald Walsch heard “an inner voice” that claimed to be “God.” All of these individuals have writ- ten down what they experienced and what they were told in their personal encounters. This information has been published and these “new revelations” are now regarded by many as the new “word of God.” As the new “word of God,” these recent revela- tions directly challenge the authority and reliability of the Holy Bible, questioning and contradicting almost every major teaching of the “old Gospel” and presenting a “new gospel” to take its place. As this “new gos- pel” reinterprets the teachings of the Bible’s Jesus Christ, it actually opposes Him and The Light that was Dark • 33 presents another “Christ” to take His place. Amazing grace This “new gospel” is very powerful and But by far the most important lesson very believable to those with no under- we learned in the midst of what turned out standing of the true teachings of the Bible. to be our “crash course” on spiritual decep- As “new age” believers years ago, my tion was that Jesus really did die on the cross wife and I had no reason to doubt any of for all mankind. On that cross He defeated the “new revelation” that was coming our sin, death, and a real spiritual being named way. When we were students of A Course Satan and called the devil. We learned from in Miracles in the early 1980s it never our trying, and at times harrowing experi- ocurred to us that Helen Schucman had re- ences, that we actually do need a Saviour, ceived her spiritual dictation from anyone and that it was only through belief in the other than the real Jesus Christ. As mem- atoning death of the true Jesus Christ that bers of a Course study group, we studied we are truly saved. what the “Jesus” of the Course said and We learned the hard way that the “old applied his teachings to our lives. Having Gospel” really works, while the “new gos- never read the whole Bible for ourselves, pel” definitely does not. When we learned we were grateful that the Course was help- to call on the name of Jesus Christ and all ing us to understand what the Bible was that His name stands for we experienced “really” saying. We accepted the Course’s His victory over an evil presence that had interpretation of the Bible completely. It had not responded to any of our other meta- a certain logic and seemed to make sense. physical “new age” teachings — most es- We believed we were on the right path. pecially the Course. Calling on Jesus liter- Meaningful “coincidence” that had led us ally saved our lives. to the Course, and the supernatural signs that often accompanied our study appeared How we were deceived to confirm that we were where we were The more we studied the Bible for our- supposed to be. selves and reflected on our own particular But at the height of our involvement situation, the more we came to understand with the Course, the Lord intervened. He the extraordinary deception of which we exposed the darkness that was actually be- had been a part — a deception that was hid- hind the deceptive “peace,” “love,” and ing behind “new age/new gospel” teach- “light” of our “new age/new gospel” teach- ings like A Course in Miracles. In the follow- ings. By the time it was all over it was clear ing lengthy passages excerpted directly to us that all of our “new age” beliefs had from my book, The Light That Was Dark: A been founded on half-truths and lies. Spiritual Journey, I describe my initial un- Shocked and amazed by this discovery, we derstanding of just how badly we had been came to the conclusion that A Course in deceived: Miracles was not from God and that the “Christ” of A Course in Miracles was not the true Christ. Because we had not previously “For some time now my spiritual been aware of the Bible’s real teachings, we teachings had convinced me that I was a had not been aware of Jesus’ many warn- sinless, guiltless, perfect son of God and that ings about spiritual deception. He said in I was every bit as much a part of the uni- the last days false prophets and false teach- versal Christ as Jesus or Buddha or anyone ers, accompanied by deceptive signs and else. I had been taught that I was a holy part wonders, would deceive most of the world of God, inherently equal to Christ and that into following a counterfeit “Christ” that I didn’t need to be saved, redeemed, or born would pretend to be Him. again. Because evil was only illusion, there was no evil to be saved from. I had believed

34 • Reinventing Jesus Christ that I was responsible for myself and my “Something very mysterious had hap- world and that I was the creator of my own pened on that ‘old rugged cross’ that a reality. whole new age was doing hand-over-head “But as I looked at those ‘truths’ now, flips to completely avoid. It was the ‘vic- I could see that they were not truths at all. tory in Jesus’ that A Course in Miracles was What was being taught — no matter how desperately trying to redefine and explain cleverly expressed — stood in stark oppo- away. It was the ‘amazing grace’ that had sition to the actual teachings of the Bible. saved the likes of Joy and me. Couched in spiritual platitudes, the Course “Finally, after all we had been through, and the new age, although pretending to I was starting to see that the heart of the be friends of Jesus and the Bible, were re- gospel is not so much that God helps those ally no friends at all. Like Judas, they be- who help themselves but rather that God trayed Christ in the name of love and with helps those who can’t help themselves. It a deceptive kiss. was not in affirming our strength but in rec- “Jesus warned about false prophets ognizing our weakness that we had finally who would come in sheep’s clothing — learned to ask the Lord for help. It was His even in His name. His words were concise grace, not our own self-sufficiency that had and clear: ‘Beware of false prophets, which saved the day. come to you in sheep’s clothing, but in- “Yet even though we had recognized wardly they are ravening wolves’ (Mathew our need to be saved from the evil that was 7:15). They would look not like an enemy coming at us, we had stubbornly refused to but like someone you could trust, and I was acknowledge Jesus as our personal Lord now thoroughly convinced that the Course and Savior. Clinging tenaciously to our was a channeled wolf in sheep’s clothing metaphysical identities, we hadn’t under- that came not to praise the Bible’s Jesus but stood that our faith ultimately had to be in to bury His teachings forever — if that were Jesus, not in ourselves — and that He meant possible. it when He said, ‘I am the way, the truth, “In the midst of my study I started to and the life: no man cometh unto the Fa- understand that for a number of years I had ther, but by me’ (John 14:6). been letting my spiritual teachers — most “We had put our faith in ourselves as especially the Course — tell me who Jesus God and not in God as God; by going within ‘really’ was and what His teachings ‘really’ we had gone without. We had grossly un- meant. I could see that through my own la- derestimated our ability not to be deceived, ziness in never reading or studying the and we had grossly overestimated the wis- Bible for myself I had swallowed a false dom of our metaphysical teachers.”1 gospel, hook, line, and sinker. “I realized now that, although I was Bible warns of spiritual deception made in the image of God, I was not God or Later, I reflect on how the reality of a a part of God in any way. God was God, deceptive spirit world was never mentioned and I was me. I wasn’t Christ or a part of in the Course or any of our other “new age” Christ, and neither was Buddha or anyone teachings. I continue the story in my book: else. Jesus was the Christ, and there was no other. And, in spite of what anyone else “When we could finally see through tried to say, He had won an amazing vic- the spiritual deception, most of the Scrip- tory on the cross of Calvary — one that Joy tures that we had been reading clicked into and I had learned to call on time after time. place. It was as if scales had fallen from our It was a victory that was fully described in eyes, and suddenly the New Testament was the Scriptures and that so many of the old flooded with light. Though we had a lot to hymns proclaimed.

The Light that was Dark • 35 learn about other aspects of the faith, it was Bible’s explicit warnings that false Christs apparent that we were, by virtue of our hav- and false prophets would arise in our midst ing been so thoroughly deceived, already and seduce us with supernatural signs and well-versed in the Bible’s description of wonders to make us think that their teach- deception. ings came from God. Those signs and won- “Several weeks later, after much study, ders would be so convincing that ‘if it were reflection, prayer, and many more talks possible’ they would fool even the most with Joy, I sat down by the creek one morn- faithful believers in the real gospel and the ing, determined to go through the Scrip- real Christ. ‘For there shall arise false tures… laying out in even more detail what Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew they said about A Course in Miracles and the great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if other false teachings that had been woven it were possible, they shall deceive the very into our lives. I went back and forth through elect’ (Matthew 24:24). the Scriptures trying to piece together our “But even if we had been aware of the spiritual story. warnings, who would have ever suspected “One of the first passages I looked at that these false Christs and prophets would talked about ‘another gospel’ and how sus- arise within our very selves and within our ceptible we can be to false teachings that spiritual friends and teachers? Certainly the try to change the gospel of Christ: ‘I marvel ‘Jesus’ that arose within Helen Schucman that ye are so soon removed from him that and manifested as an audible ‘inner voice’ called you into the grace of Christ unto an- was proof to us all that false Christs and other gospel: Which is not another; but there false prophets were not always flesh and be some that trouble you, and would per- blood but could also come in the form of vert the gospel of Christ’ (Galatians 1:6–7). lying spirits that pretended to be a ‘spirit “I also reread the Scripture… that guide,’ the ‘Holy Spirit,’ our ‘higher self,’ talked about ‘another Jesus’ — how even or in Helen’s case, ‘Jesus.’ The lying spirits those who have already accepted the true delivered not only false counsel but also Jesus and His Holy Spirit could be deceived false teachings, such as A Course in Miracles. by a false Christ. ‘For if he that cometh ‘Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not the latter times some shall depart from the preached, or if ye receive another spirit, faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and which ye have not received, or another gos- doctrines of devils’ (1 Timothy 4:1). pel, which ye have not accepted, ye might “Just so there would be no mistake well bear with him’ (2 Corinthian 11:4). about where the lying spirits came from and “Helen Schucman heard an ‘inner how they operated, the Bible spelled it out voice’ that said, ‘This is a course in miracles. in even more detail. I looked at the Scrip- Please take notes.’ The voice, which later ture... ‘For such are false apostles, deceitful identified itself as Jesus, proceeded to dic- workers, transforming themselves into the tate a body of material that completely con- apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Sa- tradicted the real gospel of Christ and tan himself is transformed into an angel of whose oppositional teachings could only be light. Therefore it is no great thing if his characterized as ‘another gospel,’ ‘another ministers also be transformed as the minis- spirit,’ and ‘another Jesus.’ Most of us who ters of righteousness; whose end shall be had read, studied, and believed in A Course according to their works’ (2 Corinthians in Miracles never knew or took seriously the 11:13–15). Bible’s explicit warnings about the deceiv- “An angel of darkness could cleverly ers who would come in Christ’s name and disguise himself as an angel of light. His pretend to be He. servants could disguise themselves as “And most of us never knew the teachers of Christ or even as Christ Him-

36 • Reinventing Jesus Christ self. They were deceivers of darkness from very person that the real Jesus warned me the other side, another gospel, another to watch out for. ‘Take heed that no man spirit, another Christ — the ultimate decep- deceive you. For many shall come in my tion. We certainly hadn’t gone out looking name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive for deception, but in our spiritual ignorance many’ (Matthew 24:4–5). we had walked right into their clever trap. “From that first psychic reading, I had “The Scriptures had been prophetic as been deceived. Led down a yellow brick they described in detail the signs and won- road by pied piper spirits, I had, with the ders and false prophets and false Christs best intentions, landed in a metaphysical and lying spirits. Many of us had been so new age where the Christ proclaimed was convinced we were on the right path that not the real Christ at all. A well-orchestrated we never stopped to question… any of and exquisitely timed series of supernatu- the… voices that seemed to be divinely in- ral synchronistic experiences had convinced spired, and just as Helen Schucman’s ‘in- me that my involvement in alternative spiri- ner voice’ went unchallenged, so did our tuality was ‘meant to be.’ Following the own inner voices and those of our spiritual signs and wonders of deceptive spirits, I teachers. had jumped through my spiritual hoops “In fact, the Bible had not only pre- with almost flawless precision. With expert dicted spiritual deception but actually strings being pulled by the other side, I had warned us to ‘test the spirits’ before we lis- been seduced by a ball of light, an Indian tened to them. ‘Beloved, believe not every guru on a Big Sur mountaintop, a former spirit, but try the spirits whether they are Napa Valley farmer who was now channel- of God: because many false prophets are ing ‘the Source,’ and A Course in Miracles gone out in the world’ (1 John 4:1). The test that had been sent by ‘Jesus.’ As Joy and I is a godly ‘Halt, who goes there?’ to make both had unknowingly plugged into the de- sure that the spirits are really from God. ceptive spirit world, we never realized that Deceptive spirits cannot say that Jesus is the most of the voices we were listening to were Christ and that He came to this earth in a part of the deception that the real Jesus had physical body. When challenged, a decep- warned about.”2 tive spirit will deny that Jesus is the Christ “…What we had thought to be spiri- and that He came in the flesh to earth. tual truth had turned out to be nothing more “In some mysterious, God-appointed than fiction. What we had believed to be way, deceptive spirits cannot withstand the the fiction of the Bible had ironically turned Bible’s test any more than they could remain out to be the gospel truth. The age of de- in our presence when we commanded them ception that had been predicted was already to leave in the name of Jesus Christ. God well on its way. mercifully provided us with this way of “In listening to our spiritual teachers discerning what is really happening. In fact, we had missed the many warnings that the Course’s Jesus himself answered the were being shouted to us from the pages of question of whether or not he was the the Bible. We were in reality fallen human Christ. His answer, ‘Oh yes, along with beings, prone to temptation, and easily you,’ clearly failed the Bible’s test. overcome by evil. And although there was “Those of us who had believed the no way we could ever save ourselves, we Course’s Jesus — that he was the Christ and could be saved by the One whom God sent that we were too—were deceived into to set us free. thinking that ‘the Christ’ was something “I knew now that if being ‘a sinner’ bigger than Jesus or us or anyone else. But meant falling short and being in need of in believing the Course and my other spiri- salvation and redemption, then I was a sin- tual teachers, I had unwittingly become the ner.

The Light that was Dark • 37 “And if ‘repenting’ meant turning ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ away from my sins and my ungodly ways, The Gospel then I was ready to repent. “And if being ‘born again’ meant be- ing born again from God on high, then I wanted to be born again. of Jesus “I knew I had a lot to learn about Jesus and all of His teachings and that being a disciple of His would be the test of my life. Christ But I was grateful that Joy and I had been given a window into the spirit world in what had turned out to be our crash course Selected teachings on the truth of the Bible. from the Bible “In some strange and wonderful way Joy and I had backed into the gospel and “Gospel of Jesus Christ into our faith. It was only after our whole world had been turned upside down and For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: inside out that we had found ourselves right for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. (Romans 1:16) side up at the foot of the cross.”3 But though we, or an angel from heaven, Since our conversion in 1984, my wife preach any other gospel unto you than that and I have watched as a somewhat under- which we have preached unto you, let him be ground “new age” movement has evolved accursed. (Galatians 1:8) into the popularly accepted, worldwide Salvation spiritual phenomenon that it is today. It has grown at an exponential rate and is now For God so loved the world, that he gave his starting to organize itself spiritually and only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth politically. As previously mentioned, many in him should not perish, but have everlasting well-known “new gospel” advocates have life. (John 3:16) joined together to form The Global Renais- ○○○○○○○○○○○○ This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all sance Alliance. A “new age” movement, acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the that for so long seemed to be lacking a cen- world to save sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15) tral core, has now “reinvented” itself. Sud- For all have sinned, and come short of the denly, many of its leaders have formed a glory of God. (Romans 3:23) single organization that has a board of di- But God commendeth his love toward us, in

rectors and even a mission statement. that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for ○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ us. (Romans 5:8) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Name of Jesus Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart Wherefore God also hath highly exalted that God hath raised him from the dead, thou him, and given him a name which is above shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9) every name: That at the name of Jesus For whosoever shall call upon the name of the ○○○○○○○○○○○ every knee should bow, of things in Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13) heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue [Name of Jesus] Neither is there salvation in should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to any other: for there is none other name under the glory of God the Father. heaven given among men, whereby we must (Philippians 2:9–11) be saved. (Acts 4:12)

38 • Reinventing Jesus Christ Bible That through death he might from the beginning. For this destroy him that had the purpose the Son of God was All scripture is given by power of death, that is, the manifested, that he might inspiration of God, and is devil. (Hebrews 2:14) destroy the works of the profitable for doctrine, for devil. (1 John 3:8) reproof, for correction, for Holy Spirit instruction in righteousness: Antichrist That the man of God may be But the Comforter, which is perfect, thoroughly furnished the Holy Ghost, whom the Who is a liar but he that unto all good works. Father will send you in my denieth that Jesus is the (2 Timothy 3:16–17) name, he shall teach you all Christ? He is antichrist, that things, and bring all things to denieth the Father and the If ye continue in my word, your remembrance, whatso- Son. (1 John 2:22) then are ye my disciples ever I have said unto you. indeed; And ye shall know (John 14:26) Persecution the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Man Marvel not, my brethren, if (John 8:31–32) the world hate you. For we preach not ourselves, (1 John 3:13) Jesus but Christ Jesus the Lord. And ye shall be hated of all (2 Corinthians 4:5) Jesus saith unto him, I am men for my name’s sake. the way, the truth, and the For every one that exalteth (Luke 21:17) life: no man cometh unto the himself shall be abased; and Yea, and all that will live Father, but by me. he that humbleth himself godly in Christ Jesus shall (John 14:6) shall be exalted. (Luke 18:14) suffer persecution. Jesus said unto her, I am the (2 Timothy 3:12) Sin resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though If we say that we have no Book of Revelation he were dead, yet shall he sin, we deceive ourselves, And he said unto me, These live: And whosoever liveth and the truth is not in us. sayings are faithful and true: and believeth in me shall (1 John 1:8) never die. (John 11:25) and the Lord God of the holy This is a faithful saying, and prophets sent his angel to For there is one God, and one worthy of all acceptation, that shew unto his servants the mediator between God and Christ Jesus came into the things which must shortly be men, the man Christ Jesus; world to save sinners. done. (Revelation 22:6) Who gave himself a ransom (1 Timothy 1:15) for all, to be testified in due For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the time. (1 Timothy 2:5–6) Evil prophecy of this book, If any And he is the propitiation for For we wrestle not against man shall add unto these our sins: and not for ours flesh and blood, but against things, God shall add unto only, but also for the sins of principalities, against powers, him the plagues that are the whole world. (1 John 2:2) against the rulers of the written in this book: And if darkness of this world, any man shall take away Crucifixion against spiritual wickedness from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take For the preaching of the cross in high places. away his part out of the book is to them that perish foolish- (Ephesians 6:12) of life, and out of the holy ness; but unto us which are city, and from the things saved it is the power of God. Devil which are written in this (1 Corinthians 1:18) He that committeth sin is of book. (Revelation 22:18–19) the devil; for the devil sinneth

The Light that was Dark • 39 The Global Renaissance6 Alliance

Behold, they shall surely gather together, Marianne Williamson’s radical transforma- but not by me. tion from a little known author appearing —Isaiah 54:15 on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1992 to best- selling author, “spiritual leader,” and co- founder of The Global Renaissance Alliance has been remarkable to say the least. As al- ready noted, Winfrey’s enthusiastic public endorsement of Williamson’s book, A Re- turn to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles, made Williamson, her book, and the Course instantly famous. While A Return to Love made Williamson a key player in the contempo- rary spiritual arena, a subsequent book, Healing the Soul of America, has now brought Williamson and her “new gospel” message into the political arena. The combined mes- sage of these two books is that we, the people, can heal the soul of America and the soul of the world if we “return to love” by accepting the “new gospel” along with its A Course in Miracles-based principles. 40 • Reinventing Jesus Christ Because of the popularity of her books and bers teach that all paths lead to God, they her continued favored status in the media, know that there is no place in their new Williamson has fast become the unofficial spiritual world order for those who insist ambassador for the “new gospel Christ.” that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Saviour. After the events of September 11, 2001, The Alliance presents itself as a Williamson became one of the “experts” the “grassroots” organization of everyday folks, media called upon to provide support to the but it is important to remember that the nation and to make suggestions about how Alliance is spearheaded by a high level we should spiritually respond to these di- group of “new gospel” advocates who ap- sastrous events. With everyone’s height- pear to be operating from a general blue- ened concern about terrorism and the gen- print channeled from the spirit world years eral state of the world, Williamson and ago by esotericist and occultist, Alice Bailey, other “new gospel” activists are introduc- who is the author of many channeled ing spiritual strategies for America’s future. works. Her blueprint is continually being Suddenly, “spiritual politics” is center stage affirmed and updated by the recent “new as the “Christ” of the “new gospel” brings revelations” received by Schucman, his updated spiritual teachings into Hubbard, Walsch, Creme and others. everyone’s living room — whether people Williamson as much as admits the occultic know it or not. foundation of the “new gospel” movement Desirous of establishing a single, uni- by using words that are the title of a Bailey fied organization to help create peace, book, The Destiny of the Nations. She also Marianne Williamson joined with Conver- borrows a term frequently used by Maitreya sations with God author Neale Donald when she describes the “Great Work” of Walsch to co-found The Global Renaissance which she is a part. In a revealing passage Alliance. Alliance members include a veri- in her book, Healing the Soul of America, table “who’s who” of bestselling “new age” Williamson writes: authors and powerful “new gospel” advo- Beyond the appearances of history, cates such as Barbara Marx Hubbard, Gary there is a great and glorious unfolding Zukav, James Redfield, Deepak Chopra, plan for the destiny of nations. Accord- Wayne Dyer and many others. ing to the mystical traditions, God car- The Global Renaissance Alliance de- ries this plan within His mind, seeking scribes itself as a “citizen-based network of always, in every way, channels for its spiritual activists” whose “mission is to furtherance. His plan for the evolution make a stand in our local and national com- of humanity, and the preparation of teachers to guide it, is called within the munities for the role of spiritual principle 2 in solving the problems of the world.”1 The esoteric traditions the Great Work. unspecified “spiritual principle” is the “new The significance of Williamson, gospel” notion that we are all “one” because Walsch, Hubbard and other very influen- we are all a part of “God.” tial “new gospel” advocates choosing to Although the organization presents demonstrate their unity and oneness at this itself as an alternative to “politics as usual,” time through their global association can- its members seem to maintain the old po- not be overstated. The amount of network- litical practice of not being very out front ing and mutual support among Alliance about their real agenda. As expressed be- members is widespread as they continue to tween the lines of their writings, one of the join together in increasingly powerful ways obvious goals of the “new gospel” and of to put their “new gospel” agenda before an the Alliance organization is to completely anxious world that is searching for spiritual “reinvent” (if it were possible) the tradi- answers. Furthering their common cause, tional Gospel of Jesus Christ. While mem- Walsch has written the introduction to

The Global Renaissance Alliance • 41 Hubbard’s last two books, Conscious Evolu- bestsellers and followings of their own. tion and emergence. Hubbard, in turn, rec- The Alliance has definitely unified the ommends Walsch’s and Williamson’s “new gospel” leadership over the last few books in her writings. Williamson does the years. However, it wasn’t until after the same with Walsch and Hubbard. The three events of September 11 that they stepped of them, in their mutual support of each forward in an even more significant and other, provide a strong nucleus for the public way to begin introducing their “new Alliance’s high-powered network of “new gospel” plan for the conscious creation of

gospel” advocates, many of whom have world peace. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Healing the Soul of America

Direct quotes from The bridge to a better world we might most profoundly author Marianne is a shift in mass conscious- extend our compassion into Williamson ness . (p. 42) the world. (p. 204) There are new ideas on the When a particular group or One of the ways to reconnect world’s horizon, as different structure fails to keep faith our personal and political “from the twentieth-century with the spirit of love — not energy is through a project worldview as the twentieth measured by its words but by called Citizen Circles. These century was different from its actions —that structure are small, grassroots groups the nineteenth century. then loses the privilege of held all around the country, in (p. 13) guardianship of the great which two or more join Work. (p. 196) together to hold the vision of A nonviolent political dynamic a healed America. (p. 205) is once again emerging, and We can change, we will it is a beacon of light at the change — in fact, we are But we do not act in order to dawn of the twenty-first changing. That is our des- oppose what is; we act in century. (p. 13) tiny . This moment is one of order to make another, more opportunity for the creation positive choice for the Yes, we see there are prob- of a new civic forcefield. It is future . We seek peace lems in the world. But we up to each and every one of within ourselves at all times, believe in a universal force us to decide where America for lack of peace in us will be that, when activated by the goes now. (p. 197) reflected outside ourselves. human heart, has the power (p. 207) to make all things right. The question before us is: (p. 13) how do people who have The Citizen Circle is a similar reclaimed their spirituality phenomenon, creating a We need to declare peace best effect political change? mystical grid of new political now, with as much serious (p. 199) possibility around the United effort and intention as that States and the world. They And we expand our percep- with which a nation declares help to ground the new tion of spiritual practice to war. (p. 141) political energy. (p. 207) include political activism, that 42 • Reinventing Jesus Christ So it is that a new politics ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ centers around the arousal of that power, using prayer and meditation to create a Alice A. Bailey forcefield of transformation. (p. 209) A new politics is emerging for (1880–1949) the twenty-first century, defining power not by dominance but by sharing. (p. 223) Channeled teachings vision, wisdom, and that wide It is a mystical revolution that from her “spirit tolerance which will see will usher in a mystical age. guide” divinity on every hand and (p. 254) recognize the Christ in every human being. God As a loving critical mass “ (Bethlehem, p. 273) coalesces, as hearts around All the qualities, the love and Humanity has come of age; the world continue to yearn the purpose of a supreme the child stage is over.... and work for peace, then new Entity, referred to in The New (Externalisation, p. 240) forms will emerge to actual- Testament as the “Unknown ize our new planetary vision. God,” are focussed in Sanat New world religion (p. 255) Kumara. (Rays, p. 367) The spirit has gone out of the [B]ut each ray quality will old faiths and the true serve to implement the spiritual light is transferring expression of pure love, itself into a new form which which is the essential and — will manifest on earth eventu-

at this time — the primary

○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○ ally as the new world religion. quality of the Lord of the (Rays, p. 754) World, Sanat Kumara. (Rays, p. 387) Workers in the field of religion will formulate the New gospel Christ universal platform of the new world religion. It is a work of ...[T]he Christian faith also Humanity in all lands today loving synthesis and will has served its purpose; its awaits the Coming One — no emphasise the unity and the Founder seeks to bring a new matter by what name they fellowship of the spirit. This Gospel and a new message may call Him. The Christ is group is, in a pronounced that will enlighten all men sensed as on His way. sense, a channel for the everywhere. (Rays, p. 754) (Reappearance, p. 188) activities of the Christ, the New age His third activity is the effort world Teacher. The platform to offset the growing hate in of the new world religion will The New Age is upon us and the world, to strengthen the be built by many groups, we are witnessing the birth trend towards unity, and to working under the inspiration pangs of the new culture and show people everywhere the of the Christ. the new civilization. This is danger of separateness. (Reappearance, p. 158–159) now in progress. That which (Externalisation, p. 436) is old and undesireable must This inherent fanaticism (found ever in reactionary go and of these undesireable Man things, hatred and the spirit groups) will fight against the of separation must be the This is the challenge which appearance of the coming first to go. today confronts the Christian world religion and the spread (Externalisation, p. 62) Church. The need is for of esotericism. (Externalisation, p. 453)

The Global Renaissance Alliance • 43 Peace Thus the expressed aims and Purification efforts of the United Nations So peace will come again on will be eventually brought to It involves the elimination of earth, but a peace unlike fruition and a new church of all that hinders the nature of aught known before. God, gathered out of all divinity from full expression . (Rays, p. 95) religions and spiritual groups, (Rays, p. 84) will unitedly bring to an end Experience the great heresy of separate- ness. (Destiny, p. 152) [Excerpted from the following Therefore, in the new world books by A.A. Bailey: From order, spirituality will super- Evolution Bethlehem to Calvary, The cede theology; living experi- Destiny of the Nations, The ence will take the place of Emphasis should be laid on Externalization of the Hierar- theological acceptances. the evolution of humanity chy, The Rays and The (Externalisation, p. 202) with peculiar attention to its Initiations, and The Reap- goal, perfection. pearance of the Christ.] Separation (Externalisation, p. 588) Hate and separation must cease . (Externalisation, p. 246)

44 • Reinventing Jesus Christ The “New Gospel” Campaign7 for Peace

As soon as you — all who know your After the terrorist attacks on September 11, potentials — can tell this vision on 2001, several key “new gospel” advocates television, you will have begun from The Global Renaissance Alliance sud- your real work in the world. denly appeared on network shows that —Hubbard’s “Christ”1 were directly related to the tragic events. Marianne Williamson was interviewed by Tom Brokaw on NBC, by Oprah Winfrey on CBS, and by Larry King on CNN. Gary Zukav appeared on Oprah twice. And Wayne Dyer did commentary on MSNBC and NBC, and even had his own PBS spe- cial. All of them gave their spiritual perspec- tive on September 11 and introduced their “new gospel” ideas for creating peace. As designated “spiritual experts,” Williamson, Zukav and Dyer seemed more than eager to present their thoughts and ideas to an American public that was searching for spiritual answers after Sep- tember 11. Immediately challenging old mindsets, the Alliance members were

The “New Gospel” Campaign for Peace • 45 straightforward, authoritative and even in- Williamson’s simple statement that we sistent about what they said. Our world has have to “wage peace” takes on a whole new changed, so we must change. If we wish to meaning when one realizes that her ideas “survive as a species” we need to “think about peace come directly from the “Christ” differently” about our world and about our of the “new gospel” — a “Christ” who future. We need a “new standard.” We need teaches that the next stage of our spiritual a “new way.” We need “peace.” development is the collective realization that we are all a part of God; a “Christ” who Marianne Williamson on Larry King warns that those who are unable to “move to the highest level of their nature” by ac- After September 11, Marianne knowledging themselves as part of God will Williamson suddenly became one of the not be a part of his “peaceful” future; and a media “experts” being asked questions like: “Christ” who states that anyone opposing Why did this happen? Where was God? his peace process will be submitted to his What can we spiritually do about it? “selection process.” Larry King Live hosted Williamson on Regarding September 11, Williamson a prestigious panel of guests that included told Larry King: three U.S. Senators, a former Senate Major- ity Leader, a former Ambassador to the …[I]t is a challenge for the human race United Nations and a well-known political to evolve into the next stage of our spiri- journalist. Her inclusion on CNN’s high- tual development. You know what we powered political panel was reflective of her need to heal are the thought forms and newfound status as both spiritual and po- the feelings that cause us to create war and mass destruction on this kind of a litical commentator. This was emblematic level, because ultimately if we are to of just how far she has come in the world survive as a species, we have to become since her first appearance on Oprah back in a human race for whom the thought of 1992. war is unthinkable. Described by King as a “spiritual leader” and author of the book Healing the We have to wage peace.…We need to Soul of America, Williamson confidently told dismantle hatred itself. And hatred is King’s viewers that in regard to the events our real problem.… So we need to un- of September 11, “Every problem comes derstand the spiritual malaise of hatred bearing its own solution.” Williamson used as much as we need to understand any of the external powers that hatred or her prime time interview with King to in- military action we’d be involved with. troduce world peace as that solution. She explained how everyone’s spirituality could …God would have us move to the high- be used as a “force” to help create that est level of our nature, and that means peace. “We have to wage peace,” she em- that we need to understand that our ca- phatically stated. Speaking in generalities pacity to deal with the spirit — the dark- without actually defining her terms, ness of the spirit with the light of the Williamson made no direct mention of A spirit as our greatest power. Course in Miracles, and she made no men- tion of the “alternative to Armageddon” …We are loving each other, and in that love and that realization of our peace plan contained in Barbara Marx interconnectedness, we are not only Hubbard’s book, The Revelation. From finding a way to heal from the grief of Williamson’s remarks, most viewers prob- what has occurred, but to endure what ably had no idea that the peace she was pro- is occurring now and to transform what posing was completely based on “new gos- is occurring now. pel” principles.

46 • Reinventing Jesus Christ When the president said we have to After introducing this idea of “aton- think differently because it’s a new kind ing” Williamson described how she and of war, we have to think differently be- others are gathering together in small “cell” cause it’s a new world. We have to think 2 groups (“cells of peace”) to pray for world differently, we have to love differently. peace. Williamson explained that as people Larry King closed the interview by tell- join their hearts together through medita- ing viewers that “you always feel better” tion and prayer, they begin to create a lov- after hearing from Marianne Williamson.3 ing “energy field” that counters the hate and negativity being generated by the world. Marianne Williamson on Oprah She explained that as the number of people consciously gathering together to create Appearing on Oprah soon after Sep- peace increases, so the strength of the tember 11, Williamson emphasized her “forcefield” will proportionately increase. theme that “every problem comes bearing She said that prayer becomes a “conduit for its own solution.” Proposing world peace miracles” as the “forcefield” grows in as that solution, she began introducing strength, and as the love generated from it some of the basic concepts of her “new gos- is “harnessed” and purposefully directed pel” peace plan, but without defining her for the “good” of the world. terms. For instance, she introduced the The “new gospel” atonement (at-one- “Atonement” — the foundational doctrine ment) process stands in stark opposition to of the “new gospel” peace plan — by sim- Jesus’ atonement described in the Bible. ply stating that as individuals and as a na- Jesus died on the cross for all mankind. He tion we need to “atone.” When Oprah asked died for us so that we might be reconciled what she meant by “atone,” Williamson to God (Romans 5:7–12; I Corinthians 5:21). said that it meant that we should ask God [See “The meaning of atonement in the not just to bless America but also to bless Bible” at the end of this chapter, ed.] the world; asking God to heal us and to let Regarding September 11 and the need us know what we needed to know. for peace and “atonement,” Williamson told Williamson’s streamlined answer did Oprah that not alert listeners to the real meaning of the “Atonement” contained in any of the 248 …[E]very problem comes bearing its references in A Course in Miracles.4 These ref- own solution.… I think this tragedy has erences make it clear that “atoning” means taken us to a ground of being that is like 5 seeing yourself and others as a part of God. a precious vial of spiritual medicine. When you “atone” you see everyone and …So I think now we shouldn’t under- everything as God. For instance, on page estimate how much good can come from 98 of the Course Text, it says: just talking among ourselves, and aton- The full awareness of the Atonement, ing. You know, a nation atones, and I then, is the recognition that the separa- think… people around the world can tion never ocurred. feel us.

Perhaps more significantly, in terms of …I’ve been very involved with people Williamson’s discussion of peace, the “new sitting in small groups praying, medi- gospel” teaches that peace can only come tating and speaking from our hearts through the “Atonement” (at-one-ment). about what really matters. You know, This is described on page 175 of the Course the terrorists have cells. We hear about Text: the terrorist cells. Well, we need cells of peace. It’s not enough to just defend Yet you cannot abide in peace unless ourselves against violence. The greatest you accept the Atonement, because the antidote to violence is that we Atonement is the way to peace. The “New Gospel” Campaign for Peace • 47 proactively create fields of non-violence, gested that our country can become a “tight fields of peace.6 weave” as “cells of peace” build “deep com- munity” by collectively praying, meditat- …[W]e have a power in us more pow- ing, and “envisioning” a more peaceful erful than the power of bullets. The world. She said that “fear is merely the ab- power of love can be harnessed. …[H]arnessing our love that it might sence of love.” And that through prayer, become a social force for good.… Prayer meditation and sharing in small groups, is a conduit of miracles. people find that fear is lessened. Williamson closed her remarks on …But love dismantles hatred, so we Oprah by stressing that “our way hasn’t need [to] take our love seriously now.7 worked” and suggested to viewers that During the interview Williamson in- “there might be another way.” We need to formed viewers that she was part of an in- consider “new modes and new dimensions ternational prayer vigil that prayed daily. of power” in order to achieve peace. She gave the time of the vigil for viewers Williamson’s confident and authoritative interested in joining her peace effort. She assertions left viewers with the impression stated that when you are involved in the that the “God” she was praying to definitely prayer vigil “you feel the power.” Most would bring peace to the world if enough viewers, of course, had no idea that the people joined together to pray and medi- “oneness” (at-one-ment) being generated tate for that peace. from such synchronized activity provides This— this is where the rubber meets the literal foundation for the “new gospel” the road in faith. Do we trust that as we peace plan. “Christ,” for example, had spe- pour spiritual power onto this, divine cifically warned Barbara Marx Hubbard love onto this and ask for a miracle, one that all humanity “…must be consciously thing that this [September 11 tragedy, linked in a common thought pattern for an ed.] shows is that our way has not worked, and miracles come when we instant in time to AVOID ARMAGED- consider the possibility there might be 8 DON.” another way. And as we sit in silence Using a metaphor to further introduce and throw divine love on to this situa- the concept of “oneness,” Williamson de- tion and do so in community with oth- scribed how small groups of individuals ers, that will bring forth a power out of around the world, consciously joined to- our hearts and our consciousness and gether in thought and prayer, are like the our prayers that no worldly power can links of a chain. She gave as an example the express. account of the thousand or so people who miraculously escaped the World Trade Cen- It’s time for us to find new modes and new dimensions of power to comple- ter by forming a “human chain.” She sug- ment worldly modes of power. That’s gested that we should all be like the links necessary now…. 9 of that chain and that we should hold on to one another emotionally and spiritually. People who visit The Global Renais- Using another metaphor, Williamson sance Alliance website find an Alliance further developed the “new gospel” con- “Handbook” that describes how to run suc- cept of “oneness.” She described our coun- cessful “citizen circles” (“cells of peace”). try as “a fabric” and the people of our coun- Included in the Handbook is a guided medi- try as “the weave” of that fabric. She stated tation for world peace as well as sugges- that we must be a “tight weave.” She said tions on how each group can best envision we have become “a loose weave” and that and pray for world peace. The Alliance a loose weave lets “darkness” in. She sug- website also contains a recommended read- ing list that includes Williamson’s book A

48 • Reinventing Jesus Christ Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of can remove that energy from yourself, A Course in Miracles, Neale Donald Walsch’s and in that process, you can make more Conversations with God books, and Barbara intelligent decisions about how you and Marx Hubbard’s book The Revelation: A the United States can contribute more Message of Hope for the New Millennium.10 to the world. These events have shown us that we are interconnected through our pain, that we are not separate from Gary Zukav on Oprah others. Global Renaissance Alliance member and best-selling “new gospel” author Gary …I have heard people say that our pri- Zukav appeared on Oprah twice in the af- mary focus now should be to return to normal. That’s not good enough. Our termath of September 11. On both programs previous understanding of normal was Zukav presented many of the same ideas filled with fear…. Our responsibility previously communicated by Williamson. now is not to return to normal but to Using familiar “new gospel” words and create a new standard for ourselves, for phrases, Zukav emphasized the need for our country.11 oneness and “interconnectedness” while In another post-September 11 appear- warning of the dangers of “separation” and ance on an Oprah show entitled “What do “isolation.” He stressed the world’s need to You Really Believe,” Zukav again hit on the move towards “love” and away from key concepts of “fear” and “separation.” “fear.” He also stated the need for “a new way” of looking at things, the need for “a These times, these events offer us op- new standard,” and the need to change our- portunities to examine our belief sys- selves in order to change our world. Like tems and to experiment with them. Williamson he did not define his terms. And Many people’s belief system has been challenged by these violent and brutal like Williamson, he made no direct refer- events. This is good because these ence to the “Armageddon alternative” people are now looking inward to see peace plan detailed in Hubbard’s book The whether that belief system served them. Revelation — a book that bears Zukav’s per- sonal endorsement on the first page. …I know for sure that the universe is Here are excerpts of Zukav’s remarks wise and compassionate. The question on Oprah’s post-September 11 program “Is then becomes: How can there be such War the Only Answer?”: brutality and such pain and such suf- fering in our world if the universe is WINFREY: Gary Zukav is author of compassionate and wise? The reason is “The Seat of the Soul,” one of my favor- we put it there. We create it. And it is ite books. And we’ve talked to him up to us to stop creating it. many times on this show. He also served in Vietnam as a Green Beret officer. Take Use those events of September 11th to a look at why Gary says that humanity begin your process of examining the is at a crossroads. parts of yourself that need to be changed, the parts that are judgmental, Mr. GARY ZUKAV (Author): The most that are angry, the parts that bring vio- damaging choices that we can make are lence into the world. We are looking for the choices of vengeance, the choices of an enemy because we feel that an exter- hatred. nal enemy is the cause of the terrorism that we are frightened of. I know for …The hatred that exists in the world will sure that as we continue to look for the not disappear tomorrow, and there is root of violence in other people that nothing that an Army or a Navy can do there will be more violence. to eliminate it or even reduce it. But you

The “New Gospel” Campaign for Peace • 49 We cannot eliminate terror by eliminat- that you are a part of God. Everything that ing a few people. No bomb, no bullet, you think and do must flow from this con- no Navy or Air Force or Army will cept that all is love and all is one and all is eradicate terror. This belief system that God. The “new gospel” and the “new gos- safety comes in isolation, in separation, pel peace plan” are completely dependent has brought us to this collective experi- ence of terror. on the world accepting “love” and “one- ness” while letting go of all thought systems …Will you become more and more im- erroneously based in “fear” and “separa- prisoned by your fear? …We are at a tion.” turning point now because we can con- tinue to live in fear or we can start to Wayne Dyer on PBS create a world without fear. Global Renaissance Alliance member …Changing yourself is the only way Wayne Dyer made a post-September 11 ap- that you will learn how to live a life that pearance on PBS. His presentation of intro- is without fear. As long as you are run- ductory “new gospel” principles, including ning from it, it controls you. Use these his enthusiastic endorsement of A Course in troubling times for your benefit. I know Miracles, served as an actual fundraiser for for sure that as your fears begin to leave PBS itself. Although September 11 was not you, your interest and care in others will the main focus of his remarks, the tragic increase and that your life will begin to events were incorporated into the discus- fill with the meaning and purpose and joy that you were born to experience, sion and all of his material was directly rel- that you were born to create.12 evant. Spearheading the PBS affiliate’s mem- Most viewers would have no idea that bership drive, Dyer’s new book, There’s A Zukav’s exhortation was really a direct chal- Spiritual Solution To Every Problem, was of- lenge for them to change what they believed fered to viewers as a premium for joining about God. In Zukav’s “new gospel” world the station. His presentation was made in a of peace and oneness, each person must colonial New England church in Concord, come to the eventual realization and under- Massachusetts that Dyer said was once standing that they are a part of God. “Love” pastored by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s grand- and “oneness,” according to the “new gos- father and attended by Emerson himself. pel,” mean seeing yourself and others as a Framed in this historic setting reminiscent part of God. “Fear” and “separation” mean of the American Revolution and of our an- not seeing yourself or others as a part of cestors’ fight for freedom, Dyer was cast in God. the role of a modern-day preacher. Zukav claimed that a fear-based belief Combining patriotism and spirituality in “separation” was responsible for the in a style much like Marianne Williamson, “collective experience of terror” of Septem- Dyer told his huge PBS audience that man’s ber 11. His inference is clear and completely “problems” arise from his belief that he is consistent with the “new gospel” position. “separate” from the divine. Dyer reminded “Fearful” people — those not seeing them- his audience that they were “one” with cre- selves or others as a part of God — create ation; that they were, in fact, “divine.” He serious problems for everyone else because told them that their only problem was the of their unbelief. “Fearful” people need to mistaken belief that they were separate change the erroneous and harmful percep- from their “source.” tion that they are “separate” and not a part of God. The other line that came to me in A In “new gospel” vernacular changing Course in Miracles, when it uses the word “problem,” said this: If you do have a yourself means remembering and realizing 50 • Reinventing Jesus Christ problem, the only problem you have is Miracles, and A Course in Miracles is a your belief that you are separate from very interesting collection of brilliant your Source. writing that I think if the world were living by it perhaps we would have far, …Remember, in the beginning God cre- far, fewer of the conflicts and struggles ated heaven and earth and all that was and so on that we have amongst our- created was good so that anything that selves and amongst nations and in our isn’t good has come about because of families….14 your belief in your mind that you are separate from this divinity. You are not what you have. You are not what you The significance of the campaign do. You are not what others think of you. For years now I have watched as “new You are the beloved. You are the divine. age/new gospel” proponents like Marianne You are a creation that is made into per- Williamson, Gary Zukav, Wayne Dyer, Bar- fection. bara Marx Hubbard and others have intro- …When you move into a spiritual ap- duced the “Christ” of the “new gospel” proach to life you begin to see yourself through their books and public appear- as connected to everyone and every- ances. But these were usually theoretical thing, and competition is replaced by and most of them seemed only loosely iden- something called cooperation.13 tified with one another. Combining the Prayer of Saint Francis Now, after September 11, everything of Assisi (“Lord make me an instrument of is moving into a much clearer prophetic thy peace”) with teachings from A Course perspective. It is extremely sobering to in Miracles about peace, Dyer emphasized watch as these same individuals emerge on that peace comes from remembering one’s primetime television as part of a “global connection to the divine. He told PBS view- alliance” that is introducing their “new gos- ers that the world would be a more peace- pel” as a means of achieving world peace. ful place if everyone was living by the prin- Everything seems to be coming about as the ciples of A Course in Miracles. “God” and “Christ” of the “new gospel” is starting to publicly introduce his “alterna- You know, I’ve been studying some- tive to Armageddon” as the only way to a thing for several years and the thing that true and lasting peace. I’ve been studying is called A Course in

The “New Gospel” Campaign for Peace • 51 Two meanings of fear contrasted

The meaning of fear The meaning of fear By mercy and truth iniquity is in the “new gospel” in the Bible purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from But this paradigm shift will Fear of God evil. (Proverbs 16:6) take great wisdom, great “courage, and massive deter- Praise ye the LORD. Blessed Wherefore we receiving a mination. For fear will strike is the man that feareth the kingdom which cannot be at the heart of these con- LORD, that delighteth greatly moved, let us have grace, cepts and call them false. in his commandments. whereby we may serve God Fear will eat at the core of (Psalms 112:1) acceptably with reverence these magnificent truths and and godly fear. make them appear hollow. Let us hear the conclusion of (Hebrews 12:28) Fear will distort, disdain, the whole matter: Fear God, destroy. And so Fear will be and keep his command- Have no fear of man ments: for this is the whole your greatest enemy. In God I will praise his word, (Walsch’s “God,” FWG, duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13) in God I have put my trust; I p. 357) will not fear what flesh can Joining the Atonement is the The fear of the LORD is the do unto me. (Psalms 56:4) beginning of knowledge: but way out of fear. The LORD is on my side; I (“Jesus,” ACIM Text, p. 81) fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7) will not fear: what can man It is essential at the moment do unto me? (Psalms 118:6) of infusion of empathy that The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those The LORD is my light and my you overcome all fear of salvation; whom shall I fear? separation from God. This that hope in his mercy. (Psalms. 147:11) the LORD is the strength of overcoming of fear in a whole my life; of whom shall I be planetary experience is an He will fulfil the desire of afraid? When the wicked, irresistible force. No being them that fear him: he also even mine enemies and my can resist it. (Hubbard’s will hear their cry, and will foes, came upon me to eat “Christ,” Revelation, save them. (Psalms 145:19) up my flesh, they stumbled p. 244–245) Behold, the eye of the LORD and fell. Though an host The second death, for you, is is upon them that fear him, should encamp against me, a purification, an erasing of upon them that hope in his my heart shall not fear: the memory of fear, through mercy. (Psalms 33:18) though war should rise the shock of a fire. against me, in this will I be (Hubbard’s “Christ,” Be not wise in thine own confident. (Psalms 27:1–3) Revelation, p. 267) eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. (Prov. 3:7) [Excerpted from: A Course in Miracles (Text); Friendship with God by N.D. Walsch; and The Revelation by B.M. Hubbard.]

52 • Reinventing Jesus Christ Two meanings of Atonement contrasted

The meaning of The meaning of For he hath made him to be Atonement in the Atonement in the sin for us, who knew no sin; “new gospel” Bible that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. “The Atonement is the final Whom God hath set forth to (2 Corinthians 5:21) lesson he [man] need learn, be a propitiation through faith for it teaches him that, never in his blood, to declare his And he is the propitiation for having sinned, he has no righteousness for the remis- our sins: and not for ours need of salvation. sion of sins that are past, only, but also for the sins of (“Jesus,” ACIM Text, p. 237) through the forbearance of the whole world. (1 John 2:2) The full awareness of the God. (Romans 3:25) Herein is love, not that we Atonement, then, is the But God commendeth his love loved God, but that he loved recognition that the separa- toward us, in that, while we us, and sent his Son to be the tion never occurred. were yet sinners, Christ died propitiation for our sins. (“Jesus,” ACIM Text, p. 98) for us. Much more then, (1 John 4:10) You must realize that “atone- being now justified by his ment” is just that — it is “at- blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, [Ed. note: The definition of one-ment.” It is the aware- atonement in the “new ness that you and all others when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by gospel” — “at-one-ment” — are One. It is the understand- denies the atoning death of ing that you are One with the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we Jesus Christ on the cross of everything — including Me. Calvary. The Bible affirms the (“God,” FWG, p. 92) shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy atoning death of Jesus Christ The crucifixion did not in God through our Lord on the cross of Calvary.] establish the Atonement; the Jesus Christ, by whom we resurrection did. Many have now received the sincere Christians have atonement. Wherefore, as by misunderstood this. one man sin entered into the (“Jesus,” ACIM Text, p. 36) world, and death by sin; and [Excerpted from: A Course in so death passed upon all Miracles (Text) and Friend- men, for that all have sinned. ship with God by N.D. (Romans 5:8–12) Walsch.]

The “New Gospel” Campaign for Peace • 53 The Armageddon Alternative8

…and he shall magnify himself in his There are literally 999 references to peace heart, and by peace shall destroy many…. in A Course in Miracles.1 When I studied the —Daniel 8:25 Course it never occurred to me that there could be anything wrong with the peace the Course described, or the means they pre- scribed for obtaining it. I believed that the “Jesus” of the Course had my best interests in mind when he taught me to see every- one and everything as “a part of God.” I didn’t know anything about spiritual de- ception. I didn’t know that the Bible warned about a false “Christ” who would come with “lying signs and wonders” and false miracles — like A Course in Miracles. But if you aren’t familiar with the teachings of the Bible, you don’t know these things. Almost everyone in this world wants love and peace. But what are the conditions neces- sary to obtain that love and peace? And what if the love and peace you seem to at- tain becomes something else down the line?

54 • Reinventing Jesus Christ The “Christ” of the “new gospel” has world that is filled with self-centeredness, a plan. He calls it “the alternative to Arma- violence, hate, and war. geddon.” He says that with his plan Arma- (3) Love-based belief systems (like geddon can be avoided, promising that his “new gospel” teachings) affirm that we are “atonement plan” (at-one-ment plan) will a part of God. This affirmation results in the work if everyone plays their necessary part. true perception that humanity, the world, But it must be a unified team effort. One for and God are “one” with self. This true per- all and all for one. There can be no detrac- ception creates a world that is filled with tors; there can be no weak links. “Love” and selflessness, non-violence, love and peace. “peace” will prevail when “fear” and “sepa- (4) Whatever we think is what we ration” are overcome. “Overcomers,” ac- draw to ourselves. If we believe that war is cording to the “new gospel,” are those who inevitable, then the power of that belief will have overcome “fear” and “separation” by make it so. If we believe that peace is inevi- recognizing they are part of God and “at- table, then the power of that belief will make one” with creation. it so. The “Armageddon alternative” peace (5) For the peace plan to work each plan has been given by the “new gospel person must responsibly play their part in Christ” to his avant-garde channelers who the peace process. Those who do not re- are now in the process of gradually intro- sponsibly play their part hinder the evolu- ducing this “plan,” with its underlying tion of humanity and the attainment of “new gospel” principles, to an unsuspect- peace. ing general public. But the “Armageddon alternative” is not referred to as such at this False elements of the “new gospel” time. The terms and concepts presented are peace plan generally simple and pleasing — terms that, (1) Each person recognizes that the while loaded with hidden “new gospel” world is in great peril; if something isn’t meaning, remain non-threatening to the done soon, humanity as a species could be- average person. The “new gospel” is pre- come extinct. sented in simple soundbites about the vir- (2) Each person as a cell in the one body tues of “love,” “peace,” and “oneness,” of humanity that is God has a responsibil- while warning about the dangers of “fear,” ity to function properly within the context “hate,” “self-centeredness,” and “separa- of the body by thinking “right” thoughts, tion.” Because things are being kept pur- and relating to the body in a unified, posefully vague, there is no talk about the wholistic manner. plan’s “selection process.” At least not yet. (3) Each person understands that the False assumptions of the “new future of the world is up to the collective body. What they think is what they get. gospel” peace plan Thoughts of love, unity, and peace must (1) Each person is a part of God. Each prevail. person is a cell in the one body of God that (4) Each person must correct any is humanity. Each person (cell) is divinely “misperception” that reinforces the idea interconnected through their “christ-self” or that God, self, humanity, and the world are “higher self” to one another. separate from one another. All fear-based (2) Fear-based belief sysyems (like “old notions of separateness must be eliminated Gospel” teachings) deny that we are a part from their thoughts and actions. No more of God. This denial creates the illusion that separatist thoughts about sin, Satan, or Ar- humanity, the world, and God are separate mageddon being real. Only thoughts of from self. This “misperception” creates a God, love, and peace.

The Armageddon Alternative • 55 (5) Through prayer and meditation (13) An appointed day arrives when each person begins to envision and create all of those who want the God and Christ the peaceful world they would like to see. potentials within them to be fully activated They affirm and hold that vision of peace align themselves in a designated moment in their daily thoughts. in time with all humanity. (6) People gather together in small (14) With the “Force” of God fully groups to increase the power of their indi- manifesting in one moment through all vidual envisioning. They join together as an mankind, humanity experiences itself as the expression of their oneness to collectively “one body” of God. pray and meditate and hold the vision of a (15) This universal link-up with the peaceful world. “Force” results in all humanity being res- (7) People meditate, pray and hold the urrected and born again into a whole new vision of peace at the same time around the way of being. In the twinkling of an eye they world to increase the power of their effort. are taken to a new spiritual level as they (8) Special events are arranged where now actually experience themselves as a people around the world can link more part of God. openly with one another (like the 1987 Har- (16) Once humanity has been linked monic Convergence) to increase the power as “one” and corporately transformed, of their collective vision. People begin to see Christ, and ultimately God, will be enabled and experience the power that comes from to “return” to earth. Peace will reign in the joining together in expressions of “one- “New Heaven,” on the “New Earth,” and ness.” [Barbara Marx Hubbard was in Boul- in the “New Jerusalem.” Projects of good- der, Colorado with the originator of the will shall prevail. Sharing will be the key Harmonic Convergence, Jose Arguelles word. during the 1987 event, ed.2] (17) Self-centered and separatist mem- 9) As humanity becomes more aligned bers of the “one body” who choose not to within its one body, and unified in its ex- participate in this transformational peace pressed desire for peace, the power of God process will be judged and removed from is more flowing and present, and there is the corporate body by the “selection pro- an increase in miracles and healings. cess.” They are not allowed to hinder the 10) As everyone links through their spiritual development of the rest of the “one “Christ-self” or “higher self,” the power of body.” They will not be allowed to keep God (i.e., the “Force”) begins to manifest peace from happening. They are removed its presence. for the good of all. (11) Only fear, with its illusion of sepa- rateness, can threaten the flow of the Just as Global Renaissance Alliance “Force” within the one body and keep the members appeared on primetime television body from experiencing feelings of peace after September 11, it is expected that they and oneness. These thoughts of separation will become even more of a presence dur- are like cancer cells in the body and must ing any future crises. Convinced that their be completely healed or “removed” from “Christ” has a way to save the world from the body. disaster, they will continue to introduce his (12) Because thoughts of separation “new gospel” peace plan to a world that is threaten the health and the peace of the desperate for peace —a peace plan that their body, a system is devised to visibly mark “Christ” has described in detail as the “al- those who recognize their oneness with ternative to Armaggedon.” God. Those who do not submit to the pro- cess ultimately reveal themselves as sepa- ratists.

56 • Reinventing Jesus Christ The Armaggedon alternative: the Planetary Pentecost

Direct quotes from The Book of Revelation is a inner eye in the forehead will Hubbard’s “Christ” description of one path to the be fully opened by this touch, in The Revelation New Jerusalem, but this henceforth awakening them scenario is not inevitable. from the womb of self- The alternative to Armaged- (p. 158) centeredness. (p. 149) don is the Planetary Pente- “cost. When a critical mass is The Book of Revelation [in All those sealed with the seal in the upper room of con- the Bible] describes the of the living God must be sciousness on a planetary violent path to the New consciously linked in a scale, each will hear from Jerusalem. This Revelation common thought pattern for within, in their own language, [Hubbard’s book] describes an instant in time to AVOID the mighty words of God. All the loving path to the same ARMAGEDDON. The bell will who are attuned will be condition. (p. 265) never toll, if you can link before the end must come. radically empowered to be You are to prepare the way (p. 241) and do as Jesus did. (p. 157) for the alternative to Arma- Here we are, now poised geddon, which is the Plan- Those with the seal of the either on the brink of de- etary Pentecost, the great living God on their foreheads struction greater than the Instant of Co-operation which will be with Christ at the time world has ever seen — a can transform enough, en of the Transformation. destruction which will cripple masse, to avoid the necessity (p. 190) of the seventh seal being planet Earth forever and I cannot “return” until broken. (p. 172–173) release only the few to go on enough of you are attracted — or on the threshold of Tell them to recognize the and linked. (p. 66) global co-creation wherein God within themselves, and There will be practices for each person on Earth will be to follow that light through this coming event. (p. 242) attracted to participate in his the darkness of the tribula- or her own evolution to tions to the dawn of the Either the good will prevail, godliness. (p. 174) Universal Age, when only the connect, link, and magnetize It [Armageddon] will be a God-conscious continue to the majority of humanity to self-fulfilling prophecy if we exist, and everyone is like act with love for life everlast- force ourselves to continue Christ. (p. 102) ing, or the violent selection of the self-centered will begin. contemplating this disastrous You are to provide the (p. 303) set of events. (p. 204) opportunity for a planetary Armageddon is, dearly signal wherein each person The decisive moment of beloved, the dreadful script who chooses life over death selection has almost come. which you and I rewrite now. can register that decision The judgment of the quick (p. 204) visibly — a coming to witness and the dead is about to be before the world. (p. 302) made. The end of this phase This text was written not to of evolution is nearly com- Each shall be “sealed” with add or subtract from the plete. (p. 189) divine book of Revelation. It the seal of the living God. was written to inform you of This means that they shall be All who choose life everlast- the alternative to Armaged- marked, visibly identified, ing have judged themselves don. (p. 305) first to themselves, then to worthy to be me. (p. 304) others. This means that their

The Armageddon Alternative • 57 If those people who are not you overcome all fear of ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ self-centered align their separation from God. This thoughts in perfect faith, that overcoming of fear in a whole The they are whole, created in planetary experience is an the image of God, the world irresistible force. No being can be saved. (p. 157) can resist it. (p. 244–245) mark As the Planetary Smile ripples The cancer of self- through the nervous systems centeredness will be con- of earth and the Instant of sumed by the experience of Co-operation begins, empa- wholeness. (p. 245) The mark of the beast thy floods the feelings of the At the time of the Quantum And he causeth all, both whole body of Earth, sepa- Instant there will be a small and great, rich and rateness is overcome, and I judgment of the quick and poor, free and bond, to appear to all of you at once. the dead. That is, there will ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ receive a mark in their right (p. 245) be an evolutionary selection “hand, or in their foreheads: At the moment of cosmic process based on your And that no man might buy contact, I will appear to you qualifications for co-creative or sell, save he that had the both through inner experi- power. (p. 111) mark, or the name of the ence and through external beast, or the number of his The species known as self- communication in your mass name. (Revelation 13:16-17) centered humanity will media — the nervous system become extinct. The species of the world. You will all feel, Direct quotes from known as whole-centered hear, and see my presence at Hubbard’s “Christ” humanity will evolve. (p. 111) one instant in time, each in in The Revelation your own way. (p. 245) After the selection process, You are to provide the you will be born to the next An uncontrollable joy will opportunity for a planetary stage of evolution. There will ripple through the thinking signal wherein each person be a New Heaven, a New layer of Earth. The co- who chooses life over death Earth, a new body and a new creative systems, which are can register that decision consciousness for all who lying psychologically dormant visibly — a coming to witness survive. (p. 261) in humanity will be activated. before the world. (p. 302) From within, all sensitive The New Jerusalem is the Each shall be “sealed” with persons will feel the joy of new city which emerges the seal of the living God. the force, flooding their naturally from a New Heaven This means that they shall be systems with love and and a New Earth. It is the marked, visibly identified, attraction. It will be as human community as a first to themselves, then to irresistible as sex. (p. 243) collectivity of natural Christs. others. This means that their (p. 258) As this joy flashes through inner eye in the forehead will the nervous systems of the I will write upon you my new be fully opened by this touch, most sensitive peoples on name, which is not the henceforth awakening them Earth, it will create a psycho- Master Jesus who went to the from the womb of self- magnetic field of empathy, cross but the risen Christ who centeredness. (p. 149) which will align the next wave arose from the dead . I will write upon you my new of people in synchrony, (p. 115) name, which is not the everywhere on Earth. This Those who choose this Master Jesus who went to the massive, sudden empathic version of the future will be cross but the risen Christ who alignment will cause a shift in there. Those who do not arose from the dead, as- the consciousness of Earth. choose it will not be there. cended into heaven, and sits (p. 243) Choose well, dearly beloved, at the right hand of God. It is essential at the moment choose well. (p. 288) (p. 115) of infusion of empathy that

58 • Reinventing Jesus Christ Those who have the seal of ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ the living God will be able to take the next step of evolu- tion. (p. 150) Those with the seal of the Further living God on their foreheads will be with Christ at the time of the Transformation. prophetic

(p. 190) ○○○○○○○○○○ This critical mass represents those marked with the seal of the living God on their signs

foreheads. (p. 198) ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

The Bible’s “New gospel” quotes Christs sees the requirement. prophetic warning The selection of the individual Undermining“ marriage to be embodied is done by Now the Spirit speaketh conscious selection. expressly, that in the latter In the future our partners will (Hubbard’s “Christ,” times some shall depart from be chosen in a much more Revelation, p. 165) the faith, giving heed to scientific way, according to seducing spirits, and doc- Ray quality, karmic relation- Walsch: So are You saying trines of devils; Speaking lies ship, and point in evolution. that marriage should go? in hypocrisy; having their (Creme, p. 185) “God”: I have no preference conscience seared with a hot Fidelity of the partners is to in the matter . iron; Forbidding to marry, and each other for the sake of (CWG Book 3, p. 219) commanding to abstain from their chosen act, whether it meats, which God hath be a godly child or godly Abstaining from meats created to be received with work in the universe. When thanksgiving of them which The defect of carnivorous the act is completed, the believe and know the truth. behavior will gradually be partnership is renewed if (1 Timothy 4:1–3 ) overcome. Eating meat will there is more to be done. It cease. (Hubbard’s “Christ,” is lovingly ended if there is The Revelation, p. 263) nothing more to be created by that particular couple. There are two defects from Each discovers the next which you suffer, carnivorous partner, or partners, with no behavior and the illusion of hint of sorrow, for nothing is separation from God. separated among those (Hubbard’s “Christ,” totally connected with God. Revelation, p. 187) (Hubbard’s “Christ,” But in the New Age vegetari- Revelation, p. 166) anism will become the norm. No sexual reproductions, only (Creme, p. 194) conscious conceptions . [Excerpted from: Conversa- (Hubbard’s “Christ,” tions with God: Book 3, N.D. Revelation, p. 283) Walsch; The Reappearance of You will choose to create the Christ and the Masters of another being only on very Wisdom, B. Creme; and The special occasions when the Revelation, B.M. Hubbard.] whole community of natural

The Armageddon Alternative • 59 The “New Gospel” Doctrine9 of Separation

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, In the “new gospel” scheme of things “love” and when they shall separate you from means seeing yourself and your fellow man their company, and shall reproach you, as a part of God and “one” with God. and cast out your name as evil, “Love” and “oneness” are equated with all for the Son of man’s sake. of those who confess themselves to be a part of God. “Love” and “oneness” are said to —Luke 6:22 be true perceptions based on right think- ing. “Love and “oneness” produce peace, health, and spiritual growth in the “one body” of mankind. They are the ticket to the next spiritual level. “Love” and “one- ness” people are those who follow “new gospel” teachings and the “new gospel” God and Christ. In the “new gospel” scheme of things, “fear” means seeing yourself and your fel- low man as “separate” and not as a part of God. “Fear” and “separation” are equated with all of those who refuse to see them- selves as being a part of God. “Fear” and “separation” are said to be erroneous per-

60 • Reinventing Jesus Christ ceptions based on wrong thinking. “Fear” can be “loving” and “at-one” with your fel- and “separation” prevent the attainment of low man is by ultimately pledging alle- peace, produce illness in the body of man- giance to the doctrine of “oneness.” From kind, and prevent spiritual growth. They this perspective you are either a “love” and are the ticket to the “selection process” be- “oneness” person or you are a “fear” and cause they prevent the “one body” of hu- “separation” person. Your “love” of God is manity from advancing to the next spiritual expressed by seeing yourself and others as level. “Fear” and “separation” people are a part of God, as “one” with God. Your those who oppose “new gospel” teachings “fear” of God is expressed by seeing your- and the “new gospel” God and Christ. Tra- self and others as not being a part of God, ditional Christian believers, by “new gos- as “separate” from God. In the “new gos- pel” definition, are “fear” and “separation” pel” future you will live or die based on people. whether or not you see yourself as a part of The “God” and “Christ” of the “new God. It is the doctrine of “oneness” versus gospel” use these cleverly contrived words the doctrine of “separation.” It is as simple and concepts to divide the world into two and straightforward and brutal as that. camps: those who follow them and those If it all sounds kind of backward, that who oppose them. Through the ingenious is because it is. It is the language and meth- use of language they make their case and odology of the “God” and “Christ” of the push their position. Always taking the high “new gospel.” And it is the same terminol- road of “love” and “oneness” they isolate ogy and methodology being used by their those who oppose them by branding them “new gospel” followers. “Oneness” is pre- as “fearful” and “separate.” sented as the inevitable by-product of The “God” and the “Christ” of the “love” and as such is like “mom and apple “new gospel” are very adept at never say- pie.” Who could possibly be against “mom ing “traditional Christian believers,” but and apple pie”? “Separateness” is regarded rather say “those who are under the illu- as the inevitable by-product of “fear” and sion of separation.” They do not say “tradi- as such is like “the Grinch who stole Christ- tional Christianity is evil” or “traditional mas.” Who in their right mind supports “the Christianity is of the devil.” They say “sepa- Grinch who stole Christmas”? The upshot ration is evil” and “separation is of the of this clever conditioning process is to im- devil.” Instead of saying, “traditional Chris- press people everywhere with the seem- tianity is a crime that must be driven from ingly indisputable contention that if you are this world,” they state: “The crime of sepa- against “oneness” you are also against God, ration must be driven from this world.”1 Christ, and your fellow man. Instead of saying, “traditional Christian be- Only an ingenious and creatively de- lievers will one day be submitted to the se- ceptive spirit world could have thought up lection process,” they state: “All that hin- such a diabolical way of separating and dis- ders the manifestation of man’s divinity paraging Christian believers and others must be driven from our planet.”2 who do not believe they are a part of God. How do “God” and “Christ” suggest Who could possibly be against “oneness”? that Christians, and others under “the illu- And the answer is, of course, only those sion of separation,” rid themselves of the who have been “deceived” into believing “fear” that is causing them to feel separate in the “the crime of separation.” Only those from God? By “atoning” through the “at- who are under the “self-centered” illusion one-ment” process. That is, by affirming that they are “separate” and not a part of that “all is love” and “all is God” and never God. Only those who have been “deluded” forgetting that they are a part of God. By into believing that the “sin of separation” “new gospel” definition, the only way you is real.

The “New Gospel” Doctrine of Separation • 61 The hostile “new gospel” magnificent truths and make them ap- pear hollow. Fear will distort, disdain, It is ironic that “new gospel” advocates destroy. And so Fear will be your great- present themselves as being so loving, tol- est enemy.5 erant, and accepting of all major religions. The “new gospel” is anything but lov- “God” told Neale Donald Walsch, “There ing, tolerant, and accepting towards those are a thousand paths to God, and every one who oppose it. The “Christ” of the “new gets you there.”3 But “God” conveniently gospel” warns that those who are “fearful” overlooks telling Walsch’s readers about a are “separate” and “self-centered.” He de- detour called the “selection process” for clares that “separate” and “self-centered” those who insist on being “separate” and people must ultimately be handed over to “self-centered” — the “shock of a fire” and the “selection process.” He declares that “a second death” for those who refuse to “separate” and “self-centered” people must bow down to the doctrine of “oneness” and ultimately be removed from the planet. the “God” and “Christ” of the “new gos- pel.” The recognition of God is the recogni- Alice Bailey was told by her spirit tion of yourself. There is no separation guide over fifty years ago that the “Forces of God and His creation.6 of Darkness” would oppose the “new gos- pel” and the “New Age.” These “Forces” …[T]he fundamental regression is self- centeredness, or the illusion that you are are described as being spiritually blind and separate from God. I “make war” on characterized by “separateness” and “hate.” self-centeredness.7 The Forces of Darkness are powerful energies…. They consequently block de- At the co-creative stage of evolution, one liberately the inflow of that which is new self-centered soul is like a lethal cancer and life-giving; they work to prevent the cell in a body: deadly to itself and to the understanding of that which is of the whole.8 New Age; they endeavor to preserve that which is familiar and old, to coun- The surgeon dare leave no cancer in the teract the effects of the oncoming cul- body when he closes up the wound af- ture and civilization, to bring blindness ter a delicate operation. We dare leave to the peoples and to feed steadily the no self-centeredness on Earth after the existing fires of hate, of separateness, of selection process.9 criticism and of cruelty.4 The species known as self-centered hu- “God” warns Walsch about the fear- manity will become extinct. The species ful people who will try to undermine his known as whole-centered humanity “magnificent truths” by calling them false, will evolve.10 saying they will be “your greatest enemy.” “The meaning of ‘separation’ in the But this paradigm shift will take great ‘new gospel,’” (opposite page) reveals just wisdom, great courage, and massive de- how intolerant and unloving the “God” and termination. For fear will strike at the “Christ” of the “new gospel” are toward tra- heart of these concepts and call them ditional Christian believers and all others false. Fear will eat at the core of these who refuse to see themselves as a part of God.

62 • Reinventing Jesus Christ The meaning of “separation” in the “new gospel”

Direct quotes from “God” or “Christ” Separation is not love Separation is Satan Love is the only way. You When at last you see that Separation is an cannot gain the next stage of there is no separation in illusion evolution in a self-centered God’s World — that is, “ state. (Hubbard’s “Christ,” nothing which is not God — This is your assignment. This Revelation, p. 236) then, at last, will you let go of is your work. You are to this invention of man which destroy the illusion of separa- Separation is fear you have called Satan. tion. (Walsch’s “God,” FWG, (Walsch’s “God,” CWG p. 21) It is essential at the moment Book 3, p. 56) of infusion of empathy that Separation is not you overcome all fear of The mind can make the belief believing you are a part separation from God. This in separation very real and of God overcoming of fear in a whole very fearful, and this belief is planetary experience is an the “devil.” (“Jesus,” The recognition of God is the irresistible force. No being ACIM Text, p. 50) recognition of yourself. There can resist it. (Hubbard’s is no separation of God and Your triumph over Satan, that “Christ,” Revelation, is, over the illusion of separa- His creation. (“Jesus,” ACIM p. 244–245) Text, p. 147) tion, will be a victory for the universal community. Nothing separates you from Separation is hatred (Hubbard’s “Christ,” Me, and soon many will Let us together show the Revelation, p. 193) realise this. I am with you world: that the need for war and in you. I seek to express is past; that the instinct of Separation is sin That which I am through you; man is to live and to love; I shall drive from this Earth for this I come. (Maitreya, that hatred is begotten of Messages, p. 22) forever the curse of hatred, separation . (Maitreya, the sin of separation. Messages, p. 108) Separation is (Maitreya, Messages, p. 104) self-centeredness Separation is evil Separation is sickness [T]he fundamental regres- Just before the final wave of sion is self-centeredness, or A sick person perceives tribulations — the seven last himself as separate from the illusion that you are plagues — those who resist separate from God. I “make God. Would you see him as evil, those who are victorious separate from you? It is your war” on self-centeredness. It in their struggle against the shall surely be overcome. The task to heal the sense of temptation of separation, separation that has made him child must become the adult. stand upon a burning sea of Human must become Divine. sick. (“Jesus,” ACIM Manual, glass. (Hubbard’s “Christ,” p. 56) That is the law. (Hubbard’s Revelation, p. 201) “Christ,” Revelation, p. 233)

The “New Gospel” Doctrine of Separation • 63 Separation is ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ lawlessness The meaning of The crime of separation, of division, of lawlessness must go from the world. All that separation hinders the manifestation of man’s divinity must be driven from our planet. My Law will take the place of separation. in the Bible (Maitreya, Messages, p. 248)

Separation is crime The crime of separation must Separation is a result

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ [Ed. note: Man, by his be driven from this world. I selfish choice to disobey God of worshipping affirm that as My Purpose. in the Garden of Eden, creation (Maitreya, Messages, p. 189) “ willingly chose the path that Because that, when they would separate him from Separation is a “lack” knew God, they glorified him fellowship with God. At that that must be corrected not as God, neither were moment sin, death, shame, thankful; but became vain in A sense of separation from fear, guilt — all the things their imaginations, and their God is the only lack you really that plague the human race foolish heart was darkened. need correct. (“Jesus,” ACIM — were introduced to the Professing themselves to be Text , p. 14) human soul that had, to that wise, they became fools, And point known Divine fellowship changed the glory of the and love. The response of the uncorruptible God into an [Excerpted from: A Course in Lord was to seek the lost. image made like to corrupt- Miracles; Conversations with Then, as now, God is at work, ible man, and to birds, and God, Book 3 and Friendship redeeming our separation by fourfooted beasts, and with God, N.D. Walsch; atoning sacrifice, which is a creeping things. Wherefore Messages from Maitreya the gift of His love to His cre- God also gave them up to Christ; and The Revelation, ation. Jesus Christ came to uncleanness through the lusts B.M. Hubbard.] seek and redeem the lost of their own hearts, to (the separated). Those who dishonour their own bodies acknowledge their need are between themselves: Who brought back into fellowship changed the truth of God into with God through Jesus’ a lie, and worshipped and atonement. At Christ’s death served the creature more the veil of “separation” in the than the Creator, who is temple was torn in two blessed for ever. Amen. (Matthew 27:50–51), ending (Romans 1:21–25) sin’s separating curse once and for all. The root of the Separation is ended sin that separates man and by atonement of God has always been born Jesus Christ first in the concept “I will” (self). The mistake of deifying That at that time ye were the creature/creation as without Christ, being aliens opposed to worshipping the from the commonwealth of Creator has always provoked Israel, and strangers from the judgment/separation from covenants of promise, having God.] no hope, and without God in

64 • Reinventing Jesus Christ the world: But now in Christ God, as those that are alive Believers separate Jesus ye who sometimes from the dead, and your themselves were far off are made nigh by members as instruments of from the world the blood of Christ. For he is righteousness unto God. our peace, who hath made (Romans 6:11–13) Enter ye in at the strait gate: both one, and hath broken for wide is the gate and down the middle wall of Believers cannot be broad is the way, that leadeth partition between us; Having separated from to destruction, and many abolished in his flesh the Jesus Christ there be which go in thereat: enmity, even the law of Because strait is the gate, commandments contained in For I am persuaded, that and narrow is the way, which ordinances; for to make in neither death, nor life, nor leadeth unto life, and few himself of twain one new angels, nor principalities, nor there be that find it. man, so making peace; And powers, nor things present, (Matthew 7:13–14) nor things to come, nor that he might reconcile both Wherefore come out from height, nor depth, nor any unto God in one body by the among them, and be ye other creature, shall be able cross, having slain the enmity separate, saith the Lord, and to separate us from the love thereby: And came and touch not the unclean thing; of God, which is in Christ preached peace to you which and I will receive you. Jesus our Lord. were afar off, and to them (2 Corinthians 6:17) that were nigh. For through (Romans 8:38–39) him we both have access by For the grace of God that one Spirit unto the Father. Believers are hated bringeth salvation hath Now therefore ye are no by the world appeared to all men, Teach- more strangers and foreign- ing us that, denying ungodli- ers, but fellowcitizens with Blessed are ye, when men ness and worldly lusts, we the saints, and of the house- shall hate you, and when should live soberly, right- hold of God; And are built they shall separate you from eously, and godly, in this upon the foundation of the their company, and shall present world; Looking for apostles and prophets, Jesus reproach you, and cast out that blessed hope, and the Christ himself being the chief your name as evil, for the glorious appearing of the corner stone; In whom all Son of man’s sake. great God and our Saviour the building fitly framed (Luke 6:22) Jesus Christ; Who gave together groweth unto an If ye were of the world, the himself for us, that he might holy temple in the Lord: In world would love his own: redeem us from all iniquity, whom ye also are builded but because ye are not of the and purify unto himself a together for an habitation of world, but I have chosen you peculiar people, zealous of God through the Spirit. out of the world, therefore good works. (Titus 2:11–14) (Ephesians 2:12–22) the world hateth you. Likewise reckon ye also (John 15:19) yourselves to be dead indeed I have given them thy word; unto sin, but alive unto God and the world hath hated through Jesus Christ our them, because they are not Lord. Let not sin therefore of the world, even as I am reign in your mortal body, not of the world. I pray not that ye should obey it in the that thou shouldest take lusts thereof. Neither yield ye them out of the world, but your members as instruments that thou shouldest keep of unrighteousness unto sin: them from the evil. but yield yourselves unto (John 17:14–15)

The “New Gospel” Doctrine of Separation • 65 The10 Silent Church

But while men slept, his enemy came and Many Christian believers smirked when sowed tares among the wheat, Shirley MacLaine stood on the beach in her and went his way. made-for-TV movie, Out on a Limb, exclaim- —Matthew 13:25 ing, “I am God!” Today, Marianne Williamson exclaims that we are all “God” and is introduced by Tom Brokaw on a primetime NBC special report about Sep- tember 11 as one of our “religious leaders.”1 Gary Zukav, a man who personally en- dorsed the Barbara Marx Hubbard book that describes the “selection process,” tells us in his post-September 11 television ap- pearances how we can all spiritually grow and bring peace to the world. And Wayne Dyer, in a post-September 11 PBS fundraising event, stands in an historic New England church and tells his national audi- ence that the world would be a much more peaceful place if everyone adopted the “bril- liant” teachings of A Course in Miracles. Traditional Christian believers fre- quently mention the analogy of the frog that 66 • Reinventing Jesus Christ is so slowly and gradually boiled in a kettle that we can’t be deceived, we don’t take of water that it dies before ever realizing seriously enough His warnings that a what is going on. Yet many believers fail to Hitler-like antichrist figure will one day rise realize that the very same thing is happen- to rule the world — and that many people ing to them as they tell that story. How else calling themselves “Christians” will sup- do you explain the rapid rise of the “new port this spiritual counterfeit who will ac- gospel” movement with hardly a word of tually come in the name of Christ. Our ad- concern within the Church about what’s versary wants us to believe that these warn- been happening? As “new gospel” advo- ings are for another people at another time. cates continue to publish bestselling books Yet through Scripture, and in our heart of and flock to the airwaves in ever-increas- hearts, the Spirit of God tells us that they ing numbers to advance their cause, there are not. As we study the Bible, and as we is a strange silence in Christendom. Does watch and pray and observe the events all the Church have any idea what is going on? around us, we come to understand that So often we have heard the impas- these future times described by Jesus are sioned refrain, “We can never let what hap- now suddenly and undeniably upon us. pened in Germany ever happen again.” In his second letter to the Corinthians, And with all of the Holocaust memorials, Paul warns of their vulnerability and sus- survivor testimonies, and multitudinous ceptibility to false teaching in the name of books on the subject, we have done a pretty Jesus. He suggests that if someone ap- good job of convincing ourselves that we proached them with “another gospel,” “an- will never make the same mistakes the Ger- other Jesus” and “another spirit” they might man people did in allowing someone like very well go along with it (2 Corinthians Hitler to rise in their midst. We think that 11:3–4). Earlier in that same letter Paul had Americans would never stand by and al- indirectly encouraged the Corinthians not low something like that to happen here in to be ignorant of their adversary’s schemes our country. Our democratic processes and and devices, lest they be taken advantage old-fashioned common sense would never of (2 Corinthians 2:11). Paul told the allow it. Ephesians that it is a shame that we even In the introduction to a 1999 publica- have to talk about the things of darkness, tion (Sixth Pressing) of Hitler’s Mein Kampf, but when we expose them they are brought Konrad Heiden describes how everything into the light (Ephesians 5:12–13). He also that Hitler was about to do was telegraphed told them that he had not ceased to warn in his early writings: them night and day for three years that men For years Mein Kampf stood as proof of who were “grievous wolves” would “arise” the blindness and complacency of the in the Church “speaking perverse things” world. For in its pages Hitler announced as they attempted to lead men away from — long before he came to power — a their faith and into the enemy’s camp (Acts program of blood and terror in a self- 20:29–31). Let us beware of these same revelation of such overwhelming frank- warnings today. ness that few among its readers had the It is extremely disturbing to see the courage to believe it. Once again it was website of a Colorado-based Christian demonstrated that there was no more leader listed as a recommended resource in effective method of concealment than the back of a 1998 Barbara Marx Hubbard the broadest publicity.2 book entitled Conscious Evolution.3 It is Somehow, Christians don’t seem to equally alarming to find out that this indi- grasp Jesus’ warnings about the tremen- vidual is also a member of the same World dous deception that characterizes the time Future Society that lists Barbara Marx of the end. Perhaps deceived into thinking Hubbard as one of its co-founding and cur-

The Silent Church • 67 rent board members.4 And that this re- cost” for the great “move of God” they had spected Christian leader serves as the sec- been told to expect? Are we getting set up retary of a World Future Society subcom- for the great delusion described in the Bible? mittee that once gave Hubbard a special Is there any good reason not at least to con- award for her outstanding contributions to sider that possibility? the field of religion.5 But perhaps what is The prophet Daniel makes mention of most unbelievable is that the Colorado the God of “forces” in conjunction with Springs Christian leadership lets him get antichrist (Daniel 11:38). The “God” of the away with it. Apparently, being “unequally “new gospel” asks Neale Donald Walsch, yoked” with a woman who (at the direc- “What if I am not a ‘man’ at all, but rather, tion of her “Christ”) has “re-written” the a Force?”6 The “Christ” of A Course in Book of Revelation and authored the “se- Miracles states that there is an “irresistible lection process” is not a major concern for Force” within each person.7 Marianne church leaders — leaders who are actually Williamson explains that this “universal starting to sound a lot like Hubbard them- force” can be “activated” within each per- selves. son and has “the power to make all things And it is, indeed, very disturbing to right.”8 The “new gospel Christ” tells Bar- see many Christian leaders today using bara Marx Hubbard that on the day of many of the same words and expressions “Planetary Pentecost” a “planetary smile” commonly used by their “new gospel” will flash across the face of all mankind; that counterparts. “New revelation” describing an “uncontrollable joy” that he describes as how a great “move of God” is going to take the “joy of the force” will “ripple” through believers “pregnant with destiny” to “a new the one body of humanity.9 Benjamin Creme spiritual level” and into a “new dimension” describes the event “as a pentecostal expe- sounds a lot more like the “new gospel” rience for all.”10 The “Christ” of A Course in than the traditional Gospel of Jesus Christ. Miracles tells how the world ends in “peace” Are Christian leaders leading the and “laughter.”11 church ever closer to the cross, or ever closer Has anyone wondered whether this to the “Planetary Pentecost”? Why is there same “Force” may be counterfeiting the almost no call for spiritual discernment Holy Spirit in churches and may be produc- within the Church (except to warn believ- ing “revivals” and “moves of God” that are ers not to be deceived into doubting their not really “revivals” or “moves of God” at appointed Christian leaders)? Why is spiri- all? Is the “God of forces” in the process of tual experience taking precedence over preparing the Church for the “Planetary spiritual discernment? Why are there so few Pentecost”? Should we not be doing a more warnings about a counterfeit “new gospel” thorough job of testing the spirits? Have we movement that maligns the person of Jesus put our faith and trust in Christian “lead- Christ and threatens the lives of His follow- ers” rather than in God? Have we all talked ers? Why is “new revelation” in many min- ourselves out of the end times? Have we all istries starting to supercede God’s written agreed that persecution is not something we Word? Why are Christians only being pre- need to be concerned about? Have we pared for blessings and not for persecution? prayed to God that we would not be de- What in the world is going on? luded or deceived? Expecting only revival and the return Ten years ago in my book, The Light of the true Christ, will the Church be de- That Was Dark, I wrote the following: ceived by the one who will come in the Clearly many who said they were of name of Christ and pretend to be Him? “the faith” would soon become a part Caught unawares, will the Church mistake of the deception too, if they weren’t al- the counterfeit Christ’s “Planetary Pente- ready. 68 • Reinventing Jesus Christ Were we already witnessing the great ter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the “falling away” predicted in the Bible? gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth Was the “mystery of iniquity” talked to destruction, and many there be which about in the Scriptures already doing its go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, deceptive work with “all power and and narrow is the way, which leadeth signs and lying wonders”…? Would unto life, and few there be that find it” people calling themselves Christians (Matthew 7:13–14).12 abandon their faith in the Bible and the Bible’s Christ? Would they join an ecu- Could it be that the reason the Church menical movement that in the name of is so unaware of the “new gospel” move- love and God and unity would sacrifice ment is because it is being led by that same the truth of the Bible and perhaps one spirit and heading down that same broad day merge with the new age itself? Jesus way? Is it happening now, right in front of warned that such a faith would lead not our very own eyes?

to life but to ultimate destruction: “En- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

means all of you co-experi- encing the same force at the same time and acting to- “The Force” gether in accord with the idea that you all have from within. (“Christ,” Revelation, p. 244) world has ever seen. An uncontrollable joy will (“God,” FWG, p. 295) ripple through the thinking Many now are awake to these layer of Earth. The co- divine aspects, and call for creative systems, which are The god of forces the restructuring of your lying psychologically dormant But in his estate shall he world. My Force is behind in humanity will be activated. [antichrist] honour the God of them. (Maitreya, Messages, From within, all sensitive forces. Daniel 11:38 p. 276) persons will feel the joy of the force, flooding their Direct quotes from What if I am not a “man” at systems with love and ““God” and “Christ” all, but rather, a Force, an attraction. (“Christ,” “Energy” in the universe, that Revelation, p. 243) Many around Me now have IS the universe, and that is, recognized Me, work with Me in fact, All That Is. What if I At the next stage of evolu- and channel My Force. am The Collective? (“God,” tion, life is a constant choice. (Maitreya, Messages, p. 262) CWG Book 3, p. 325) If you falter in your choice to live as a son or daughter of You cannot do it by human Walsch: “May the force be God, you experience discon- will and desire alone. You are with you. nection from the force. At the to be empowered by the Christ-stage of existence you force that creates the uni- “God”: Precisely. Do you think George Lucas came cannot forget who you are — verse. (“Christ,” Revelation, and continue to live at that p. 94) up with that by accident? (FWG, p. 228) stage. (“Christ”, Revelation, You are letting the force be p. 101) [Instant of] Co-operation with you! And that is good. Yet within you is a Force that That is very good. For as you does not mean being nice to each other . It means co- no illusions can resist. move into the next millen- [T]his Force is irresistible in nium, you will plant the seeds operating with God. It means co-evolving with me. It truth. (“Jesus,” ACIM Text, of the greatest growth the p. 479 )

The Silent Church • 69 Experience vs. the Word

According to “new In the twinkling of an eye, we I am leading you to a new gospel” advocates are all changed by this kind of experience that you experience. It is a mass will become less and less What the orthodox theologian metanoia, a shared spiritual willing to deny. (“Jesus,” and the narrow doctrinaire experience for the human ACIM Text, p. 207) have to offer no longer race, a peaceful second satisfies the intelligent seeker I do not want you to “ coming of the divine in us as or suffices to answer his believe in me, or not to us.16 questions; he is shifting his believe in me, I want you to —Barbara Marx Hubbard allegiances into wider and experience me. (Maitreya, more spiritual areas. He is Direct quotes from MM: Vol. 2, p. 9) moving out from under “God” and “Christ” This wedding takes place doctrinal authority into direct between me — Christ — and personal, spiritual experience A universal theology is all humans who are willing it and coming under the direct impossible, but a universal with their whole being now. authority which contact with experience is not only pos- Through this marriage you Christ and His disciples, the sible but necessary. (“Jesus,” experience the ecstasy of Masters, gives.13 ACIM Manual, p. 77) union with me. (Hubbard’s —Alice A. Bailey Truth can only be experi- “Christ,” Revelation, Now, an international enced. It cannot be described p. 294-295). grassroots movement — and it cannot be explained. The Master is within you. If made up of people from all (“Jesus,” ACIM Text, p. 150) you follow the disciplines of religions and no religions — is Words will mean little now. life the Teacher teaches you, gathering in spirit to forge an We use them but as guides the Master reveals himself experience of universal on which we do not now within you. Do not be at- oneness. This experience — depend. For now we seek tached to the human form. unorganized, spontaneous, direct experience of truth The living truth is a matter of international, and inspired — alone. (“Jesus,” ACIM experience. will ultimately join all Workbook, p. 398) (Maitreya, ETEB, p. 56) hearts.14 —Marianne Williamson Listen to your feelings. Listen to your Highest Thoughts. On the Day of Declaration, I Listen to your experience. [Page 69 and 70 excerpted submit, everyone — even the Whenever any one of these from: A Course in Miracles; fundamentalists — will know, differ from what you’ve been Conversations with God: Book through the overshadowing told by your teachers, or read 1 and Friendship with God by of the minds of all humanity in your books, forget the N.D. Walsch; Extraordinary — a pentecostal experience words. Words are the least Times, Extraordinary Beings for all — that Maitreya is the reliable purveyor of Truth. by W.S. Peterson; Maitreya’s Christ.15 (Walsch’s “God,” CWG Book Mission: Volume Two by B. —Benjamin Creme 1, p. 8) Creme; and The Revelation by B.M Hubbard.]

70 • Reinventing Jesus Christ The11 Final Word

...and if in the land of peace, wherein thou Recently, while visiting a country store I trustedest, they wearied thee, then how discovered a small yellow book almost hid- wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan? den on a back shelf. It was entitled The —Jeremiah 12:5 Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook. I picked up a copy and glanced through the book. Throughout the guide, the impor- tance of “expecting the unexpected” and of “being prepared” were continually empha- sized. Every other page seemed to teach the reader how to survive some new kind of highly precarious, worst-case scenario. How to escape from killer bees. How to survive a poisonous snake attack. How to survive an earthquake. How to escape from a mountain lion. How to survive if your parachute fails to open. The list went on and on. Under the Boy Scout motto of “Be pre- pared,” I read the first sentence of the au- thors’ preface: The principle behind this book is a simple one: You just never know.1

The Final Word • 71 I continued reading. the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God ser- You never really know what curves life vice. And these things will they do unto will throw at you, what is lurking you, because they have not known the around the corner, what is hovering Father, nor me. But these things have I above, what is swimming beneath the told you, that when the time shall come, surface. You never know when you ye may remember that I told you of might be called upon to perform an act them. (John 16:1–4) of extreme bravery and to choose life or death with your own actions.2 How fortunate we are to have a Sav- iour who doesn’t just tell us what we want As I stood there reading I thought of to hear, but tells us what we need to hear, September 11. These tragic events had re- and must hear, so that we will be prepared vealed just how unprepared we were as a for any persecution that might come our nation for the worst-case type scenarios that way. Especially so that we will not be suddenly exploded in New York City, caught unawares by any of our adversary’s Washington, D.C. and the Pennsylvania schemes and devices. countryside. It was reported that those As I finished looking through The whose job it is to foresee such things grossly Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook, I underestimated our adversaries. They had thought of the “new gospel” and of all the never even considered, much less prepared people who will one day be deceived into for, those kinds of situations. We had been thinking that antichrist is Christ. If I was caught unawares. the author I would add one more scenario But now, in the aftermath of the disas- to my practical book: “How to discern the ters, we are more vigilant. We are not mini- difference between the coming of Christ and mizing or denying the potential for danger. the coming of antichrist.” I would warn of We are anticipating our adversaries as never the dangers of the “new gospel” and the before. And we are preparing in advance “new gospel” Christ. Why? Because you for these kinds of worst-case scenarios. just never know. But what about the Church? Have we As I walked out of the country store, I learned anything from September 11? While was so grateful that God has provided us Church “leaders” talk of “blessings” and with everything we need to know about “revival,” is Jesus Christ the only one warn- salvation, truth, and deception. And that ing us to “watch and pray” and “be not while He tells us of his blessings and eter- deceived”? Is Jesus the only one warning nal love, He also prepares us for the time of us that our spiritual adversaries want to the end. That, lo He is with us, even through steal our faith and forever silence our testi- things like the “selection process,” and even mony? Is Jesus the only one who is warn- unto the end of time (Matthew 28:20). ing us to beware of insidious spiritual schemes like the “Armageddon alternative” Jesus tells it like it is that offers “world peace” in exchange for your soul? Is Jesus the only one willing to Jesus Christ tells it like it is. He warns warn us about things like the “selection that danger and death and spiritual decep- process” and that we may have to die for tion will characterize the time of the end. what we believe — that we had better be And at that time a spiritual imposter will open to the possibility that our worst-case come and convince the world that he is scenario may already be on its way? Christ. What will look like a great “move of These things have I spoken unto you, God” will not be a move of God at all. Jesus that ye should not be offended. They tells us in Matthew 24:24 that “great signs shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, and wonders” will accompany this deceiver — and the world will be conquered super- 72 • Reinventing Jesus Christ naturally by seemingly “wonderful” the prophetic warnings contained in Scrip- schemes and devices (2 Thessalonians 2:9– ture; how The Global Renaissance Alliance 11; Daniel 8:24). Jesus warns that this false is a sign of the times as “new gospel” advo- “Christ” will be so deceptive that, if it were cates begin to present a more united spiri- possible, even the elect will be deceived tual and political front; and how key mem- (Mark 14:22). bers of this organization are now being Twenty years ago I was very involved called upon by the media, in the midst of with A Course in Miracles and “new age/ crisis, to provide spiritual answers to a vul- new gospel” teachings. I wanted peace in nerable nation. my life and I wanted to help bring peace to I have also tried to demonstrate how the world. I truly thought I had found the hostile this false Christ is toward the real way to do it. Without the Lord’s interven- Jesus Christ and toward all believers. It tion, I would probably still be following must be remembered that were this false those teachings. And if that were the case, I Christ to soon appear on Earth, his coun- would most likely be applauding Marianne terfeiting of the true Christ’s coming would Williamson and The Global Renaissance Al- necessarily include counterfeiting the judg- liance instead of now warning people about ment that the Bible describes as coming them. I was sincere, but I was sincerely with Jesus Christ (Jude 14–15; 2 wrong. And so are they. The “new gospel” Thessalonians 1:8–9). Citing Scripture, the is not from God. false Christ could immediately pronounce The amazing thing is that two thou- judgment on all those who “choose” to be sand years ago Jesus Christ warned us “separate” and refuse to affirm or “experi- about everything that is going on today. He ence” themselves as “a part of God.” In “the told us this was going to happen and that twinkling of an eye,” as the rest of the world we had better be ready. But the Church to- is being demonically “changed” and “glo- day is not ready. Ignorant of our adversary’s rified,” believers may have to face some- schemes, we are missing our opportunities thing like the “selection process.” to expose these false teachings to a lost and As someone who came out of “new dying world. Ignorant of our adversary’s age/new gospel” teachings, I have been schemes, we don’t contend for our faith deeply saddened by the Church’s apathy because we don’t even realize that some- about what is going on. Christian “leader- one is trying to steal our faith away from ship” has largely ignored and discounted us. Ignorant of our adversary’s schemes, we the prophetic significance of the “new gos- have become vulnerable to those schemes. pel” deception that is so prevalent all A Church expecting only revival and only around us. To speak only of “revival,” the return of Christ may be shocked to sud- “blessings,” and “breakthroughs” will not denly find itself in the middle of the “great prepare believers for the persecution and delusion,” facing antichrist instead. tribulation that may soon take place. I have tried as best I could to present Jesus was honest and straightforward an overview of the accelerated spiritual with everyone. Jesus did not try to please deception that has moved into the world them. He said if the world called him over the last quarter century: how the spirit “Beelzebub” or “Satan” it would call His world’s deception has been purposeful, followers “Beelzebub” and “Satan,” too consistent and highly coordinated in the (Matthew 10:25). He said that because the ways it has presented its “new gospel” world hated and persecuted Him, it would teachings and its “new gospel” Christ; how hate and persecute His followers, also. And these teachings have deceived many well- He said that following Him — particularly intentioned people into following and fur- in the end days — could very well mean thering its cause; how this deception fulfills the loss of your life.

The Final Word • 73 Jesus simply told it like it was. And he Be sober, be vigilant; because your ad- was not at all amused when followers like versary the devil, as a roaring lion, Peter tried to minimize or discount or deny walketh about, seeking whom he may the things he was telling them. The Bible devour: Whom resist stedfast in the records in Matthew 16:21–23 that Jesus told faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that his disciples that the world was about to are in the world. (1 Peter 5:8–9) kill him, but that he would be raised again on the third day. Peter, refusing to believe When storms with the potential to kill the Lord’s words, “rebuked” him and in- are just offshore, reasonable people make sisted instead that what Jesus was telling reasonable preparations. They don’t party them would not come to pass. in the face of the impending danger. They don’t sit on their front porches pretending Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not that nothing is happening. Jesus warned in be unto thee. Scripture that storms would come. He par- Completely unmoved by Peter’s attempt to ticularly warned about those that would put a “positive spin” on things, Jesus ad- come at the end of time. He wasn’t being dressed the spirit that was motivating negative. He wasn’t trying to scare us. He Peter’s denial. was telling us these things ahead of time so Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an that we would be prepared; so that we offense unto me: for thou savourest not would not be deceived nor intimidated nor the things that be of God, but those that frightened into compromising or question- be of men. ing our faith. Jesus said that if we listened to His words and applied them to our lives, And the Lord is saying the same thing that our faith would withstand any storm. now to those in the Church who refuse to see what is going on in the world today. Therefore whosoever heareth these say- God is not in the process of giving the ings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken Church “new revelation” that will super- him unto a wise man, which built his cede what He has already given us in His house upon a rock: And the rain de- holy Word. He is not in the process of bring- scended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; ing a “new thing” into the Church. He is and it fell not: for it was founded upon not in the process of taking His Church to a a rock. (Matthew 7:24–25) “new place” or to a “new dimension” or to a “new level.” He is not in the process of Jesus’ warnings in Matthew 24 and in bringing in a “new dispensation.” And He the Bible’s Book of Revelation are echoed most certainly is not in the process of intro- throughout the Bible. God warns of a great ducing a “new gospel” that contradicts in deception at the end of time and He tells us word and spirit everything He has ever to “be not deceived.” He tells us these things taught us about our life in Christ. No, these in advance so that whether it is the “new are the plans of antichrist, and the Church gospel” movement’s “selection process” had better beware. with its “shock of a fire,” or something else, God’s message today is loud and clear. we will not be surprised or think it strange. This is not a time for celebration. This is not Beloved, think it not strange concern- a time for the church to be expecting some ing the fiery trial which is to try you, as kind of a special blessing. This is a time to though some strange thing happened be sober and vigilant. This is a time to watch unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye and pray. This is a time to be spiritually are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, prepared. This is a time to be warning your when his glory shall be revealed, ye may brothers and sisters and family and friends be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Pe- ter 4:12) about what is happening in the world. 74 • Reinventing Jesus Christ After Jesus rebuked Peter for not be- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ lieving what He was telling them about His The coming of own death, He reminded His disciples that in following Him they would be subject to Christ and the the same forces and the same kind of death. Following Him was a serious matter and counting the cost was part of the faith. coming of the Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny antichrist himself, and take up his cross, and fol- low me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his According to Scripture life for my sake shall find it. For what is ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Key to discerning the true Christ: The true a man profited, if he shall gain the whole Christ, Jesus Christ, meets his followers “in the world, and lose his own soul? or what “air” not on the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:17). shall a man give in exchange for his He returns in the clouds. Everyone on earth soul? (Matthew 16:24–26 ) sees him up there in the clouds because his There is a new world order and a new appearance fills the heavens and lights up the world religion coming with a false “Christ” sky (Revelation 1:7; Matthew 24:27). He then at its head. Characterized by mass “enlight- sends his angels to gather up all of his follow- ers. This they do by literally raising all believ- enment” and under the spell of this false ers up into the heavens to meet the Lord in Christ, humanity will be under “the great the air (Mark 13:26–27). Key Scripture: 1 delusion” that it is divine. While the Bible Thessalonians 4:17. It is clearly established describes this “new age” as a period of ulti- that Jesus Christ first meets his followers “in mate deception, the world will see it as a the air” and not on the earth. time of peace and safety, and a spiritual re- Key to discerning antichrist: Antichrist (or naissance of the highest order. But they will any false Christ) meets his followers on the be deeply deceived: earth and not in the air. Test: If you are For when they shall say, Peace and standing on this earth and a “Christ” figure is safety; then sudden destruction cometh also standing on this earth, and you have not upon them, as travail upon a woman previously and literally met this “Christ” figure with child; and they shall not escape. (1 “in the air,” then that “Christ” figure is a false Thessalonians 5:3) Christ. Test: Any “Christ” figure who does not teach that Jesus Christ is the one and only May we all pray for the truth in our true Christ and that he came in the flesh to heart of hearts and ask the Spirit of the Lord this earth, fails the Bible’s test of the spirits to lead us through these difficult and tur- (1 John 4:1–3). bulent times. May we not be deceived by a spirit and a “Force” that is not from God. The coming of the true Christ And may we be given the strength to en- Acts 1:11 [T]his same Jesus, which is taken dure whatever may befall us in the coming up from you into heaven, shall so come in like days, in Jesus’ name. Amen. manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. Mark 13:24–25 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the

The Final Word • 75 moon shall not give her light, Mark 13:21–23 And then if lying wonders, And with all And the stars of heaven shall any man shall say to you, Lo, deceivableness of fall, and the powers that are here is Christ; or, lo, he is unrighteousness in them that in heaven shall be shaken. there; believe him not: For perish; because they received false Christs and false proph- not the love of the truth, that Matthew 24:27 For as the ets shall rise, and shall shew they might be saved. And for lightning cometh out of the signs and wonders, to this cause God shall send east, and shineth even unto seduce, if it were possible, them strong delusion, that the west; so shall also the even the elect. they should believe a lie. coming of the Son of man be. Luke 21:8 And he said, Take 1 John 4:1–3 Beloved, Mark 13:26–27 And then heed that ye be not deceived: believe not every spirit, but shall they see the Son of man for many shall come in my try the spirits whether they coming in the clouds with name, saying, I am Christ; are of God: because many great power and glory. And and the time draweth near: false prophets are gone out then shall he send his angels, go ye not therefore after into the world. Hereby know and shall gather together his them. ye the Spirit of God: Every elect from the four winds, spirit that confesseth that from the uttermost part of 2 Thessalonians 2:1–4 Jesus Christ is come in the the earth to the uttermost Now we beseech you, flesh is of God: And every part of heaven. brethren, by the coming of spirit that confesseth not that our Lord Jesus Christ, and by 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 Jesus Christ is come in the our gathering together unto For the Lord himself shall flesh is not of God: and this is him, That ye be not soon descend from heaven with a that spirit of antichrist, shaken in mind, or be shout, with the voice of the whereof ye have heard that it troubled, neither by spirit, archangel, and with the should come; and even now nor by word, nor by letter as trump of God: and the dead already is it in the world. from us, as that the day of in Christ shall rise first: Then Christ is at hand. Let no man Revelation 13:16–18 And we which are alive and deceive you by any means: he causeth all, both small remain shall be caught up for that day shall not come, and great, rich and poor, free together with them in the except there come a falling and bond, to receive a mark clouds, to meet the Lord in away first, and that man of in their right hand, or in their the air: and so shall we ever sin be revealed, the son of foreheads: And that no man be with the Lord. Wherefore perdition; Who opposeth and might buy or sell, save he comfort one another with exalteth himself above all that had the mark, or the these words. that is called God, or that is name of the beast, or the worshipped; so that he as number of his name. Here is The coming of God sitteth in the temple of wisdom. Let him that hath antichrist God, shewing himself that he understanding count the Matthew 24:26 Wherefore is God. number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his if they shall say unto you, 2 Thessalonians 2:9–11 number is Six hundred Behold, he is in the desert; Even him, whose coming is threescore and six. go not forth: behold, he is in after the working of Satan the secret chambers; believe with all power and signs and it not.

76 • Reinventing Jesus Christ Selected examples of false teachings regarding Jesus’ return

False teachings True teachings A truth hard for the orthodox thinker of any Then we which are alive and remain shall be faith to accept is the fact that Christ cannot caught up together with them in the clouds, to return because He has always been here upon meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever our Earth, watching over the spiritual destiny be with the Lord. “of humanity . (Bailey, Reappearance, p. 43) (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

Make known to all that I am here, that I am And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here returned and prepare men for the Day of is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: Declaration, the day of God’s Gift . For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, (Maitreya, Messages, p. 52) and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. (Mark 13:21–23 )

(Q) [to Creme] Did He just sort of appear For as the lightning cometh out of the east, somewhere? and shineth even unto the west; so shall also (A) No; He came into the world by aeroplane the coming of the Son of man be. and so fulfilled the prophecy of “coming in the (Matthew 24:27) clouds.” On July 8th 1977 He descended from the Himalaya into the Indian sub-continent and went to one of the chief cities there. He had an acclimatisation period between July 8th and 18th, and then, on the 19th, entered a certain modern country by aeroplane. He is now an ordinary man in the world — an extraordinary, ordinary man. (Creme, p. 55)

On July 19th 1977 He implemented the third Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if phase — His direct physical Presence in the they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the world . He will be seen and known by all desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret when He reveals that Presence to the waiting chambers; believe it not. (Matthew 24:25–26) world. This will take place when enough people are responding to the Teaching and energies which are emanating from His undisclosed point of focus in the modern world; and when the new direction which humanity must take has already begun to be established. Men must desire these changes for themselves; and begin implementing them of their own free will — thus showing they are ready for the new Revelation and Teaching which He brings. (Creme, p. 36)

The Final Word • 77 False teachings True teachings When enough people are responding to His And he said, Take heed that ye be not de- teaching He will allow Himself to be discov- ceived: for many shall come in my name, ered. They will go back to their countries and saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth say that the Christ is in the world, and that near: go ye not therefore after them. you should look to that country from which a (Luke 21:8) certain Teaching is emanating. This will draw the attention of the media of the world to that country, and hence to Him. He will acknowl- edge His true Status as the Christ and will be invited to speak to the world. (Creme, p. 51)

As the Planetary Smile ripples through the Even him, whose coming is after the working nervous systems of earth and the Instant of of Satan with all power and signs and lying Co-operation begins, empathy floods the wonders, And with all deceivableness of feelings of the whole body of Earth, separate- unrighteousness in them that perish; because ness is overcome, and I appear to all of you at they received not the love of the truth, that once. I appear to you from within as a voice, they might be saved. And for this cause God and as a vision of yourself as an evolving shall send them strong delusion, that they being. I appear to you from beyond as the should believe a lie. (2 Thessalonians 2:9–11) light being that I now am. Your electronic media will pulse with light — the same light your mystics see. (Hubbard’s “Christ,” Revelation, p. 245)

Each shall be “sealed” with the seal of the And he causeth all, both small and great, rich living God. This means that they shall be and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in marked, visibly identified, first to themselves, their right hand, or in their foreheads: And then to others. (Hubbard’s “Christ,” that no man might buy or sell, save he that Revelation, p. 149) had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. (Revelation 13:16–18)

You are to be transported to the new Jerusa- For the Lord himself shall descend from lem . You will be “taken up” at the appropri- heaven with a shout, with the voice of the ate time . What does “taken up” mean? It is archangel, and with the trump of God: and the a complex transformation. You enter a state of dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which universal consciousness . In this state of God- are alive and remain shall be caught up centered bliss, you are physically awakened by together with them in the clouds, to meet the an inner electricity that changes the frequency Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with of the atoms in your body . Due to the God- the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17) centered awareness and the physical trans- figuration, your brain/body “ascends” to the next level of being. (Hubbard’s “Christ,” Revelation, p. 270)

[Excerpted from: Messages from Maitreya the Christ; The Reappearance of the Christ and the Masters of Wisdom, B. Creme; The Revelation, B.M. Hubbard; The Reappearance of Christ, A.A. Bailey.]

78 • Reinventing Jesus Christ 12Epilogue

But this is a new time and a new day and Shortly before this manuscript was to be we need a new way. I’ve been saying that sent off to the printer, I discovered a new part of what we need is a new God. This is book by Neale Donald Walsch at the local shaking people up a little bit.1 bookstore. It is entitled Honest to God: A —Neale Donald Walsch Change of Heart That Can Change the World. It is co-authored by Dr. Brad Blanton, the author of the national bestseller, Radical Honesty. On the back cover of their book I read the following: Nobody tells the truth about anything anymore. Not anything important. Everybody’s lying to everybody else, and everybody knows it…. This book shows the absolute necessity for indi- vidual and social transformation and the absolute necessity for honesty in order to bring it about. Using the events of September 11, 2001 as a backdrop, the book emphasizes the need for “radical honesty” in government and calls for an across-the-board implemen-

Epilogue • 79 tation of new, radical leadership in all ourselves. We focus all of our attention spheres of society. The authors propose that on the leaders who can do the best job this leadership be based upon the single of articulating to the masses the possi- 7 organizing principle of “oneness.” They bility of making it all up differently. believe that a collective adoption of the They agree that while the cabinet “oneness” principle could heal the “terrible would represent the idea of team leader- feeling of fear, loss of security and tragedy ship, the group would still have to have a that the human race is enduring.”2 Walsch “president” who would act as the primary states: “spokesperson” for the rest of the team. What I’m proclaiming is that we could Someone who could effectively present the put an end to all of this with a single “new gospel” principles of “oneness” while idea, and in my articulation that is called uniting the country. Walsch and Blanton “oneness.” What we need is oneness comment: now everywhere. In our politics, in our Blanton: What if we got together this economics, in our education, in our re- group of people, and we say we’re will- ligion.3 ing to serve in these various appointed capacities, and that we’re going to be in- We must change ourselves. We must terviewing candidates and select one to change the beliefs upon which our be- be spokesperson for this value? We start haviors are based. We must create a interviewing people who want to run different reality, build a new society…. for president, and people we would like We must do so with new spiritual to see run. I like Oprah.8 truths. We must preach a new gospel, its healing message summarized in two Walsch: I’ll tell you one thing, if Oprah sentences: We are all one. Ours is not a didn’t want to run for President I’d sug- better way, ours is merely another way.4 gest Marianne Williamson, because she has the ability to articulate very impor- Both authors agree that “radical hon- tant ideas very quickly, in a moment, esty” means “being willing to tell the truth with twenty-five words or less…. Bar- 5 to everyone about everything.” Walsch bara Marx Hubbard needs to be in that adds: group, too. In the cabinet.9 Most politicians don’t lie by commis- Walsch and Blanton seem to have great sion. Some do, but not most. Most lie by fun as they verbally romp through the pos- omission. It is not what they say that is sibilities for radical change in the political untruthful; it was what they fail to say landscape. Yet they seem to be quite seri- that creates what they call “wiggle room” (read “untruth”).6 ous about what they are proposing. I am not a political analyst, but one has to won- With an eye toward September 11, der if Walsch and Blanton are actually send- “radical honesty,” and a new leadership ing up trial balloons for the next presiden- based on the “new gospel” principle of tial election. Barbara Marx Hubbard had her “oneness,” Walsch and Blanton propose the name placed in nomination for Vice-Presi- idea of a “new gospel” thinktank that would dent at the National Democratic Conven- be comprised of “oneness” advocates from tion in 1984. What about Oprah for Presi- all fields and endeavors of American soci- dent? Or Marianne Williamson? Or Barbara ety. Forming their own unique “kitchen Marx Hubbard? Or some other “new gos- cabinet” they would make recommenda- pel” candidate? Through this book, are tions for policy and leadership to the rest these men attempting to create a new po- of the country. litical reality by introducing an idea that So we become a sort of kitchen cabinet could rally the masses and soon have a life of leaders to select the leadership for of its own?

80 • Reinventing Jesus Christ Anyone can see why Walsch and oth- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ers would love to have someone like Oprah as the standard bearer for their “new gos- pel” movement. This beloved talk show Honest to God host is revered and respected by millions. She seems compassionate, caring, and, above all else, impeccably honest. Her can- didacy would give immediate credibility to Direct quotes from Neale the “new gospel” campaign for radical Donald Walsch and Brad Blanton change. Her suggestions and recommenda- tions have already been adopted by count- The longer name for it [OnenessNow, ed.] is less numbers of trusting viewers. Most Oneness Now Everywhere, which is O-N-E, of Americans see Oprah as an “open” person. course. Bumper stickers and window stickers ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ are being manufactured even as we sit here They have no idea how heavily aligned she “ and speak. We’re inviting people all over the is with “new gospel” leaders and “new gos- world to join Oneness Now by going to pel” thought. www.onenessnow.com. (Walsch, p. 208) And while Winfrey and others on the “new gospel” team may be sincere and hon- We’ll also be networking with others, connect- ing people who believe in this concept with est in their intentions, one has to wonder like-minded groups and organizations, such as how “radically honest” Walsch is when he the Global Renaissance Alliance talks about the future. He enthusiastically (RenaissanceAlliance.com) and your own proposes Barbara Marx Hubbard for the nation whose borders are the atmosphere of “cabinet” position of Secretary of the Fu- the earth, the United States of Being ture,10 but mentions nothing to his readers (usob.org). (Walsch, p. 209) about the “selection process” described in The first step is for you to log on to her book, The Revelation. This is by Walsch’s www.changeofheart.biz and pick up the own definition a “lie by omission.”11 information that we’ll continually make avail- How can someone advocating “radi- able there. This site will be where we organize cal honesty” not disclose to his readers that the selection and volunteering of compassion- those who refuse to go along with the “new ate leaders to be the cabinet for a candidate gospel” of “oneness” will one day be ban- for the presidential elections in 2004. It will ished from humanity and removed from the also be where we track the conversation about planet? The answer is because it is not actions we can all take to create unity in the world. (Blanton, p. 209) “good politics” to reveal this information at this time. “Love” and “oneness” sound Our objective is to organize a new government much better than a “selection process” with for a new nation, to be built first in our its “shock of a fire.” Walsch’s decision to imaginations and in cyberspace after we sign withhold this information from his readers up as citizens by signing the new Declaration of Independence. We then intend to grow is hardly the “whole truth, nothing but the larger as a political force in the current struc- truth,” “honest to God” forthrightness that ture at the same time we model a new one, he is preaching to everyone else. Whatever and then take over increasingly the actual the case, this recent book clearly demon- functions of government. We call our new strates that “new gospel” advocates are very country the United States of Being and we serious about politicizing their “new gos- intend it to be based on the sovereignty of the pel” spirituality and will continue to be a individual, rather than the sovereignty of the force to contend with during these decep- king, or the sovereignty of representatives. 12 tive and perilous times. (Walsch and Blanton, p. 212)

Epilogue • 81 Endnotes

Introduction 20. Marianne Williamson, ed., Imagine: What America Could Be in the 21st Century (U.S.A.: 1. David Osborne and Ted Gaebler, Reinvent- Rodale, Inc., 2000), p. 381–391. ing Government: How the Entrepreneurial Spirit 21. Barbara Marx Hubbard, emergence: The Is Transforming the Public Sector (New York: Shift from Ego to Essence (Charlottesville, Va.: Penguin Books, 1993), p. xv. Hampton Roads Pub. Co., Inc., 2001), p. 118–121. Chapter 1 1. Robert Skutch, Journey without Distance: Chapter 3 The Story behind “A Course in Miracles” (Berke- 1. Neale Donald Walsch, Friendship with God: ley, Calif.: Celestial Arts, 1984), p. 54. an uncommon dialogue (New York: G.P. 2. Ibid., p. 60. Putnam’s Sons, 1999), p. 280–283. 3. A Course in Miracles: Combined Volume 2. Neale Donald Walsch, Conversations with (Glen Ellen, Calif.: Foundation for Inner Peace, God: an uncommon dialogue, Book 1 (New York: 1975), (Text) p. 14. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1996), p. 1–2. 4. Ibid., p. 425. 3. Ibid., p. 95. 5. Marianne Williamson, A Woman’s Worth 4. Ibid., p. 192. (New York: Ballentine, 1993), p. 124. 5. Neale Donald Walsch, Conversations with God: an uncommon dialogue, Book 2 Chapter 2 (Charlottesville, Va.: Hampton Roads, 1997), 1. Barbara Marx Hubbard, The Revelation: A p. 35. Message of Hope for the New Millennium 6. Ibid., p. 56. (Novato, Calif.: Nataraj Publishing, 1995), 7. Ibid., p. 36. p. 40–43; Hubbard, The Hunger of Eve: One 8. Neale Donald Walsch, Questions and Woman’s Odyssey toward the Future (Eastsound, Answers on “Conversations with God” Wash.: Island Pacific NW, 1989), p. 66–68. (Charlottesville, Va.: Hampton Roads, 1997), 2. Hubbard, The Revelation, p. 42. p. 334. 3. Ibid., p. 55. 9. The Global Renaissance Alliance (http:// 4. Ibid., p. 59. www.renaissancealliance.org/resrce/ 5. Ibid., p. 64. board.htm) 6. Barbara Marx Hubbard, Conscious Evolu- 10. Neale Donald Walsch, Conversations with tion: Awakening the Power of Our Social Potential God: an umcommon dialogue, Book 3 (Novato, Calif.: New World Library, 1998), (Charlottesville, Va.: Hampton Roads, 1998), p. 279. p. 256. 7. Hubbard, The Hunger of Eve, p. 150. 11. Walsch, Conversations with God: Book 1, 8. Ibid., p. 196. p. 41. 9. Hubbard, Conscious Evolution, p. 116. 12. Ibid., p. 76. 10. Hubbard, The Revelation, p. 67–69. 13. Walsch, Conversations with God: Book 2, 11. Ibid., p. 350. p. 235. 12. Ibid., p. 264–265. 14. Ibid., p. 126. 13. Ibid., p. 298. 15. Walsch, Conversations with God: Book 3, 14. Ibid., p. 157. p. 320. 15. Ibid., p. 243–245. 16. Walsch, Conversations with God: Book 1, 16. Ibid., p. 44 and 78–79. p. 90. 17. Ibid., p. 258. 17. Walsch, Friendship with God, p. 295–296. 18. Ibid., p. 240 and 267. 18. Ibid., p. 394. 19. Ibid., p. 255. 19. Ibid., p. 376.

82 • Reinventing Jesus Christ 20. Walsch, Conversations with God: Book 2, Chapter 7 p. 141. 21. Walsch, Friendship with God, p. 375. 1. Barbara Marx Hubbard, The Revelation, p. 74. Chapter 4 2. Larry King Live, Marianne Williamson as guest, October 14, 2001, transcript from 1. Wayne S. Peterson, Extraordinary Times, website (http://www.cnn.com/Transcripts/ Extraordinary Beings: Experiences of an American 0110/14/lklw.00.html), p. 19–20. Diplomat with Maitreya and the Masters of 3. Ibid., p. 21. Wisdom (Henderson, Nev.: Emergence Press, 4. Kenneth Wapnick, ed., Concordance of “A 2001), p. ix. Course in Miracles”: A Complete Index (New 2. Ibid., p. 35. York: Penguin Books, 1997), p. 64. 3. Ibid., p. 4. 5. The Oprah Winfrey Show, Marianne 4. Ibid., p. 38. Williamson as guest, “What Really Matters 5. Benjamin Creme, The Reappearance of the Now,” September 26, 2001 transcript Christ and the Masters of Wisdom (North Holly- (Livingston, New Jersey: Burrelle’s Informa- wood, Calif.: The Tara Press, 1980), p. 30. tion Services), p. 10. 6. Peterson, Extraordinary Times, Extraordi- 6. Ibid., p. 13. nary Beings, p. 40. 7. Ibid., p. 14. 7. Ibid., p. 62. 8. Barbara Marx Hubbard, The Revelation, 8. Ibid., p. 56. p. 241. 9. Ibid., p. ix. 9. The Oprah Winfrey Show, September 26, 10. Ibid., p. 100–101. 2001 transcript, p. 16. 11. Wayne S. Peterson, author of Extraordi- 10. The Global Renaissance Alliance recom- nary Times, Extraordinary Beings, interviewed mended reading list (http://www.renaissance on Bridging Heaven & Earth, a weekly talk alliance.org/resrce/board.htm). show broadcast on Cox Communications’ 11. The Oprah Winfrey Show, Gary Zukav as public access Channel 17 in Santa Barbara, guest, “Is War the Only Answer?”, October 1, California on November 9, 2001 (http:// 2001 transcript (Livingston, New Jersey: www.HeaventoEarth.com). Burrelle’s Information Services), p. 14. 12. Peterson, Extraordinary Times, Extraordi- 12. The Oprah Winfrey Show, Gary Zukav as nary Beings, p. 7–8. guest, “What Do You Really Believe,” Novem- 13. Ibid., p. 143. ber 1, 2001 transcript (Livingston, New Jersey: 14. Ibid., p. 146. Burrelle’s Information Services) , p. 7–8. 15. Ibid., p. 164. 13. Wayne Dyer, “There’s a Spiritual Solu- tion to Every Problem,” Public Broadcasting Chapter 5 System broadcast 2001, transcribed by author. For a revealing interview with Dyer see http:/ 1. Warren Smith, The Light That Was Dark: A /www.phenomenews.com/archives/feb02/ Spiritual Journey (Chicago: Moody Press: dyerw.htm. Northfield Publishing, 1992), p. 135–137. 14. Ibid. 2. Ibid., p.141–144. 3. Ibid., p. 145. Chapter 8 Chapter 6 1. Kenneth Wapnick, ed., Concordance of “A Course in Miracles,” p. 695. 1. Marianne Williamson, Imagine: What 2. Barbara Marx Hubbard, Conscious Evolu- America Could Be in the 21st Century (U.S.A.: tion, p. 43. Rodale, Inc.: Daybreak imprint, 2000), p. 413. 2. Marianne Williamson, Healing the Soul of Chapter 9 America: Reclaiming Our Voices as Spiritual Citizens (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2000), 1. Messages from Maitreya the Christ: One p. 195. Hundred Forty Messages (Los Angeles: Share International Foundation, 1992), p. 189.

Endnotes • 83 2. Ibid., p. 248. 10. Benjamin Creme, Maitreya’s Mission: 3. Neale Donald Walsch, Friendship with God, Volume Two (Los Angeles: Share International p. 357. Foundation, 1993), p. 239. 4. Alice A. Bailey, The Externalisation of the 11. A Course in Miracles: Combined Volume, Hierarchy (New York: Lucis Publishing Com- (Manual for Teachers) p. 37. pany: New York, 1957), p. 75. 12. Warren Smith, The Light That Was Dark, 5. Neale Donald Walsch, Conversations with p. 150. God: Book 2, p. 242. 13. Alice A. Bailey, The Externalisation of the 6. A Course in Miracles: Combined Volume, Hierarchy, p. 417. (Text) p. 147. 14. Marianne Williamson, Healing the Soul of 7. Barbara Marx Hubbard, The Revelation, p. America, p. 205. 233. 15. Benjamin Creme, Maitreya’s Mission: 8. Ibid., p. 255. Volume Two, p. 239. 9. Ibid., p. 240. 16. Barbara Marx Hubbard, The Revelation, 10. Ibid., p. 111. p. 324.

Chapter 10 Chapter 11 1. NBC News Special Report: America on Alert, 1. Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht, The Tom Brokaw hosting Marianne Williamson as Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook (San guest, September 16, 2001 broadcast transcript Francisco: Chronicle Books, 1999), p. 14. (Livingston, New Jersey: Burrelle’s Informa- 2. Ibid. tion Services). 2. Adolph Hitler, Mein Kampf (Sixth Press- Epilogue ing), translated by Ralph Manheim (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.: Mariner Books, 1999), 1. Neale Donald Walsch and Dr. Brad p.xv. Blanton, Honest to God: A Change of Heart That 3. Jay Gary website, referenced by Barbara Can Change the World (Stanley, Va: Marx Hubbard in Conscious Evolution, p. 263. Sparrowhawk Publications, 2002), p. 202. 4. Barbara Marx Hubbard, Conscious Evolu- 2. Ibid., p. 207. tion, p. 279. 3. Ibid., p. 208. 5. Barbara Marx Hubbard and Jay Gary 4. Ibid., p. 159. (http://www.wnrf.org/programs/ 5. Ibid., p. 74. awards.htm and http://www.wnrf.org/ 6. Ibid., p. 56. networks/christian.htm). 7. Ibid., p. 200. 6. Neale Donald Walsch, Conversations with 8. Ibid., p. 199. God: Book 3, p. 325. 9. Ibid., p. 200. 7. A Course in Miracles: Combined Volume, 10. Ibid., p. 200–201. (Text) p. 479. 11. Ibid., p. 56. 8. Marianne Williamson, Healing the Soul of 12. The home page of The United States of America, p. 13. Being website (http://www.usob.org/ 9. Barbara Marx Hubbard, The Revelation, home.htm) mentions, “The last chapter of the p. 243. book, Radical Honesty II, goes into further detail about forming this country.”

84 • Reinventing Jesus Christ Bibliography

Bailey, Alice A. The Destiny of the Nations. New Osborne, David, and Ted Gaebler. Reinventing York: Lucis Press, 1978. Government: How the Entrepreneurial Spirit Is Transforming the Public Sector. New York: Pen- Bailey, Alice A. The Externalisation of the Hierar- guin Books, 1993. chy. New York: Lucis Press, 1989. Peterson, Wayne S. Extraordinary Times, Extraor- Bailey, Alice A. From Bethlehem to Calvary. New dinary Beings: Experiences of an American Diplo- York: Lucis Trust Publishing Company, 1976. mat with Maitreya and the Masters of Wisdom. Bailey, Alice A. The Rays and the Initiations: A Henderson, Nev.: Emergence Press, 2001. Treatise on the Seven Rays, Volume V. New York: Piven, Joshua, and David Borgenicht. The Worst- Lucis Publishing, 1993. Case Scenario Survival Handbook. San Francisco: Bailey, Alice A. The Reappearance of Christ. New Chronicle Books, 1999. York: Lucis Publishing Company, 1996. Share International Foundation. Messages from Creme, Benjamin. Maitreya’s Mission: Volume Maitreya the Christ: One Hundred Forty Messages. Two. Los Angeles: Share International Founda- Los Angeles: Share International Foundation, tion, 1993. 2001. Creme, Benjamin. The Reappearance of the Christ Skutch, Robert. Journey without Distance: The and the Masters of Wisdom. North Hollywood: The Story behind “A Course in Miracles”. Berkeley, Ca- Tara Center, 1980. lif.: Celestial Arts, 1984. Dyer, Wayne W. There’s A Spiritual Solution To Smith, Warren. The Light That Was Dark: A Spiri- Every Problem. New York: HarperCollins, 2001. tual Journey. Chicago: Moody Press: Northfield Publishing, 1992. Foundation for Inner Peace. A Course in Miracles, Combined Volume [Text, Workbook for Students, Walsch, Neale Donald. Conversations with God: Manual for Teachers]. Glen Ellen, Calif.: Founda- an uncommon dialogue, Book 1. New York: G.P. tion for Inner Peace, 1992. Putnam’s Sons, 1996. Hitler, Adolph. Mein Kampf (Sixth Pressing). Walsch, Neale Donald. Conversations with God: Translated by Ralph Manheim. Boston: an uncommon dialogue, Book 2. Charlottesville, Houghton Mifflin Company: Mariner Books, Va.: Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc., 1999. 1997. Hubbard, Barbara Marx. Conscious Evolution: Walsch, Neale Donald. Conversations with God: Awakening the Power of our Social Potential. an uncommon dialogue, Book 3. Charlottesville, Novato, Calif.: New World Library, 1998. Va.: Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc., 1998. Hubbard, Barbara Marx. emergence: The Shift from Ego to Essence. Charlottesville, Va.: Hampton Walsch, Neale Donald. Friendship with God: an Roads Publishing Company, Inc., 2001. uncommon dialogue. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1999. Hubbard, Barbara Marx. The Hunger of Eve: One Woman’s Odyssey toward the Future. Eastsound, Walsch, Neale Donald. Questions and Answers on Wash.: Island Pacific NW, 1989. “Conversations with God”. Charlottesville, Va.: Hampton Roads Publishing Company, 1999. Hubbard, Barbara Marx. The Revelation: A Mes- sage of Hope for the New Millennium. Novato, Walsch, Neale Donald and Dr. Brad Blanton. Calif.: Nataraj Publishing, 1995. Honest to God: A Change of Heart That Can Change the World. Stanley, Va.: Sparrowhawk Publica- Jampolski, Gerald. Love Is Letting Go of Fear. New tions, 2002. York: Bantam Books, Inc.,1985. Bibliography • 85 Wapnick, Kenneth, ed. Concordance of “A Course Williamson, Marianne. Healing the Soul of in Miracles”: A Complete Index. New York: Pen- America: Reclaiming Our Voices as Spiritual Citi- guin Books, 1997. zens. New York: Williamson, Simon & Schuster, 2000. Williamson, Marianne. A Return to Love: Reflec- tions on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles.” Williamson, Marianne, ed. Imagine: What America New York: Harper Perennial, 1996. Could Be in the 21st Century. U.S.A.: Rodale, Inc.: Daybreak imprint, 2000. Williamson, Marianne. A Woman’s Worth. New York: Ballentine, 1993.

86 • Reinventing Jesus Christ About the author

Warren Smith has a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and a M.S.W. from Tulane University. He is a hospice social worker who has previously worked as a program coordinator for the homeless and the developmentally disabled, and as a San Fransisco street worker. He is the author of The Light That Was Dark (Moody Press) and numerous articles warning about spiritual deception.