This is week four of our class blog and this week’s assignment asks us to discuss Myrtle Fillmore’s beliefs on Salvation… Here we go…Let’s first start with what is written in the Revealing Word on Salvation since it paints a clear picture in relation to the teachings of Unity, which Myrtle helped to establish.
The restitution of man to his spiritual birthright; regaining conscious possession of his God-given attributes. It comes as the result of redemption; the change from sin to righteousness. Salvation comes to man as a free gift from God. It embodies a knowledge of God that frees one from all limitations and points the way by which mind and body may be lifted up to the spiritual place of consciousness. The belief that Jesus in an outer way atoned for our sins is not salvation. Salvation is based solely on an inner overcoming, a change in consciousness. A cleansing of the mind, through Christ, from thoughts of evil.
Although we can’t know for certain if Myrtle had a say so in this definition, we can only presume she did since it matches with what she is eluding to in her book Myrtle Fillmore’s Healing Letters. (HL) Myrtle believed Salvation came about once each individual agreed to do their own work in expanding their individual consciousness. Myrtle tells us that an:
OLD FIXED STATE OF MIND MUST GIVE WAY, or be given up, that the Christ ideas may flow freely through his consciousness and give him the new life and light and poise and power and substance that he needs! ENCOURAGE HIM TO LET GO, to place himself in God’s care and keeping.
THIS IS THE ONLY THING THAT KEEPS HIM OUT OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN AND IT’S BLESSINGS! (88)
Myrtle presents some interesting information here. In Unity we believe that Jesus Christ is the perfect blend of idea and expression. The traditional churches view Jesus Christ as the son of God who presented in flesh and died for our sins so that we could be saved. The traditional church’s view Jesus Christ as their personal savior and they do not believe in Myrtle’s definition of salvation. Myrtle believed that Jesus was a way shower and he was here to teach us many things. Myrtle believed that Jesus taught salvation was available to everyone. Myrtle also believed that a change in consciousness was available to all at any given moment and Myrtle’s message was very clear in that regard. Myrtle believed that the only one holding someone back from their good were they themselves. Myrtle trusted that once someone connected with God through prayer and asked for direction and guidance they would be provided with answers. Myrtle believed each of us has to find within us the power to overcome the limitations and set backs in our life, as that is our true purpose. It would seem that Salvation comes when a realization happens and man is open to changing ill thoughts. Salvation is for our personal freedoms. Salvation happens when we are actively working though our outer and inner beliefs to live the Truth here and now.
It is important to note that Myrtle references Jesus quite a bit in her writings to give Christian followers a point of reference. As was discussed on Dr. Tom’s radio show.
“When Myrtle writes about Jesus living the Christ pattern she is telling us that the Christ pattern is within us. Myrtle used religious terminology that was of her 1900’s culture. Myrtle’s beliefs were all encompassing and the religious terminology she used had to be understood by the people. It would appear that Ms. Fillmore was attempting to introduce some eastern beliefs that didn’t quite fit in with her Christian upbringing, culture and language.”
Myrtle was trying to make sense of what she was thinking without having any concrete information to go on. She became quite the theologian as began exploring the varying concepts on her own. I believe Myrtle recognized Jesus had to overcome his human consciousness in order to claim his God given gift of renewal. Manifesting the Christ can not be forced… it is growth… salvation is about spiritual growth. If you remember only one thing about Myrtle’s belief on Salvation I believe this may be it.
In How to let God help you Myrtle tells us that “the state we call heaven is awaiting those who are ready for it: the peace and harmony and order that come from living in tune with infinite good (67) This sounds like Myrtle’s got a good handle on her belief system in regards to salvation. And finally, one last quote from Myrtle “All power is given unto you in all the affairs of mind and body. Exercise your God-given power, authority, and dominion and rise out of bondage… (90) HL
It is up to us to do the work, that’s all folks…
Christine, I liked how you started out by going to the Revealing Word for a clear definition of "salvation." Yes, salvation is our "birthright." But if I may dip into my Jewish roots, so was the Promised Land the "birthright" of the Hebrew people. Yet, it took them many years to gain the Promised Land, and they lost it through several exiles.
ReplyDeleteThat is why I was touched by how you ended your blog post: "It is up to us to do the work." If we don't do the work, we wont experience salvation even though it is our birthright. Myrtle shows us the work we need to do to stay in this metaphysical Promised Land, and it is often not easy work!
Hi Christine,
ReplyDeleteI too liked that you began with Revealing Word's definition of salvation. Then you said, "Myrtle believed Salvation came about once each individual agreed to do their own work in expanding their individual consciousness." I think the key word here is "agreed." It implies action, an intentional decision to say "yes" to the teaching. I think your statement ties to a part of the RW definition: "Salvation is based solely on an inner overcoming, a change in consciousness." The inner overcoming, as I see it, is the agreement to take the action, overcoming the inertia. -Doug
I also really appreciated that you quoted from The Revealing Word! And it does seem supported by Myrtle's writings, which you set forth here, that her views accord with this notion of salvation. You deeply explored the how of salvation here (the "by what") and alluded to the "for what" but I'm unclear as to your answer as to FROM WHAT are we saved. Notably, this idea of salvation as our birthright is very cool. It reminds me of ACIM, which teaches that every wakes up. The question for each of us is how long it takes. While we don't determine that moment of awakening to Truth (according to ACIM), it is our job to prepare our consciousness to make way for that awakening. It's interesting that while Myrtle certainly emphasizes the process for awakening, through prayer and meditation, nowhere do I see her giving a set formula or timeline for anyone. It seems that she, too, may believe that while we have a role in the process of awakening, we don't control when it actually happens...or do we???
ReplyDeleteNhien,
ReplyDeleteThe from what is our own limited consciousness and holding back our good which is always present but unseen at times.
Christine, you state "Myrtle trusted that once someone connected with God through prayer and asked for direction and guidance they would be provided with answers." Myrtle truly had faith in the power of prayer. Her experience with prayer, not only with her healing but in other areas of her life is indeed a testament to the power of prayer. You certainly provided us with a clear list of Myrtle's beliefs.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm chiming in also. It was very creative and affirming to start your post out with the definition of salvation from the book, Revealing Word. It may, however, be making some assumptions about Myrtle's personal definition, which you did reference as a potential problem.
ReplyDeleteWhat jumped out at me in your post was "Manifesting the Christ can not be forced… it is growth… salvation is about spiritual growth." That really defines salvation, via Myrtle, for me. It is not about falling down on our knees, or about fainting in our acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, it is about growth - spiritual growth. It's a process, not an event.
Thanks, Christine.
Christine: I'm going to push back a little on your choice of primary resources. The Revealing Word has never been attributed to Myrtle, and although one could argue that her influence is felt everywhere, this course aims to stay with her undisputed written works.
ReplyDeleteYour writing is clear and compelling, but I am not certain you ever described Myrtle's answers to the three fundamental questions this assignment specified, especially "Salvation from what?"
You write: "Myrtle believed Salvation came about once each individual agreed to do their own work in expanding their individual consciousness." Does this mean you believe salvation for Myrtle was escape from the inability to affect one's progress in Christ consciousness? Can we get there without Jesus?
Without a clear understanding of what condition, state or fate she thought we needed to be saved from, how do we ever know what her solution was?
One final comment on methodology. The primary assignment--to review and distill the beliefs and thoughts of a specific writer (Myrtle)--is about what the subject thinks, not what you and I think.
A monograph on Abraham Lincoln must examine his writings and other existing records of his speeches, such as newspaper accounts, rather than simply filling in the blanks with my views on what Lincoln believed. For example, Lincoln's writings clearly show the Great Emancipator wasn't an abolitionist until it became politically expedient, and he NEVER believed in the equality of the races.
The goal for student in this course should be to dig into Myrtle for their answers, and try to go there with an empty specimen box.
Dr. Tom,
ReplyDeleteSalvation is needed from our own thoughts. You ask: "Does this mean you believe salvation for Myrtle was escape from the inability to affect one's progress in Christ consciousness? Simple answer = yes.
Can we get to salvation without Jesus? Well, that's a new question. My opinion, I think in Christianity people would have a hard time finding salvation without having Jesus as a reference. Jesus relates to salvation for all Christians. Myrtle puts a different spin on salvation from the traditional Christian point of view.
Tough questions Dr. Tom.
Is this an easy class? I'd say no but I have learned an awful lot about the beliefs our beloved founder. I've never had the chance to dive this deep so thanks for challenging us.