Eckhart Tolle’s new book, A New Earth, is wreaking havoc with some conservative Christians – some of whom are my friends. I purchased the book on my return trip from Aruba. I devoured Tolle’s book in the 3.5 hour flight. I underlined, starred, and made marginalia notes. I felt elated seeing Tolle’s very well-written thoughts regarding Ego, being present, and one’s life purpose. Tolle quotes many great minds including C.G. Jung, and Christ. What a gift Tolle gave to the planet!
I was excited to share this book with my friends. So I did. I feel sad to see so much resistance to this literature. It smacks of antiquated and arrogant censorship – cloaked in Christianity. What, please educate me, is wrong with reading, discussing, boisterously-but-respectfully sharing differences of thought? Doesn’t mindful contemplation serve to expand knowledge and either confirm or change one’s opinion? How can we grow as spiritual beings if we don’t explore other perspectives? Some myopic Christians actually think Tolle’s book is the work of the anti-Christ! God help us.
I for one, consciously choose to remain open to many paths. I identity myself as a Christian, because I do believe Christ was the Messiah. BUT, I also integrate many other religions into my way of viewing the world – such as Eastern philosophies.
I don’t ask you to love Tolle’s book the way I do. I ask that tolerance prevail, and we not be so quick to discount such work because it doesn’t fit in within our spiritual box. It’s time to take off the lid and expand our consciousness – or at least tolerate others who do.
Beautifully written Suzanne – Your words are as eloquent as Tolle’s! Why are some Christians so threatened? What is the fear? I just don’t get it! It’s easy to assume those so frightened by his words have not truly read the book, as Tolle so obviously believes in Christ. Whose agenda are those that are so against this book really trying to advance? I’m a Christian also and not only feel that Tolle validates my Christianity, he enhances it and opens me up!!
God Bless you!
I thought I was atheist before being introduced to Tolle’s books. Immediately upon reading the first few pages in “A New Earth” the truth resonated with my very Being. I then knew I was not an atheist, nor have I ever been. This book has changed everything for me! I don’t understand, either, why so many Christians are afraid of this book, unless it could be that the ego inside them might die and their identity would be lost? Like Eckhart said, though, when one has had enough suffering then they are ready to accept surrender.
I am so greatful to Eckhart Tolle and Oprah for turning me onto Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor and her beautiful book “”My Stroke of Insight””. Her story is amazing and her gift to all of us is a book purchase away I’m happy to say.
Dr Taylor was a Harvard brain scientist when she had a stroke at age 37. What was amazing was that her left brain was shut down by the stroke – where language and thinking occur – but her right brain was fully functioning. She experienced bliss and nirvana and the way she writes about it (or talks about it in her now famous TED talk) is incredible.
What I took away from Dr. Taylor’s book above all, and why I recommend it so highly, is that you don’t have to have a stroke or take drugs to find the deep inner peace that she talks about. Her book explains how. “”I want what she’s having””, and thanks to this wonderful book, I can! Thank you Dr. Taylor, and thank you Eckhart and Oprah.
I was confussed to why Christians were upset about this book. I love Eckhart. BUT over the weekend I went to a party and found out it was for a New Thought Church opening. Well.. the leader of this new “church” a graduate of emerson New Thought preached hatred towards Christians.. saying they are followers and Chris was “garbage”.. I was shocked that a Spiritual “Leader” could be so unconscious. Ironically he is “teaching” a New earth adn Unity.. what a joke. A perfect example of hatred and after meeting this man, I can see why christians have call for concern… but please if oyu are Christian know this.. It is NOT E. Tolle it is the lost souls who interpret his words into hate.
I just wanted to drop a note to say–I very much appreciate your post. I’m a Christian as well; have been all my life. I found it..remarkable. My copy, like yours, is dog-eared and marked up.
Your thoughts echo mine exactly. I seriously don’t understand why this book is perceived a threat to Christianity. I emailed my own pastor regarding this book. His first response was inquisitive. His second was seething; full of accusations and disgust.
I seriously don’t get it.
Anyway..thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Charlotte Groth
Sacramento, CA
Charlotte ~ THANK YOU! I’m so glad someone agrees with my unpopular stance! We need to stick together. Why are conservative Christians sooooo threatened? Tolle quotes Christ for Heaven’s sake! I loved this book, and won’t back down on this one ; )
Thanks for sharing your opinion.
blessings…
WOW! I just realized all these comments – I’m feeling very blonde right now…. : ) PLEASE keep writing to me and sharing your views – I get jazzed when I see them! I’m still on a huge learning curve with DearZanny, and this whole computer stuff. Thank goodness I’m a much better therapist than “techy.” Thanks again, love to hear from you!!
Wow, I read these emails and I am shocked at the level of ignorance regarding Christianity. Tolle is not a Christian. And as far as I can discern, neither are any of the bloggers here. Tolle is a deceiver and is leading souls to an eternal death, assuming they die believing in his brand of ‘religion’. And so, being a Christian, I can tell you that Christians are not threatened by this book. Just sad that there are so many people deceived by it. As is the Father. But, sad or not, my Father in Heaven is holy and will throw any souls into hell who die with Tolle’s beliefs. There is only one way to eternal life and that is Jesus Christ . He confirmed that he is the way and the only way. So if you don’t believe that, you might as well just call him a liar.
Wow – read YOUR email Karen and am shocked by YOUR authority on all things Christian and all things “Eckart Tolle”
Not sure where you feel so confident assuming Tolle was “prescribing” some brand of religion . . . I merely read it as a “way of thinking and opening our minds.”
As you so eloquently stated “my Father in Heaven is holy and will throw any souls into hell” – Please recognize the REAL truth in your statement is that this is YOUR “father in Heaven” not necessarily anyone or everyone elses.
I’m thankful “MY father in Heaven is a loving, compassionate, forgiving father” that has taught me to follow his example of compassion and love . . .
May you be so blessed to know “my” father . . .
Denise,
Sorry, but you should study the scripture. It says that My Father is Holy and Just. He cannot look on sin. That is why people will go to hell. He is loving and compassionate. He is also holy, cannot look on sin and without the blood of the Lamb, people are sent to hell which was made for the devil and his angels. And you’re right. He’s not your Father since you don’t accept that since you don’t know Him. Remember, Jesus told the pharisees they were a brood of vipers and children of the devil. Those not in the kingdom of the Father are in the kingdom of the devil.
I do know My Father. I suggest highly that you come to know also the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and that you would experience eternal life. How to do this – Study the Word, which you clearly have not done.
Regards,
Karen
Although I do study the scripture, daily and with other – I just choose not to use it as a weapon to judge and criticize as you have chosen.
Blessings to you
Wow, so sad to read the last few responses from the Christian who uses her God as a weapon against those who do not follow her way of thinking. The only Bible I have read brought me Jesus who told me the most important thing to Him was that we LOVE one another…he didn’t tell me to go out and condemn anyone and repeat threats from the old testament, in fact he told me not to judge, lest I will be judged.
To all those out there that have FELT those words from the Bible come to life once again because Eckhart Tolle reminded us what they originally were meant to convey to us—Hoorah!
May we always remember the scared “Christains” are merely mired down in old misinterpreted doctrine, and that they only repeat, like robots, what they are told, not what they experience. I truly hope they can expand themselves beyond their egos and find the Lord, where He has always been, in their hearts.
Put your weapons down Christian Robots, and love each other like Jesus asked you.
I LOVE seeing so much enthusiasm regarding Tolle’s book – whether you agree with his thoughts or not is fine with me. Just the fact that people are thinking about deeper issues is inspiring. Keep your comments coming.
Eckhart Tolle’s book was a real awakening for me. Being a Christian my entire life, I have never felt so alive as I did after reading his words.
His book “The Power of Now” is also a must read.
His books were only the beginning of my transformation about 6 months ago. Since then, I have expanded my horizons and I am now at a place of peace and tranquility.
It’s odd how there is only one Christian who took time to respond to all of this… with that being said, yes I am a Christian. Anyhow for all you other bloggers in here take into consideration that people are people, we are all sinners and alike in that manner, therefore we are all subject to making mistakes. Regardless there is avid truth is most of the comments made by Karen but if you want a great Christian response to this whole “New Age Church” / “Eckhart Tolle” Book deal then check out this link below…
http://www.oakpointe.org/pdf/studies/Tolle_6_29_08.pdf
Best of regards to all of you and I hope you take the time to read it; especially if you are a Christian. God Bless.
Jesus is real! He made it so simple, but as humans we complicate everything from doctrines to using fear to control. People need hope and thats why Tolle has become popular! My hope is in Jesus, because He never fails me. And if I look through Jesus’s eyes I see things a lot clearer… I should mention that I do not fit in or go to a church or even call myself a christian, but I do believe in Jesus as my Lord and saviour! All I ask of you is to pray before reading Tolle’s book, to allow God to show you what He wants you to use in your life(Tolle is human and can make mistakes like all of us). I on the other hand will probably not read the book unless God Himself asks me…Not because of fear, but because I trust Him! I am kind weird like that!
If you’re a Christian then you know that Jesus warned that there would be many false teachers out there. This isn’t anything new, mind you. Early Christianity had Arius and Montanus. Today we have Tolle and Winfrey. All well intentioned people with a positive message but misled nonetheless. Basically this is a rehash of the ancient “your eyes will be open and you will be like God” promise from Genesis 3:5, just repackaged and marketted to a 21st century market.
Don’t be so quick to denounce those who have problems with Eckhart’s message. They just may be onto something.
Sadly enough, in a way Karen is already living in a self created hell. Caught in a matrix of delusion & programmed with thought patterns that are clearly not her own, she regurgitates judgment laden rhetoric that alienates others.
I’m not Christian at all, but I can say for certain that Tolle allows room for Christianity, Islam, & other belief systems in his writings. His focus is on how we interface with the world. Pain & suffering happen to those who’s “thinking mind” controls their lives.
Tolle is trying to teach us to awaken to the only place where life can even be lived…here, NOW. We must escape from the past or the future to ever really touch life itself. As this happens, we begin to transform & see our “thinking mind” as just a part of us & not who we are. My hand is part of me, but if someone asks to see a picture of me, I’m not sending a picture of my hand.
This frees us from our constructs of what the past meant or what might happen in the future.
I was born, christened, confirmed, baptized and lived a life of dysfunction. Riddled with drug addiction, alcoholism, shame, fear, and self loathing. The Church taught me nothing about living. I have searched I life time and found some help through AA. Cumming to believe in a god of my understanding. Yes Christ is my God. Yes the Church has missed the mark! As Eckhart Talks about the ego and it put it into a perspective for me. I won’t leave the church. “No evil just ego”
Loved what you said Zanny. Point well made. I have a Christian friend who is against the book but supports ME as it opened me up from no belief to belief.
I really don’t think the bible is the only evidence God has given us to find him. It is merely a guide book of humanities experience with the devine, from humanities view.
I do identify myself as being a Christian, I was “born again” 4 years ago and chose to follow this spiritual path for my life. And I completely agree with the original post, that this book is simply enhancing my beliefs. I’m discovering many parallels and new understandings as I’m identifying with Tolle’s ideas. I do find value in his words and insight. And I do appreciate that he references Jesus.
However, I do read this book with a discerning heart and am careful not to become completely consumed by his words and discard my previous understanding about faith and Christianity. It’s always safe to take literature on New Age ideals with a grain of salt as a Christian. This does not mean that I believe in condemning this work and those who advocate it. It is the ego who has identified with the “Christian” form that is attacking Tolle’s philosophies. God has blessed me with a mind and has helped me cultivate some of my understanding through this work. So I don’t view this book as the work of Satan but I don’t see this as the ultimate truth for my life.
The Bible is my ultimate source of the teachings and revelations from God.
And “A New Earth” is merely a supplement for my spiritual growth, a fresh perspective.
Also to add…
I’m speaking generally about this relgious intolerance fiasco…I think it’s so unnecessary to make this a Christianity VS. A New Earth debate
Why must we create opposition where there was none to begin with?
It’s ironic that this phenomena is occuring because it’s exactly what Tolle addresses in his book
Humans can be so blind to their downfalls, it’s unbelievable…
1 John2:22 “Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son.”
…and furthermore those who see parallels and not contradictions in this man’s teachings and that of Christ clearly have no idea what Christianity is truly about…A man cannot have two masters…he loves one and hates the other. Work out your salvation…
and one last thing…1 John 4:1-3 “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.”
Sin is desire fully manifest.
For the enlightened, the being’s will is to not have pain.
For the Christian, God’s will is love.
For the enlightened, one must work at and perfect the capacity to achieve a sense of nirvana (Tolle’s “Now” – an existence without time), which is the only place where pain and desire go away. As an enlightened being, YOU have to WORK to achieve it’s reward (the death of pain). Always striving, never quite being in “Now” at all times. Go ahead, try it, you will fail.
For the Christian, one must believe in Jesus to receive eternal life (Tolle’s “Now” – an existence without time). It is through Jesus that sin (pain) goes away. The WORK has been done for you by Jesus on the cross. The reward for faith is freedom from fear and oneness with God. Faith allows you to be in God at all times, regardless of your emotion, thoughts or earthly situation. Go ahead, try it, you will discover the truth.
My personal “beef” with Tolle is that he miss-quotes Jesus and uses Jesus’ words “out of context” in order to validate yet another form of religion that is dependent on “work” not “faith.”
For those who enjoyed Tolle’s books (as I have), I recommend picking up a copy of “The Message.”
Christians who react with anger and fear to Tolle’s writings are revealing cracks in their own faith. They tend to threaten others with all that Armageddon talk when they are put in a corner. I believe that Jesus laid down everything we need to know, though of course, the church hasn’t always been forthcoming with the goods. Not only did they forbid translating the Bible until the Renaissance, they didn’t even include all the Gospels. But I believe the Holy Spirit will point us all to the way of salvation if we put all our trust in God. I also believe God is far more loving and generous than the old time patriarchal types want to believe! There may even be room for them in Heaven!
Hi everybody,
There is so much hate and judgment going on in here. Jesus came to the Earth to preach love, not only to those who share our points of view, religion, etc., but to everyone. I, as a Christian, am not here to judge, that is not my job, it is God’s. My job is to love and preach of His love to others, and to tolerate those who reject me.
I don’t think Christians feel threatened by this book. I mean, at the end of the day they will believe wat they want to believe. I personally don’t settle for what I’ve been taught in church or at home, I have questioned God and questioned Christianity, because I think it’s about wanting to know God, not simply admitting he exists.
Anyway, I honestly don’t think it’s wrong to find yourself and not worrying about the past or the future. I just think this is a way of being WITHOUT God. I think a true Christian who has given his life to God, needs nothing else. So why try to do anything without God? It’s like telling God He’s not enough.
Christianity is not based on fear or shame. I want to do good not because I am afraid that if I don’t God will send me to hell, but because I love God so much I want to please him and I know that being and doing the right thing can’t lead to an unfulfilled life. It’s like loveing your parents, I obey them because I want to please them, not because I am afraid of the punishment. And as to shame, I don’t think there’s anything wrong on admitting you made a mistake and letting go of it. After all that is what forgiveness and salvation are about.
And as to Jesus being the only way and how that can’t be and that there many ways to God and all religions could or can be right, I’ll put it this way: It’s like God is a techer and we are ALL (including all religions, points of view, countries, skin colors, languages, etc) his students. He gave us what we need to study fot the test. You decide if you want to study what he has given you or if you study what you think is right. So we have, throughout time, all chosen different religions, beliefs etc. At the end we will all take the test and those with the right answers pass and those with the wrong answers fail. The question we must each answer during our lives is WHAT to study, find out what the RIGHT answers are. I personally think, the Bible, Jesus’ teachings and Salvation through Jesus are the right answers, and I believe I am right, and I believe I will pass the test, just as you might think I am not, and think you are right. The truth is eveyone believes in something and believes that something to be the truth, and in the end we will find out who passes the test. It’s that simple.
I’m sorry I have written so much. I’ve just been thinking and researching and reading for a long time and wanted to share with you what I have learned and concluded. So, don’t hate each other. I mean, if you think they’re wrong, there’s nothing you can do about it, so just accept it and live your life.
Vianney
So what I mean is that truth, and a sense of right and wrong are not relative. There is a God and what he says is right is right and what he says is wrong is wrong. Notice that what HE says is, not what we think.
Another thing I want to clarify in case I didn’t make myself clear. I don’t accept Tolle because I think I need only God and God only, I don’t need an interpretation of God or anything like that. Anyone who trusts and FULLY RELIES on God, I believe, doesn’t need anything or anyone else. I think CHRIST is the right and only way. Not because I am a closed minded christian, but because I think my faith and conviction and trust in God are more than enough.
Thanks.
Oh another thing. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no one can come to the Father(God)(in Heaven), but by me.” John 14:6
And therefore, if you’re a christian this is your Truth. And if you’re not this is what I belive is true and right, and that Jesus is the only way I can get to God.
Thanks again.
Sure Tolle’s idea of being in the ‘Now’ is fine, I see nothing wrong with that. But read further, the fact is, Eckhart Tolle says this about Christ: “Never personalize Christ. Don’t make Christ into a form identity.”
“Never personalise Christ”?
“Don’t make Christ into a form of identity”?
Well, sorry to upset your apple carts but I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ himself healed me from a chronic illness.
Jesus Christ is very real, alive and present!
Tolle is completely wrong about Jesus Christ. Tolle positions himself as a kind of saviour and teacher of humanity, but Tolle’s work is full of lies and deception. In fact, I think he is actively working against Christ. Yet, when it suits him, he appropriates the words of Christ to sanction his own work.
God’s love, like the sun, shines down on Every one, and, like the rain, nourishes Every one. Jesus says he is the Light and at other times states that YOU too are the Light. Maybe this indicates opportunity exists for anyone to transcend her or his earthly body and it’s seeming limitations (such as illness, character flaws, negative reactions to emotions, EGO) into full spiritual consciousness where real awareness allows, accepts and is…..through the grace of God – not so unlike Jesus. I’ve deep, profound personal pain in regard to Christians who use Christ as a guise & as a weapon against me. It’s apparent were actually using their religion to avoid its demands on them. Or, rather they chose a “pathological” version of religion to avoid the deeper spiritual demands associated with authentic religious life. The Bible had many human hands in the writing and editing of it. For one example, I know just how lowly some high ranking church administrators and high $ tithers can behave as humans, and how they protect one another from consequence. I’ve seen more ego protecting and Christian performing than any child of God should ever have to endure at the victim end. If Christians were any where near capable to committing “sin” at the time the Bible was written as I have known they now are today, I’ve no doubt the Bible cannot be completely accurate. This does not mean there is nothing to glean……….Loving they neighbor as thy self, and turning the other cheek seem to be the hardest thing for the Christians who’ve disappointed me. Judging and divisive religions have no place in my heart and soul where God shines his Light in hopes that I may one day heal and forgive the crimes of Christians against me and so many others……..Personally, I don’t think any one teacher is ALL right, and there is no ONE path for EVERY one. There is love, there is light, there is eternity…………
I like something Anne Lamott said: “You can safely assume you’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that he or she hates all the same people you do.”
The message of the cross is nonsense to those who are being destroyed,but it is God power to us who are being saved.The power of now is not from Eckhart Tolle and Oprah,but from God.The power is the cross and now is the word that the church emphasizes on it:The Holy past is present “now” with power.Let Oprah and Eckhart if they dare,to speak on TV about the real “power of now” of the cross in the book the coin of the temple by souheil bayoud.Then you will find who is false and who is right,their false christ or the real Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior.
i think, the reason why which people find this book very repulsive is that they see it as a threat to their faith, to their comfort zone and that when that wall that surrounds that comfort zone has been destructed by the words of this book -which was never i think eckhart’s reason for making it, the normality on which they live on a day to day basis would be interrupted. i love the book!
This book is a trademark ‘new age movement’ belief it is both monistic and pantheistic. Im a christian, have been all my life, and am on staff at my local church. I think Tolle is great with his words and a good author. Yet the content is not at all Christian. He backs up his claims using verses that are completely taken out of context. I am all up for people searching for the truth and i think its great people are getting off their bums and trying to find the truth in this world, yet i think we should be careful at what books we label as Christian because this certainly isnt a Christian book. Nonetheless Im not judging anyone who likes it and any Christian that is judging and hurling abuse at people for reading this should remember that the central message of Christianity is Grace.
Vianney, Unfortunately christianity while it can be a beautiful religion or way of life can also be a condeming one too. Too the people who judged tolle’s work harshly and condemned him to the fires of hell, Iask why is christianity so full of hatred so dogmatic fanatical and one-sided. What an insecure picture you portrey., in terms of the chrstian church. Sprituality is a personal thing, & those who are truly spiritual will ensure daily that their practices reflect kindness compassion and true sadness; not the sadness of the born-again christian pitying those who have supposedly lost their way. We all have our own journeys to fullfil down our own golden or silver paths of spirituality. Whether one be wiccan, pagan, a buddha practitioner, it does not matter. What matters is that somewhere down the line the New Earth (Or heaven) emerges so that true peace reigns where there will be no wars hatred, greed, intolerance, and where hunger and health issues no longer exist because everyone will be treated in an egalitarian way. The problem with Marxism as practised in Russia was that it became a political power struggle of the ruling class ie the communist party, gave so little to the proletarians even though the Party called everyone Comrades. As quoted in animal Farm: All animals are born equal however there are some more equal then others. M
Regarding Animal Farm, lets hope that a time will emerge when all are equal not just a chosen few. True anarchy is when civilisation has truly learnt to be civilised – no weapons of any kind etc.
Peace & Harmony
Jenny
hi zanny
thank you! i was drawn to eckhart’s teachings but, had a spec of doubt due to some unfavourable coverage by some christians.. your post has given me the encouragement i need to explore. you’re right on so many levels 😉
thank u
You know i left the church a long time ago, i was there my whole life but knew something wasn’t right. To me i just knew in my heart that the dogma of all religions is just simply bullshit. No one person on this planet has been able to explain to me why Jesus, Mohamed, Buda etc are soooooo great. It’s all mind control. But after I listened to Eckhart’s cd’s the answer came to me and now i believe. Hell, the devil, sulphur, Koran, bible all stories that cant be verified and and have not brought peace upon the earth. So what does this mean, if god is perfect and loves us then his perfection would sweep through the earth and bring peace. but it hasn’t has it. and lets not bring free will into this equation because that is the church’s escape or veto card. maybe we really are all gods children, we are in his image isn’t that what Jesus said. there fore our conscious minds must all be connected. so maybe we are all one. there is no us just I , we are all one. when you look at you neighbour you are looking at your self . We are all experiencing the world through different eyes but only one consciousness. And that would explain why Jesus said sin is not a good thing because we are apart of god and he his apart of us. But bigger than that we are god and he is us. What we do to our neighbour we do to god and we do to our selves.
You know I heard a statement preached by my mother, my grandmother , the church and every Christian organization out there. You can tell is something is of god by the fruits it bears’. the fruits of the worlds religions has been very poor in my eyes.
I just find that once you understand what Eckhart tolle is saying, the whole question of life is answered and peace begins to fill you. My Christian religion only brought confusion, hate, judgment , arrogance, and a feeling of utter control and confusion. Jesus’s message was truly lost 2000 years ago. The bible is just another book that doesn’t seen to work on 90% of society. You cant bring peace to the world and people back to god through fear. Tolle’s basic teaching awakens your essence. Once you see the truth you want to live a good life towards everyone, even other religions and races because you see yourself in them.
What a horrible feeling to wake up on the other side of your death and god says your going to hell because you are not a Muslim. You would probably argue with god that you were taught that no one could go to heaven unless he or she did it through Jesus. You were so sure you were right. You see where this thinking is flawed. The truth is that you didn’t have a choice because your mind was born into Christianity through your parents. Thus the original sin. Definition of sin according to Tolle “ not being all you can be or were created to be.”
I challenge any spiritual person on this planet to listen to Tolles audio cd’s then come back to this site and post you comments.
I have a question for all Bible-believing Christians: if you truly believe the Bible, why aren’t you Muslims? Do you remember the Old Testament story of Abraham’s son Ishmael and Ishmael’s mother Hagar? How they were thrown out of their home because they quarrelled with Sarah and the younger son Isaac? The Bible says that
G-d spoke to Hagar, saving her and her child from death (starvation and thirst), blessing her and promising that Ishmael would be the root of “a great nation.” That nation was/is Islam. (G-d even describes Ishmael as “a wild donkey of a man”, “his hand raised against {neighboring tribes} and “all their hands against him.” Presumably, Ishmael’s descendants were to have a similar temperament. Sound familiar?) Why would G-d save and specifically bless the ancestors of the Muslims, making a “great nation” from people who would follow a false god, a false prophet, or a false book? The only sensible answer would be that if the Bible is truthful in the story of Hagar & Ishmael, then Muslims do worship the same G-d as Jews and Christians: and Muhammed would have to be considered a prophet of that same G-d. I wonder how Bible-inerrancy folks wiggle out of that one, especially since Muslims believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah and await the Second Coming. The only difference is in their perception of G-d as being greater than anything or anyone imaginable, even Jesus. Who is right? G-d in the Bible seems to favor BOTH. I have decided to keep my mind (and heart) open and just say, “I DON’T KNOW.” I believe in G-d and that G-d’s Mercy is more important to my final destination than any “good works” I produce….which doesn’t mean I should stop doing whatever good I can. I think EckhArt Tolle is just a man, neither prophet nor demon, speaking from his own experience, offering practical exercises to improve yourself psychologically. He speaks to people of all faiths or even no faith. That is why he doesn’t preach like the minister at your local church. He doesn’t preach Judaism or Islam or even Hinduism. I have yet to find any exhortations to pray to Siva or bow to a statue of Buddha
in Tolle’s books/videos. I use some of Tolle’s exercises and ideas, without idolizing or worshipping myself, without considering Tolle as a prophet, without abandoning prayer to G-d, the One and Only. It is possible to take what you find helpful from Eckhart Tolle’s teachings and leave the rest.
The present moment is Alive. It is God. “Be still and know that I am God”, “Dont be anxious about tomorrow”, “dont look back”. These are reoccuring Bible messages. Buddha, Eckart and others are actually DOING what the Bible tells them to. The Christians who are not practicing, not living and abiding in God (who can only be found in the Now) are very threatend. They are not living in the Kingdom of Heaven but have decieved themselves that they are.
Tolle as a teacher!! a lesson must have a beginning a middle and end. Tolle begins in the middle and stays there. To be spiritual if that is your goal is to deny worldly wealth somebody should mention that to Tolle.
Enlightment requires many hours of meditation with no drugs to assist, being suicidial and taking LSD is not the path.
Adrien : Tolle does not teach his book is an amalgam of Zen Hindu and christianity there is no original thought.
he can not be a spiritual teacher because he does not believe in spirit life / the next life/ he has no explanation for the creation of life / he is a deceiver/ glib evasions are common to him there is no substance.
beware false prophets they will damage your health and wallet