In this collection of articles, we had been discussing specialness and extra specially spiritual specialness as it is turning into a prevalent form within the Course community. Like all styles of specialness, non secular specialness is a defense of the ego (towards the other). It continues the separation inside the mind as the non secular motive for differences. In this fifth article, we’re going to carry the dialogue round to idols as it is supposed in A Course in Miracles (ACIM).
You will remember from the fourth article on fragmentation, we’re looking to grow to be aware of while we’re choosing the ego (Ken Wapnick) because the ego is the a part of the mind that believes in division (T-five.V.Three). Idols should warrant consideration and learning as they’re ego:
Idol is the symbol of the substitution of the ego for our real Self or god; a fake belief that there may be some thing apart from, or extra than God, and hence break free Him, a perception that is then projected onto the unique dating: people, matters or ideas (Glossary-Index for A Course in Miracles, Kindle region 550).
Here is the answer to every hassle so that it will confront you. In this world, you agree with you are sustained by way of the whole lot but God. Your faith is located within the most trivial and insane symbols; drugs, money, influence, status, being preferred, knowing the “proper” humans, and an infinite listing of types of nothingness that you endow with magical powers. All this stuff are your replacements for the Love of God (Lesson 50).
Here inside the dream, or illusion, the word image definition for “idol” is, “A person or component this is substantially in demand, loved or respected.” In the ultimate article svava grace of god on fragmentation, we also discussed how spiritually special Course teachers are cult leaders and the word image definition for a “cult” which most do no longer do not forget is, “A misplaced or immoderate admiration for a selected individual or issue.” All of those symbols point to the equal element: Specialness in all its paperwork are idols meant to replace the Love of God and hold the separation in the thoughts.
Throughout this collection we have additionally stated spiritual specialness as caring who they proportion the degree or limelight with, i.E., the special courting and coaching their own ego model of the fact. Pun meant on this one: Let’s finish setting the level for this discussion with the following quote from yet some other writer:
Everybody is searching for and explicit their truth. Their so-referred to as truth is without a doubt designed to maintain them stuck wherein they’re. What J is teaching in his Course is that the reality isn’t specific for everyone. It isn’t always relative. He’s pronouncing the fact is the reality whether you recognize and consider it or now not. The fact is not problem for your interpretation, and nor is his Course. He’s the Teacher, you’re the pupil. If it is now not the case, then why do the Course? (The Disappearance of the Universe, Gary Renard, web page 92).
Idols of Specialness
Kenneth Wapnick is thought for announcing that the Course isn’t for folks that trust they’re “religious giants” which spiritual specialness believes. Spiritual giants use the first regulation of chaos: The fact is specific for absolutely everyone (T-23.II.2) that’s what Renard’s quote is pointing us in the direction of knowledge. This can not be stated sufficient: Spiritually special “giants” train their ego interpretation of the reality, i.E., an expansion of varieties of idols meant to replace God’s Love and keep the separation. If that is the heart of the trouble, then it’s possibly a very good idea to actually need to recognize this so that you can research whilst you are selecting an idol, i.E., the ego.
The realistic application of the Holy Spirit’s purpose is extremely easy, however it’s far unequivocal. In truth, a good way to be easy it need to be unequivocal (T-17.Vi.1:1-2). Jesus maintains saying that this is a very simple path… Why it is easy: It’s unequivocal. There are not different methods of deciphering this direction. The Course is what it’s far. It says what it says. It does not say various things to unique people (Rules for Decision, Kenneth Wapnick).
Yet, this is exactly what spiritually unique Course teachers as cult leaders are doing! Wapnick makes a very valid factor that may assist us recognize whilst we’re deciding on an idol of specialness: