Reader Comments on Seek Not to Change the World?
by Greg Mackie. Read the article.
Dear Greg Mackie,
Thanks so much for clearing this up. I too have heard much debate on this topic. I haven't read your complete article as yet I will when I download it, but when the topic comes up what I remembered from the Course is this: "You are not asked to correct your brother."
I don't even recall where this is in the Course, but since the world and all our brothers are projections of our erroneous perceptual filters, this makes sense. The only one capable of correction is the Holy Spirit, wherein we invite a little willingness to see this differently.
Blessings to you on your brilliant work, helping us all get home. I cannot donate right now as my husband has been out of work for over a year. I hope to in the near future.
Namaste,
—Patricia Weberman
Thank you so much for this article.
On the topic of changing the world I have to frequently remind myself that the world doesn't really exist. The world is nothing more than the collective projection of our collective unconscious mind. In this regard, it's a colossal, metaphorical dream depicting our fearful state of mind.
When one person manages to make one small "change in the outer world" i.e. when one person manages to hold a more compassionate less condemning view of another person in their inner world, this is the one and only act that can really change the world because this it is the only and only act that controls what makes the world in the first place.
It doesn't really matter what game you choose to play in this world, what political party you belong to, who you vote for or what uniform you wear. God doesn't take sides. He's on everyone's side. In the end, the only "game" that matters and the only "game" that will ever change this world is love. The only real game is forgiveness. Forgiveness is the only catalyst for changing this world
I'm reminded of the Course teaching that says that forgiveness makes miracles multiply into an endless unbroken chain of forgiveness. The forgiveness we share with one person is shared with another person and then another and another and another, etc. etc. etc. In the end, it is the singular means by which any of us can ever really change this world. To me, forgiveness doesn't mean you have to agree with another person's actions. It merely means you don't fight fire with fire, you don't fight hate with hate. Like Jesus and like Gandhi, you lay down your arms. You extend compassion. Then you quietly go about your business of opening your heart to love a little bit more each day. This is the only way I believe any one changes the world, and this is what we are all called to do.
Loretta M. Siani, Ph.D.
Clinical Hypnotherapy
Wedding and Funeral Ministry
(562) 434-7429
www.therapeuticimagery.net
Hi there,
In response to your article on "seek not to change the world" Greg says that he believes we are to take part in the world rather than not. OK, but who doesnt take part in the world anyway in one form or another? Looking at the famous people he mentioned, did they really make a difference? The world still just repeats itself, wars continue on,cruelty continues on, looks like nothing changes.
I think that you do a take on where you find yourself. Even if your lying down in a coma perhaps? You may find yourself in a situation where you literally can do nothing externally. Because this course recognizes this it emphasises just our internal condition, because that is enough to contend with. Paul the apostle once said that doing good works isnt it, but grace is everything, or something like that, and I feel the course says the same thing.
I notice my greatest ego temptation is to change something, but even if I succeed it doesnt mean that I have done a good thing always. My intention is good but the outcome can be not so good. I would so love to change the world but it wont change :)
cheers
—mariana
Good Morning Greg,
I thoroughly enjoyed your article on the idea of "seek not to change the world". I see your interpretation of the idea and agree. I would, however appreciate adding my thoughts to this.
As I consider what Jesus was saying in his many statements on this concept I ask myself "what do we, as Course in Miracles believers know without ANY doubt?" The answer that I feel is the most basic point Jesus is trying to make is that in order for us to "change the world" we as individuals do, as you have said, have to change our way of looking at the world. We, ourselves have to completely believe and understand that what we percieve as happening in the world is only OUR interpretation of what is happening. Our concept of what is happening is built on news articles, or other peoples' concepts or biases of what is happening and our own internal processing of information comming to us. As miracle workers we are taught by Jesus to give up on looking at the world and our brothers with this mind of past lies and half truths and see them as ONLY what they are, equal, sinless sons and daughters of God.
As we change our way of looking at them and project this very basic miracle attitude to them, then, and only then are we going to have a chance to change the world. As we give the miracle to that one of our brothers we have to simply believe and know that our miracle is working in him. As the miracle works in him he will learn to see his brother in the same way.
Will we do this nation by nation or city by city? No, probably not. But Jesus asks us to do this brother by brother, and as we teach one brother then the miracle will grow exponentially to the rest of Gods children.
I see this fulfilling the old saying " Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, but teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime". If we take food and clothing to a shelter for the homeless we are doing good, no doubt. But if we live the miracle that Jesus is teaching and teach our brother to see other brothers as what they are, perfect, sinless sons of God, then we change the world much more effectively.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to say this. I enjoy your commentary and that of the other Circle members so much.
Thank You.
Ralph Renick
Phenomenal article Greg!
I could feel the Miracles happening in my mind as I read your words that left my old perception in the dust. Your interpretation of Seek Not to Change the World resonates much more soundly with me.
Many thanks,
—Kirt McCurdy
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