Is this book suitable for all believers?

Use this forum to discuss the March 2019 Book of the month, "The Unbound Soul: A Visionary Guide to Spiritual Transformation and Enlightenment" by Richard L. Haight
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Nerea
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Re: Is this book suitable for all believers?

Post by Nerea »

Personally, the book is not fit for me because there are ideas portrayed in the book that are contrary to what I read from the Bible. For instance, the issue about Hell. I don't believe that Hell is a literal place where people who don't obey God will go to and suffer forever. Inline with the Bible, Hell is also Sheol or mankind's common grave.
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Post by Nyambura Githui »

briellejee wrote: 10 Mar 2019, 09:43 [quote=Fuzaila post_id=1125330 time=1552156990 user_id=878840

In reading the book, I don't think my belief was shaken to its core, but I think that's because I don't usually like reading and believing instantly in books of "faith" or "revelation" other than the bible. Reading this was out of curiosity but I really don't let myself immerse deeper with the author's words. With that attitude, I can say that it didn't hinder my faith. There is no question that these books could alter perspectives. The key is not only an open mind but a strong resolve on your faith when things tend to go astray from your belief. After all, there are a lot of things here that overlap with one another despite the different religions.
I agree, one should read a book such as this with an open mind. I loved reading about Richard's adventures. The exercises he mentions, I've started practicing them.
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Post by Beatus »

I once read somewhere that as humanity evolves knowledge will reveal that a lot of what most of us believe will be probed wrong or non-exixtent. And becauae of this some will opt to take their own lives rather than let go of what they believe. Probably this book provides a glimpse into such a scenario.
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Post by chiefsimplex »

I don't think some strictly religious people would be comfortable with the way spiritual philosophies are mixed here.I feel that spirituality is one essential component that defines an individual's identity and therefore assuming that separate religious philosophies may be mutually reinforcing just seems erroneous.Or that readers possess the rational capacity to curiously chose their prefered trajectories from an assortment ,without being offended at some point seems unlikely.
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Post by nbel »

I am a believer. I was very confused about the book when I just started reading it. It contradicted many of my beliefs. I felt like the author was just expressing his own feelings regarding the matter and it wasn't something that I enjoyed. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend this book to people who take their religion very seriously.
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Post by Kibet Hillary »

I am still of the opinion that it does not fit all believers. For instance, what happened to the author may happen to anyone who will read the book without some ground to stand on. What will happen when they read the next book on spirituality may also be a shift to the new belief. The reader needs to be adviced.
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Post by Samy Lax »

I often read books even if they don't adhere to my beliefs just to see if they can bring a new perspective into my thinking. Most books fail at doing this, but some do succeed. I have not been too shaken by the beliefs stated in this book yet. But then, I am yet to finish it. So, I might have a more detailed answer later.
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Post by KitabuKizuri »

From the descriptions about the book, not all believers would be compelled to agree with the author on his opinions. He does have something to share from his own experiences though, and that would make one want to read it.
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Post by María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda »

Honestly, no. I don't think this book is suitable for all believers. Some people are staunchly committed to one faith and doctrine and that's perfectly fine but they'll probably feel uncomfortable with the mixed spiritual ideas that the book presents, as well as some of the comments and anecdotes like the one you quoted. Personally, my beliefs were already a mixed bag before the book so it didn't really alter them. I'm always open to new ideas (within reason) and I decided to read the book with an open mind and take what works for me. But I think some readers could find the book threatening or even disrespectful.
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Post by MsTri »

I've actually decided against reading this book because of my strong Christian convictions; I don't like to pollute my mind with things I don't believe in, not because I fear I'll lose my faith, but because it upsets and saddens me.
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Post by chelhack »

As I mentioned in my review on this book I didn't find anything that I just did not like. Yet, I feel about books of this type or within this genre altogether is that everyone is unique and must find what it is that works for them.
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Post by Crazyreader01 »

Personally, I think everyone, believer or not, can see and take something different from this book. It affects each individual differently and whether or not it makes you question your faith is up to each individual.
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Post by maritzaalston »

To answer thoughtfully the key question Yes, I believe this book is suitable for all. It is a great book, and people will take from it what they can truly understand and the specific passages that they feel were important. There are other books that can be read to further pursue the topic if the reader wishes to further delve into it.
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Post by KCWolf »

ViziVoir wrote: 10 Mar 2019, 02:14 I feel like there's no single book in existence that appeals to all believers - even many Christians, so I've heard, prefer translations of the original writings of Jesus and his apostles over those selected by the time's authorities to be put into the Bible. My own beliefs aside, I don't think it appeals to all believers, and I don't think it even could!
Well said. :tiphat: Couldn't have stated it better myself.

There's no one book or one "belief system" for everyone.

As Ghandi has said, "I believe there are as many religions in this world as there are people." Everybody perceives things differently.
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Post by Sonya Nicolaidis »

I enjoy books that challenge my current system of belief and welcome a different point of view. The way I see it, making me rethink my spirituality, it will either serve to refine and strengthen it, or make me seek something else, something that satisfies me more. Either way it is a good thing. As for only reading the book if you are ready for ‘the great revelation’, I don’t pay too much attention to that. It’s also important not to swallow everything you read blindly; just because it is in print does not necessarily make it true. I am not threatened or made to feel uncomfortable by anything that is written in this book.
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