Customer Reviews

A Search for God (Books 1 & 2), 50th Anniversary Edition

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

These two volumes in one are meant to be studied in a group environment. (For groups in your area, contact the Association for Research and Enlightenment, the Edgar Cayce Foundation at http://www.are-cayce.com/.) The groups usually meet once a week and discuss a chapter or part of a chapter. There are online groups as well.

I went to these meetings for close to ten years and it was a wonderful experience. I met some great people and we used the books as a foundation for spiritual growth in a unique fellowship. It is great as either an alternative or an adjuvant to church. For those who have issues with churches because of the inconsistencies and contradictions, this can be a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend it. You can also get a lot out of these books studying by yourself, but it's more fun with a group. It is great spiritual nourishment either way.

I, too, have been honored to be in an Edgar Cayce group for severals years. Cayce's work was introduced to me by my mother many years ago and I have treasured his teaching and writings. This insightful book, as well as, many others about Cayce are instrumental in our gaining knowledge about the laws of our universe. I highly recommend this study.
Barbara Sinor, Ph.D.
Author: Gifts From The Child Within: Self-discovery and Self-recovery Through Re-Creation Therapy, 2nd Edition and An Inspirational Guide for the Recovering Soul

Books I and II--here combined in one volume--are based on so-called readings dictated by the sleeping prophet Edgar Cayce (EC) in weekly sessions witnessed by members of a study group from 1931 to 1942. This work may represent the gold standard, ten out of ten, of extrasensory prophetic wisdom revealed in the 20th century. Students of A Course in Miracles (ACIM) would probably contest that claim but although a son of Cayce (Hugh Lynn) had some interest in ACIM for a time, the theology of ACIM is radically different from that of the Cayce material. Most Christians whose theology is orthodox would--if they had an open mind and spirit--find that much of the Cayce readings in this book conform to traditional biblical doctrine and Christology. In contrast, very few Christians would be able to reconcile their beliefs with those presented in ACIM.

Christian apologists are virtually unanimous in their classification of the Cayce material as fraudulent, coming from a psychic deceiver or at best coming from a folksy down-home goodness-to-gracious man deceived by demonic spirits, the father of lies. Sceptics of the religious and/or the psychic are just as condemnatory. Reversely, Cayce apologists defend all the material and actvity purportedly associated with EC. The cures that didn't work, the prophecies that didn't come true, the questionable hucksterism pursued by EC's handlers and the later compromises by ARE of EC's doctrinal positions are by them glossed over, forgotten or rationalized. Enlightenment is not served by extremism.

The collection of EC readings should not be elevated to a level of divine infallibility. Nor should it be dismissed wholesale as either irrelevant opportunistic illusion or demonically induced deception. Unbiased research would establish that much good, inspirational and practical benefit has been the result of EC's legacy and very little harm has occurred. The ridiculing, the fear-mongering and derisive condemnations emanating from religious fanatics and materialistic sceptics have definitely not fostered social tolerance, brotherly love or peaceful coexistence, and never will. I am persuaded that the readings upon which this book is based are in accord with the highest of human and divine motives and ideals. This book could play a major role as a bridge for dialogue, tolerance and understanding between Christian fundamentalism and progressive universalist spirituality. Unfortunately, modern phariseeism continues to stand in the way.

A few excerpts are telling about its Christian wisdom: "Love is that inexplicable force which brought Jesus to earth so that through Him the way back to the Father might be made plain to the children of men." pp 124 "Seek God where he may be found, even in the heart of a neighbor. How well do we know God? Just as well as we seek to know and understand our fellow human beings, and just as well as we seek to magnify the divine consciousness in them." pp 68 "Truth may be proved only by results. If we would be led by the Spirit that leads into all truth, we may expect to have many opportunities for proof in our own life. We alone can judge as to that which is truth for ourselves." pp 183 "All power, all force is in Him, and is subject to His will. In Him is the light that we should seek, that we in body, mind, soul and purpose, may be one with Him. He is the Way!" pp 188 "The purpose for which our soul chose to come into this earth plane was to awaken the Divine within, which is done through manifesting the fruits of the spirit toward our fellow humans." pp 198 "Our soul is a portion of the Divine. It is a moving influence in our activities throughout our experiences in all spheres of consciousness. Our soul is a universe within self. Will is an attribute of the soul, and with it we choose to develop either to a oneness with Universal Consciousness or in opposition to It." pp 217-218 "Through the example set by the Christ, we know the way. The choice is made daily by each soul to follow the Light or seek selfish gratification." pp 251

The books (both volumes are included) have with stood the test of time. I enjoyed reading them but found the paraphased editions very helpful also.

I have to force myself to put this book down. These are words that really sink into your essence. For those of us who think we're "doing ok" with our attitudes, our thoughts, and don't need to improve even slightly, this two-books-in-one is a MUST read. My guess is you'll find the answer to so much in this read, specifically you will find God. I'm seeing him everywhere and anytime, and I'm not even finished the book yet.

If I Knew that I was to be marooned somewhere I would bring this book with me. Everything is in it, so far as things pretaining too all spiritual issues and most of all about Gods love for us and his admonition to love each other and how we should treat ourselves and others.

Even knowing Edgar Cayce's name heads me in the right direction. My soul acknowledges his truths. He answers questions I never thought to ask. I am deeply grateful for this book.

this book will reveal to you all of our desires to know GODS love for us. It will teach you how to love him who gave his all for us. The LORD JESUS CHRIST is revealed and his teaching become personnal and comforting in these times of stress. If i were stranded on a desert island with one book this would be it.