Diagrams for Living

by Emmet Fox

An extraordinary book of counsel and enlightenment. In it he reveals how the untapped resources of the Bible can be used to benefit the life of every individual. Abiding spiritual truths are combined with practical advice for daily living. He says the Bible wasn't meant to be taken literally. It is full of symbols, allegories, and parables, thereby making the teachings adaptable to everyone at every stage of spiritual development. This book is directed to people seeking answers to the challenges of human existence.

Genres: Spirituality

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Emmet Fox was a New Thought spiritual leader of the early 20th century, famous for his large Divine Science church services held in New York City during the Depression.

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Mr Fox, in this one he explains the hidden language of symbols in the Bible and translate them into everyday life. I would highly suggest reading this along with your Bible.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

although I always say this about his books:

THIS IS THE MOST PROFOUND BOOK I HAVE EVER READ

[DoctorJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emmet Fox was a metaphysician and free thinker. Although much of his structured thought conforms to the language and precepts of his time (first half of the 20th Century), his readable descriptions of Bible symbology as a means of getting guidance on one's own daily path make his work useful into the 21st Century and beyond. I have recently re-read this book, having read it back in the 1980's when my own life opened up beyond conventional Christian restrictions. His way of letting the Bible speak to modern readers allows me to stay within the faith group of my parents, and help to create a Christianity for the future generations that will be helpful, vibrant, and above all, personally relevant.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many of his books. His translation is simple and clarified so much for me.

[Rita Duarte Pereira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Li este livro com a minha Bíblia ao lado para ir consultando sempre que achasse necessário. Não é costume enveredar por este género de literatura, até porque há autores bastante exagerados e utópicos, mas estive de mente aberta. O livro encontrava-se há anos nas prateleiras daqui de casa.
Bom, em relação ao autor Emmet Fox, gostei da linguagem e dos exemplos escolhidos para falar sobre o assunto, discordando dele em alguns pontos. É preciso ter atenção ao contexto social em que Emmet Fox vivia, mas também ao contexto em que a própria igreja católica se encontrava - o Concílio Vaticano II só foi convocado em 1961! Por isso, Fox não chegou a ver implementadas as novas regras para modernizar a igreja (porque faleceu antes), mesmo assim é de louvar o esforço que ele fez para aproximar as pessoas à religião, para aproximar as pessoas a Deus. De facto, a ligação com a religião não era a mesma que temos agora, ainda havia muita ignorância e iliteracia.
Hoje em dia há livros mais atualizados. Contudo, recomendo a sua leitura, mais não seja para relembrar certas coisas que esquecemos.

[Katherine Basto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book focuses on stories from the Old Testament. But Emmet Fox helps the reader understand the symbology behind the tales of the prophets and characters we may remember from Bible School. However, the difference is that Fox explains these stories as allegories with much deep meaning relating to the journey of the human soul. Each aspect means something, as simple as a valley representing struggles, darkness, whereas a mountain symbolizes rising to higher heights.
I enjoy the drama and catharsis of the Old Testament stories and that if we look deep enough, we can find some personal meaning from them on our own spiritual journeys. Stories may be enjoyed on many levels- a superficial retelling or a deep allegory or parable that has specific meanings and messages.
Well done!

[Shirley Fessel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Examining different stories in the Bible, such as Daniel in the lion’s den, Fox presents metaphysical approaches to discuss spiritual personal realities and dynamics.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book I will try to read the bible (again). 2024 goals....

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fox relies on an extreme reading of Paul's patriarchal perception of spirituality.

According to Fox, women cannot connect directly to God, but are detoured through their husbands. She, the subhuman wife, can be described only in terms of a whore or a virgin. This is not consistent with Jesus' teachings in which He gave women authority, revealed Himself resurrected first to women, and reached out to marginalized people in general. Jesus railed against religious hypocrisy.

Fox preaches male authority regardless of merit and dehumanizes women - in opposition to Christ. As a Christian - not a Paulian - this book was unhelpful to my spiritual growth and was mostly a tired old joke told in bad taste. This is a reflection of the white patriarchal nationalistic oppression of the times and does demonstrate the spirit of the Gospel.

P.S. A scholar priest specializing in women's spirituality defended Paul by saying he was only trying to protect the newborn congregations from Nero by encouraging conformity to how women were customarily treated at that time (the same despot who fiddled while Rome burned, and to whom Sessions compared Trump in his scripture shaming attempt to make us bow down to the fascist rule)