SPIRITUAL INTERPRETATION OF SCRIPTURE

by Joel S. Goldsmith

SPIRITUAL INTERPRETATION OF SCRIPTURE The Scriptures of the world seem to tell of two powers because they have been taken literally instead of interpreted in the light of spiritual inspiration. This has brought about a belief of separation between God and man, and this sense of duality is the root of all discord. So says Joel Goldsmith in Spiritual Interpretation of Scripture. But, he says encouragingly, when we interpret Scripture spiritually, the deepest lessons of the Bible by which we may live are revealed to us. Foremost among these lessons is that God is the only reality of our being, and our conscious realization of our oneness with God will make the promises in Scripture real in our experience. Goldsmith intrigues the reader with the idea that the Bible is not a book outside of ourselves or a series of events that took place thousands of years ago. He says, Scripture is the unfolding of characters and movements or happenings that are taking place within you right this minute. Every biblical experience can be found in your consciousness at some time or other. We embody within ourselves every Bible of the world, every philosophy, character and story, Goldsmith says, and when spiritually interpreted, these can be understood as states and stages of our spiritual development and unfoldment. Working with Bible stories such as Creation, the Exodus, the Ten Commandments, Ruth and Naomi, and Joseph and his brothers, Goldsmith shows the reader how these really tell of our own experiences on the spiritual path, and he reveals the lessons they hold. Addressing the coming of the Messiah, a monumental theme in Scripture, Goldsmith says, The Old Testament contains many prophecies of the coming of spiritual man, Messiah, Savior. The belief is that these prophecies referred to the coming of one particular spiritual man ... but the advent of the Christ is the coming of perfection in you and me. Throughout Spiritual Interpretation of Scripture, Goldsmith offers fresh new meaning to many Bible passages and stories and demonstrates that the principles found in the Bible are echoed in many other Scriptures of the world. These statements in the Bible, he says, which really are laws, must become a very part of our being. They must be realized, not merely declared or stated; they must become the very fabric of our being, then we can experience the outward result.

Genres: Spirituality

235 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1980

Reviews

[Doreen Mallett]

I acquired this book and just started reading a few sections. I am always a bit hesitant at someone's interpretations of scripture because '...we see through a glass darkly...'. Any interpretation is likely to be colored by one's concepts and understanding of religion and/or spirituality. I question most of these things and check my own sensibilities for answers. Of course I also believe that there is not just one answer.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all of Joel Goldsmith's writings, Spiritual Interpretation is a classic. As always, he brings clarity to the spiritual life in ways few other writers do.

In this book, Goldsmith helps to unravel the hidden meanings of Scripture to reveal the true essence of how best to pray, to heal and to live a life that acknowledges only one power: God.

Highly recommended.

[Hiran Perera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small but beautiful.

[Dr. Shirlene Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and anything else Joel S. Goldsmith writes. This one in particular answers a lot of the questions I had around the stories in the Bible. His writing style is easy to read but I must warn you it's full of deep introspection. If you are comfortable with this spiritual level it's perfect but I have to admit it's take a lot of years practicing the Infinite Way combined with meditation to put it into practice.