The Whole Truth: The Spiritual Legacy of Paul Twitchell

by Doug Marman

It begins with a public debate over one of the most unique individuals of the twentieth The spiritual rebel Paul Twitchell. Digging for the truth behind accusations of cover-up and fraud unravels a pattern of imagined plots developed from rumors that were promoted for more than twenty years.The whole story blows open a window onto the spiritual conflicts of our age. It shows the fierce battles that develop over new religions because of their power to change lives; the tactics used to sway public opinion against religious groups; and the challenge of finding truth in our modern age of media authorities.The Whole Truth then travels deep into the authenticity of spiritual teachings that are based on personal experience and individuality rather than fixed ways of thinking, and the problem seekers must face with public opinion in their search for truth.In an age when the Western world has come to expect disillusionment from every public figure, this book tells a different story. It demonstrates how open and respectful dialogue restores confidence and acts as an antidote to the endless stream of half truths displayed in public criticism. It shows how belief based in personal study and direct experience can be relied upon, while exposes, if we are not careful, can lead us farther from the truth they claim to expose.

523 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a culture where you are no longer innocent until proven guilty, and anyone can ruin anyone else's reputation with exposes that have no proof of truth, this book is a refreshing example of what happens when you open up a dialogue instead of taking one person's monologue and opinions as gospel.

I love the fact that the author addresses the bias of mass media where one person gives their opinion and even though you know that it is not true, you cannot reply or rebut. It is true that if you repeat something long enough, even if it's not true, it will become the truth. Television has proven that.

The book deals with an expose that was written over 20 years ago about a man, Paul Twitchell, who founded a spiritual movement; however, it really goes much deeper into the state of consciousness that we currently live in as a society. It also addresses the difficulties that a new spiritual movement encounters from other religions and "watchdog groups" that feel threatened, for whatever reason. One could forget that this country was founded on religious freedom.

[Tom Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible book. What starts as on online open discussion about Paul Twitchell between Doug and David Lane becomes a much more interesting work as the author delves into the background of Twitchell's studies and personal history. Lane's attempts to debunk ECKANKAR lead to a dramatic quest for truth, and more amazingly, truth emerges throughout the book. Not only about this new spiritual teaching or religion but about ancient texts, seekers and hidden meanings. As the story unfolds, Marman goes within to seek answers and he keeps getting hints about where to look for more insight. When we reach the end of the book we have been taken on our own spiritual journey and become more enlightend along with the author. I would give this book a hundred stars if it was possible. I will read it again!

[SuZanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book filled with profound ideas for thinking about and experiencing the world. Marman calls for a return to dialogue in our often one-way communicating, polarized society. Through thorough research from multiple sources, logical deductions, and personal experience, Marman, step by step, dismantles the false assumptions of another author who had spent years trying to discredit Paul Twitchell, the modern-day founder of ECKANKAR. Marman shows us how the often enigmatic Paul Twitchell went on a lifelong quest to find Truth (intentionally capitalized), help others find Truth for themselves, and serve all life.

This book is not a light read, not simply a biography; it is much more. It is deep and dense, yet thoroughly worth the sustained effort it took to complete the 521 pages.