What do you think?
Rate this book
Discover the Power Within You: A Guide to the Unexplored Depths Within – An Inspirational Classic (40th Anniversary) on Divine Abundance and Success
The Inspirational Classic That Has Sold More Than 250,000 Copies! In this 40th anniversary edition of Eric Butterworth's inspiring tour de force , the author shares the greatest discovery of all the ability to see the divine within us all. Jesus saw this divine dimension in every human being, and Butterworth reveals this hidden and untapped resource to be a source of limitless abundance. Exploring this "depth potential," Butterworth outlines ways in which we can release the power locked within us for better health, greater confidence, increased success, and inspired openness to let our "light shine" forth for others.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
346 people are currently reading
2571 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 15, 2009
Originally written in 1968, recommended by Eckhart Tolle, this book has blown me away in pulling together many spiritual truths from various disciplines and illustrating them in the context of Christianity. Exposes many serious misconceptsion of Christian thought and interpretation of Jesus' teachingts. I've never highlighted or underlined a book more.
Bottom line: the divine is within each of us, greatly untapped, and we should stop looking for it elsewhere. It's not in church; it's not in a movie or a book; it's not in being good or being wise or achieving anything in particular. It's inside, waiting to be recognized and used appropriately.
This author is, of course, human too. Some of his points left me scratching my head,and the language was sometimes a bit stilted, but all in all, what he espoused was, for me, like tying up a lot of loose ends that had seemed to be unraveling lately. We need to rest in -- and trust -- the God within us and seek unity with Him through prayer and meditation.
This book's theme resonates with The Secret and As a Man Thinketh. It is not that Jesus challenges us with unattainable goals, but that He is constantly reminding us of unclaimed possibilities.
Bottom line: the divine is within each of us, greatly untapped, and we should stop looking for it elsewhere. It's not in church; it's not in a movie or a book; it's not in being good or being wise or achieving anything in particular. It's inside, waiting to be recognized and used appropriately.
This author is, of course, human too. Some of his points left me scratching my head,and the language was sometimes a bit stilted, but all in all, what he espoused was, for me, like tying up a lot of loose ends that had seemed to be unraveling lately. We need to rest in -- and trust -- the God within us and seek unity with Him through prayer and meditation.
This book's theme resonates with The Secret and As a Man Thinketh. It is not that Jesus challenges us with unattainable goals, but that He is constantly reminding us of unclaimed possibilities.
September 28, 2009
I am always on the outlook for books that help my spirit to grow. This, along with other books by Eric Butterworth, has done that for me.
I have been a spiritual seeker for most of my life, but I had often come up empty-handed within my own religious background. What had been missing for me was the understanding that the power of God was already within me. Eric Butterworth will open the door to your own understanding of this tremendous power that lies within each and every one of you.
You must have an open mind if you are going to grow. As you read this book, you will be exposed to new ways of thinking about what you have learned from Christianity within you past. What you will discover is that there are very practical ways to harness the power of God and to make it manifest itself in ways you are seeking within your lives.
Eric Butterworth reminds me very much of Norman Vincent Peale and Dale Carnegie. He talks about letting go of self-defeating attitudes and embracing a positive outlook upon life. I love how he coins the phrase, The "Be Attitudes." It will give you a whole new perspective on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.
Eric Butterworth writes in a manner that is easily digested. He offers practical methods in order to tap into that divine power within yourself. I can truly say that having read and practiced what has been in this and his other books has helped to transform my life. I now have faith that I will be living a life beyond my wildest dreams.
Davis Aujourd'hui, author of "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"
I have been a spiritual seeker for most of my life, but I had often come up empty-handed within my own religious background. What had been missing for me was the understanding that the power of God was already within me. Eric Butterworth will open the door to your own understanding of this tremendous power that lies within each and every one of you.
You must have an open mind if you are going to grow. As you read this book, you will be exposed to new ways of thinking about what you have learned from Christianity within you past. What you will discover is that there are very practical ways to harness the power of God and to make it manifest itself in ways you are seeking within your lives.
Eric Butterworth reminds me very much of Norman Vincent Peale and Dale Carnegie. He talks about letting go of self-defeating attitudes and embracing a positive outlook upon life. I love how he coins the phrase, The "Be Attitudes." It will give you a whole new perspective on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.
Eric Butterworth writes in a manner that is easily digested. He offers practical methods in order to tap into that divine power within yourself. I can truly say that having read and practiced what has been in this and his other books has helped to transform my life. I now have faith that I will be living a life beyond my wildest dreams.
Davis Aujourd'hui, author of "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"
November 30, 2010
I really needed to hear the message in this book. The timing was perfect for me. It helped me to understand where Jesus fit into history and how religion can grow up about the messenger instead of about the message. It is a book that I will keep in my library and read again.
October 27, 2023
It’s easy to see why this is one of Oprah’s all-time favorite books.
“This book will ask the question, ‘What did Jesus really teach?’ It will cut through theologies and dogma and ritual, and show how Jesus of Nazareth, two thousand years ago, grappled with the problem that beset men and found some profound yet simple answers. We will not preach in a tone that suggests that Christianity alone can save the world. Yet we are confident that Jesus could make a vital contribution to our time, if He were only given an unbiased, nonsectarian hearing.
The philosophy of Jesus is a workable philosophy, a way of life. Jesus taught the depth potential of man and of his spiritual unity with God. Perhaps He was ahead of His time. Only recently have scientists, philosophers, psychologists, and educators begun to catch the idea of an integrated whole as the guide for studying man or life or the Universe. This is the concept of spiritual unity that is found between the lines in all Jesus’s teachings. Strangely, religious groups have been the slowest of all to catch this vision. This is especially remarkable because the very word ‘religion,’ from its Greek root, has a strong connotation in unity. …
So now, let me commend Discover the Power Within You to you. A religious book is usually church-centered, Jesus-centered, and dogma-centered. However, Jesus stressed a spiritual philosophy that is you-centered. You do not accomplish Jesus’s ideal simply by believing things about him. You must come to believe about yourself what Jesus believed about himself. So this book is not something to believe . . . it is something to do. And judging by the testimonies of hundreds of readers who have written to support the claim, I think it can be the means of changing your life.
Commence your journey through the pages of Discover the Power Within You . . . and let something wonderful happen to you!”
~ Eric Butterworth from Discover the Power Within You
Eric Butterworth was a prolific author and Unity minister—one of the great spiritual teachers of the 20th century. We featured another one of his books called Spiritual Economics . That one transformed my consciousness around money/ambition/etc. (I highly recommend it.)
Butterworth was also Maya Angelou’s spiritual teacher. And, Oprah says that this book is one of her all-time favorites.
Angelou wrote the foreword to the book. She says: “Butterworth was a twentieth-century Emerson. His mission was to help others realize their spiritual potential and to empower the world through spiritual growth. … He’s helped me to live more abundantly, and he can help you to live more abundantly, too… I hope one of [the things I will be remembered by] would be the encouragement to live the life you want to live. Live your life so that you will not leave too many things undone. Live the life you sing about. Live the life. That’s it.”
This could be its own Idea: “Live your life so that you will not leave too many things undone. Live the life you sing about. Live the life. That’s it.”
Amen. Are you leaving anything undone? What would the life “you sing about” look like? Live that life. Now!! Helping us do that by taking a fresh, spiritual perspective on Jesus’s life and teaching is what this book is all about. (Get a copy here.)
Some of my favorite big ideas from this book include:
1. Where’s the Divine? - Hint: Look within.
2. The Great Decision - Let there be light!
3. True Meaning of “Meek” - Niagara Falls, discipline and you.
4. Go the Second Mile - And beyond.
5. Heaven + Hell - Deeper meaning. Now’s the time!
I’ve summarized those Big Ideas in a video review that you can watch here.
And I’ve added Discover the Power Within You by Eric Butterworth to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at heroic.us.
“This book will ask the question, ‘What did Jesus really teach?’ It will cut through theologies and dogma and ritual, and show how Jesus of Nazareth, two thousand years ago, grappled with the problem that beset men and found some profound yet simple answers. We will not preach in a tone that suggests that Christianity alone can save the world. Yet we are confident that Jesus could make a vital contribution to our time, if He were only given an unbiased, nonsectarian hearing.
The philosophy of Jesus is a workable philosophy, a way of life. Jesus taught the depth potential of man and of his spiritual unity with God. Perhaps He was ahead of His time. Only recently have scientists, philosophers, psychologists, and educators begun to catch the idea of an integrated whole as the guide for studying man or life or the Universe. This is the concept of spiritual unity that is found between the lines in all Jesus’s teachings. Strangely, religious groups have been the slowest of all to catch this vision. This is especially remarkable because the very word ‘religion,’ from its Greek root, has a strong connotation in unity. …
So now, let me commend Discover the Power Within You to you. A religious book is usually church-centered, Jesus-centered, and dogma-centered. However, Jesus stressed a spiritual philosophy that is you-centered. You do not accomplish Jesus’s ideal simply by believing things about him. You must come to believe about yourself what Jesus believed about himself. So this book is not something to believe . . . it is something to do. And judging by the testimonies of hundreds of readers who have written to support the claim, I think it can be the means of changing your life.
Commence your journey through the pages of Discover the Power Within You . . . and let something wonderful happen to you!”
~ Eric Butterworth from Discover the Power Within You
Eric Butterworth was a prolific author and Unity minister—one of the great spiritual teachers of the 20th century. We featured another one of his books called Spiritual Economics . That one transformed my consciousness around money/ambition/etc. (I highly recommend it.)
Butterworth was also Maya Angelou’s spiritual teacher. And, Oprah says that this book is one of her all-time favorites.
Angelou wrote the foreword to the book. She says: “Butterworth was a twentieth-century Emerson. His mission was to help others realize their spiritual potential and to empower the world through spiritual growth. … He’s helped me to live more abundantly, and he can help you to live more abundantly, too… I hope one of [the things I will be remembered by] would be the encouragement to live the life you want to live. Live your life so that you will not leave too many things undone. Live the life you sing about. Live the life. That’s it.”
This could be its own Idea: “Live your life so that you will not leave too many things undone. Live the life you sing about. Live the life. That’s it.”
Amen. Are you leaving anything undone? What would the life “you sing about” look like? Live that life. Now!! Helping us do that by taking a fresh, spiritual perspective on Jesus’s life and teaching is what this book is all about. (Get a copy here.)
Some of my favorite big ideas from this book include:
1. Where’s the Divine? - Hint: Look within.
2. The Great Decision - Let there be light!
3. True Meaning of “Meek” - Niagara Falls, discipline and you.
4. Go the Second Mile - And beyond.
5. Heaven + Hell - Deeper meaning. Now’s the time!
I’ve summarized those Big Ideas in a video review that you can watch here.
And I’ve added Discover the Power Within You by Eric Butterworth to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at heroic.us.
August 14, 2013
I finished DISCOVER THE POWER WITHIN YOU tonight, having spent three weeks in it after my sister Snippie recommended it. There are tones of Zen & Gnosticism, & heresy enough to rankle most Christian orthodoxies, so I found it stimulating. I frequently stopped reading to chase a thought online, the margins of my copy are dense with scholia, & I've ordered a Philipe Vernier essay collection. If you like your Christianity off the shelf, you may be offended. This book is for those who think for themselves.
February 1, 2023
I wake up early during the week and start the day with a stein full of piping hot coffee and some spiritual reading for focus. This book had been highly recommended by a friend for both its practical applications as well as its overarching themes of consciousness and metaphysics. For me, it largely delivered on its promise.
Full disclosure, I'm not religious by any stretch. I gravitate towards books that speak to inclusive, universal truths that are often rooted in the connective tissue of metaphysics. The author's thesis is that the New Testament must be understood in the context of the social and political realities of the times when the various books were written and, perhaps more importantly, of the original languages of those texts. It is not, he insists, a historical account requiring literal interpretation and he offers a mountain of evidence in support of this.
But his primary aim is to underscore that it is the message of the New Testament and not its most famous messenger, that deserves attention. Butterworth posits that that Christianity focuses on the titular man rather than on the teachings that he spread at the time. With this theory in mind, the author moves through the various parables and unifying elements of the New Testament, advancing each through a metaphysical lens that sees all of humanity united and equal via the divine spark that created the Cosmos. As such, the messages of the gospels are that all humans are possessed of the same innate divinity, simply by virtue of their existence, rather than as something that one earns or loses through their conduct.
Originally written in the late-60s, it generally manages to avoid feeling dated, almost as if Butterworth were consciously avoiding weaving his themes too tightly into the fabric of his era, which could potentially erode the timelessness of his themes. The language is simple and his historical and contextual references are often fascinating; even for those who grew up with abundant exposure to the New Testament, it would be difficult to read this book without any profound changes to one's understanding of the messages.
As a non-religious person, I enjoyed this on both intellectual and spiritual levels. Any book that leaves me feeling better informed and inspired to be a better person is a proverbial win/win for me.
Full disclosure, I'm not religious by any stretch. I gravitate towards books that speak to inclusive, universal truths that are often rooted in the connective tissue of metaphysics. The author's thesis is that the New Testament must be understood in the context of the social and political realities of the times when the various books were written and, perhaps more importantly, of the original languages of those texts. It is not, he insists, a historical account requiring literal interpretation and he offers a mountain of evidence in support of this.
But his primary aim is to underscore that it is the message of the New Testament and not its most famous messenger, that deserves attention. Butterworth posits that that Christianity focuses on the titular man rather than on the teachings that he spread at the time. With this theory in mind, the author moves through the various parables and unifying elements of the New Testament, advancing each through a metaphysical lens that sees all of humanity united and equal via the divine spark that created the Cosmos. As such, the messages of the gospels are that all humans are possessed of the same innate divinity, simply by virtue of their existence, rather than as something that one earns or loses through their conduct.
Originally written in the late-60s, it generally manages to avoid feeling dated, almost as if Butterworth were consciously avoiding weaving his themes too tightly into the fabric of his era, which could potentially erode the timelessness of his themes. The language is simple and his historical and contextual references are often fascinating; even for those who grew up with abundant exposure to the New Testament, it would be difficult to read this book without any profound changes to one's understanding of the messages.
As a non-religious person, I enjoyed this on both intellectual and spiritual levels. Any book that leaves me feeling better informed and inspired to be a better person is a proverbial win/win for me.
March 3, 2024
A simplistic summary is that it puts the "teachings of Abraham" (Abraham-Hicks publishing), A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose, and Conversations with God: An Uncommon Dialogue, Book 1 in the context of the Bible's New Testament. That might be a funny way of phrasing it, as Butterworth preceded all of them.
April 24, 2025
There are some incredibly stunning ideas presented beautifully in this book. And then there are also bizarre tangents. There are very helpful references to incorrect interpretations of the Bible based on a lack of linguistic knowledge, particularly idioms of the day. And also some just weird, silly tangents aimed at trying to fit Bible passages into new thought beliefs. It was written 50 years ago and there are some notably outdated concepts and concerns. But, lots of nuggets of brilliance. And then some weird tangents…
July 18, 2017
An outstanding capstone to taking the four Unity metaphysics classes. Second reading finally resulted in clarity. Butterworth was an amazing author--this is a tour de force of New Thought principles.
Life changing, if taken to heart, AND applied.
A keeper.
Life changing, if taken to heart, AND applied.
A keeper.
February 12, 2021
Definitely a more appealing way of interpreting christianity. Also uses a critical eye and asks critical questions. But the author loses me when the "proofs " are selected texts from the bible and selected interpretations which fit his narrative.
May 8, 2010
This book appeared on Oprah's ten favorites list - so I thought I'd give it a read. It's good - it's about Jesus but only on a more philsophical level rather than dogma religious.
August 24, 2012
Undecided: some makes a bit of sense, and some makes no sense
August 31, 2018
enlightening book on the divinity of man. great reading but one will have to read with an open mind.
October 10, 2021
Inspirational and eye-opening. As someone who has struggled reconciling truly authentic soul-based Christianity, based on the true message of Jesus, a deep inner spirituality of love and a higher-consciousness, with the cultish pseudo-faith of fundamentalists who have taken over modern day right-wing evangelical "Christian" ideology, this book is a breath of fresh air.
Butterworth, who lived from 1916-2003, was a minister and author who examined the message of Jesus Christ in a reasoned, methodical and rational manner, and in this book provides an intelligent, well-articulated exploration of the message of Jesus and explains how to apply what he truly taught to one's life. He starts with the question, "what did Jesus really teach?"
I've always been one to seek the larger picture and deeper meaning of events that happen and am able to synthesize analogies, metaphors and symbols into narratives that teach. A teacher can tell you in straight words to do this or don't do that, and you'll feel reproached and forget it quickly as you lick your wounds, but when someone wraps up a teaching in an anecdotal story, it carries greater depth and power, and it resonates with you much longer. This is what Jesus did. Every time. He didn't ask to be idolized or revered, but wanted humankind to realize our own depths and connection to God. Time and again he reiterated that message.
Butterworth examines what Jesus actually said, and takes the Sermon on the Mount as an example, where his point becomes much more clear. I would love to have been able to have a long, in-depth conversation with this author. I feel like his explanations speak to my soul.
Here are some gems:
"The history of man on the spiritual quest has been a strange odyssey. In his search for the "holy grail" man has looked everywhere and in vain, but he has failed to look within himself. Occasionally, a prophet came, telling of the world within. But instead of following him into the deeper experience, men invariably made a god of the prophet - worshiped him and built monuments to him. They then trapped themselves in a religious practice that had no within. How many times has this happened? How many religions are there in the world?"
"Jesus stressed a spiritual philosophy that is you-centered. You must come to believe about yourself what Jesus believed about himself."
"Religion has constantly given man the promise of salvation in an afterlife. But it has sadly neglected giving him any practical, usable knowledge by which he can live this life in health and success and happiness. Neither are the great spiritual revivals any real answer to the long-term needs of man and society. The revival meeting stirs up renewed faith in the "Savior of the world," calling attention again and again to the divinity of Jesus. But the world needs a society of saviours, individuals who come alive with the divine forces within them, and who become a saving influence by letting the light of their own divinity shine bright and clear."
"The cross has become the symbol of depraved man, vindictive God, and unjust punishment. Where is there anything of the divine in this story, or anything worthy of our worship or emulation? Using the cross as the symbol of Christianity is the denial of the central theme of Jesus teachings: The Divinity of Man."
Revealing and worthwhile read.
Butterworth, who lived from 1916-2003, was a minister and author who examined the message of Jesus Christ in a reasoned, methodical and rational manner, and in this book provides an intelligent, well-articulated exploration of the message of Jesus and explains how to apply what he truly taught to one's life. He starts with the question, "what did Jesus really teach?"
I've always been one to seek the larger picture and deeper meaning of events that happen and am able to synthesize analogies, metaphors and symbols into narratives that teach. A teacher can tell you in straight words to do this or don't do that, and you'll feel reproached and forget it quickly as you lick your wounds, but when someone wraps up a teaching in an anecdotal story, it carries greater depth and power, and it resonates with you much longer. This is what Jesus did. Every time. He didn't ask to be idolized or revered, but wanted humankind to realize our own depths and connection to God. Time and again he reiterated that message.
Butterworth examines what Jesus actually said, and takes the Sermon on the Mount as an example, where his point becomes much more clear. I would love to have been able to have a long, in-depth conversation with this author. I feel like his explanations speak to my soul.
Here are some gems:
"The history of man on the spiritual quest has been a strange odyssey. In his search for the "holy grail" man has looked everywhere and in vain, but he has failed to look within himself. Occasionally, a prophet came, telling of the world within. But instead of following him into the deeper experience, men invariably made a god of the prophet - worshiped him and built monuments to him. They then trapped themselves in a religious practice that had no within. How many times has this happened? How many religions are there in the world?"
"Jesus stressed a spiritual philosophy that is you-centered. You must come to believe about yourself what Jesus believed about himself."
"Religion has constantly given man the promise of salvation in an afterlife. But it has sadly neglected giving him any practical, usable knowledge by which he can live this life in health and success and happiness. Neither are the great spiritual revivals any real answer to the long-term needs of man and society. The revival meeting stirs up renewed faith in the "Savior of the world," calling attention again and again to the divinity of Jesus. But the world needs a society of saviours, individuals who come alive with the divine forces within them, and who become a saving influence by letting the light of their own divinity shine bright and clear."
"The cross has become the symbol of depraved man, vindictive God, and unjust punishment. Where is there anything of the divine in this story, or anything worthy of our worship or emulation? Using the cross as the symbol of Christianity is the denial of the central theme of Jesus teachings: The Divinity of Man."
Revealing and worthwhile read.
August 10, 2020
This book is one of the most insightful and inspirational volumes written about human beings and the meaning of life on earth! I loved this book from the first few paragraphs I read on my kindle. About half way through I had to also add the paperback version to my library of treasured books about spiritual condition of mankind.
Eric Butterworth was such a modern mystic and I so wish I had learned of him, his sermons, and this excellent book much sooner than I did, but the wait was well worth it. I can't recommend this book enough for Christian believers, skeptics, and all sincere searchers for the meaning of life.
The author beautifully illustrates that the religions "about" Jesus, the Christ, are only the beginning to our necessary search for the kingdom of Heaven within each of us. Read this book with an open mind and the spirit of Truth will bless you with the peace of understanding.
"Be still and know that the Kingdom of God is within you." W.L.IngramAuthor
Eric Butterworth was such a modern mystic and I so wish I had learned of him, his sermons, and this excellent book much sooner than I did, but the wait was well worth it. I can't recommend this book enough for Christian believers, skeptics, and all sincere searchers for the meaning of life.
The author beautifully illustrates that the religions "about" Jesus, the Christ, are only the beginning to our necessary search for the kingdom of Heaven within each of us. Read this book with an open mind and the spirit of Truth will bless you with the peace of understanding.
"Be still and know that the Kingdom of God is within you." W.L.IngramAuthor
November 3, 2021
The forward was written by Maya Angelou in 2008 for this 40th Anniversary Edition of a classic written by Eric Butterworth. I read this book as part of a book study Spirit Group of Unity Church. I had not realized the connection between Butterworth and Angelou before this. The power of thought and the ability to recognize the divine in all, as personal consciousness is raised, is a central theme. I found it inspiring to discuss this with our online group as we worked our way through the chapters. Butterworth's metaphysical interpretation of many familiar Bible stories was very thought provoking. This is not a typical book for me to read, but I am often curious and eager to find wisdom in a variety of genres.
October 31, 2020
Where Do We Find Strength?
Where do we find our strength? In the Lord our God!
Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.
you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him— my father’s God, and I will exalt him!
Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 34:10b Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Isaiah 26: 3-4 Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.
1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Psalm 32:7-8 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Exodus 33:14 My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.
Deuteronomy 31:8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
Love
Let all that you do be done in love. - 1 Corinthians 16:14
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. - 1 John 4:8
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. - 1 John 4:18
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. - 1 Peter 4:8
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. - Colossians 3:14
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. - John 13:34-35
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. - 1 Corinthians 13:13
We love because he first loved us. - 1 John 4:19
8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Galatians 2:20 NIV
20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Psalm 136:26 NIV
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
My God is inside and outside. I am oneness with God.
Where do we find our strength? In the Lord our God!
Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.
you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him— my father’s God, and I will exalt him!
Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 34:10b Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Isaiah 26: 3-4 Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.
1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Psalm 32:7-8 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Exodus 33:14 My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.
Deuteronomy 31:8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
Love
Let all that you do be done in love. - 1 Corinthians 16:14
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. - 1 John 4:8
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. - 1 John 4:18
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. - 1 Peter 4:8
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. - Colossians 3:14
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. - John 13:34-35
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. - 1 Corinthians 13:13
We love because he first loved us. - 1 John 4:19
8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Galatians 2:20 NIV
20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Psalm 136:26 NIV
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
My God is inside and outside. I am oneness with God.
January 29, 2018
The most influential book I've had the pleasure to read! I will read it again and again!
I was looking everywhere for a path to spiritual enlightenment that would resonate with me. This is it! Eric Butterworth knows my heart.
I was looking everywhere for a path to spiritual enlightenment that would resonate with me. This is it! Eric Butterworth knows my heart.
March 13, 2022
If you had one book to read...
If you are seeking answers and questioning that which you have been taught, start with Butterworth 's the power within. It is a careful look at what Jesus really taught and brings hope for a world of joy and beauty.
If you are seeking answers and questioning that which you have been taught, start with Butterworth 's the power within. It is a careful look at what Jesus really taught and brings hope for a world of joy and beauty.
April 15, 2024
Such an uplifting read. I like that it was written so many years ago, but the messages are still true today. I also, like that it gives you a different way to think about the Bible stories we learned as kids.
December 29, 2016
Among the most spiritually transformative books I've read. As a Christian, I recommend this as ssential reading for those seeking greater, deeper understanding of their faith.
April 30, 2018
Few books are as enlightening and life changing as this one. The spirituality of Oneness explained.
December 12, 2019
Great! A beautiful approach on prayer!
A book to read and keep reading. A great reminder of the eternal divinity in each of us. Beautiful references
A book to read and keep reading. A great reminder of the eternal divinity in each of us. Beautiful references
March 6, 2020
Inspirational
August 19, 2023
Best of Metaphysics
I believe this best describes the mission of Jesus. Butterworth has a unique way of explaining things that takes your mind out of the box.
I believe this best describes the mission of Jesus. Butterworth has a unique way of explaining things that takes your mind out of the box.
August 26, 2023
Wow Wow Wow
This book is such a treasure! Definitely a book to read over and over again , at least once a year. I have unlimited potentials. I salute the divine in me and in you.
This book is such a treasure! Definitely a book to read over and over again , at least once a year. I have unlimited potentials. I salute the divine in me and in you.
September 11, 2023
La hermosa herencia que me dejó mi Meche, para cambiarme la vida y poder continuar esta noche oscura, disfrutar la melancolía y continuar con certeza que hay un amor infinito que me habita y rodea.
August 20, 2022
Excerpts (I’ll edit pronouns to be inclusive)
P. 9 There came into His manhood a factor to which most humans are strangers. . . . The Christ consciousness. . . .Christ is the Mind of God individualized. . . When Jesus says, “Follow me,” He is referring to our acceptance of the high level of consciousness that He achieved.
P. 18 . . . Each of us must ask ourself, “Shall I conform to the human standard of what is being done, even if this standard is not in keeping with the divine standard as I have intuitively sensed it?” . . . Jesus did not set the Christ standard-He simply followed it. The Christ standard is not a series of hard and fast rules for behavior, not simply an analysis of what Jesus did for humans to see. It is, instead, a principle that Jesus revealed through His discovery of the Divinity of Humanity. His teachings are the revelation of certain fundamental principles pertaining to the individual, along with illustrations as to how the principles can best be applied in practice.
Our humanity is the degree to which we have given expression to our divinity. We are human in expression and divine in creation and limitless in potential.
The first few pages of Chapt. 4 describe God.
. A Presence dwelling in us, a force surrounding us and a Principle by which we live.
. Jesus said, “God is Spirit and they that worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” . . . “Spirit” implies-unformed, unspecialized, unrestricted, limitless. . . Not a definition . . Jesus is giving a guide to direct our thoughts away from finite form or from thinking of God as a Superman.
. Paul Tillich writes God is the name of this infinite and inexhaustible depth and ground of all being.
. A Life Principle is personalized in what Jesus referred to as “The Father within me.” . . . At work in you , as you, is all-knowingness. It seeks ever to express and fulfill itself in & through you, e.g., Luke 12:32. . .It is the source of any creative power you have, e.g., John 8:28, 14:10.
. You can never be separated from God because you are an expression of God. Each of us is God expressing itself as me. Let God be God in you. Each of us and God are one. Each of us an individualized part and the whole is always in the part.
. At the root of Jesus unique concept of God is an awareness of oneness or a spiritual unity with God and with all of God’s creation. God in whom we live and move and have our being - apostle Paul
. Grace comes from God’s desire in you to express perfectly through you being so great that you never completely reap the harvest of error and always reap more than you sow of good.
Stopped reading at p. 87 0n 8/2/2022.
P. 9 There came into His manhood a factor to which most humans are strangers. . . . The Christ consciousness. . . .Christ is the Mind of God individualized. . . When Jesus says, “Follow me,” He is referring to our acceptance of the high level of consciousness that He achieved.
P. 18 . . . Each of us must ask ourself, “Shall I conform to the human standard of what is being done, even if this standard is not in keeping with the divine standard as I have intuitively sensed it?” . . . Jesus did not set the Christ standard-He simply followed it. The Christ standard is not a series of hard and fast rules for behavior, not simply an analysis of what Jesus did for humans to see. It is, instead, a principle that Jesus revealed through His discovery of the Divinity of Humanity. His teachings are the revelation of certain fundamental principles pertaining to the individual, along with illustrations as to how the principles can best be applied in practice.
Our humanity is the degree to which we have given expression to our divinity. We are human in expression and divine in creation and limitless in potential.
The first few pages of Chapt. 4 describe God.
. A Presence dwelling in us, a force surrounding us and a Principle by which we live.
. Jesus said, “God is Spirit and they that worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” . . . “Spirit” implies-unformed, unspecialized, unrestricted, limitless. . . Not a definition . . Jesus is giving a guide to direct our thoughts away from finite form or from thinking of God as a Superman.
. Paul Tillich writes God is the name of this infinite and inexhaustible depth and ground of all being.
. A Life Principle is personalized in what Jesus referred to as “The Father within me.” . . . At work in you , as you, is all-knowingness. It seeks ever to express and fulfill itself in & through you, e.g., Luke 12:32. . .It is the source of any creative power you have, e.g., John 8:28, 14:10.
. You can never be separated from God because you are an expression of God. Each of us is God expressing itself as me. Let God be God in you. Each of us and God are one. Each of us an individualized part and the whole is always in the part.
. At the root of Jesus unique concept of God is an awareness of oneness or a spiritual unity with God and with all of God’s creation. God in whom we live and move and have our being - apostle Paul
. Grace comes from God’s desire in you to express perfectly through you being so great that you never completely reap the harvest of error and always reap more than you sow of good.
Stopped reading at p. 87 0n 8/2/2022.
April 7, 2023
This is my 2nd time through the book. IMHO it is a Butterworth classic.
May 6, 2023
Oh wow!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews