Featured Items for July
Featured Items
July
by Dr. Kenneth Wapnick
Political divisiveness and extreme polarization, conflicts over competing interests that seem to be derived from different views of the role and purpose of government, and perceived threats to our way of life on so many fronts, undermining such cherished values as democracy, the rule of law, personal freedoms, equitable distribution of wealth and resources, honesty, fairness, justice, and compassion. These are concerns that may be in the minds of many these days, including perhaps at least a few students of A Course in Miracles. Many may feel it is not unreasonable to assert that it is difficult to be peaceful in light of what is happening in the world around us. Not surprisingly, the Course and Kenneth have something to say about such seeming challenges to our peace of mind. We would like to suggest a couple of titles for your consideration this month that have special relevance to these times and these kinds of issues.
THE AUTHORITY PROBLEM
THE AUTHORITY PROBLEM
Kenneth Wapnick, Ph.D.
If we believe we see individuals abusing their authority and power over others and violating the rights of individuals, groups of people, or even other nations, and then find ourselves feeling justifiably angry or fearful, or perhaps struggling against these thoughts and feelings as we attempt to be "good" students of the Course, it is always helpful to step back and look at the source of all of our judgments about those in authority, which will always direct us inward. In this program, Kenneth takes an in-depth look at what the Course calls "the root of all evil," our original authority problem with God, which necessarily must permeate all our subsequent relationships in the world, which were made as substitutes for this initial primary one. It is through recognition of the purpose that our seemingly external conflicts with authority serve that we can begin to move to a place of non-judgment and peace.
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THE PROBLEM OF EVIL
THE PROBLEM OF EVIL
Kenneth Wapnick, Ph.D.
It is not easy, when we observe anyone engaging in what we see as unconscionable actions that inflict hardship, pain, loss of livelihood and shelter, injury and even death on others who are weaker, not to take sides and feel justified in our judgments against the evil perpetrators. And yet the world is not what it seems to be, and we will remain caught in the ego's evil trap until we are open to the idea that we only ever see what we unconsciously have the need to see and want to see. And so the question remains, why would we need to and want to see such evil in the world? Kenneth exposes the underlying dynamic beneath all our perceptions of evil outside us as a defense against the evil we unconsciously believe is within. And yet that evil is also not what it seems to be, but we will not get beyond it without first looking at it clearly and unflinchingly, with the love and light of our inner Teacher beside us to help us undo our hidden belief in our own inherent sinfulness and evil. Only then can we recognize the innocence and peace we all share as God’s one Son.
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