Neville Goddard, The Dancing Prophet, pt 2
- Admin
- Dec 30, 2016
- 2 min read
Although Neville Goddard left this world in the 1970s, his teachings continue to reach new audiences and influence the thinkers of today, thanks to his numerous publications and the miracle of modern technology. YouTube channels featuring original recordings of Neville's lectures as well as audio versions of his books read by male and female narrators are making it easier than ever for people to study the legacy of his work. Several compilations and reprints of his books are available on Amazon, and there are a number of websites in English and Spanish devoted to his material. Interest in Neville seems to be growing every day.
What is it about Neville's teachings that remain relevant even in a fast-paced modern world? What is it about his words that draw the attention of so many, from the devoutly religious to the unabashed atheist? Within Neville's many works is a simple promise: all will one day be redeemed. It is a message of hope. Neville, in the most elegant and polished language, delivers comfort that speaks to the heart of the modern individual searching for spiritual context and personal power: each person, no matter how obscure or unqualified, can create the life of their dreams, and each person will one day be restored to the original glory of the race of Man.
His body of work can be divided pretty neatly into two main themes, The Law and The Promise. Neville himself categorized his overall teaching in this way. The Law refers to understanding and using the universal laws in order to bring about desired outcomes in one's life. In Neville's work The Law also corresponds primarily, though by no means exclusively, with principles from the Old Testament. The Promise is Neville's exposition of the Divine grace that is coming to all, the final state of every individual in which full realization of the Godhead is achieved. This is based largely on the teachings of Christ and his disciples in the New Testament.
One of Neville's principal themes in the teachings of The Promise was that everything written in Holy Scripture will eventually take place within the mind of each individual, and that Scripture had been fulfilled within him. He stated that he spoke of Scripture from not only extensive study, but also personal experience. Throughout his lectures and books, Neville explored the realm of his dreams and visions, connecting it with passages and themes from the Bible.
Although his knowledge of the Bible was formidable, Neville remained a layman and refused many offers of official ordination. He stated often that he did not want to found any church, organization, religious group, or "little ism." He did not advocate any rituals or rules of conduct except to treat everyone with love. At the height of his popularity, Neville spoke weekly to audiences of thousands in New York and California, and received many letters and testimonials which he sometimes shared during his lectures. He offered spiritual and practical guidance for improving life that is as useful today as when he was teaching.
Have you listened to any of Neville's lectures or read any of his books? Better yet, have you ever tried any of his techniques? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences!
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