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Word Gems
exploring self-realization, sacred personhood, and full humanity
A Course In Miracles
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Editor’s note: The Course uses the term "devil," not to signify an external being who opposes God but, the dysfunctional ego within and its delusion of separation, all of which leads us astray. See the article on "Satan."
The mind can make the belief in separation very real and very fearful, and this belief is the "devil." It is powerful, active, destructive, and clearly in opposition to God... Look at your life and see what the devil has made. But realize this making will surely dissolve in the light of truth. Your creation by God [see "authorship"] is the only Foundation that cannot be shaken
Editor’s note: The famous story in the New Testament of Jesus being tempted by the Devil is not to be taken literally. It's allegorical. How do we know this? For one thing, as stated, there is no being in the universe known as the Devil (see the aforementioned article). However, beyond this, the context of the story itself instructs us. The Devil takes Jesus to a high mountain from which the latter is able to view all the kingdoms of the world. A pretty high mountain. There is no mountain that could offer such view. But, wait – yes, I know, true believers in the Devil, who are very impressed with the power of evil, will say, “He has the power to do things like that.” Well, possibly I could refer you to Dr. Stavrinides, a college professor from a very long time ago. He would say, “If you think the Devil rules the world; if you think he has so much power and can influence you like that; if you think he can do all those marvelous things; then, maybe you should worship him.” There is no Devil, but there is a pathological source of evil in the world, resident in the heart of each human being. The ego is well capable of any atrocity, and we don’t need any help from the Devil, as we manage just fine on our own.
Carl Jung, BBC interview, 1959: "We need more understanding of human nature, because the only real danger that exists is man himself ... We know nothing of man, far too little. His psyche should be studied because we are the origin of all coming evil."
If the New Testament story offers us meaning it is that of Jesus, our elder Brother, confronting his own egoic human nature; and winning. That’s good news for all of us, because we, too, can surmount the influence of the heart of darkness.
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