Spiritual Guidance for a Radically New Life - The Gift of Change

The best thing to deal with overcoming obstacles, making changes for yourself and moving forward in life is by reading this book to help you get started. Very similar to books like Conversations With God : An Uncommon Dialogue (Book 1) by Neale Donald Walsch and The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Toole.

If you dealt with serious crisuses with family, life, financial issues, etc., this book is for you. I know all of us dealt with so many enemies and obstacles that come our way. Thankfully God is the key and he's our Real Being within our minds and bodies. When I begin reading this book clearly, I was deeply satisfied and understood the fact what this lady is saying from the heart. This is no hype, it's all through life experience and humility.

There's a few books I recommend like Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day,The Alchemist, and Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success, to help you get started.

This is yet another incredible book from Marianne Williamson. The same author who gave us the delightful and inspiring, 'A Return To Love'.

I think that for the most part change is very scary; that nobody really embraces change when we are first confronted with it because when things change, we change and of course the reverse of this is true.

But we must realize with Marianne that despite everything we may be going through, there is another way of looking at things in our lives and if we are open to it, God will show it to us as well as through us. When we look at it, the only constant in our finite lives is change so we might as well learn how not only to accept it, but how to embrace it, love it, and truly welcome it into our lives.

I know that there are those people who want to claim that their way to God is the right way and they can back it up with all kinds of scripture, but the really sad thing that most of us have done without even fully realizing it is that we have "made" God small by being small ourselves. Not that you really can make God small, mind you, but our ideas, our beliefs, our opinions can be small and limited and to me life is too expansive, too incredible, too wondrous to put God in a box and say, "This is the Truth."

We all have ideas that "ring true" but we must not say that ours is better than others, we must simply say that it's just another way of looking at things.

One day, and I don't know when, we will harness the energies of Love, Compassion, Peace, Forgiveness, and Truth and our world will burn in the purifying fires of Spirit and we will come to know that all is God and God is all.

People who resist change include just about everyone. This is a human tendency that usually sets us up for suffering. Here, we are invited to make use of the moments of change. For those who appreciate The Course In Miracles, or tried it and were confused by the language, there are inherent benefits to reading Marianne Williamson's The Gift of Change. As is often the case, another author can often illuminate principles in an important text by illustrations from real life and actual experiences. I do love the way Ms. Williamson writes. She has an illumined Heart that comes through clearly in her writing. So, when you find yourself going through changes, and challenged to feel good about it, it can be a life saver to curl up with a book like this. In particular, the instruction to stop judgements, and move into forgiveness may be difficult to enact without some moving examples of situations and feelings that demonstrate the value of non-judgement. As always, her illuminations regarding relationships give us strength to overcome and be renewed. It helps to know that good relationships are meant to challenge us. It is spiritually meaningful to recognize that relationship is a way to serve Holy Spirit, and to recognize the ego's contrasting tendency to separate & avoid Love; then, one may be willing to grow when the going gets rough. Within the covers of this book, we are invited to examine our most cherished thoughts and beliefs, and rediscover a Faith that is unshakable, even given inevitable change.

It is clear--Marianne Williamson is most interested in creating miracles in this world and not just short-term gains.

As a new reader to this author, The Gift of Change for me started a bit slow, perhaps even somewhat negative and hardly what I considered uplifting: "I think, there is a collective depression among us, not so much dealt with as glossed over and suppressed. Each of us, as individual actors in a larger drama, carries an imprint of a larger despair."

But I encourage you to keep reading. After the doom and gloom the author makes this profound point: "Only when we have faced the limits of what we can do, does it begin to dawn on us the limitlessness of what God can do. It is in the depth of the darkness now confronting our world that will reveal to us the magic of who we truly are. We are spirit, and thus we are more than the world. When we remember that, the world itself will bow to our remembrance."

As a student and lecturer of the principles taught in the heavily Christian "spiritual psychotherapy" called A Course In Miracles (Foundation for Inner Peace), Ms. Williamson liberally borrows many of her reflections and passages found in AGOC from the Course and makes no bones about it. So steeped in these teachings, she comes off as genuine and her approach to living life the best way possible is not only believable, but really hits home.

Her honesty is refreshing. She looks back on her life, as we so often do, and wonders how she could have thought the things she did. Now in her 50's, she muses over a picture she saw of herself taken when she was in her 30's and wonders how she could have ever thought that that was inadequate? She says what most of us are thinking and feeling: that somehow we will never muster up to anything close to good enough. We are extrememly hard on ourselves and left to the ramblings of our own puny egos, we will always think of ourselves as lacking...

But we are not our egos, as the author points out time and again throughout the Gift of Change. We belong to God. "It's not humble to think you can't do what God is asking you to do; it's arrogant to think you know yourself better than the One who thought you up." "I am not here to design God's universe but to allow Him to show me the design He has already created. It was created in total love, for me and all living things. My mission is to trust that."

In the end, I feel Ms. Williamson's point was not so much about the benefits of change, but more so about asking God for guidance and then acting on the advice we know to be true in our hearts which is that of love, compassion, joy, and kindness. This is the way we create lasting change in us and the world. This is the way we create miracles.

I enjoyed this book.

In these times, when the world seems to be boiling over with volatility, it is nice to have a book about the tremendous good that can come from change. It might not be something we like to hear, but it's true.

This generous, warm book has all the impact and momentum of "A Return to Love." It highlights the ongoing effort we must all make to realize our highest and best self. There are so many turns we take in life that make us feel regret, guilt, sorrow, or pain, but this book has specific ways to learn to push past it. I was especially reminded of what in me is ego-driven and how to convert that so that I can live in my true self.

In this book, Marianne Williamson reminds us of a new way to live: we are not separated from God; there's no honor in being "small"; and any great thing that will happen to us collectively will start with each of us individually.

It's not all feel-good psychology, some of it comes from lessons to be learned. The idea of "atonement" may not be popular with some. But this isn't the atonement of your grandmother's fundamentalist church. It's a surrender that brings empowerment. It helps you take a whole new direction in life on a better path. Like "A Return to Love," I will probably re-read this a few times.

In this semi-autobiographical account, Marianne Williamson builds on 'A Course in Miracles' to offer fresh avenues for spiritual progress for all those sincerely seeking to reconnect with their true Self, which according to her and many spiritual traditions is nothing other than Love.

Ms Williamson is courageous enough to share - with healthy doses of sincerity and introspection - some of the challenges she has faced in her life and how focusing on 'God' rather than our egos makes all the difference. She is careful not to present herself as a 'guru', but rather as another seeker on the journey who does not always get things right.

Using personal anecdotes as illustrations, she largely succeeds in bringing home to us the notion that God accomplishes his purposes for our individual lives and for the whole world through both our strengths and vulnerabilities. All along her honesty is truly refreshing.

Marianne Williamson says, "Every change is a challenge to become who we really are." She is so right! I recently lost my Mother who turned 89 years of age one month before she went to heaven. Regardless of the age, or how sick they may be, we are never prepared for the loss of our Mother who brought us into this world. Once they are gone, there is an emptiness that no one, except God, can fulfill.

Upon the death of a loved one, there are members of a family with whom we had a close relationship suddenly change -- especially when a settlement of an estate is involved. We are startled to find out that same person we thought was our friend, and loving relative becomes a compete stranger overnight.

The love once shared turns to bitterness, misunderstanding, and we begin to harbor unforgiveness in our heart toward this estranged person that we once held dear. Not only that, we lose sight of the person we really are, and become someone we no longer recognize in the mirror. The ugly thoughts that creep in are foreign to our personality -- we ask ourselves where did they come from?

This book offers us ways in which to handle dramatic and emotional changes that present themselves in our daily life. Marianne has a gift of words that reaches the depth of our very soul -- words guiding us into peace, joy, and a new hope for a better tomorrow through the Holy Spirit.

Marianne Williamson radiates peace when she speaks, and it comes across in her books as well. In the chapter on "From Fear To Love" she teaches a way to achieve or embrace a more spiritual perspective to the challenges we face in order to resolve the discontment that lies within our heart toward another person.

The turn of each page causes the reader to search within themselves and seek the abundant peace that will allow us to dismiss the turmoil and unhappiness that is destroying our spirit, and find true forgiveness for those who are trying to harm us. Should we expect to have a better and happier life, we must indeed seek "The Gift of Change" which can come only through the prayer and by the grace of God.

Thank you Marianne, for writing this excellent book to challenge our minds and direct our pathway to a higher level on this life's journey. If we endeavor to seek change -- we will find it through reading this book.

completed reading last night, after my walk with albie, the book helped in all the right ways. i felt the thing i love to feel when i read a good book: accompaniment, camaraderie, collusion. i felt a deepening in understanding of this author. i felt a kinship. i felt led and let in and loved. it is a great hit to get from a book.

i have a deep personal connection, in a way, to marianne williamson's work. i have loved A Course in Miracles, since i was turned on to it by rudie van brussel in the late 80s in la. years later, i had the occasion to meet ms. williamson while serving in the core group at alternative's--an "alternative" spiritual gathering of like minds and new age hearts that met at st. james at piccadilly in london. she came, wearing a black leather jacket with fringe, and walked up and down the aisle talking about a return to love.

it was extraordinary being in her presence.

it was extraordinary being in her book.

i bought this one in the airport in kansas city on my way home from mom and dad's in march. i started underlining right away. i found, as i do when i play the game with the bible or any other sacred (or not so sacred) text--where you close your eyes, think of a question and open anywhere--reading the first thing your eyes land on and considering that the answer to your question, the answer to your prayer, i found so many answers to my questions and prayers throughout this important book.

over and over again throughout this book, i found williamson playing that game with me--answering questions about my father's passing, my former friendships, my artescape from which i am finally deciding to escape, my mid life, my turning 40, my peaceful protests, my commitment to non-violence, my horror at the war and the politics of the day. throughout her 257 pages, she shared her stories, her experience, strength and hope, and through her personal revelations, she revealed something of myself to me. i consider that one of the supreme miracles of books.

I believe that Marianne Williamson has more understanding of what our world needs than most of today's leaders....I believe that this book is just yet another one of her amazing pieces of writing that will have you in deep contemplation of what we are here for....she articulates beautifully, so much so that after I completed the book I was brought to tears...tears from a realization that the life I have been leading is not healing nor does it heal the world....maybe this was the "icing on the cake" for me as I have read most all of her publications....this book just struck a cord...a deep, spirtual understanding was brought out...once again Marianne has so effortlessly written down what is in her heart and speaks to our nation.....words so important, so enlightening, and so powerful, that I PRAY this reaches the hands it is meant to for the hands it reaches will turn into the hands of a healer...

Unless you live a charmed life, there are bound to be some potholes here and there. Fortunately, this book is a wonderful guide when we feel that we have lost our way. Focusing on the positive, Marianne Williamson helps us see the good that comes with the unpredictable twists and turns that often make us feel derailed.

This book has made me think about everything: my relationships with friends and family, my relationship with God (which basically has been non-existent over the years) and my relationship with the English language and how I communicate. For someone who is struggling with God issues: who is God? etc. this is an excellent book to crack open and travel down the road of revelation. I highlighted the heck out of this book. Almost every sentence packs a wallop. One night while reading a page, I was overwhelmed with the message. Got chills, tears....it was so inspiring. When a book does that, it deserves five stars.

The Gift of Change: Spiritual Guidance for Living Your Best Life Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao]] The Gift of Change is a read for everyone. It gives the reader the opportunity to explore feelings and change mind sets. It has the reader take a look at how connected everything is, and there is much power in each human being. The book is full of positiveness.

I was drawn towards Marriane's work recently through the quote that Nelson Mandela used from her work in his inauguration speech:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. ..."

I purchased the gift of change shortly after, and ever since have become a great fan of Marianne. I have recently attended one of her lectures, and I was amazed by her genuineness. She is manifestation of a true lady, and she is love in action.

I highly recommend this book to those who are facing inevitable change.

Marianne's unique gift is that she has a graceful and beautiful way of understanding A Course in Miracles and interprets it through her own inspiring and uplifting words. So pick any or all of her works and be prepared for a message behind a message and a reality behind an illusion. She puts the sparkle in your eye and the lift in your gait! Many thanks for sharing this gift!

Marianne Williamson is a champion of the transformative process, providing us with the springboard from which we may catapult our lives to the next dimension, where love prevails over the fears and guilts and remorse which have kept us chained to lives of limit and lack.

Though it may take courage to strip ourselves free from the patterns which have taken hold over all these many years, integration of Ms. Williamson's concepts into our lives and Spirits truly enables emancipation from the disappointments and limits from which we have claimed we have desperately sought release, yet haven't had the set of tools, nor courage, to construct for ourselves a better way. TGOC provides us with those tools, and coaxes us gently and lovingly, serving as our wellspring of courage, until the new awareness enables our own courage to move us forward toward liberation.

This book is a must read - pick it up and don't put it down till you've turned the last page...it will change your life forever.

Marianne Williamson's latest book, "The Gift of Change," is the elixir our damaged and marred souls need at this time. It is a combination of A Return to Love and Everyday Grace, but more profound and intense. In this endeavor, Ms. Williamson shows a lot of spiritual and emotional growth since A Return to Love. She beckons us to do more than just "know" the principles of love, but challenges us to "do" more and act on what we know. This is not a "feel good" book, but is filled with realistic and practical daily spiritual practices that can help us heal ourselves individually and heal the world collectively. If anyone is serious about having a radically new life and genuine spiritual guidance, "The Gift of Change" is a must read.

The Gift Of Change is an incredible book. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I was so inspired to confront changes in my own life after reading it. This book is a real winner. The universal themes are wonderful. Ms. Williamson's use of the Bible, ACIM are utterly brilliant. Of course her own experiences are witty, provocative and at times funny. This book IS a gift of change. I am thankful for the gift and about to embrace the change. Yeah!!! LOVE IT!!!

As a reader of both Gary Renard and Marianne Williamson, and a member of the on-line discussion group that studies Renard's book, The Disappearance of the Universe, I could not help but respond to a recent review that accuses Renard's "followers" (he has no "followers" that I know of) of being "hell bent on crucifying Marianne Williamson". That statement is absurd. I see none of that at the on-line discussion group, which has a high membership. What we talk about is The Disappearance of the Universe and A Course in Miracles. If a student wants to point out the difference in focus between A Course in Miracles and Marianne's work then he or she is certainly entitled to do so, but that hardly qualifies as being hell bent on crucifying somebody. Stay focused on forgiveness, because that's what the Course is all about.

The author has a unique way of putting out thoughts so the reader can think about them. It is done in a way that can be done at different times and a little at a time if preferred. Nice writing style. Another must read for another truly profound and life changing book is The Self Love Principle by Debra Gangale.

Marianne Williamson's book, The Gift of Change, is a gift for anyone who struggles with a world that is constantly changing. Change can be a source of fear and frustration, and something to be resisted. Or, it can be an opportunity for us to discover our blocks to love, and to grow in our ability to love and forgive unconditionally. I believe that everything that happens in our lives can be a tremendous blessing -- if we choose to look at it that way. And few writers say that as eloquently, and with as much passion and conviction, as Marianne Williamson. Thank you, Marianne, for this wonderful gift!

Steven Lane Taylor, Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat: A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow

I have been listening, learning, growing and resonating with Marrianne Williamson's words for about 4 years now. I have about 20 used copies of "A Return to Love," that I am constantly just lending out to friends and acquaintances, until I read "The Gift of Change." The clarity in this [...] is incredible. I am a student of a "Course In Miracles," and have found her work to be an essential tool to helping me gain clarity throughout the course. The Gift of Change is the best to date. I recommend this [...] to everyone!! She writes and speaks simply, matter of factly and with tremendous clarity. We are all changing all of the time and I am thrilled to have had her work to help me transition through change without fear.

Don't let those critical people from Gary Renard's camp dissuade you from buying this beautiful book. Marianne Williamson stays true to the most important principles of A Course in Miracles, like oneness and forgiveness, and makes them readily accessible to us in today's world. Although Course fundamentalists would have you throw the world away because it's ultimately an illusion, Ms. Williamson shows us how to heal the illusion and make it a profoundly loving and joyful place while we're here. Even the Course itself teaches us to first make life a "happy dream," until we can eventually release it altogether. Thank you, Marianne, for your offering of peace to an insane world.

Marianne has a unique perspective on life. The human experience unfolds into new and intriguing realms with each turn of the page. Her view of God illuminates an entity that seeks to help the transformation from ordinary, mundane existance into a soul-fulfilling adventure as unique and different as the individual. My life is not the same after having read this book!

I was not pleased with this service. First of all the book took forever to receive. Secondly, your description stated the book was in good condition which turned out to be untrue. The cover was totally thrashed, which I would not consider in good condition. I order many books on the store and almost always order the ones that say "in good condition" and they have all arrived looking like brand new. My expectation was such that I planned on giving this book as a gift. As it turned out I ended up ordering another copy from a different seller. For that reason I would not order from you again.$)

I feel that Marianne Williamson is one of the best inspirational authors and thinkers of our time. Her eloquence in her writing and her insight is amazing and it has changed my life in more ways than one. I want to thank her for her work and for this book, which is just one more gift on top of everything she has done for me. This book can chage your life.

For some reason, Gary Renard's people are determined to slander Marianne Williamson. Pay no attention, let them swallow their own venom. This book is exquisite. It follows the Course's teachings about changing your state of mind and forgiving what seems to be around you, but also shows us that it's okay to improve the physical world at the same time. The two are not mutually exclusive. You CAN have both inner and outer peace. Sometimes a loving action is just what we need to bring the mind into alignment. Isn't it odd that Renard's group is constantly judging and attacking, when that is the very thing the Course implores us to release? Anyway, enjoy Marianne's book. It is truly a blessing.

Reading "Gift of Change" brings me right back to that raw, excited feeling I had a decade ago when I first read "A Return to Love." It's so exciting to get that beautiful, innocent feeling again. I would highly recommend this one, it makes it all fresh again. Marianne has such a way with words that simultaneously uplifts, calms, and inspires me. What a gift this book is indeed!

This book challenges your mind, opens your heart, and opens door of possibilities!! Marianne is right on!! I am very impressed by her insight and conviction. Can't wait to get into my bed and see possibilities unfold in front of my eyes!

Jamile Palizban

A wonderful self-help and educational book for enlightment and also hope for transforming our world into a place of greater love and peace. If everyone in the world read the book and applied the principals, indeed the world would be a very happy place to live.

I found Williamson's book to be emotionally compelling, and at the same time raising questions... let me share a few.

Williamson writes well on the importance of learning from change. Her recommendations to embrace love and get rid of fear is something I know I certainly want. However, I began to wonder. Are there things I shouldn't love? Likewise, are there things I should be afraid of? If so, it would have been helpful if Williamson had identified some examples.

She also suggests we're not responsible for bad things that happen to us. However, is that always the case? Am I responsible for the choices I make? I wish Williamson had explained her claim further.

Additionally, Williamson says there are many turns we take in life that make us feel regret, guilt, sorrow, or pain. And then suggests we must learn to 'push past' those things. I wonder, are there things in my life I really should feel regret and guilt for? If so, what does 'pushing past' those things mean?

On another note, Williamson suggests we must not give into our egos, which tell us we are separate from God, but instead surrender to God, 'of whom we are all a part'. Shortly thereafter she writes that we must go "from asking God to change the world to praying that He change us". If I need to be changed by God, then is that change intellectual, moral, or something else? Furthermore, does asking imply God is a disctinct person? I wanted her to be more specific.

I hope the questions I've raised will be of benefit to readers. They've risen from my desire to know rightly and to be true to the truth.

I totally agree with Michael's review. If you are a hard-core Christian, do yourself and everyone else a favor and pass on this book. It's not for you. No, I'm not saying it's better than you, it's just not your style. That's okay. We all have our preferences, and any way we can get closer to God is good stuff. However, I would like to point out that the reviewer before me accuses others of being "angry" and "close-minded" when she wrote quite a hostile and judjmental review herself. In fact, Ms. Paige attacked the reviewer for claiming to be "so enlightened" when actually he confessed that none of us really know the answers, but we're all doing our best. Hypocritical people calling others hypocrytical is one of the more pathetic sicknesses of our time, but I digress.

If you're tired of all the old hateful and fearful rhetoric of the church and the bible and the people driving our wars, I strongly encourage you to give the ideas in this book a try. But please, if you still hang on to every word the bible and "W" have to say, just go read your bible, go to church, be happy (or tell yourself you are), and leave the rest of us alone.

My review is truly biased toward my personal needs-first off. With subject matter in regards to change, I would rather prefer cold hard facts.

Williamson's voice in this recording is soothing as she addresses the audience. However, the over-flowery content in this book leads me to sleep rather than pay attention. Williamson sounds more like a meditation instructor than an expert of metaphysical studies. However, the text probably has better meaning if you read the book instead.

This book is more for the emotive idealist. Sounds soothing but not enough hard facts for people with harder hearts like myself.

It is suggested that we recreate our lives from negative thinking to positive love. The only problem is that some people will not accept your love, acting as if your status as a decent human being is beneath them because you are poor in finances, not abilities nor intelligence. They are afraid of you because of social status, or lack of. Only the rich and powerful are worth anything in America.

She states that God will help us to change the world. What if parts of the world don't want to be changed? Spiritual giants have humility in abundance, minus the ego. According to a verse in the Bible, ICor. 15-51, "we shall all be changed -- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound..." She obviously is talking about the end of the earth, or as some call it the Rapture. Most of us won't be around to hear that trumpet. Custer heard his! And what good did it do -- he still died.

When you are upset or in pain over a larger social reality (a public agency), it's impossible to know who you should trust. So many gloss over the problem (which is very real to the person harmed or abused), and try to suppress it. They ignore what is happening, hoping it will go away, but it never does. It continues to fester until the boil it causes bursts open and a 'can of worms' is opened for all to see. That way, no one ever wins.

Remember how your mom always told you not to gulp your food or you'd choke? That's great advice to apply to all areas of your life right now. You might be in such a rush that you're missing all the things that actually make life worth living: good conversations, long walks outside, seeing the funny faces people make when they're waiting for the bus, and, yes, good food. Learn to appreciate all the wonders, big and small, that make up your everyday life.

One of her 'key bridges of transformation' is to live in the present, not the past or future (who knows if we or our world will have a future), to go from forgetting who we are to remembering who we are. I say, we should never forget who we were, as our experiences have made us who we are now.

She preaches that we should go from "who we were" to "who we are becoming." When she ages twenty more years, she will hold onto the good memories of who she was as opposed to being old, isolated, ignored, abused mentally, and be glad that she still has the wits left to remember that 'once upon a time' she was somebody. Like we all are at certain periods in our lives. It is not good to bury that in your subconscious.

Other books, Ms. Williamson has had published include A WOMAN'S WORTH, EVERYDAY GRACE, and HEALING THE SOUL OF AMERICA. As far as my reading goes, I feel that America has no soul.

In "The Gift of Change", Marianne Williamson, as always, gives us a nice book. But this nice book demonstrates, even to the intermediate student, Ms. Williamson's poor understanding of the modern spiritual masterpiece (a real masterpiece, as opposed to this book) called "A Course in Miracles", which her book purports to be about. It should not be a mystery, considering the content of A Course in Miracles (usually just referrred to as "the Course"), that it is not about changing the world but is instead about changing one's mind about the world. The Gift of Change at times says it's about changing your thoughts, but then always compromises on the Course's teachings and brings the reader right back to politics and the idea of improving the world. Yet the Course says, "....seek not to change the world, but choose to change your mind about the world." (Text, p.445) It is not about outer peace, it's about inner peace. This inner peace is brought about by forgiving what appears to be on the outside. That brings one's attention to where the problem really is, in the mind, (cause) instead of in the world (effect). The Course says, "This is a course in cause and not effect," (Text, p.463) and it's about, "...giving back to cause the function of causation..." (Text, p.595) Yet time and time again, in The Gift of Change, Ms. Williamson talks about fixing the outer picture, thus dwelling on the effect, which is futile and can have no lasting impact, instead of on the cause, which is the focus of the Course. Marianne, on page 59 of "Change" talks about how the Course says, "the world must become a happy dream before we can awaken from it", ignoring that the happy dream is brought about by how one looks at the world, not about ending famine and war first as a pre-requisite to waking up, as Ms. Williamson clearly contends in her misguided interpretation. She says, "the world must be transformed before it can be transcended". Once again the focus is on effects (the world) rather than on the cause of the problem (the way of looking at it in the mind). There is much more, but suffice here to say that after reading "The Gift of Change" the student will not understand, but instead will misunderstand, A Course in Miracles if he or she trys to read it on their own later. This leads to confusion, frustration and an eventual lack of interest. On the other hand, there has been a reinvigoration of interest in A Course in Miracles by another book in the last year or so. That book COMPLETELY explains the Course and doesn't compromise on its vital and radical message. Nor does the author sell out in order to be more popular. One can only hope that "The Gift of Change" doesn't distract people from the progress that is being made through the excitement that is generated when seekers are genuinely empowered to understand and apply A Course in Miracles for themselves. No doubt Marianne's apologists will label anyone a "Course fundamentalist" if they call her on her poor understanding of the Course and the confusion she perpetuates. So let's make one thing very clear: calling people names like "fundamentalist" because they think you should not compromise and actually go by what the Course says is bull. False name calling is not an answer to the questions raised in this revue. There are a lot of sincere people who know it makes common sense to go by what the Course really teaches, instead of going by what people like Ms. Williamson make up. That's not fundamentalism; it's a love for a genuine spiritual masterpiece that deserves to be quoted accurately and reported on with respect for the material, not an ignoring of it.

In this book Marianne Williamson picks up where she left off with the 1992 book, "A Return To Love" in which she took "A Course in Mircles", (ACIM) which is a lifelong spiritual path with a message the world needs to hear, and distorted it into just another watered-down, New Age feel good philosophy. Marianne's idea of prayer, as related in "The Gift of Change" is totally foreign to the concepts of the Course. She mixes in the Bible and general spiritual platitudes which any beginner might agree with, but which are not up to the Course's standards. There are other exciting books available, for example by Gary Renard, that don't compromise of the Course's astounding message. Marianne compromises habitually. For example, she says on page 85 of The Gift of Change that we must go "from asking God to change the world to praying that He change us". According to ACIM, only our OWN change of mind can do this, and God, Who is perfect Oneness, does not interact with this dualistic insane world, or else He would be just as crazy as we are. This book does not do justice to the Course and serves to muddy the picture, not clarify it. Move over Marianne; give someone else a chance.

How pathetically ironic and hypocritical to have such a stereotypic, insult-spewing, close-minded, angry "review" of a book that is supposed to be about love. It only adds insult to injury for it to be titled "Go In Peace".

The chapter available on this site was more than enough to demonstrate that this book is, indeed, another contribution to the slew of dangerous New Age rhetoric that is so readily available these days. But, to have a 5-star reviewer claim to be so enlightened while demonstrating such negativity is case-in-point to those of us who have truly gained the ability to carefully formulate our thoughts before they hit our mouths. The "narrow-minded, fear-based propaganda" I read, namely The Bible, addresses taming the tongue (James 3:6-8), as well as false prophets (2 Peter 2:1-3). I suspect Ms. Williamson would find the "Go In Peace" review to be quite counterproductive to her cause.

This mindset is much more than the 21st-century version of the "make love, not war" scene of the 1960's and `70's. We can try to fool ourselves into thinking that everything will be alright if we just change the way we look at things, but that smacks of the very definition of living in a state of delusion! Beyond that, this mindset is even more sinister. I referred to it as "dangerous" because of the seductive attempts such authors use to mislead readers, particularly the impressionable immature thinker, into believing that Christianity and secular humanism can coexist. The things we value most in life become our gods, and the one true God commands us not to have strange gods before Him (Exodus 20:2-3). I strongly warn Christians, as well as those who are truly seeking the Truth, to refrain from opening the door of their minds to this false "wisdom".