Decision (Chapter 13)

2002-10-20 15:32:00

My Friends.

Thank you for participating in the survey. It has been very helpful in leading to my decision. Before I give it I want to comment on the posts of Rick and John K, two very good friends on the list.

I think they both made excellent points, but in different directions and if seen correctly, are in harmony with each other.

Rick points out that if a writing is not clear then a second, third or even additional readings often help to clarify and bring enlightenment. This is certainly true if there is any meat or principle being taught.

I have found this to be an important thing to do with the Bible. We talk about how several words or phrases in Chapter Thirteen may be misunderstood, but consider the Bible in that the translation we have often uses words completely mismatched to the original words or meaning. Therefore, if one wants to ascertain a core meaning from some phrases in the scriptures one must tune in to the underlying meaning being taught much more than a work that has never been translated from a difficult ancient language.

I have done this a number of times after reading a passage and even memorizing it. After a long reflection a principle or meaning flashed into my mind. When this has happened and I go deeper and look at the original Hebrew or Greek I find that this inspiration I received is more strongly verified in the original language.

On the other hand, many people will read The Immortal series as novels and only read them once without looking for principles or underlying meaning and for these (the vast majority) we cannot expect them to intuit a lot of meaning. Therefore, it is important that the final draft be as clearly written as possible.

John is right (and I'm sure Rick agrees) that the wording of the book is not written in stone and if we need to make changes to clarify or add to then this would be for the best.

Now what is interesting is just as I was about to write my decision Melva makes a post suggesting a major part of my decision, which is to write an addendum giving additional information.

Here is my decision.

I will do minor editing and clarification of Chapter Thirteen with the view of keeping the flow of the book moving onward. If I add lengthy explanations, as we had on the Keys, we could lose reader interest. But by making only minor changes in the dialog and adding an addendum at the end of the book (linked to an asterisk at the end of the chapter) then more information and explanation will be available to those with further interest or questions.

I would then guess that those with strong interest in politics would read the addendum carefully and those who do not have the interest would concentrate more on the story and gloss over the addendum. So, overall I feel this solution should keep all sides relatively happy.

There will be times, however, even when the writings are perfectly understood, that disagreement, or at least questioning, will arise in some. This is unavoidable. I would hope that when this arises the reader will see the big picture, and all that does agree with his inner self, and stay with us and continue to add his or her value to the list and the work.

Time spent in cooperation has a way of working out differences. Eventually all differences are worked out through the soul where two or more are seeking with purity of heart, for the world of soul, wherein lies the Kingdom of God, is one.