Goodreads Forum Discussion

From a Goodreads forum about my book, "Finding Your Own Truth", Brian wrote: "Welcome to the forum Reed. For those who believe in God, the ultimate good, do you observe many people who blame him for everything from disasters, death and war, for example? I believe much of our problems have been created by ourselves, mankind that is. As early as the 1960's scientist warned of global warming and predicted exactly the effects we experience today. Do you believe as I do that the complete destruction of Mother Earth is close at hand? There is ample evidence to support my claim. I really do not believe about the ancient date of the end of the world, especially as an exact date, do you? If so why?
Brian,

First let me say that I appreciate your very insightful question. From a purely selfish standpoint, you can't imagine how good it feels to have people want to discuss the current world situation and the role that man plays in it.

To the first question, yes, many people blame God for their plight or for the atrocities perpetrated by man or natural disasters. But it is not God's fault. If I may, I'd like to share a few quotes from my book in support of this contention.

"The circumstances of your earth life are not random luck. Nor did God dictate them to you. Just as you are responsible for your own happiness, you are responsible for your life conditions. It’s part of our free agency and personal accountability. Agency because we had a choice in what our life on earth would be like and we are still free to make decisions once we are here. Accountability because we are responsible to honor the choices we made in writing our life plan and accepting the consequences of our decisions while we are here. Every decision you make either moves you closer to or farther from your path.

This gives answer to the question forever posed, why would God permit horrible atrocities, intense pain, or cruel suffering? He permits it because we ask for it. Zukav tells us, “Without the knowledge of its soul, reincarnation and karma, it is not always possible for a personality (mortal being) to understand the significance or meaning of the events in its life.”

"One day I was talking with Cindy. Nothing too deep, just an exchange of ideas and she explained the concept of us writing our life plan in between incarnations in order to continue our progression. Then a light came on. I had put these challenges in my life plan."

Now, as to the impending end of the earth, here are a couple of pertinent quotes from my book on the matter.

"Some may say we approach the singularity. But others claim that we approach a crucial decision point, or chaos point, where our present economic, political, and social systems become unsustainable."

"Collectively, we’ve been a shortsighted, selfish lot. We’ve mortgaged our future, and the bills are now coming due. Current events seem to have many people’s head in a spin. If it’s not about the imploding U.S./world economy, it’s about the constant loss of lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, or about some grave threat from one of America’s “enemies.“

Just look at the road signs. Spurred by our technology, greed, and insatiable consumerism, global warming is for real. There are conflicting opinions about that. Actually, I don’t care what you call it or where it comes from because we are realizing the effects of ignoring a delicate ecosystem right now. Man has driven so many species into extinction that scientists are forced to refer to our current era as the sixth planetary extinction event. The World Wide Web has brought people from disparately developed cultures and societies in all corners of the planet closer together than ever before. Soon communications will be so fast and all-inclusive that mankind will begin to react to stimulus not as individuals, countries, or regions but as an organism. There is even a name for such an occurrence. It is known as the Gaia hypothesis."

"I know, I know, it sounds a lot like Chicken Little. It’s just that these observers and their statistics are slightly more credible than that intrepid little fowl. Excuse me, but Calleman flat nailed it. Humankind is being led toward self-destruction by modern society. As Apollo 13 astronaut John Swigert Jr. said, “Houston, we have a problem.” Indian novelist turned activist Arundhati Roy exclaims, “What is happening to our world is almost too colossal for human comprehension to contain.” Then again, it’s always darkest before it goes pitch-black."

"Some would say it’s all a sign of the times. The end is near. That is certainly a possibility. But that isn’t really my main concern . . . because, quite honestly, we’ve heard that all before. Various would-be prophets and doomsday groups have been saying that for centuries. The end of the world always seems to be right around the corner."

All this said, I don't think that the destruction of the earth and the end of humanity is inevitable. I believe that as a species we approach a critical decision point as explained above. The future of this world depends on what we decide. Again, from my book...

"But it is our job to become the right people. As humanity journeys toward its destiny, we have a choice as to where the bus will go—to destruction and mayhem with pit stops in chaos and anarchy, or to universal peace and prosperity with layovers in unity and unconditional love. I’ll be the first to step up and admit I’m not there yet. But I can see the possibilities that open up for those who make the right choices."

Finding Your Path

“You were not born a winner, and you were not born a loser. You are what you make yourself be.” ~ Lou Holtz

Your Own Truth is now available - No, really, it is.

After a false start due to a production glitch, my book entitled, "Finding Your Own Truth: A Consultation to the Journey of Self" is now officially available. Please visit my website at http://www.yourowntruth.net/ for additional information and to order from the publisher.

Discipline

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.”Author Unknown In my book, Finding Your Own Truth", I discuss discipline at some length. It's a subject that gets more lip service than actual focus. If you truly want to accomplish something of import it takes discipline to do it. Look at great athletes, musicians; virtually any endeavor. The truly great ones have both natural ability and the self-discipline to harness it.

Recovering

There are four things you can never recover. 1. The stone, after it's thrown. 2. The words, after they're spoken. 3. The occasion, after it's passed. 4. The time, after it's gone.

Conquering Evil

GOD WILL NOT CONQUER EVIL by crushing it under-foot—any god of man's idea could do that—but by conquest of heart over heart, of life over life, of life over death, of love over all. --George MacDonald

What do you do with kindness?

“The point is not to pay back kindness but to pass it on.” ~ Julia Alvarez

The Truth is here!

Just received my author's copies of my book in the mail today. Up until now it's all been a little bit surreal. But actually holding a hard copy of the book in my hands brought a strong dose of reality to it. I know I'm prejudiced but I think it looks fantastic! Just like a real book from a bookstore and everything!

Live & Learn

So, after all the hubbub, I discover that my book is available on http://www.xlibris.com/ but for now that is it. It will apparently take 60-90 days before it becomes available on reseller sites such as Amazon, B&N, Borders, etc.

Courage

“Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” ~ Dorothy Bernard

The Truth is out there!

My publisher has just notified me that my book, "Finding Your Own Truth: A Consultation to the Journey of Self will be available in 24-48 hours! This is huge to finally see all the work come to fruition. The book particulars are:
Library of Congress Control Number: Pending

ISBN: Hardcover 978-1-4500-3940-6
Softcover 978-1-4500-3939-0
Ebook 978-1-4500-3941-3

It should be available on Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble. Please order yours now. Eventually, I will have a website, http://www.yourowntruth.net/ . Just not sure when that will be stood up. Meanwhile, if you have any questions or comments feel free to contact me at reedcritchfield@yahoo.com .