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Integrating Cayce & Church
By James K. Brown
(Author of Give God A Chance: Christian Spirituality from the Edgar Cayce Readings)

A sharing group at A.R.E. Congress 1991 on the topic "Outreach to the Churches" attracted an enthusiastic group of A.R.E. members representing a wide range of church affiliations and experiences. One thing we had in common was a feeling that the Edgar Cayce material could add a much-needed dimension to almost any church program. Many of us had struggled for years with the barriers in the churches, some having endured rejection and frustration, and some having enjoyed a considerable measure of success at demonstrating and sharing this material.

Knowing of the many misguided or outright selfish things that have been done in the name of religion, I can understand why some sincere spiritual seekers have removed themselves from the confines of traditional "churchianity." "O what crimes have been committed in the name of religion!" said reading 3344-1.

Other readings warn about the dangers of blind adherence to man-made doctrines, the narrowing mentality of denominationalism, and the spiritual atrophy that results from dependence upon rituals. Here are several examples:

Then it is not by this or that tenet, this or that creed, this or that group. For remember, as given to many, think not to attain because of thy heritage of name or because of thy connection with some individual group. But know that the Lord is able to raise thee to that position that ye will set as thy ideal. 5007-1

And more wars, more bloodshed have been shed over the racial and religious differences than any other problem! These, too, must go the way of all others; and man must learn--if he will know the peace as promised by Him--that God loveth those who love Him, whether they be called of this or that sect or schism or ism or cult! The Lord is one! 3976-27

The church is within yourself and not in any pope or preacher, or in any building but in self! For thy body is indeed the temple of the living God, and Christ becomes a personal companion in mind and in body... 5125-1

If thou art worthy, Christ-like in the material, ye are Christ-like in the broader sense in the mental--and how much greater in the spiritual! The same as in those who are very devout without--as a Catholic, as a Protestant--as of such and such creed or faith; how much smaller have they grown within! 281-32

If form becomes that that is the guiding element, then the hope or the faith is lost in form! 262-17

Yet for the entity, the basis of that taught by Him is that the way, the truth, the light may be free for all; and that the choice in the present, as then, must be within the individual rather than that as may be given as authoritative by any group or individual who would act in the capacity of a director. 1767-2
After studying these ideas I could never again be bound by sectarian or provincial modes of worship. With A.R.E. study groups that are so interesting and fulfilling, it is easy to question why one should belong to a church at all. There are secular ways to get married, counseled, and buried.

Not all church experiences are negative, however. And even after being freed from doctrines and dogmas, there is still a natural attraction to associate with others who love God. The readings speak to these needs:
Do not get away from the church! In the church keep these activities, that there may be surety in self that has to do or to deal with only the use of such insight, such vision, to the glory of the Father as manifested in the Son. 4087-1

Consider, for the moment, that the Master was the creator, the maker of all that was; and yet in establishing the church did He ask any? Rather He gave His blood, His body, as the memorial. As this crystallized in the mind and the desire of those with the means materially, from the same arose spires, cathedrals, church buildings and schools. Do thou likewise. 1561-18

Because the entity is averse to being dictated to, or of being in the form of policy, is no reason that there is not truth in the tenets of the church, or the laws and regulations thereof. Because others have made a sham of same is no reason for thee to make a sham. For as ye will analyze and study in thy life, that place or that community without the house of worship is not sought after--by even the most wicked of men. 2780-3

Q. Should I affiliate with any particular church organization?

A. A particular church organization is well. For it centers the mind. But don't get the idea that you have the whole cheese. 3350-1
When, by default, we are excommunicated from the churches, we not only miss the fellowship, worship, and charitable works that take place in church, but we also fail to share our spiritual heritage from the readings with those faithful people who are being held hostage, as it were, in the churches. Despite the problems encountered in the church, most of us find people there who care when we are in need, and people who need our love and concern.

We should also respect the position that ministers occupy. Sometimes they are more open-minded than we think, and from their perspective it is often the parishioners who resist growth. Before we introduce the Cayce material we could first speak to the minister so that he or she will know what we are about, and hopefully even support our activity. It is often easier for a layperson to introduce something new than it is for a minister. We can seek the confidence and support of our ministers without jeopardizing their ministry or expecting to hide behind their authority.

When we try to share our concepts with others, we should be aware that many will put us in the category that they call "New Age." This will happen in spite of the fact that many new age people reject the Cayce work because of its Christian orientation. I do not know how to define the new age movement, and I would be careful not to categorize any one into an artificial class or group.

The Bible is still one of the primary sources of new age prophecy. The promises given in the Scriptures are full of references to a new age or a time when God's people will enjoy peace on earth. Our songs and hymns often express such an expectancy. The Cayce readings also support this idea:
When this period has been accomplished, then the new era, the new age, is to begin. Will ye have a part of it, or will ye let it pass by and be merely a hanger-on, or one upon whom your brother--the Lord, thy Christ--may depend? 2780-3
The readings give me more hope for humankind than the "end times" pessimism that some Christians have been exposed to in their churches. The new age movement may at times seem to be an umbrella under which some self-serving groups, or those who appeal to our selfish desires, have chosen to do their work. To others the new age means an effort to renew the world with sound spiritual principles. We must test every idea individually in the light of the Christ. And we should remember that we are called to love all people even if they are committed to causes that we believe to be in error ("For it is not against human enemies that we have to struggle, but against the Sovereignties and the Powers..." Ephesians 6:12 JB) We can only improve what others think of us by living what we believe. As the readings say:
Walk with it--not talk it, but live it--be it; and ye will find while that which is so orthodox or denominational will not be so apparent, the love as He speaks of, the new commandment "Love ye one another" will persuade, will direct, will aid, will keep thee. 2205-2
We can also expect that words like "reincarnation" will be buzzwords that to some will immediately raise a red flag. Some A.R.E. members have worked in their churches with the principles of meditation, small groups, healing, etc., without naming the readings as a source. I have no problem with efforts to teach and demonstrate the principles of the readings without mentioning reincarnation or Edgar Cayce. This is something that we can all do wherever we are. I feel certain that this process has already had a tremendous impact on the Christian community. I have heard conservative, liberal, and Pentecostal ministers speak and preach about the need for meditation. Judging from the methods that they recommend, I have no doubt that they have been influenced by the Cayce readings and Search for God study groups, although they might not want people to know this.

Still, there may come a time when some will want to share the knowledge of the readings with others. When you do give credit to Edgar Cayce, you will eventually have to deal with the references to such subjects as astrology, numerology, and reincarnation (and please don't blame me if you get thrown out of the church). In my experience, a key to being able to deal with these subjects is to emphasize the staunch position of the readings against any form of idolatry. Cayce frequently cautioned people to know that God is the source of all that is good, and that their free will and their relationship to God are more important than any other factor that might influence them in the physical world.

I was a Christian long before I learned of Edgar Cayce's work. During the past 25 years since I first joined the A.R.E., I have searched the readings and my conscience for constructive ways to correlate the two. One of the Search for God readings dealt with a dream that Edgar Cayce had in which he saw himself presenting a message to group members in various parts of the country. The reading said that each member of the group would provide something that would be meaningful to people in one of various regions of the country. The one for the area where I now live gave some much needed encouragement:
In Kentucky and Tennessee, that portion where the studies of same have been for many [the order of] the day as those of the orthodox forces, or church ritualistic forces. These will be hard; but truth prevails! 262-16
I was from a Catholic background. My wife had attended the Methodist church. After we were married, as we changed locations, we often chose a church home because of the congregation more than because of the denomination. We have usually lived in small rural towns and enjoyed attending church where most of our friends in the community worshiped. Fifteen years ago we moved to a community in central Tennessee. After visiting several churches in the area we were attracted to the United Church of Christ. This church had its beginnings in the German Reformed denomination which later joined with the Congregationalists and others to form the United Church of Christ. The outpouring of love by church members toward our family has been overwhelming. They have accepted us into the community as if we had lived here forever. Our children have learned much about music, and we have all gained from participating in various activities.

However, even though this congregation is very open-minded and ecumenical, I have felt a bit stifled at times when I felt that the Cayce information would have shed light on an issue. Maybe I have been too slow to share what I have learned. Although I have used many of the ideas from the readings while teaching youth and adult Sunday school classes for all of those years, until recently few in the church, including the ministers, knew of my interest in the readings. Very few have shared my enthusiasm for the work, and some church members have probably been concerned for my spiritual welfare because of it. But I have served as deacon, elder, and Sunday school superintendent, and no one has questioned me because of my interest.

Recently I was asked to teach classes about the Cayce readings. I do not know how this will turn out, but the readings address a wide range of religious concerns such as a personal relationship with the Master, social reforms, healing, prophecy, and other spiritual matters such as:

1. History of Humankind/Greater Knowledge of Jesus

In higher education one can study sociology, psychology, theology, political science, history, or other disciplines and find that each has its own terminology and point of view as if it were the center of the universe. This can lead to a very fragmented view of society. The readings offer a perspective on world history that focuses on our relationship to God and to one another. They seem to integrate the various viewpoints into a kind of systems approach, or cosmology, that is Christ-centered. This has allowed me to feel much more comfortable in dealing with many academic and real life situations.

The readings also fill in many details about Jesus and his mission as the Messiah or Christ. This information points to the Scriptures as a primary source of knowledge about the Master and says that there is enough in the Bible to save anyone who will read it and apply it. But that does not mean that we must reject all other sources of information. If I were seeking a closer relationship with someone, I would want to know all I could about that person. It is difficult to understand how anyone wanting to know more of the history of the Israelites or of Jesus himself could ignore the wealth of information in the readings.

2. Search for God Books

Many A.R.E. members feel that study groups, using the Search for God books, are the heart of the work. What better place could there be than a Sunday school class to use the Search for God material? The Search for God readings call for an effort to reach out to church groups. One reading urged that the book be given to commentators, critics, lecturers. It encouraged members to ask individuals to sponsor books to be sent to ministers, to Bible houses--to offer them even though they may send them back.

3. Principles of Meditation

The readings are not the earliest source of information about the practice of meditation. Adherents of many religions, including early Christians, have practiced meditation in various forms for centuries. But the Cayce readings did reintroduce a Christian form of meditation in our time.

One reading suggested that, rather than forcing creative energy to rise through the centers of the body as in some Eastern forms of meditation, we should focus our ideals on the Christ Consciousness and this would purify the various centers so that the energy would flow naturally and be directed toward constructive purposes. In sharing this with church members we may find many persons who have already made that commitment to Christ.

4. Democratic Ideals

Some leaders of cults, sects, or even mainline churches, feel that they, their guides, or their sacred documents, have the most direct line of communication with God, and therefore they are the only true dispensers of truth. Cayce made no such claims. The readings insisted that each individual must establish a relationship with God. When one person asked how he could best serve in the work, the reply was:
Seek rather from the source of all light and life, rather than through these channels--for why take second-hand orders, if it be from God? Else there remains still that trust in man, who being weak is oft evil spoken of, but pray ye the Lord that He may show thee the way. 254-54
Churches, like other organizations of earlier centuries, have tended to be hierarchical and authoritative. In modern times, governments, businesses, and other organizations have moved toward more democratic forms. Many religious organizations are now gradually moving in that direction also. Although democracy does not insure correctness, it gives each person the opportunity to be a channel of God's spirit. I believe that the Cayce readings support this trend, and that this will make it easier for us to share the work through the churches. I like to think of the church of the future as an "inspired democracy" where each individual speaks not out of self-interest, but out of concern for all, while asking God to direct him or her through the small still voice within. I would expect that we would continue to have many different groups to meet the needs of every individual, but without so much of the judgment of others.

5. A Christian Understanding of Reincarnation

Conscious knowledge of reincarnation is no more necessary for spiritual growth than formal knowledge of the laws of physics and chemistry is necessary to cooking a meal. But both kinds of knowledge, if used properly, can make life better. I believe that thinking people ultimately need to know that they have lived before, because this explains so many things in everyday life for which we have no other rational explanation. This idea is not as strange as some would have us believe. Recent surveys have shown that 25 percent or more of the American people already believe in reincarnation. But reading 1152-12 put this in perspective when Cayce was asked whether we were to "spread the message of reincarnation as interpreted through the life readings?" The answer:
That is merely a part. Remember, the real purpose as should be for each soul is the message of the love of the Savior, Jesus the Christ, for the children of men. That phase of Christian experience (reincarnation) is questioned by many, yet there is this period when the fact needs stressing to answer many questions. But that this is to be the primary fact--reincarnation--no. That is merely the plan as He demonstrated.
Those of us in the A.R.E. who have dual citizenship by virtue of our church affiliation have to be sensitive to people's feelings on both sides. The A.R.E. is open to those of all faiths or even atheists or agnostics, and this might cause some Christians to question the purposes of the organization. On the other hand, some members have expressed the concern that the A.R.E. might become just an extension of the Christian church with no room for those of other persuasions. Although Cayce's deep Christian commitment is clearly expressed throughout the readings, the information insists that the organization should not be of an exclusive nature. When we consider the unpleasant experiences that individuals may have had in this life or a past life due to their religion or sect, it is understandable why they might have negative feelings about the way the readings focus on Jesus the Christ. Reading 1541-11 explained to a person who felt an abhorrence of the Catholic religion:
This arises from those periods of the controversy which arose between the followers of Cephas and the Paulites that made for those changes wrought in the foundation of that first or early group.
Whether a person might have been in Jericho (Cayce says that Joshua was the same soul as Jesus) when the walls collapsed, a Muslim during the Crusades, a Cathar in the middle ages, or an American Indian during the settlement of this country, they might be carrying around within themselves an unexplained aversion to those who call themselves Christians. And, of course, those who have been followers of the Christ might have similar feelings for similar reasons. In modern psychobabble, this might be called "excess baggage." Hindus call it karma. The beauty of this work is not to be found in dredging up past lives so that we can renew old quarrels, but in seeing people overcome ancient tendencies through the grace of God. As the readings explain:
What is karma but giving way to impulse? Just as has been experienced by this entity, when the entity has sung Hallelujah it was much harder to say "damn it." 622-6

Karma may be lost in Him, if ye will but seek, if ye will but have Him guide, if ye will but believe! For all power hath been given unto Him. For He alone hath overcome! And doth He forgive, doth He stand by? Only when ye individually or personally put Him from thee, and turn thy face away, is He from thee at all! For His great promise has been in these: "Be my child--I will be thy God. Though ye wander far afield, though ye may be discouraged, disheartened, if ye call I will hear--and will answer speedily." O Child, put Him in thy heart and try Him! 954-5
The readings usually offered spiritual principles as suggestions to be tried and tested. For many of us the admonition to have a closer walk with the Master is one of the suggestions that has proved to work the best. We must be free to share that which has helped us personally. We can no more cut out the references to reincarnation or astrology for certain church members than we can cut out all references to Jesus for some A.R.E. members. Whatever we present for anyone's consideration, we should have tried to live it, and we should present it with love and patience, while expecting good results. Perhaps Paul's advice to consider the other person's conscience would be helpful too. "True there are no forbidden things, but it is not everything that helps the building to grow." (1 Cor.10:23 JB) And reading 1703-3:
Q. Which person, or group, today, has the nearest to the correct teachings of Jesus?

A. This would depend upon who is the judge. The teaching, the consciousness of the Christ-life is a personal thing. And hence they that are aware of His abiding presence are the nearer. Who? They that walk with Him and do not, cannot, will not, force themselves on others--even as He!
I hope to be able to share the results of my classes on Cayce with other A.R.E. members who are interested. Some other A.R.E. members have had much greater success than I have in working through their churches, and I hope they too share their experiences with us through Venture Inward. During this period when there has been a decline in A.R.E. membership, there seems to be a renewed interest within the organization in reaching out to the churches and to those who are already committed to Christian principles. This will not be easy, but I believe it is an idea whose time has come.

Trying to relate this work to a traditional church setting takes a certain commitment of time and resources. It may also require some effort to find a suitable congregation, and then a great deal of patience. Some in the A.R.E. have been doing this all along and need to be encouraged to continue. Some others, who feel guided to do so by the Spirit, might find a relationship to a church congregation to be mutually enriching. The readings suggest that the coming into the world of the Master and the activities of those who have tried to follow His example have been the forces that have kept the world intact. Few would doubt that the Christian faith has been a major factor in shaping the modern world.

In spite of all that has been accomplished, there are still tremendous problems facing our global society, and many have questioned whether the churches are up to facing the challenges. There is a constant need of reform in the religions of mankind, and I believe that the Cayce readings contain some essential ingredients for that growth to take place.

While Christ should always be the focus of the Christian faith, there have been many individuals who have allowed His spirit to work through them to refine our understanding of the gospel or to improve the ways in which it is presented and lived. Edgar Cayce was that kind of person. Surely history will see him not just as a psychic, but as a prophet and an evangelist. I don't think he will be viewed as opposing the churches, but will take his place with thinkers like Origen and Augustine, reformers like Martin Luther, evangelists like Dwight Moody, writers like Tennyson and Hugo, or workers like Mother Teresa. Surely we can find ways to share what we have found without allowing the A.R.E. to be influenced by the negative aspects of orthodoxy.

It is our task to heal divisions in the body of Christ, not to create more divisions. There may be those with whom we cannot work closely at this time, but who knows what patience and prayer may accomplish?

Published in Venture Inward Magazine - January /February 1992
Copied with permission from Venture Inward Magazine.

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Christian Spirituality from the Edgar Cayce Readings
by James Kyle Brown
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