What is The Infinite Way?

Answer

Joel Goldsmith (1892—1964) authored a book titled The Infinite Way in 1947, which he asserted was a divine revelation. In this book, he imparted various spiritual principles for living harmoniously in the world and achieving God-realization. Goldsmith’s main emphasis was inward, seeking the divine presence within oneself. He was recognized as a practical mystic, a healer, and a teacher. Present-day followers of his teachings still regard Goldsmith as the revealer of The Infinite Way message.

Goldsmith advocated a blend of teachings drawn from Christian Science, his personal mystical encounters, diverse books, and the Bible. He was a highly productive writer; apart from The Infinite Way, he authored more than thirty other books, many of which are still available in multiple languages.

One of the reasons why The Infinite Way is attractive is that individuals can incorporate Goldsmith’s teachings into their existing belief system without forsaking their prior spiritual convictions. Practitioners can adopt the wisdom that resonates with them on their spiritual voyage. They can do so freely, without any obligations, expenses, or the need to join any organization.

Goldsmith advocated meditation as a means to attain inner peace and listen to the gentle voice of God. His meditation instructions include the following:

“Get comfortable. . . . Take a deep breath and count to four. Inhale and exhale four or five times while counting to calm your mind. Breathe naturally.

“Then, silently or audibly repeat, ‘I turn within to the Christ of my own being.’ If thoughts intrude, continue with this phrase. . . . Relax. . . .

“Next, focus on the question, ‘What is God?’ You are not concerned with someone else’s perception of God; your focus is solely on . . . receiving the answer from God. Since the kingdom of God resides within you, the answer must emerge from your inner self. . . .

“Assume a lis

Listening attitude as if you were waiting to hear the answer…

“Someday, while meditating and pondering this idea… you will suddenly find that you cannot think anymore; you have come to the end of thought about God and prayer. Then you will sit there, quietly, at peace, no more thoughts, no more questions, no more answers, just peace… With that… will come divine wisdom, divine guidance, and divine strength” (from Living The Infinite Way, p. 35).

The type of meditation taught in The Infinite Way has nothing to do with biblical spirituality, although it sounds much like the contemplative prayer or centering prayer that some churches foolishly promote. There is no “Christ of my own being.” And the Bible is clear about what to meditate on: not a repeated word or phrase, but on the Word of God. The person “who meditates on his law day and night” is blessed «But his delight is in the law of the LORD; And in his law doth he meditate day and night. », (Psalm 1:2). Our goal is not to empty our minds but to fill them with Scripture.

Goldsmith claimed that he had spiritual encounters that manifested in a power to heal. In his mind, Goldsmith believed he was in touch with God, but, in fact, that could never have been the case. Goldsmith did not come to God through Christ, who is the only way to possibly reach God «Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. », (John 14:6). Goldsmith believed he had a special “in” with God and wrote extensively to share his many “revelations.” We know that extra revelations are unnecessary; the Bible is sufficient. Somehow, in his Bible reading, Goldsmith failed to see the verses warning of deception. He was not only deceived, but he has deceived many who have followed his advice.

The Infinite Way is a New Age-s

Teaching style that promotes the concept that God is within us and can be discovered through meditation and introspection. Regrettably, the only deity we will encounter when looking inward is the god of self.