… because all the basics to Chapel of Awareness philosophy are apparently now contained in a single book called “In the Beginning: A Spiritualist’s Bible”, a book claiming to be the ultimate compilation of work by the late Rev. Eugene C. Larr, the Chapel’s founder.
Did it not occur to author Donald Schwartz and those he thanked in the book’s acknowledgments that by publishing the entire lecture series, among other materials, they have effectively ended the purpose of Chapel itself?
Why attend live presentations of the Beginning Lecture Series or Sunday Services when you can buy the book and read at your leisure, anywhere, anytime?
In Chapel Guardian point of view, the publishing of this book puts Chapel’s purpose in jeopardy. There’s no point in “answering your spiritual knock” when you don’t even need to approach the door anymore.
The book outright acknowledges that “for more than 30 years, Rev. Larr refused to have his classes, lectures, and lessons published in print. He remained concerned that misinterpretation and misrepresentation would ensue” (page 11).
Rev. Larr is absolutely right.
All one need do is look at the “interpretations” and claims of channeling found in the “The Season”, an occasional publication of the “new” Chapel of Awareness. An example:
Rev. Nell Rose Smith is stated to have channeled the Chapel’s founder (as published in the Winter 2010/11 “Season”). The “channel” seems to reveal Rev. Larr to be morose on spirit-side: “When I focused only on money, then I saw only the poverty of my life” … “When I focused only on my goals and achievement, I saw only my failures,” the publication quotes “Rev. Larr” as saying. Who among Chapel members would honestly think that Rev. Larr only focused on money in life when church donations – on principle – were practically discouraged, and membership was free to 5 dollars for three decades? Who among Chapel members honestly believe that Rev. Larr only saw failures when he built an organization that only the rarest of individuals can? These words warrant critical analysis. As Rev. Larr himself insisted, as a scientist.
Instead of following Rev. Larr’s wisdom, the “Bible” authors (and we use plural because it is clear that this material was put together not by Donald Schwartz alone) claim that “Gene was finally convinced” to publish. That very well might be true, given the heavy handed tactics we have seen from the Friends of Chapel group which alienated many of the congregation.
In fact, the Friends of Chapel who paved the way for this book are mostly the ones who sued Rev. Larr’s own creation. By name in the book (page vii), they are acknowledged: Rev. Eric Berg, Rev. Sherry DeLoach, Rev. Don Miller, Rev. Bob Sisler, Rev. Nell Rose Smith, Debra Bernath, Marie Dardarian, Helene Dorian, Monica Hagen, Melissa Hall, Ernie Linkous, Wanda Olson, Dietmar Rothe, Suzanne Sisler, Drucilla (Kubicka) Thiercof, and Sheri Wachstetter.
Also distressing is that the copyright of the book (2011) is listed solely as that of the late Donald R. Schwartz. Chapel Guardian must assume that any royalties from the book are going to his estate and those who run it. The new Chapel of Awareness leadership (mostly those acknowledged in the book) have yet to provide any explanation as to how Chapel of Awareness benefits from the publication of this material. Donations? Royalties? How will Rev. Larr’s organization survive?
The Beginning Lecture Series and other materials were also part of Chapel’s legacy. Any claim by Rev. Larr’s organization appears to have been wiped out by the publication, based on Chapel Guardian reading of the book’s copyright notice. The book even goes so far as to publish the church’s precepts (page 1). Does that now make Chapel of Awareness itself beholden to Schwartz’s estate?
In the end, the struggle around the publishing of the “Bible” isn’t so much about Rev. Larr’s philosophy itself. It’s about how it’s being treated, and the very fear Rev. Larr had most – that people would misinterpret and misuse this information.
Perhaps the best example of this can be found in Rev. Bob Sisler’s forward (page 9), in which Sisler concludes: “One last thing to remember, the book isn’t about Rev. Larr, it’s about you! (sic)”
No. It’s not all about “you”. It’s about all of us. In this case, it’s also about Rev. Larr’s legacy.
Rev. Larr taught the virtues of looking inward and developing the self, and building awareness. Sisler’s own words, in Chapel Guardian opinion, are an example of the misinterpretation Rev. Larr most feared.
There is a difference between focusing on the self and being self-centered.
