Lecture Notes: Emmett Fox's Philosophy and The Sermon on the Mount

Key Concepts

• Fear and God: To fear is to believe oneself separate from God. Recognizing oneness with God is crucial for peace and love.
• Love and Peace: These are our birthrights. True peace is achieved when thoughts of love and peace dominate consciousness.

Emmett Fox

• Born in Ireland, 1886, son of an Irish member of parliament and a surgeon.
• Known for his ability to heal through touch as a child, leading him to study metaphysics.
• Religious teachings centered at the Church of the Healing Christ, Carnegie Hall, NYC.
• Authored "The Sermon on the Mount," emphasizing scientific Christianity.

Key Philosophy and Teachings

The Bible

• Described as the most precious possession, a key to life.
• Should be read with a spiritual key for true understanding.
• Not primarily a historical or scientific text but a psychological and metaphysical one.

Interpretation of the Bible

• Characters and stories in the Bible represent states of mind and mental laws.
• Encourages understanding the Bible beyond its literal sense.
• Emphasizes that negative thoughts lead to negative results.

Prayer and Faith

• Faith in God ensures needs are met naturally and abundantly.
• Prayer is about raising consciousness above problems.
• Scientific Prayer: Lifting awareness above problems and letting God work.

Spiritual Growth

• True place: The state of being with God. Growth is continuous and requires overcoming personal limitations.
• Secret place of the Most High: The individual mind where true prayer happens.

The Golden Rule

• Treat others as you want them to treat you.
• Includes thinking of others positively.

Jesus’ Teachings

• Jesus taught spiritual truth, not theology.
• His teachings are for soul development and shaping lives.
• Miracles seen as expressions of higher consciousness.

Application of Teachings

Right Thinking

• Outer conditions reflect inner thoughts.
• True change and overcoming problems start from within.

Law of Life

• Whatever is thought and acted towards others will reflect back.
• The focus is on mental purity and right action.

Prosperity Consciousness

• True prosperity stems from successful prayer and understanding.
• Importance of letting go of material attachment.

Spiritual Interpretation

• Bible interpreted spiritually gives infinite insights.
• Understanding key stories like Adam and Eve allegorically shows universal truths.

Sermon on the Mount Overview

Beatitudes

• Core principles for spiritual life and right mental states.
• Each beatitude guides towards a state conducive to peace and spiritual growth.

The Lord’s Prayer

• A complete guide to soul development.
• Covers everything necessary for spiritual progress and alignment with God's will.

Conclusion

• Emmett Fox’s teachings focus on inner development and spiritual understanding.
• Living according to these principles leads to a harmonious and prosperous life.