I thoroughly agree that people do not need discouragement but they do need to be skeptical. This philosophy has the potential to change your life and not always for the better. I dug into Neville’s teachings for years and had the law work in my favor quite a few times. I never said this law didn’t work, but those here should deeply question where such a law leads to in terms of personal outlook/perspective relative to the real world around oneself.
To address your first paragraph, this is exactly what I am talking about. Neville is literally interpreting the verse his way. When in reality, the message of awakening to our true nature is nowhere to be found in that verse. Take Romans 13 as a whole:
“1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.“
The last verse actually suggests not going after the wants of our flesh. This is precisely what Neville’s philosophy is all about. Getting what you want. So we are to awaken to our true powerful nature only to receive the things of this world? It says otherwise in the verses above if we take them literally and not according to Neville. I understand Neville spoke heavily of the Promise towards the end of his career but we are talking about the law.
To address the second paragraph, just because one does not waver in their opinion does not make their words true. Pathological liars will believe a lie wholeheartedly and will convince you to believe it too. I don’t think Neville was this nefarious though. I never claimed Neville manipulated the Bible, he did interpret it to fit his narrative however.
Third paragraph, as I stated earlier I was die hard about the law and every other author who pumped out the same philosophy from that time. I spent years wrestling with the law and was lead to some remarkable successes. I had immense interest in the law and listening to Neville was captivating. Looking back on that time I was so incredibly detached from reality because I allowed myself to believe I created it all. It was all a product of my own wonderful human imagination. Turns out I was wrong, and accepting the world for what it is and not trying to force my will by believing in this philosophy brought me to the life I actually desired. There are many here desperately hoping for change when life is right there waiting for you to enjoy. It is easy to be hyper-critical of your thoughts with this philosophy and wonder why it’s not working like you planned.
To address your last paragraph, I merely questioned how one could come to the conclusion that such a verse could be interpreted a certain way. You should be proud of your achievements in school and hard work but I am not patronizing you. If you are going to express your opinion publicly, expect people like me (pot stirrers, arguers, maybe just an a$$hole?) t