How the Bible became the Bible by Donald L. Odell
How the Bible became the Bible by Donald L. Odell
  • "....provides excellent historical background as well as the author's personal history, which enhances his message by providing a glimpse of how the Holy Scripture can really be used." Lee Carroll, author of "Indigo Children" and many "Kyron" books
  • "I just forwarded to friends Balboa's Introduction to your 2nd Edition. Actually Don, I really think this 2nd Edition could not be more timely. I sincerely think there are more people receptive to opening their minds about their programming of religion or the Bible than ever before...." Pat W., (North Carolina)
  • ".... a refreshing synthesis of scholarship and deep personal reflection. Don O’Dell invites us to enter the experience of biblical personalities and groups, and to feel their struggles to find elusive spiritual coherence within their perception of events...." Dr. Jim Nourse, Ph.D., psychologist, acupuncturist and author of Simple Spirituality: Finding Your Own Way, and Opening the Aloha Mind: Healing Self, Healing the World with Ho’oponopono
  • "This highly readable book takes a conversational tone when, for instance, in Chapter 6 (The Time of Jesus), the author gently transitions us from the Old to the New Testament." New Age Retailer
  • "This book is of much value to the serious student of Holy Scripture. It will enable the reader to view the Holy Scriptures in the context in which the books were written and arranged." James J. DeFrancisco, PhD. Miltha Ministries, Mishawaka, Indiana
  • "....provides excellent historical background as well as the author's personal history, which enhances his message by providing a glimpse of how the Holy Scripture can really be used." Lee Carroll, author of "Indigo Children" and many "Kyron" books

2nd Edition, Revised Material

Spiritual Christianity Based On Faith

Principal – I LIVE myself into a new way of thinking.

I’ve been reading the book “The Joy of Living” by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, Three Rivers Press, 2007. I’m in a weekly Zoom meeting with other Buddhist aspirants and the foundational basis for the group now is this book. The book investigates the author’s experience in relating the Buddhist concept and practice of happiness with the cellular/neurological processes of the human brain.

It's fascinating.

From page 25: “In neuroscientific terms, the capacity to replace old neural connections with new ones is referred to asneuronal plasticity.The Tibetan term for this capacityisle-su-rung-wa, which may be roughly translated into English as ‘pliability.’ You can use either term and sound very smart. What it boils down to is that on a strictly cellular level,repeated EXPERIENCE can change the way the brain works. This is the WHY behind the HOW of the Buddhist teachings that deal with eliminating mental habits conducive to unhappiness.”

This description from the book reminds me of one of my favorite and meaningful AA sayings: I don’t THINK myself into a new way of living; I LIVE myself into a new way of thinking. Oldtimers in AA will say, “If you want what we have (sobriety, peacefulness, a life under control) – you must DO what we DO.” They don’t say think what we think. They don’t say put affirmation stickies all over bathroom and bedroom. They don’t say read AA literature and quietly think about it. If, as an example, you are a people-pleaser and you have a problem saying No, then you must begin by verbally saying “No!" when asked for something or to do something. It will feel very awkward and uncomfortable at first. It may take a long time before it “feels” natural. But, if nothing changes, nothing will change.

Like Nike – Just Do It.

A Course in Miracles (ACIM) says the same thing. In the introduction to the Workbook for Students [paragraph 8], the author (Jesus) states: “Some of the ideas the workbook presents you will find hard to believe, and others may seem to be quite startling.This does not matter.You are merely asked to APPLY the ideas as you are directed to DO. You are not asked to judge them at all. You are asked only to USE them. It is their use that will give them meaning to you, and will show you that they are true.”

[Capitalized emphasis throughout is mine]

Blessings, Don

How the Bible Became the Bible - Exploring how the Bible came to be and why a literal interpretation of it may be dangerous. This exploration may open a door to your continued spiritual growth.

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I just forwarded to friends Balboa's Introduction to your 2nd Edition. Actually Don, I really think this 2nd Edition could not be more timely. I sincerely think there are more people receptive to opening their minds about their programming of religion or the Bible than ever before. It appears it takes humans a long time to change - you timed this perfectly! Answering questions about the Bible that many have had but were afraid to ask could really help open the door wider to the changes we desperately need. So you are part of the change! Congratulations for that service to this planet….
Pat W., (North Carolina)
This website is a great tribute to Don's spiritual work. He is the real deal. He is as authentic in person as he is in his writing. His books and his on-going message have always been very helpful to me in my spiritual journey. Don is a mentor to many, so I'm excited he is getting an opportunity to share his wisdom with more people.
Barbara M. (Tennessee)
I just forwarded to friends Balboa's Introduction to your 2nd Edition. Actually Don, I really think this 2nd Edition could not be more timely. I sincerely think there are more people receptive to opening their minds about their programming of religion or the Bible than ever before. It appears it takes humans a long time to change - you timed this perfectly! Answering questions about the Bible that many have had but were afraid to ask could really help open the door wider to the changes we desperately need. So you are part of the change! Congratulations for that service to this planet….
Pat W., (North Carolina)
This website is a great tribute to Don's spiritual work. He is the real deal. He is as authentic in person as he is in his writing. His books and his on-going message have always been very helpful to me in my spiritual journey. Don is a mentor to many, so I'm excited he is getting an opportunity to share his wisdom with more people.
Barbara M. (Tennessee)
ISBN (HARD): 9781982243067
ISBN (SOFT): 9781982243081
ISBN (eBook): 978198224307