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Joel S. Goldsmith

✨ The Infinite Way: Spiritual Mysticism for Modern Life

Joel S. Goldsmith (1892-1963) was a spiritual teacher and mystic who brought forth a profound message of spiritual illumination that transcended traditional religion. His teaching, called The Infinite Way, offers a direct path to experiencing God as infinite consciousness—not as a distant deity, but as the very fabric of our being.

Goldsmith was a Christian Science practitioner who, through deep mystical experience, received a revelation that would become The Infinite Way. He taught that spiritual truth is universal and appears in all true religious traditions, though it's often hidden beneath layers of theology and dogma.

Core Teachings of The Infinite Way

1. God Is Infinite Consciousness

Goldsmith taught that God is not a person, place, or thing—but infinite consciousness, wisdom, love, and life. This consciousness is not outside you; it is your true nature.

"God is not a power that can be overcome by any other power. God is infinite, and infinity cannot be opposed."

2. Spiritual Healing Through Realization

Unlike approaches that try to manipulate outcomes, Goldsmith taught that healing happens through the realization of our spiritual nature. When we recognize that we live and move and have our being in God consciousness, the illusion of disease dissolves.

3. The Four-Stage Path

Goldsmith outlined a clear progression of spiritual development:

  1. Seeking - The search for truth outside oneself
  2. Finding - The inner discovery of spiritual truth
  3. Integration - Living from this spiritual realization
  4. Impersonalization - Serving as a conduit for divine consciousness

4. The Nature of Error (Sin)

Goldsmith redefined "sin" not as moral failure but as the belief in separation from God. This belief creates all forms of suffering, limitation, and discord. The solution isn't punishment but awakening to our unity with the divine.

Key Books and Their Messages

The Infinite Way (1947)

The Foundation: Awakening to Spiritual Reality

This is Goldsmith's foundational work, introducing the complete system of The Infinite Way. It establishes the core principles and provides the framework for understanding spiritual healing and consciousness.

Key teachings: - The distinction between human and spiritual consciousness - How to practice "the silence" (meditation) - The principles of spiritual healing - Understanding true prayer as communion, not petition

The Art of Meditation (1955)

The Practice: Entering the Silence

Goldsmith considered meditation the cornerstone of spiritual practice. This book is a practical guide to moving from intellectual understanding to direct experience of divine consciousness.

Key teachings: - Meditation as listening, not thinking - Moving from human to spiritual awareness - The relationship between meditation and daily life - Overcoming obstacles in meditation practice

Practicing the Presence (1958)

The Integration: Living Spiritual Truth

This book bridges the gap between meditation and daily living, showing how to maintain spiritual awareness in the midst of worldly activities.

Key teachings: - How to maintain awareness of God's presence throughout the day - Spiritual principles for work, relationships, and daily activities - The importance of gratitude and appreciation - Living from the "inner kingdom" rather than outer circumstances

What Makes Goldsmith Unique

1. Universal Christianity

While coming from a Christian background, Goldsmith taught that the Christ is the divine nature in all people, not just one historical figure. His teaching honors the mystical core of Christianity while recognizing the same truth in all authentic spiritual paths.

2. Practical Mysticism

Goldsmith's teaching isn't about escaping the world but transforming your experience of it. He showed how to bring spiritual consciousness into business, relationships, health, and every aspect of human life.

3. No Techniques, Only Principles

Unlike many spiritual teachings that offer specific techniques, Goldsmith emphasized living from principles rather than following formulas. Each person must discover their own unique expression of the universal truth.

Essential Goldsmith Quotes

"The secret of the Infinite Way is that there is no secret. There is only the truth that you already are, and the truth that God already is."

"You cannot overcome error with truth; you can only overcome error with the realization that there is no error."

"The kingdom of God is not coming; it is here. Heaven is not a place you go to; it is a state of consciousness you awaken to."

"Prayer is not asking God for something; it is opening yourself to receive what God is already giving."

Why Goldsmith Matters Today

In an age of spiritual seeking often characterized by quick fixes and external solutions, Goldsmith offers something profound:

  • Authenticity - His teaching comes from genuine mystical experience
  • Depth - The Infinite Way provides a complete spiritual system
  • Universality - The principles apply to anyone, regardless of background
  • Practicality - The teachings transform daily life, not just meditation

Goldsmith bridges the gap between ancient mystical wisdom and modern life, showing how to live as enlightened beings in contemporary society.

How to Approach Goldsmith's Work

  1. Start with The Infinite Way - It provides the complete foundation
  2. Practice daily meditation - Goldsmith emphasized this as essential
  3. Study his monthly Letters - These contain deep practical wisdom
  4. Apply the principles - The truth must be lived, not just understood
  5. Trust the inner teacher - Goldsmith always pointed to the Christ within

Joel S. Goldsmith's Infinite Way offers a direct path to spiritual realization that honors the mystical core of all religions while providing practical guidance for modern life. His teaching invites us not just to believe in God, but to experience the infinite consciousness that we already are.