Breaking Free from Physical Interpretations: Understanding Neville Goddard's View on Identity, Expression, and the Bible

For many years, traditional religious teachings, especially interpretations of the Bible, have been used to judge and condemn various forms of self-expression and identity, such as being gay, transgender, committing suicide, or even getting tattoos. These ideas, rooted in a physical interpretation of scripture, have led to feelings of shame, guilt, and rejection for countless individuals.

However, Neville Goddard's teachings offer a radically different perspective. Neville’s approach encourages us to look beyond the literal and physical interpretations of the Bible and focus instead on the symbolism and inner consciousness that shape our external experiences. According to Neville, nothing is new under the sun, and we are constantly creating our own reality through the power of our thoughts and beliefs.

The Problem with Physical Interpretations of the Bible

The traditional physical interpretations of scripture often lead to restrictive and harmful beliefs about human nature and identity. Verses that are taken literally and out of context have been used to justify exclusion, discrimination, and even violence against people based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, appearance, or mental state. For example:

• The belief that being gay or transgender is sinful because of specific Biblical verses (often misinterpreted or taken out of context).

• The idea that getting tattoos is wrong because of an isolated verse in Leviticus.

• The condemnation of those who experience suicidal thoughts or actions due to misguided teachings about the sanctity of life.

These interpretations focus on outward appearances, actions, and behaviours rather than the inner state of consciousness that Neville Goddard emphasised in his teachings. They fail to recognise the power of imagination, belief, and the inner world as the true source of human experience.

Neville Goddard’s View on Identity and Expression

Neville Goddard’s teachings, however, suggest that our true nature transcends the physical body and external circumstances. According to Neville, we are not our bodies; we are the consciousness that creates our reality. The Bible, when viewed through Neville’s lens, is a guide to understanding the creative power of our imagination and how we shape the world around us.

In Neville’s interpretation of the Bible, there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). This means that everything we experience, every identity, every form of expression, has existed before and will continue to exist. The physical world, including our experiences and identities, is a reflection of our consciousness—our thoughts, beliefs, and imaginations.

This verse, Ecclesiastes 1:9, reminds us that all experiences, including human identities and expressions, are part of the eternal cycle of creation. Just as nothing is truly new in the grand scheme of existence, the unique identities and experiences we sometimes judge as "unnatural" are just part of the ever-evolving process of life and consciousness.

Furthermore, in Genesis 2:2-3, after completing the creation of the world, the Bible states:

"By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." (NIV)

This verse reinforces the idea that creation was complete, and nothing more was needed. Everything had already been created in its perfection. Thus, nothing new under the sun implies that all that exists, and all that will ever exist, is already part of the divine process of creation. Our experiences, identities, and expressions are not new—they are part of the eternal unfolding of existence.

Nothing New Under the Sun: Embracing All Forms of Expression

What this means is that the identities and expressions we often judge as "unnatural" or "wrong" are, in reality, just different expressions of consciousness. Being gay, being transgender, having tattoos, or experiencing mental struggles such as suicidal thoughts are not inherently wrong. They are all part of the infinite spectrum of human experience. Each individual is an expression of their own unique consciousness, and just as no two people are the same, no two expressions of life are the same either.

Rather than condemning these expressions, Neville Goddard encourages us to recognise them as valid and meaningful expressions of individual consciousness. They are not sins or mistakes, but rather part of the divine process of self-realisation and creation. Each individual, through their beliefs and consciousness, is constantly shaping their reality.

Shifting From Physical Judgement to Inner Awareness

Neville’s teachings push us to look within ourselves and examine the beliefs and assumptions that shape our judgments about others. In order to shift our external world, we must first change our inner consciousness. For example, if we hold the belief that being gay, transgender, or different in any way is wrong or sinful, we are creating a limiting reality based on that belief. But once we recognise that all identities and expressions are part of the divine creative process, we can begin to embrace and accept them.

The Power of Consciousness and Imagination

In Neville's view, we are all creators of our reality. Everything we see and experience is a reflection of our inner consciousness. Our beliefs and assumptions about the world shape our experiences, and by changing our beliefs, we can change the world around us. Neville teaches that the law of assumption is a powerful tool in manifesting new realities.

If someone has been made to feel ashamed or wrong for their identity, whether it’s their sexuality, gender, or appearance, Neville would encourage them to change their assumptions about themselves. By changing their inner beliefs, they can transform their outer reality and live in alignment with their true self.

Redefining What It Means to Be Human

Ultimately, Neville’s interpretation of the Bible helps us to redefine what it means to be human. Rather than focusing on outward actions or appearances, Neville teaches that we must look at the inner state of consciousness. Each person’s experiences, whether they are related to gender, sexuality, or personal struggles, are part of their own unique spiritual journey.

The concept of nothing new under the sun reminds us that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to live or express ourselves. All human experiences and identities are valid and worthy of love and acceptance. In the grand scheme of creation, there is no judgment or condemnation; only the continuous unfolding of individual expression through consciousness.

Conclusion: Embracing the Fullness of Expression

Neville Goddard’s interpretation of the Bible offers a refreshing and liberating view of human identity and expression. Instead of focusing on physical interpretations that judge and condemn, Neville invites us to recognise that we are all unique expressions of consciousness, constantly creating our reality. There is nothing new under the sun, and every expression of life—whether it’s being gay, transgender, having tattoos, or experiencing struggles—is part of the divine process of creation.

By embracing the creative power of consciousness, we can move beyond judgments and limitations and allow ourselves to fully express who we are. Our identities are not something to be ashamed of or hide; they are part of the unfolding story of life. When we change our beliefs and assumptions about ourselves, we can transform our reality and live authentically, free from fear and shame.