Dead States and External Ritual

Recently, I’ve been watching the ceremonial laying in state of Pope Francis, observing the rituals that have become a central part of religious tradition. While there’s a certain solemnity to these events, I couldn’t help but think: how did these external practices of ritual grandeur overshadow the vivid imagery and symbolism that the Bible was meant to convey?

Through the lens of Neville Goddard’s teachings, the Bible is not a historical account but a psychological manual—a guide to understanding the creative power of the imagination. The true essence of the Bible lies not in external rituals but in its symbolism, which points to states of consciousness, inner transformation, and the manifestation of our desires. Neville often emphasised that the Bible’s stories are metaphors for mental states and spiritual evolution, showing us how we can create our own reality through the power of imagination.

Yet, over time, religious institutions have focused more on rituals and ceremonies, which often miss the deeper, internal transformation the Bible offers. While these practices have their place, they tend to draw attention away from the inner workings of the mind—the true power of the Bible that Neville illuminated.

The Bible's Symbolism Over Rituals

In Neville’s view, the Bible’s events, such as death and resurrection, are not literal events but symbolic representations of the transformation of consciousness. Take the resurrection of Lazarus, for example—Neville saw it not as a literal return from death but as a metaphor for the power of imagination to bring new life to what seems dead.

In contrast, the rituals surrounding figures like the pope place focus on external rites of remembrance, which are fine in their own way but often fail to point to the internal shift that truly matters. True resurrection in Neville’s framework is the awakening of the imagination, the moment when we realise that we can shape our reality by aligning our inner thoughts with our desires.

Empty Rituals and the Bible’s Warnings

The Bible itself warns against empty rituals and ceremonies that lack genuine transformation. In Isaiah 1:11-13, God expresses His displeasure with sacrifices that are made without true spiritual alignment:

“The multitude of your sacrifices—what are they to me? says the Lord. I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls...Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me.”

Here, God isn’t condemning rituals outright; rather, He’s pointing out that external actions are meaningless if they don’t stem from genuine inner change. Neville interpreted this as a reminder that spiritual transformation happens within, through the power of imagination—not through rituals.

Similarly, in 1 Samuel 15:22, God makes it clear that obedience (alignment with divine purpose) is more important than sacrifice:

“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings...as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”

This obedience is not about following rules but about aligning your inner state with the desires you wish to manifest. Neville’s teachings encourage us to move beyond outward acts and focus on transforming our consciousness, which then manifests in our external reality.

Reconnecting with the Bible’s True Power

The Bible’s real message is about psychological transformation—a shift in consciousness, not external actions. Jesus' resurrection, for instance, symbolises the resurrection of our consciousness, where we awaken to the realisation that we have the creative power to shape our reality. Neville’s view of the Bible challenges us to go beyond rituals and reconnect with the symbols that point to this inner transformation.

As we observe rituals like the papal laying in state, it’s essential to remember that true spiritual change comes not from external ceremonies but from a shift in consciousness—a shift that happens when we align our imagination with our deepest desires. The Bible, through Neville Goddard's interpretation, calls us to awaken to the power of the imagination and realise that we are the creators of our own lives.