Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by God?

by Margaret Paul and Neale Donald Walsch

Book Overview

This groundbreaking book provides the missing link in the long and frustrating search for inner peace, joy and fulfillment. Readers who have come out of recovery, undergone therapy or tried other methods of self-help and self-development-- yet still feel that something is missing-- will find the answers they seek in this volume. "Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by God?" offers the much-needed path that shows readers how to move out of the earthly...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1558746978
• ISBN13: 9781558746978
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Faith Communications
• Length: 414 Pages
• Weight: 1.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Six Steps in Search of Self

Dr. Paul's illuminating new book, DO I HAVE TO GIVE UP ME TO BE LOVED BY GOD? looks at the disconnection we feel within and with others as a result of (in the broadest sense) "spiritual abuse" that we have suffered. As Dr. Paul says, "Giving children anything other than love and compassion is spiritual abuse because all unloving behavior toward children creates an ongoing problem in their relationship with God. Any behavior that teaches children that they must be different (smarter, more polite, more obedient) IN ORDER TO BE LOVED [emphasis mine] by God -- or by their parents -- is spiritual abuse. Any behavior by an adult which disconnects a child from God is spiritual abuse. And any behavior that undermines a child's belief in God as an infinite source of love and compassion and wisdom that is always available to that child is spiritual abuse" (p.18). I particularly liked learning more about the false beliefs we have about God and our relationship with whatever term we each use to name our Higher Power. The Inner Bonding definition of loving intrigues me: Loving behavior is that which contributes to our own and others' spiritual and emotional growth. Often, what looks loving is just codependent, and in our addictive society, much confusion results when we act out the belief that if others really loved us, they would do what we want. If you read this book, you will learn about a new way of looking at behavior -- not in terms of judgment (a major controlling device of many religions) -- but in terms of the good reasons that parts of us have for our behavior. Life, according to Dr. Paul, is a journey about learning and loving for everyone, not about hellfire and damnation and the chosen. I know that just about every person on a journey thinks that s/he has just the right tools and resources for healing and personal empowerment, but in my experience there are few, if any, approaches and processes that are as encompassing, simple yet profound, practical, and portable as the Inner Bonding process. DO I HAVE TO GIVE UP ME TO BE LOVED BY GOD? builds on Dr. Paul's other 6 books that have so much to teach about one's relationship with self, others, and Spirit. Yes, there are many books and people and therapies and techniques out there promising us love, success, happiness, etc., but my whole world -- self, family, friends, career, spirituality -- is different because one of Dr. Paul's books literally dropped in my path 8 years ago. We live in times that are often filled with much conflict and pain, but also have so much potential for soul growth with new ways of learning to bring the best of ourselves to ourselves, to others, to the planet. Margaret Paul's work is a powerful tool for transformation. You owe it to yourself to read this book!

Tools to Turn Your Life Around, Batteries Included!

I have been using Margaret Paul's tools consistently for over 9 years. If you have parts of your life that you want to change, you can choose to use this simple set of tools every day and change your life profoundly, often faster than you could have imagined.The tools are simple enough that you can teach children how to do them. Yet powerful enough that unwanted patterns that have persisted for a lifetime can lose their power and go away. The other thing that comes with using these tools is, that by implementing the connection process, one seems to be able to draw on deep, limitless power. I know of no other process that brings the same sense of innate strength that helps you persist and carry out the tasks that need to be done to transform your life. Thus batteries are included. What will make the difference here, is whether you can make a time every day to work the six simple steps Margaret presents. It doesn't take a lot of time. It takes consistency and growing an awareness to know when it's time to use the simple tools. Once you get the basics down, it's something you can do driving in your car, waiting in line at the grocery store, or lying in bed at night before you go to sleep. For me it's become as natural as eating and breathing. Her latest book ties together all her earlier works and focuses on the spiritual dimensions of this connection process. One does not have to believe in God to do this work, or FOR IT TO WORK. I can guarantee that. I've seen many people use the tools without focusing on the spiritual aspects. I can also tell you that if you value or seek a realtionship with God/a Higher Power, this connection process will greatly enhance that relationship. Personally, as I have been able to work with and deepen the connection process, I have directly experienced God to a greater and greater extent in my everyday life. Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by God is a beautiful work for those that want to heal the parts of their lives that hurt. For those that want to take that a step further and reap the spiritual rewards of this connection process, this book is a wonderful guide. For those familiar with Dr. Paul's work, this book takes it deeper. I had wonderful Aha's, as the lightbulbs turned on deep in my being. This book describes the tools, that if practiced with consistency, can be the best gift you ever give yourself!

Profound and Practical

No library of spiritually enlightening materials will be complete without this book. Margaret Paul's insights into the true essence of love and our potential to evolve into fully loving beings is revolutionary. In her book, we catch a glimpse of who we really are when we are able to look beyond the self-imposed judgment, fear and shame that hold us hostage. Having opened our eyes to the splendor and divinity of the human soul, Dr. Paul then provides a simple, yet profound, process that helps us move step by step toward reclaiming our divine birthright. Her book also captures the sense of wonder and joy that accompany those who are willing to take personal responsibility for their lives. I urge everyone, no matter where they may be in their personal journey, to avail themselves of the wisdom contained in this book.

Life changing read

This book is a must read for anyone who wishes to live life with passion and joy. Margaret Paul's commitment to her own growth and desire to share this life changing process has resulted in a work which acts as both a clearly written introduction to Inner Bonding as well as a thorough and excellent resource for those who have practiced the process for any length of time.I applaud Margaret Paul's courage in frankly and compassionately discussing a subject which some may feel is controversial, others may even say blasphemous. For those who wish to criticize the author for her views so be it. For anyone willing to take a risk this book will be an excellent guide for healing past spiritual abuse, becoming reacquainted to a personal Spritual guide and rediscovering the Divine self within.

A stunning achievement. Profound truth.

Dr. Paul's book is a stunning achievement. I believe that it is one of the most profound books ever written. It is for those who sincerely seek to heal their wounds and become the most loving possible versions of their true selves. It describes a process that really works. The book is written without judgement and with true compassion, and at the same time leaves no place to hide. It is profoundly spiritual, but makes it clear that a belief in God, per se, is not prerequisite for following this path. Even for those familiar with Dr. Paul's other works and with her intensive workshops, the books contains many "Aha"s. For those unfamiliar with her work, although concepts are spelled out with great clarity and with many real-life examples, the depth and scope of this book will probably necessitate many readings. I totally recommend this book for anyone who is open to the profound level of growth that it offers.