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Without the Smell of Fire
In his Dedication to this book, Walter Lanyon " I have called this 'Without the Smell of Fire' because I have been so impressed that the time has come for the vast army of Truth Students to advance to that State of expression where the 'smell of Fire' of the trials and problems through which they have gone, be gotten rid of. It is time we laid aside the cocoon of human thought from which we came. The smell of fire of the trials from which we came is absorbed in the glorious Light of Spirit."
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1977
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March 23, 2025
Without the Smell of Fire by Lanyon presents a counterintuitive perspective on manifestation. He begins by praising the "virginal thought" of the impossible in Mary's conception. However, he then argues that what we commonly regard as affirmations, the law of attraction, quantum metaphysics, and similar concepts all exist within the realm of human thought—not in the mindset of Christ or the unchanging creation of God.
Lanyon asserts that God operates in the realm of the impossible, and His will is not altered by human thoughts, whether positive or negative. What He has for us is given through grace; we are to accept it, not desire or will it into being. While this may seem contradictory, the author seeks to redefine the relationship between thought and manifestation. Instead of actively striving for what we want, we are called to recognize and accept divine provision. If we truly believe, it is already done—we do not need to repeatedly write down or visualize our desires.
That said, Lanyon does not dismiss positive thinking. On the contrary, he acknowledges its benefits, particularly in shaping our neurological patterns and influencing good actions. However, he distinguishes between this natural process and the deeper, faith-based acceptance of God’s will. Manifestation through thought may yield material results, but true miracles—such as emerging from a furnace without even the smell of fire—occur only through faith, surrender, and alignment with divine authority.
Lanyon asserts that God operates in the realm of the impossible, and His will is not altered by human thoughts, whether positive or negative. What He has for us is given through grace; we are to accept it, not desire or will it into being. While this may seem contradictory, the author seeks to redefine the relationship between thought and manifestation. Instead of actively striving for what we want, we are called to recognize and accept divine provision. If we truly believe, it is already done—we do not need to repeatedly write down or visualize our desires.
That said, Lanyon does not dismiss positive thinking. On the contrary, he acknowledges its benefits, particularly in shaping our neurological patterns and influencing good actions. However, he distinguishes between this natural process and the deeper, faith-based acceptance of God’s will. Manifestation through thought may yield material results, but true miracles—such as emerging from a furnace without even the smell of fire—occur only through faith, surrender, and alignment with divine authority.
March 28, 2009
most of the good is very good - parts were a little dry, but worth reading - 'The Kingdom of Heaven is a State of consciousness from which all things come into manifestation.'
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews