Disappearance of the Universe: Straight Talk about Illusions, Past Lives, Religion, Sex, Politics, and the Miracles of Forgiveness

A Word to the Wise

A good friend of mine recently became consumed in The Disappearance of the Universe, and has now moved on to A Course in Miracles. I have had an increasingly difficult time talking to her without getting a glazed smile and an earful of her new philosophy. As a clinical psychologist and concerned friend, I decided to read Disappearance to see what could possibly have such a hold over this person. After reading the book, I have some concerns. Although a story like this can seem like the perfect answer to a person searching for meaning, such a totalitarian philosophy can have damaging effects on a person's life and relationships. I have watched otherwise bright, social, independent thinkers become increasingly fixated, disturbed, and isolated after diving into a thought system like this. They often have difficulty relating to the 'unenlightened' or coping with the mundane 'physical world.' I'm not here to bash the book. It certainly is entertaining and imaginative. But I would caution anyone considering this book to keep a level head about it. These 'advanced' philosophies can be very consuming to a person's mind, and are often times intentionally designed that way. Remember, no matter what your spiritual beliefs, you still have a body and a world to take care of, at least for a while.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

A Mind of My Own

The Disappearance of the Universe uses the same authoritarian tone as A Course in Miracles, but adds a pinch of condescension for good measure. I have read both books from cover to cover, and both books give the same ultimatum: This is the truth, the only meaningful reality, 'a required course', and until you accept that, you will remain a mindless ego on legs, trapped in a meaningless illusion, fueled by fear, unable to know truth or love. Both books clearly and repeatedly state that our world is nothing more than an horrific nightmare filled with hateful creatures. Forgive my irreverence, but I wholeheartedly disagree. Unlike the 'ascended masters' in Disappearance, I see beauty in this great Universe of ours, and I intend to make it a wonderful place to live, while I seek God in my own way.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

You had me right up to Mars

I have to say I was really enjoying this story and even open to the possibility of spirit guides, until they made that remark about humans migrating to Earth from Mars. I hate to get caught up on one detail, but I think it's pretty huge. What can I say, I'm a biologist, and if you're going to claim these characters are truly ascended masters who know everything about humankind and the universe, you can't afford to get things wrong, especially something like this. If you compare the DNA of humans and apes, you can see that they're roughly 97% identical. We're also finding earlier fossils all the time that show our common ancestry. The ascended masters made the remark, 'You don't really think you descended from apes, do you?' as if that was somehow inferior. I see nothing wrong with the idea, in fact I think evolution is an amazing and beautiful process that has given us all the diversity of life we have on this planet. But these masters refer to it as 'miscreation', a criticism I take offense to. Once they made these remarks, the credibility of the whole book was shot.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Great Introduction to The Course!

I have found that this book takes a gradual process in presenting ideas of reality and alternate possibilities for any reader, and does so in a way that it makes either accepting these ideas, or not, effortless. I have also found it to provide background information that helps in understanding such concepts, so that you fully understand what it is trying to express prior to moving on to the next concept.

This is a MUST READ for anyone that is looking for something more, either on a spiritual path, or in the determination of their own purpose, or in simple understanding of what may bring them true inner peace and relief from the stresses of their life. I cannot say enough amazing things about this book because since I read it I haven't looked at anything the same and nor will I!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The best book ever

If you are reading A Course in Miracles you will need to read this book. It will bring you greater understanding of the Course and the message of Jesus. I've already read it twice. I have searched and read many books over the past 2 years...and now my search is over for the meaning of life. All I need to do now is practice, practice, practice...forgiveness! I do not read anything that is recommended by Gary R. Renard because I want to always stay the path of A Course in Miracles.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Uggh! Regret buying.

This is one of those books you should take a seat and read the first hundred or so pages and not just buy immediately. It may be irritating, or useful. I am all about truth, personal change and being open minded. All for spiritual growth, but this book really got on my nerves. One of the only books in the past decade of reading that irritated me so much. I regretted spending the money and wasting my time. Moving on to other authors.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Thought Provoking

I must say that the title of disappearance of the Universe sounded like something from a Scifi movie, but it isn't. In a strange way it makes sense. It will make you rethink everything that you have been taught to believe. I would recommend this to people who are ready to change their lives.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Don't waste your money

I bought this book online following previous reviews. What a mistake!! (I usually browse books in the store before buying.) This book is full of "will explain later...more details later..." blah, blah, blah.
No specifics. I would not recommend this book not even to beginners. It's a mix of different sources. If you don't follow the Bible or don't agree with it, don't get this book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Enlightenment Cards

I read 'Disappearance' six times in the first year I owned it. As an eager student of spirituality for 50 years, I thank Gary, Arten and Pursah for their help. I've also gone on to study 'A Course in Miracles.' Though no one is likely to read my review way back here, I want to add that the 'Enlightenment Cards,' companion to 'Disappearance' are absolutely, breathtakingly beautiful! I bought several sets as gifts for friends who I know enjoyed 'Disappearance.' They're lovely to hold, inspiring to read, and I have them as reminders, displayed all over my house, used as bookmarks, etc., a great tactile experience to accompany a rewarding thought system.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great Read, highly recommend prior to reading "A Course in Miracles"

This was a great read! Gary and the Ascended Master's who visited him were very funny which not only felt down to earth (no pun intended;) but made a serious topic feel light and I couldn't put the book down. The review that said they were turned off by the book because of the Ascended Master's stating they came from Mar's or somewhere like that I didn't read that anywhere, sorry. There was a short blurb when Gary asked about if ET's existed and the response was yes, I would have to agree, other's may disagree, but I believe they exist.

I also ordered Gary's daily enlightenment cards but can't comment on them yet they are on their way, but I look forward to them.

Highly Recommended

This book has given me the Truth. It has literally changed my life.

Very intriguing-Recommend for the open minded

I was seduced by the conversation between the characters.The concepts may be a bit much for many,but are well within every ones grasp. All that is needed is an open mind and a desire to change for the better.I highly recommend this reading to those who are looking for a life changing experience.

Highly Recommended

If you are a searcher for Truth, this is the best of all. I have a huge meta & theo library but I think they have all lead me on wonderful winding paths to where Gary Renards books take us towards the better understanding of "A Course in Miracles". For those of you who have no other 'religious' books at all, this is the one to have. This isn't just something you read once and put down. It is about how to live this life.
I bought my Nook Color, my first digital reader, just because I want to carry this book, Gary Renards other book and 'A Course in Miracles' with me at all times.

This book was lifechanging

After reading this book, I started to look at everything differently. I was already a student of ACIM, but reading this just opened my eyes. The shocker was that God did not create the world I did and it's my movie and I am the director and producer through my thoughts and belief's.

On The Right Course!

I remember that lazy summer night I went to Barnes & Noble, all comfortable and relaxed, and roaming the whole store thinking what will today bring me. And so I just picked a section and a book stuck out to me, this one. "How could the Universe disappear?" I said out loud to myself, and when I picked up the book, (the only one of its kind there) my life changed forever. I can say that I am definitely a changed individual because of this book. The teachings, the values, and the goodness that comes out of Gary's book is nothing but happiness.

The way in which Gary displayed the story to us was brilliant, funny, touching, and yes, believable. You don't have to take every single thing he says to heart, or mind, but take what you will that would make life true to you. Whether afterwards you'd want to read A Course in Miracles is completely up to you but it may not be for you, this book might be enough, even if it quenches your thirst for a time, you have enough to go on and find the rest for yourself.

The inspiration I got from this book, was the inspiration I gratefully got back because now I know that the passions I had growing up are the passions I want all through my time here. And regardless of what follys may follow, I know the way I will treat them is what feels right to me, forgiveness is ten times better than holding any type of anger, it heals tremendously. ALL BECAUSE OF THIS BOOK! This will open your eyes to possibilities you may have secretly contemplated with yourself but when spoken through Gary's words, it just makes it that more sensible. Atleast read it, you're sure to get something out of it.

The Best Book Ever

Hi Everyone,

The Disappearance of the Universe, or DU, as its known by its followers, is a most wonderful, mind-altering, and life-changing book. It's one of my top favorites. I've read it 4 times, and have listened to the book on tape. I've learned and grown so much from reading it - spiritually, personally, and mentally.

It's also entertaining - very humorous. Gary has a great sense of humor and wit. I've seen him in person and loved the opportunity to hear more from him.

I am excitedly awaiting Gary's latest book, Love Has Forgotten No One. In the meantime, I've started reading A Course in Miracles, which is what The Disappearance is about.

The Disappearance of the Universe is like the cliff notes to A Course in Miracles, or like the No Fear Shakespeare. It helps interpret the Course, so it's understandable, digestable, and so you can actually know what it says. Thank you Gary, Arten, and Pursah - I've been waiting 20 years for something like this to help me.

I can't say enough good things about The Disappearance. It's main message is Love & Forgiveness. It teaches you a direct pathway on how to become enlightened, if that is what you truly want.

I believe many people will grow and even become enlightened from reading and living the message in this book.

Cheers, blessings, love and forgive!
Nao

I don't want it to end!

I'm just about to finish Gary's book. I didn't expect to fall in love with it! I've tried twice to read and study A Course In Miracles. Although I recognized the importance of the message, I couldn't get into the mind-numbing text or the really odd workbook exercises. Thanks to 'Disappearance,' I'm now reading the ACIM text AND understanding it without any difficulty AND practicing forgiveness every day. Already I feel lighter and happier. In fact, no matter what knarly thing happens in my world, I still feel light and happy. All the time! It's just weird. Gary's book stands on its own as an intriguing and enjoyable work, but in combination with A Course in Miracles, I believe it's truly miraculous. If you're at all interested in spiritual enlightenment, or simply relief from the torturing ego, please give this wonderful book a try!

Please dont pass this book up!!!

I read this book once only to re-read it 3 more times and write up a study guide for it. I couldn't put it down. Once you get it and it makes sense, the light bulb turns on. Don't give up on this book if its too hard to understand but stay persistent and keep an open mind. Theres too much valuable information.

Forever Grateful!

I truly feel that anyone who reads A Course in Miracles must have the books Disappearance of the Universe and Your Immortal Reality sitting right there beside ACIM. These books are simply wonderful!! I initially read ACIM 6 years ago. However, I found myself continually re-reading the text trying to understand this unique verbiage. Then one day I was guided to purchase Gary Renards first book, The Disappearance of the Universe, and I have to say by the time I put this book down clarification was ringing for me from all fields. The message his first book delivered encouraged me to become a 'true' Course student like never before. Then along came Gary Renards second book, Your Immortal Reality, I have read both books over and over, highlighted and refer to them whenever I feel myself straying from the Course. If you haven't read these books, and are a Course student, I strongly recommend them to you. If you are new to the Course, I recommend reading these books first and then reading the text. It is like night and day reading the Course after you have read these two books. I am ever so happy that I followed my guidance that day and found myself holding The Disappearance of the Universe. And I have to say that I am forever grateful to Gary Renard for these two amazing books that have helped me to really learn to love the Course! Love and blessings....Robbie

Highly Recommended

This book has lead us to A Course in Miracles. Without this book, I think it may have been a challenge for me to just pick up ACIM and really get it and see the point of it. God is.