Allalong,
I generally tend to pass on anything that sounds authoritative. LGATs and cult leaders are noted over and over to be very authoritarian. You can feel a definite contrast on exposure, especially if you have had experience with the ones that are not like that. You can usually tell just by cracking the book open in a few places and reading a few paragraphs. Theres a whole different "tone" to it. Then you can just avoid buying them in the first place. The books i like give information. Some of the information i like and accept, and other parts i might reject. The main point is that those books don't tell me what to do.
One of my all-time favorite authors was Jane Roberts, who wrote many books in the 70's, (the Seth material). Her material was channeled, though, so that might not be your cup of tea. Some people find her material hard to grasp, and this could have led to some misunderstandings by some, and attempts to lead people down the garden path by others.
If you read the Bible, there are many possible ways to interpret much of it. Some are inspired to be a better person and love their neighbors. Others choose to start crusades and torture people. It depends on the reader as much as what is written.
Go with your gut, and do what works for you.
I generally tend to pass on anything that sounds authoritative. LGATs and cult leaders are noted over and over to be very authoritarian. You can feel a definite contrast on exposure, especially if you have had experience with the ones that are not like that. You can usually tell just by cracking the book open in a few places and reading a few paragraphs. Theres a whole different "tone" to it. Then you can just avoid buying them in the first place. The books i like give information. Some of the information i like and accept, and other parts i might reject. The main point is that those books don't tell me what to do.
One of my all-time favorite authors was Jane Roberts, who wrote many books in the 70's, (the Seth material). Her material was channeled, though, so that might not be your cup of tea. Some people find her material hard to grasp, and this could have led to some misunderstandings by some, and attempts to lead people down the garden path by others.
If you read the Bible, there are many possible ways to interpret much of it. Some are inspired to be a better person and love their neighbors. Others choose to start crusades and torture people. It depends on the reader as much as what is written.
Go with your gut, and do what works for you.