"Biblical Non-Duality"
Mike Ervin
Below is
a comprehensive summary of the book Biblical Non-Duality by Marshall Davis,
which explores the concept of non-duality from within the framework of the
Christian scriptures and spiritual tradition.
Book
Title:
Biblical
Non-Duality
Author:
Marshall Davis
Published:
2019
Overview
Marshall
Davis, a former Baptist pastor turned non-dual spiritual teacher, presents in
Biblical Non-Duality a bold reinterpretation of Christian theology through the
lens of non-duality, the idea that there is no separation between God and
creation, self and other, or sacred and secular. He argues that this teaching
is not foreign to Christianity but is embedded in the Bible, though
historically obscured by dogma, dualistic metaphysics, and institutional
religion.
The book
is written for Christians—or spiritual seekers with a Christian background—who
are awakening to non-dual consciousness and wish to understand how this
perspective aligns with or arises from the Bible.
Core
Themes and Teachings
1. What
is Non-Duality?
- Definition: Non-duality (from the
Sanskrit advaita, “not-two”) refers to the direct realization of oneness,
in which distinctions such as self/other or God/world dissolve.
- Davis emphasizes that non-duality
is not a belief but an experience or awareness—a shift in consciousness
from separation to unity.
- It does not reject distinctions
but sees them as arising within the one reality.
2.
Non-Duality in the Bible
Davis
makes a case that non-dual awareness is found throughout the Bible,
particularly when read through contemplative or mystical eyes. Key scriptural
foundations include:
- Exodus 3:14 – “I AM WHO I AM”:
God is Being itself, not a separate being.
- Acts 17:28 – “In him we live and
move and have our being.”
- John 17:21 – “That they may all
be one…”
- Galatians 2:20 – “It is no longer
I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
He
interprets these and other verses as indications that the true self is not
separate from God—a central insight in non-dual traditions.
3. Jesus
and Non-Duality
- Davis portrays Jesus as a
realized non-dual teacher, not simply as a doctrinal Savior.
- The “I Am” sayings in John’s
Gospel are viewed not as exclusive claims about Jesus’ divinity but as
invitations to awaken to the same divine identity within all.
- The crucifixion and resurrection
are interpreted symbolically: the ego dies, and the true Self
(Christ-consciousness) arises.
4.
Christ and the True Self
- Christ is not just Jesus but the
divine presence within all people.
- Paul’s frequent references to
“Christ in you” are seen as affirmations of inner divinity and
non-separation.
- Salvation is not escaping
damnation but awakening to one’s true nature in God.
5. The
Fall and Duality
- The Genesis story of the Fall is
interpreted as the birth of dualistic consciousness - the knowledge of good
and evil, subject and object, self and other.
- The expulsion from Eden is a
metaphor for losing awareness of oneness with God, and the spiritual
journey is a return to that unity.
6.
Non-Dual Prayer and Meditation
- Davis recommends silent prayer,
contemplation, and surrender as pathways to awakening.
- He distinguishes between prayer
that reinforces the ego (asking God for things) and prayer that opens to
the realization of no-self and divine union.
- Be still and know that I am God
(Psalm 46:10) is a cornerstone verse.
7.
Rejection of Religious Dualism
- Institutional religion, according
to Davis, often reinforces separation—between God and human, heaven and
earth, saved and unsaved.
- He critiques doctrinal
literalism, emphasizing instead a spiritual reading of scripture that
points beyond language to direct experience.
8.
Universal Salvation and Inclusion
- Non-duality implies no one is
outside of God, so ideas like hell or exclusive salvation lose meaning.
- Davis affirms a universal,
unconditional grace that transcends theological boundaries.
9.
Living Non-Duality
- The fruit of awakening is not
withdrawal but compassionate engagement with the world.
- Davis teaches that love,
forgiveness, and peace naturally flow from the realization of oneness.
- “Love your neighbor as yourself”
takes on literal meaning- because there is no real separation between self
and other.
Structure
of the Book
The book
is divided into concise chapters, each addressing a particular topic,
including:
- The Non-Dual Nature of God
- Jesus’ Non-Dual Teachings
- The Illusion of the Separate Self
- Awakening and the Kingdom of God
- Salvation and the New Birth
- The Inner Light
- Scripture and the Word of God
- Non-Dual Prayer
- The Death of the Ego
- Resurrection Consciousness
- Living from the True Self
Each
chapter includes scriptural references, commentary, and spiritual encouragement
for those undergoing a shift in consciousness.
Tone and
Intended Audience
- The book is gentle, pastoral, and
invitational—written by someone who has walked the path of traditional
Christianity and emerged into a non-dual awareness.
- It’s especially helpful for
Christians deconstructing old beliefs, or for those drawn to mysticism but
wanting to stay grounded in biblical language.
- Davis does not promote a
particular institution or guru, instead encouraging inner realization and
spiritual independence.
Reception
and Controversy
- Positively received among
progressive Christians, contemplatives, and interspiritual seekers.
- Controversial for conservative
Christians who hold to traditional doctrines of salvation, Christology, or
biblical inerrancy.
- It challenges dualistic
frameworks (heaven vs hell, saved vs unsaved, God vs world) which are
deeply ingrained in many denominations.
Conclusion
Biblical
Non-Duality by Marshall Davis offers a radical reinterpretation of
Christianity, rooted in the experience of oneness with God. While it departs
from many traditional doctrines, it seeks to uncover a hidden stream within the
Bible-a mystical, contemplative, non-dual path of union with the Divine. For
those open to reimagining faith beyond dualism, it is a transformative and
illuminating resource.
"Biblical Non-Duality"