Circle of Christhood

As part of the ongoing historical documenting, we are sharing what comes about the teachers and lawsuits against the family and office of The Infinite Way so that we may learn from these experiences and avoid similar mistakes in the future.

We students often ponder how we are to know when we are divinely led and when we are just listening to our own egos expressing themselves.  The best instruction is that from Joel. Spiritual guidance always has signs following. Spiritual guidance is harmonious, never against spiritual laws.  One such "spiritual law" for us is that we do not solve our problems in court.  Joel told us that he learned this lesson the hard way. May his experience and that of others in the work, serve us as examples.

Furthermore, Joel did not want editing of more than punctuation and grammar. One very significant issue was the use of the word, "YOU" rather than "we" which would be the grammatical change called for. He expressly, emphatically states he wants  "YOU" for he is speaking to each one on us individually. HE IS SPEAKING TO YOU! 

There are many other liberties taken, editing done by Acropolis which are not only unnecessary, but which dilute Joel's consciousness. We regret this, but feel obligated to share these facts with you.  Surely, there is no malicious intent, simply ignorance of Joel's taped lessons where these instructions rest for all of us.  It is error operating again to undermine The Infinite Way.

We must all come together supporting all parties and know that we are one. 

C.C.: The following letter was sent to all Infinite Way students and teachers around the world. Acropolis had begun to publish writings and they began I-Level Recordings to reproduce and sell all of Joel's tapes at a discount with a desire to improve the quality and service for tape customers. The office of the Infinite Way had recently trademarked the name, The Infinite Way, in an effort to prevent a variety of unscrupulous "students" from using the name and collecting funds.

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Acropolis Books Inc.

October  9, 1997

To Students of Joel Goldsmith and the Teaching of The Infinite Way;

Joel Goldsmith in his eighteen year ministry brought an incredible treasure to the world. He was able to once again unveil the original message of Jesus the Christ and of many other great mystics.  He was a gift to every one of us. His message is now in consciousness and will live on throughout the ages. 

Joel cautioned that, in the history of the world, no revelator has ever delivered such an enlightened message and had it last in its purity for over three generations. Despite his unceasing efforts to warn against the attempt to organize this teaching, we now find that such an attempt is in process.

We have been taught not to "take up the sword" and to "resist not"; however, we have also learned that it is sometimes necessary to "take the human footsteps" to ensure that God's work is allowed to function on earth. After all, why are we here if not do the will of God?

As you may know, Geri McDonald registered as a trademark the name Infinite Way.  Geri and people who work with her, through intimidating legal letters, announcements in Aloha Nui and other correspondence, now suggest and state that they control all rights in the written and taped works of Joel Goldsmith. We contest this assertion of rights and do not believe it to be true.

These are the fact:

1. The recorded tapes of Joel Goldsmith were never submitted to be copyrighted and it is far from clear that Geri McDonald, or anyone else, owns exclusive rights in them.
2. With limited exception, the writings of  Joel Goldsmith are either in the public domain or the rights are owned by other publishers such as HarperCollins, Carol Publishing and DeVorss (not by Geri McDonald).  This is confirmed by Thompson & Thompson, the highly respected firm known for trademark and copyright research.  Acropolis Books has purchased specified reprint rights on many of these books from these publishers.
3. We believe no one should have the right to prohibit anyone from playing tapes of Joel Goldsmith in the course of nonprofit face-to-face teaching activities or in spiritual assemblies, from using his name in any non-commercial context, from making quotations of any length from many of his many works that are in the public domain, or from making "fair use" of his works that are still protected. In addition, neither Geri McDonald nor anyone else can demand that names of individuals interested in this message be made accessible or available to her.

Acropolis Books has attempted not to become involved in any legal entanglements and to continue to reintroduce Joel's work in newly published books of high integrity.  Unfortunately, however, the actions taken by Geri McDonald have upset, confused and frustrated many new and long time students of the work.  This simply cannot continue.

Through inner guidance, Acropolis Books is being called upon to provide protection through human means against those that would attempt to restrict the free and organized dissemination of Joel's work.  A considerable sum has already been expended encompassing research by one of the most highly regarded intellectual property law firms in the country to determine the current status of his work.  We intend to continue to retain and utilize the very best counsel available and to underwrite whatever expense is required to allow this heightened awareness of the legal status of Joel's work to remain in place.  If you feel so directed, we would also welcome your financial assistance to assist in this process.  An account has been set up as "Acropolis Books-Segregated Account" for the purpose of underwriting the cost to ultimately provide the truthful answers behind the dissemination of Joel's tapes and writings.  His invaluable message is simply too precious to allow its control by any individual or organization.  Among the issues expected to be addressed in this process will be:

1. Ensuring the rights of all to use the term Infinite Way   to refer to Joel's teaching.
2. Correcting of the serious misrepresentations as to the existence and scope of Geri McDonald's rights to published and unpublished works of Joel Goldsmith, his tapes, the use of his works and the use of the term Infinite Way.

Joel wanted this message to be free and not to be controlled by anyone.  Unquestionably, in an absolute environment, no action should be required.  In undeniable direction provided within, however, the human footsteps must be taken to ensure that this message is freely available to any individual that demonstrates an interest.  While we would prefer not to resort to the legal system, Joel did instruct us to use only the best representatives and professional assistance when one is challenged and has to work in the human scene.

It is indeed unfortunate that these actions must be taken. However, material misrepresentations of the truth cannot continue without the appropriate correction being made.  Thank you for your interest and support.

Sincerely,

Acropolis Books, Inc.

(Michael H. Krupp, Chairman of the Board)

After several years of legal exchanges, a settlement was made. I-Level stopped selling tapes.  Acropolis books continued publishing books they had purchased rights to, made new publications of Sinkler edited IW Monthly Letters with the financial help of Valor Foundation. After several years, Acropoplis discontinued  publishing new books and now distributes through DeVorss.