Circle of Christhood

Here are the reasons that Emma Goldsmith refused to approve of Lorraine Sinkler's Horizons in Consciousness book of correspondence with Joel. It is in the interest of accurate history and the understanding of future students that this public document is shared. (Find more information under Sinkler vs. Goldsmith on this site.)

We welcome any other information which will add to the understanding of how a message of oneness could so quickly disintegrate into factions which remain today. Our prayer is that once again, the Infinite Way will exist as a brotherhood of truth, all students of Joel Goldsmith.

Magella White Affidavit

No. CIV 83-1298-PHX-CLH

State of Arizona

County of Maricopa

Judge Charles Hardy

 

 

Magella White, being duly sworn deposes and states:

 

1. I am a resident of the State of Arizona, residing at 10201 North 99^th Avenue, No. 147-F, Peoria, Arizona 85345.
2. I have worked at the offices of The Infinite way for Emma A. Goldsmith and her daughter Thelma G. McDonald since 1978, having the duties of clerk-typist, correspondence secretary, and since 1981 assisting with the preparation of the material for The Infinite Way Monthly Letter.  Beginning with the December, 1981 Monthly Letter, I have been preparing material for the letter under the guidance and instructions of Geri McDonald and particularly with her spiritual help.  I have used as research material Joel. S. Goldsmith's taped recordings of his lectures and classes and his other writings, together with the files of Emma Goldsmith and the Infinite Way office, and, accordingly, have become very familiar with Joel's teachings and the history of The Infinite Way movement.
3. Because of my duties for The Infinite Way offices, I have had substantial personal contact with Emma and Geri.
4. In 1981 I was asked and instructed by Emma and Geri to prepare, for Emma's signatures, the letters to Lorraine Sinkler dated September 9 and 15, 1981 copies of which are attached as Exhibits A and B.  After preparing these letters I delivered them to Emma for her review and signature and further handling. Emma was under great emotional stress at the time, but she had the mental capacity to understand the content of the letters.
5. At the institution of the lawsuit by plaintiff Lorraine Sinkler, I was instructed by Geri to review the allegations made by Sinkler and to conduct research among the records of The Infinite Way and Joel's tapes and writings to determine the facts bearing on the allegations. After receiving from Sinkler's attorney copies of the correspondence between Joel and Sinkler alleged to be used in the preparation of Sinkler's book Horizons of Consciousness, I worked with Geri to compare the original correspondence with that in the book. I found many discrepancies. I have also become familiar with the affidavits attached to plaintiff's motion for Summary Judgment and the deposition transcript of Lorraine Sinkler.
6. While Sinkler claims in her deposition that the editing of the letters was very minor, the comparative study made by Geri and me shows that there were careful deletions and omissions from many of Joel's letters and the quoting out of context of Joel's words, all for the purpose of producing an entirely different impression from what the letters would indicate.

 

For example, at page 119 of Horizons, plaintiff quotes an alleged conversation with Joel S. Goldsmith in which he was to have said:

            "I have stolen your first chapter for the book on Scriptures as the introduction to the American edition of Living The Infinite Way."

 

However, in her letter dated June 26, 1955, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit C, and which letter appears in Horizons on page 111, she omitted the following material:

            "The very first chapter in the book [reference to the above book on Scriptures] is beginning to take shape. I couldn't see how the first chapter could ever be done. It seemed to be the hardest of all and now the whole picture is there. Just the right material is given me to use."

 

In her letter dated July 20, 1955, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit D, and which letter appears in Horizons on page 115, she also omitted the following:

            "I am so glad you like the first chapter, and now it can be told. It fell into place quite beautifully.  Just the right passages came to my attention…a happy thought came to play a couple of radio broadcasts…and that did it. I saw in them the basis for the first chapter."

 

Accordingly, the implication from the above alleged quote of Joel that she wrote all of Joel's material cannot be supported from a look at her own letters written to Joel where she acknowledges use of material received from him and his radio broadcasts.  Further, there are many other letters from Joel and from Lorraine indicating that Joel wrote and/or edited anything credited to him and controlled the ultimate meaning of his message.  Joel's letter to Sinkler dated September 21, 1956 was severely edited ,including the closing. See page 150 from Horizons (attached as Exhibit E), and the actual nine-page letter (attached as Exhibit F).  Joel's letter dated January 27, 1963, a part of which Sinkler quotes in her Complaint, does not even appear in Horizons.

 

A comparison of Joel's four-page letter to Lorraine dated August 18, 1952, copy attached as Exhibit G, and the severely edited version on page 32 in Horizons, copy attached as Exhibit H, further shows that Lorraine deleted any favorable comments by Joel of Emma (referred to as Mrs. Lindsay) and particularly comments concerning Emma's heavy involvement in the work of The Infinite Way.  This is one of the many meticulous deletions from Joel's letters intended to prevent the reader from knowing Emma's importance to The Infinite Way.  To further downplay Emma's Infinite Way involvement, Lorraine portrays Emma as a vain woman interested only in clothes, jewelry, and the finer things of life, as Lorraine earlier did in her book The Spiritual Journey of Joel S. Goldsmith.

 

7. The representation by Sinkler that her book Horizons is a spiritual, educational book in the form of a chronological history of her spiritual development through the correspondence between herself and Joel S. Goldsmith is not supported by the facts. For example, several of Joel's letters indicating Lorraine's lack of progress in certain areas and offering additional instruction have been omitted from Horizons.  Any letters or portions of the letters that might be detrimental to Lorraine's image have been deleted from Horizons. Further, many parts of the letters appearing in Horizons have absolutely no spiritual or educational value, or concern the spiritual development of Lorraine through her correspondence with Joel. As one of the many of the remarks left in Horizons that Emma wore a dress at her wedding that she had previously worn to one of the classes of Joel is of absolutely no spiritual or educational value, and in uncomplimentary toward Emma.  Moreover, the closing of many of Joel's letters were edited to remove Emma's name and imply a more personal and intimate relationship between Joel and Lorraine. Horizons unkindly portrays Emma.
8. On page 118 of Horizons (copy attached as Exhibit I), Lorraine comments that she discussed with Joel in 1955 her proposed book The Spiritual Journey of Joel S. Goldsmith.  I have read this book.  This statement can only be classified as a fabrication attempting to influence the reader and imply that Joel approved a book that was written nearly ten years after he died.  It also conflicts with follow statement made in Joel's book Practicing the Presence published in 1955:

"This book is personal life revealed.  This book, and The Art of Meditation and Living The Infinite Way reveal all that has happened me in my entire spiritual career."

 

It is not reasonable to assume that Joel, in view of his comment in Practicing the Presence or in view of his other teachings, that he would approve a book to be written and published nearly twenty years after Lorraine claims she obtained such approval.

 

 

9. Because of some of the above-noted inaccuracies and misquotes and twisting of facts noted in the book Horizons and which constituted only a small number of many discrepancies, Emma A. Goldsmith was rightfully adamantly opposed to approving the publishing of Horizons.
10. The contention by Lorraine that she is teaching and following the principles of The Infinite Way in accordance with Joel's philosophy is erroneous.  The fact that she sells tapes of her lectures and represents them to be The Infinite Way principles is directly against Joel's teachings as set forth in his letter to a student in New Zealand on April 10, 1964, a copy of which letter is attached as Exhibit J, and his letter dated January 27, 1964, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit K.  That Lorraine is entitled to teach her philosophy is not disputed, but where it differs from the principles of The Infinite Way as taught by Joel S. Goldsmith, it should not be represented as Joel's message or as being sponsored by The Infinite Way.  Her version of "freedom" is not in accord with Joel's version which is set forth in a brochure distributed by The Infinite Way offices and prepared from Joel's tapes, copy of which is attached as Exhibit L.
11. Sinkler attempts to give the impression that she is in charge of The Infinite Way and is its sole leader and that she is the one designated by Joel to control The Infinite Way.  She also attempts to give the impression that she was the sole person responsible for writing Joel's books. These contentions are not supported by the record. As evidence of one instance where Joel made it clear to Emma that she was not only in charge of The Infinite Way office, but also that she had a strong voice in the content of the books, I refer to Joel's letter to Emma dated November 8, 1962, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit M. In this letter he asked Emma to make it clear that Lorraine is to allow Emma to read the manuscript of the book Leave Your Nets and be completely satisfied with it before it goes to publication.  As another instance indicating that Emma was to be in charge after Joel passed away, I refer to Joel's letter written to Lorraine and Valborg dated April 1, 1963, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit N, and where he stated, "Have arranged with my attorney that as long as you will, that your work continue, cooperating with Emma-as long as the tape and letter depts. earn enough to pay you."

 

As evidence that neither Sinkler nor anyone can be Joel's spiritual heir, he states in his diary entries of January 25-27, 1964 (copy attached as Exhibit O):

 

"Once I thought of 3 who would be close to me in world work of IW.

Had to drop it. Later called 5 to me and one by one it became clear it would not work. Finally-12 out of the world. One by one so many dropped away it narrowed to three close ones-and then –all had to be dispersed. There is no one to work with me. No one is standing by me or the work."

 

The following books were published by Joel prior to Sinkler's claim that she wrote books for Joel:

 

1947   The Infinite Way

            Spiritual Interpretation of Scripture

            booklet – “Business and Salesmanship”

1948        Consciousness Unfolding

1949        God, The Substance of All Form

1950        booklet –“The Master Speaks”

1953        booklet – “I Am the Vine”

1954        Living the Infinite Way

1956    The Art of Meditation

1956    Practicing the Presence

 

 

12.  Sinkler contends that Joel never concerned himself with obtaining copyright protection on his writings. As evidence that this contention is totally false, I refer to a copy of this letter to Lorraine dated February 14, 1961, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit P, wherein he states "Attorneys are working on the matter of copyrights." Further, refer to a certified copy of a search report made by the Copyright Office of the United States which lists 55 works copyrighted by Joel.  A copy of this list is attached as Exhibit Q.

 

13. I have further listened to the following tapes of Lorraine Sinkler and have also examined the transcripts of these tapes;

 

Tape 1 – Catalog No. 8101 - 1981 Palm Beach Closed Class

Tape 1 – Catalog No. 8106 – 1981 San Rafael Closed Class

Tape II -  Catalog No. 8107 –1981 San Rafael Closed Class

Tape I –  Catlaog No. 8109 – 1981 Pasadena Closed Class

 

I have compared statements made by Sinkler to her students from the above tapes with Joel's actual teachings as understood from his taped lectures and classes, and I am of the opinion that Sinkler distorts Joel's teachings to justify her present and past actions, all under the guise of representing her classes to be sponsored by The Infinite Way.  Further, I find with respect to her spoken word in the above-mentioned tapes, they are of little spiritual or educational value and have little to do with Joel's message.  For example, the first above-mentioned tape explains the circumstances regarding her book Horizons of Consciousness, which is of no educational or spiritual value. Her philosophy on forgiveness-that there is nothing to forgive because there is no one to forgive – is 180 degrees out of phase with Joel's teachings. Likwise, her philosophy on freedom – that her students can do anything without fear of consequences – is directly opposite Joel's teaching. Similarly, she misstates Joel's teachings by contending that Joel taught The Infinite Way message as not including any rules or regulations governing the students.  This conflicts directly with many of Joel's writings, such as Joel's 1964 instructions for Infinite Way tape group leaders, where he stated:

            "Since there can't be rules for this one and that one, there has to

                        be one rule and all must obey it…I tell our tape group leaders, teachers

                        and students there must be no literature and no tapes except the message

                        of The Infinite Way and no exceptions to that rule."

 

14. In the affidavits of Russell and Julia Davidson, they assert that Lorraine's teachings conform to the principles of Joel's message and that Lorraine is the single individual most responsible for the spreading of Joel's teaching.  For the following reasons these assertions are erroneous.

 

In 1984 I attended the so-called Infinite Way World Conference held in Denver and conducted by Virginia Stephenson, Eileen Bowden and Lorraine Sinkler and the leader of the so-called Infinite Way Denver Study Group. Prominently displayed at this conference on a large table were tape recordings of lectures and classes by Stephenson, Bowden, and Sinkler, together with their catalogs of listed tape recordings.  This display of resource material purporting to be Infinite Way material did not include any tapes of Joel Goldsmith, a list of Joel's tapes from The Infinite Way offices, any information on The Infinite Way Monthly Letter still being published, or any indication as to where Joel's written materials or tapes could be obtained.  Another table manned by the Denver study group included books written by Joel, but no tapes.

 

At the introductory sessions on Friday evening, Virginia Stephenson, Eileen Bowden and Lorraine Sinkler each gave a speech.  These speeches consisted primarily of their talking about their closeness to Joel, their representation that he approved of their work and how important they were to the Infinite Way movement.  Sinkler did mention one of Joel's taped recordings by name but gave no indication as to where it could be obtained.  The speeches totally ignored the existence of The Infinite Way offices and recording studio and the fact that The Infinite Way Monthly Letters and other of Joel's materials are available from that office.  Nothing was said about Emma having continued Joel's work by maintaining the offices of The Infinite Way.  The impression given to the attendees was that Stevenson, Bowden and Sinkler are The Infinite Way.

 

I had dinner Friday evening with a long-time student of Joel S. Goldsmith by the name of Gene Kidd. After mentioning to her that my introduction to The Infinite Way movement was from Lorraine Sinkler's book The Spiritual Journey of Joel S. Goldsmith, I inquired of her as to what she felt The Infinite Way was about and asked her to recommend reading material to me. She said, "You don’t want to bother with that book."  She then stated that she lives by Joel's book Practicing the Presence and The Art of Meditation. She further recommended that I obtain Joel's tapes on his 1955 Maui classes.  She also advised that these tapes could be purchased by writing to The Infinite Way in Youngtown, Arizona.

 

At the luncheon on Saturday, I mentioned to persons sitting next to me that I was confused by the fact that there were no tapes available on Joel's lectures and that only tapes from Stephenson, Bowden and Sinkler were displayed.  I inquired from them as to what they would recommend, they were reluntant to make a recommendation, but upon further questioning by me as to where to order tapes, one woman from Chicago said, "I buy only Joel's tapes."  When I asked her if she could tell me where to order Joel's tapes, she informed me that she had the latest Infinite Way Monthly Letter in her hotel room which would show the address of The Infinite Way offices where they could be purchased. We arranged to meet later after the Saturday session so that she could give me the address from the Monthly Letter.

 

Between sessions I also talked to a woman who was clutching a copy of Joel's book The Contemplative Life.  She told me that it was her favorite book and that she got the most out of it.  On the other hand, her husband favored another one of Joel's books, Practicing the Presence.

 

At no time did anyone whom I talked to recommend tapes of Stephenson, Bowden and Sinkler or the books written by Stephenson or Sinkler.

 

From my observations at the Conference and understanding from conversations with others, those at the Conference are particularly the ones who were Joel's students during his lifetime were more interested in the camaraderie and opportunity to renew acquaintances with other students than in the messages of the so-called teachers.  I observed nothing that would make me feel that these students considered Lorraine Sinkler to be the spiritual heir of Joel S. Goldsmith.

 

Magella White (signature)

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 1^st day of March 1985  (notary signature)

 

 

 

Notes:

 

From Exhibit F: 9-21-56

Joel to Lorraine:

"…The Master Speaks – you gave the first few pages a re-writing-& this I did not want.  Just leave the book alone but omit the glaring errors like "Now" in every paragraph and the mistakes made in transcribing.  You can tell by my correspondence I make very few errors-but the girls do not correctly hear all that I say on tape.

"So Lorraine, for all time – let us get over this self-condemnation state- and also the personal sense that feels that a correction represents some failure.

"I am doing a fine job on Consciousness Unfolding so you can go to Metaphysical Notes next. Change the title to "Conscious Oneness with God"  & in parenthesis (Metaphysical Notes)…"

 

            From Exhibit G: Joel to Lorraine 8-18-52

                        "…The tapes are ordered from Mrs. Lindsay – and payments made to her. As long as I am here will select for you – after that you can safely rely on Mrs. Lindsay. Not only is she one of our fine students, but she devotes her time entirely to this Recording Dept – (12 hours a day the past two months)-and knows all the tapes I recommend in their order.  Also there will be a new catalogue in a few weeks. Lorraine this is proving to be the great link. The writings, the recordings –home study course and The Messenger (which will be enlarged as soon as possible) – and if the student is sincere – how can he miss? The great work that can be done by the local teacher-depends on the teacher. Some do fine things. Have been giving you name where it seems wise."

 

 

From Exhibit L: 1984 Emma Goldsmith

Freedom, The Laws, Grace

Joel Goldsmith

 

"Some think of freedom or liberty as license: the freedom to do anything they want to do forgetting that freedom means the freedom to live so that all may be One.  This idea of a free citizen does not mean an individual is free in his own being to do anything he wants to do! It means they are free to unite for the good of all, and it is that very point that is often lost sight of.

 

"That is why these people who publish obscene literature feel they are doing it as part of the guarantee of the Constitution – freedom of the press – and they construe that to mean the freedom to be corrupt and to corrupt others. Freedom doesn't mean that!

 

"Liquor sellers keep on selling no matter how stupid-drunk their customer may be-"because this is a free country" and they have the right to do anything they like and that the alcoholic has the right to do anything he likes. That isn't true! That is not a right sense of liberty or freedom.

 

“Liberty and freedom mean the right to uphold each other, the right to stand in freedom of rightness with each other. With it comes the responsibility of spiritual freedom. It doesn't mean that we are free to do anything we like or to ignore the laws of God or Grace. On the contrary, it places a deep responsibility upon us to not only love our neighbor but also to even be our brother's keeper. “ [The above is from Joel S. Goldsmith's taped recording of his 1955 Kailua Study Group, Tape No. 15, Side No. 1]

 

"[You have] the freedom to study a spiritual teaching, the freedom to study and practice any spiritual teaching you choose and the freedom to leave any teaching [when] you choose and seek another. All these are your rights." [The above is taken from Joel S. Goldsmith's taped recording of his 1958 London Closed Class, Tape 1, Side 1]

 

"By virtue of having been born, we are under the law of cause and effect, of environment, of heredity, of infection and contagion, of sin and desire, of wealth and poverty.  We are subject to [the law of] every human belief that exists anywhere on earth.

 

"With the very first turning to the Spirit-away from ritual, creed, or dogma – we are bringing ourselves out from under those laws and are bringing ourselves under the Grace of Spirit." [The above is taken from Joel S. Goldsmith's taped recording of his 1955 Kailua Study Group, Tape No. 15, Side No. 1]

 

Editor's note [Emma Goldsmith]:

[Joel never indicated that bringing ourselves out from the law applied to the judiciary laws of any country. Those laws are designed to protect the rights of every individual when those rights are threatened by those who are not living under Grace. To give you an example, in his 1960 England Open Class, Tape No. 8, Side No. 1, Joel has this to say on the subject of stealing:]

 

"The bread that you cast upon the waters s the bread that comes back to you. That's why you find many people with burned fingers; they tried to get the bread that someone else placed on the waters.  As you heard, I am going to Dartmore Prison (England) on Sunday to speak to the men.  I am sure that some of them have burned fingers from trying to reach out for some of the bread that belonged to someone else.  Life does not permit our taking from another that which belongs to him."

 

Editor’s Note:

[In Joel S. Goldsmith's taped recording of his 1963 Kailua Private Class, Tape No. 5 Side 2, he had this to say on the subject of bearing false witness:]

"Always remember that if a teacher lies to a student, that teacher has lost his or her power. If the student lies to a teacher, that student has lost his or her connection."

 

Editor’s note:

[In the taped recording of Joel's 1955 Kailua Study Group, Tape No. 15, Side No.1, he had this to say about maintaining one's spiritual integrity.]

 

"[Even if] you become a spiritual "giant", it does not say that you will not go back under the law. Don't think for a single moment that on this plane you will ever advance so high spiritually that temptation in one form or another cannot come….I have seen many tempted by good, by fame, by wealth, or by ease – tempted to go off the Path in some human way.  You have to maintain your life under Grace through the [constant] activity of Truth in your own consciousness."

 

Editor’s note:

[The above is not to be construed as rules of The Infinite Way.  The Infinite Way is not structured like orthodox religions where if you break a rule you are excommunicated. Joel simply states what happens when you do not maintain your spiritual integrity, and he explains how this operates in the taped recording of his 1960 Melbourne Closed Class, Tape 3, Side No.2.]

 

"The good you do to another, you are doing to your self, because there in only one Self. The harm you do to another, you are doing to yourself. 'Inasmuch as ye have done it to the least of thee, ye have done it unto Me.' That is Christ, God, the I.  You can't hurt any self without hurting yourself.  You cannot benefit any self without benefiting yourself, because there is only one Self and that is the Self of all of us."

 

Editor’s note:

 

The above passages are direct quotations from Joel's tapes and are in his own words.  There is therefore no possibility of misinterpretation, misquoting, or quoting out of context. Those who wish to do so can compare his written words with the taped recording from which the passages were taken.

 

We urge students who seriously wish to follow the Path or the Way as Joel showed it to go to Joel's own words, study them, contemplate them, and take them into their own consciousness.  After all, would you take someone else's description of a rose to enjoy its beauty and aroma? Of course not. You can truly enjoy a rose only by yourself experiencing its beauty and aroma. So it is with Joel's message of The Infinite Way.

 

If you are fortunate enough to have been led to an Infinite Way practitioner of high spiritual integrity, one whose spiritual consciousness is expressed in healings and in outward harmony, by all means meditate with that practitioner and let that practitioner's spiritual consciousness raise you to that altitude and attitude where you yourself can hear the still small Voice. "By their fruits ye shall know them."  - Matthew 7:19

 

                                                            The Infinite Way