If you are grappling to articulate why Christianity has to evolve, what are the changing and forming worldviews, the scientific and ecological ones that demand it does so, and what are the seeds of hope for its future buried under centuries of medieval doctrine; then this is a must read. It won’t waste your time as it is tightly, yet profoundly, written containing within only 98 pages text, questions for reflection and suggestions for practice, websites and further reading in each of its six chapters. It gifts its readers, in the words of one reviewer, ‘with a revitalisation of Jesus’s call to love one another and affirms that we have now reached the stage in our collective evolution where we can begin to do so at a global level’. Yes, it is bold, whilst also grounded, in its vision of an emerging possibility. MacGregor draws on a deep understanding of Christianity, the perennial wisdom teachings, science, and the world today. In chapter 1, answers to ‘Why Should Christianity Change?’ are offered, looking at concepts that are not life-affirming, what was quashed in the creation of the Church, and what needs to be added. In chapter 2 he identifies changes, both global and local, showing the extent of inter-connectedness, and the way that humanity is evolving in its level of consciousness. Chapters 3-4 focus on the evolving scientific worldview and the ecological imperatives. This brings him, in Chapter 5, to a glimpse of Christianity Expanding to play its part in a universal spirituality. The chapter is too rich and inspiring to summarise but fortunately three further books are planned. ~ Fred Pink, "Progressive Voices" the Journal of the Progrssive Christian Network UK

Before I begin this review I should probably confess to being something of a MacGregor fan. When I read his previous book, Blue Sky God, it resonated with my lived experience of Christianity and opened my mind to new possibilities, so I was understandably excited to get my hands on Christianity Expanding, released last week. It has proved a stimulating read, but a challenging book to review, both because its subject matter is so wide-ranging and complex, and also because it is the introduction to a new series, which will doubtless elaborate on elements treated with tantalising brevity in this volume. In clear conversational prose, lightened with occasional anecdotes and helpful analogies, Christianity Expanding puts the case for a reworking of Christian theology, doctrine and practice, based on the premise that institutional Christianity is out-dated and incomprehensible to large swathes of modern society. It also suggests that some of the faith’s key concepts and teachings have been misunderstood and become distorted over the centuries. MacGregor observes that whilst other fields of human understanding have developed, contemporary Christianity barely differs from its medieval counterpart in its visions of heaven, hell, sin, divine vengeance and an anthropomorphised deity. He argues that our understanding of Christianity and the ways in which it is taught and practised also need to develop, and proposes that we can do this by integrating its teachings with new and emerging knowledge in other fields. What follows is a whistle-stop tour of philosophical and spiritual teaching, salient scientific research, and sometimes controversial theories from such diverse realms as quantum physics, epigenetics, theosophy and the mystic traditions of world religions. From this journey, a new vision of Christianity begins to emerge. “God” is identified with the quantum energy which holds the universe in existence, and is itself existence - theologian Paul Tillich’s “Ground of Being”. Humanity is revealed as fundamentally blessed, not sinful, and the Genesis story of the fall is described as a parable of individuation and loss of God-consciousness. The role of Jesus becomes that of “trailblazer” rather than atoning sacrifice. He exemplifies, and also facilitates for others through humanity’s morphic field (on which more later), attainment of the highest possible level of God-consciousness. The doctrine of penal substitution (God’s punishment of the innocent Jesus in place of guilty humanity) is redundant. What’s more, Jesus demonstrates to us, and enables us to attain, consciousness of the whole universe as part of the same divine energy. Meditation is presented as the main route to this awakened consciousness, and as more people become awakened in this way, MacGregor argues, the principles of morphic resonance and epigenetics will accelerate the spiritual and physical transformation of humanity, enabling us as a species to become increasingly God and creation conscious, loving, healing and healthy. The book is arranged in short chapters with clear subheadings, and provides a wealth of reference resources for each topic, enabling readers to examine MacGregor’s influences for themselves and delve deeper into any aspect which particularly sparks their interest. The combination of those influences is interesting, ranging from rediscovery of ancient wisdom to cutting edge theories; and from the mainstream to the fringe. In the scientific sphere, MacGregor references the work of some giants of theoretical physics, quoting Schrödinger, for example, and describing de Broglie’s discovery of particle-wave duality in the 1920s (chapter 3). However, he also speculates on the implications of the work of Dr Rupert Sheldrake, originator of the theory of morphic resonance which postulates the existence of species-specific information fields. According to the theory, the brain uses these to up- and down-load information, and share learned behaviours telepathically. Dr Bruce Lipton, an epigeneticist whose theories on self-healing and the power of thought to influence gene expression go far beyond what is currently accepted by the mainstream scientific community, also features. Assessing the validity of their claims is not within the remit of this article, nor do I have sufficient knowledge or skills to do so; I merely note that their theories currently fall outside the consensus of the scientific establishment. Similarly, in the field of spirituality MacGregor cites respected contemporary Christian figures, such as Cynthia Bourgeault and Richard Rohr, alongside the teachings of Alice Bailey, a sometime member of the Theosophical Society in the 19th Century, associate of the controversial Madame Blavatski and author of a series of works which she claimed were telepathically imparted to her by a Tibetan spiritual wisdom teacher. Whilst the sceptic in me questions the integrity of some of the sources and the wisdom of such an open-minded approach in building a convincing argument, the creative in me embraces MacGregor’s boldness and delights in the rich harvest of ideas his attitude yields. As he points out towards the end of Chapter 3, conventionality can be limiting, “Sadly, for many people if something does not fit their worldview they will dismiss it without examination rather than expand their worldview.” Indeed, many of the scientific tenets we now take for granted initially suffered rejection and ridicule. As well as the resource lists at the end of each chapter, I particularly enjoyed MacGregor’s inclusion of questions for personal reflection and “Practices” – meditative exercises to help the reader further engage with the topic. These focus on breath-work, developing compassion and gratitude, and working with short prayer texts, such as Alice Bailey’s Great Invocation. They effectively assist in integrating the complex theoretical framework into the reader’s lived spiritual experience. Although I remain sceptical of some of its claims, Christianity Expanding is an inspiring and thought-provoking read, and I look forward to seeing how MacGregor develops and builds upon his themes in subsequent volumes of this series. His vision of all humanity moving towards God-consciousness and universal “love-wisdom” shines from the pages like spiritual gold from a gold pan. This book contains some precious nuggets, but the contents still need testing and refining to find out which bits are really valuable and what might be muddying the waters. Practical research and theoretical exploration are in their early stages for a number of concepts in the book, and MacGregor may turn out to have less gold on his hands than first appears, but if we’re willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, I believe we will all be enriched by his search and inspired in our own. ~ Debbie Bambrick, https://debbiebambrick.wixsite.com/sacredwaymarking/post/how-big-is-your-love-don-macgregor-s-book-explores-how-christianity-can-expand-to-embrace-science

Don MacGregor’s vision of an expanded framework of wisdom Christianity consonant with modern scientific insights is a fitting articulation for our times with its emphasis on inner transformation rather than sacrificial belief. In many respects, it follows on from the work of Bede Griffiths, who bridged mystical Christianity and Hinduism, living the last 40 years of his life in India. He had just such a universal vision. The book is succinct and informed by wide reading, with the author moving from atheist to evangelical towards his current position. He argues cogently for the need for Christianity to evolve, basing his view on the oneness of God, consciousness and life. He explains the evolving scientific worldview in relation to consciousness and biology and has an informative chapter on ecological imperatives. His Jesus is the wise teacher of the Gnostics rather than the sacrificial lamb, and his concept of God is correspondingly broad and deep. Helpfully, Don gives questions for reflection as well as practices, references and organisations. The book encourages us to live life in its fullness of love and compassion and provides a blueprint for an engaged and ecological spirituality in our journey towards wholeness and integration. This is in fact the first of a number of volumes and can be highly recommended as a significant view on contemporary spirituality. ~ Paradigm Explorer: Journal of the Scientific and Medical Network, Review

Don MacGregor is a prophet for our time. Well informed on the key elements of spirituality, scientific enquiry, early Christian thinkers and current church practice, he knits this knowledge together to help the reader understand some of the conundrums facing thinkers, scientists and people of faith. This first of a short series of small books applies his breadth of understanding in an easy-to-read style and each chapter concludes with simple stated questions, some easy spiritual exercises and suggested further resources. To anyone with a questioning mind this small book is a revelation. To anyone who is very comfortable in their faith it may present a challenge. To those who are certain of their faith it may be an affront. The author opens the mind, bringing together some long held ideas that were generally lost in the search for certainty and even ruled unacceptable by those in authority. Like a detective, the author asks how and why some decisions to create an orthodoxy happened, and we, the viewer, are set free to realise we knew all along. This book should be read and pondered by those exploring faith. If the Church is to retain any relevance in a changed, and changing, world it must dig deep into its lost elements to realise that many of the 95% who have nothing to do with organised religion may be onto something after all. Revd Canon Jeremy Martineau ~ https://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/en/pobl-dewi/, Pobl Dewi, the newspaper for St Davids Diocese

All religions evolve, and Christianity is evolving rapidly today. Don MacGregor’s book is a lucid and thoughtful guide to this process, and shows how the essential core teachings of Christianity can be disentangled from unhelpful interpretations that stand in the way of a living Christian faith in the twenty-first century. I found this book stimulating and inspiring. It is also admirably brief and clear. ~ Dr Rupert Sheldrake, biologist and author of A New Science of Life

This is a really helpful and stimulating book for anyone interested in the future of the Church and Christianity. Concise, easy to read and full of helpful insights it combines a classical understanding of theology with all the new awarenesses of a contemporary holistic approach. If I had a magic wand, every clergyperson would read it, as well as every pagan and witch with space in their heart for the Christian message. ~ William Bloom, educator and author, director of the Spiritual Companions Trust, Director of Spiritual Companions Trust, Author of The Power of Modern Spirituality, The Endorphin Effect, Soulution-The Holistic Manifesto, and many others

With his deep and extensive understanding of Christianity and Perennial Wisdom teachings, Don MacGregor shares in this lucid, profound and wonderfully compassionate book that they, and indeed all major spiritual traditions, are; ‘the path of the evolution of human consciousness’. Fluent in both science and spirituality he shows how their emerging convergence is revealing universal consciousness as the fundamental nature of reality. Vitally, Expanding Christianity gifts its readers with a revitalisation of Jesus’s call to love one another and affirms that we have now reached the stage in our collective evolution when we can begin to do so on a global level. ~ Dr Jude Currivan, cosmologist, author and co-founder of WholeWorld-View, The Cosmic Hologram, HOPE - Healing Our People and Earth, CosMos, Heart Mind and Purpose

This book offers the reader a window into the perennial principles that are foundational to the Christian faith. With remarkable clarity, the author provides an insightful view of the Christian perspective, and how it must evolve to meet the spiritual needs of modern-day humanity. It is a must-read for anyone who believes that Christianity has to expand its framework to include the new discoveries arising within science, cosmology and the study of human consciousness. ~ William Meader, International Speaker and author, Author of Shine Forth: The Soul's Magical Destiny

Don MacGregor’s vision of an expanded framework of wisdom Christianity consonant with modern scientific insights is a fitting articulation for our times with its emphasis on inner transformation rather than sacrificial belief. It encourages us to live life in its fullness of love and compassion and provides a blueprint for an engaged and ecological spirituality in our journey towards wholeness and integration. ~ David Lorimer, Programme Director, Scientific and Medical Network, Scientific and Medical Network, author of Resonant Mind, Survival? Death As Transition, and many others

It seems that humanity is currently undergoing a significant evolutionary shift which will involve all institutions in significant change. Revd. Don MacGregor was ahead of the curve with his publication of “Blue Sky God” and now this small book provides us with a more detailed understanding of the steps that Christianity can take towards embracing more recent knowledge and understanding without any loss of the original teachings. This contribution towards a more universal spiritualty will help fulfil the wish of Jesus the Christ that ‘you will be One’ ~ Janice Dolley, Co-author of Christian Evolution : Moving towards a Global Spirituality and Awakening to a New Reality; Conscious Conversations Across the Horizon of Death

While media often focus on the decline of religion or the excessive fervour of fundamentalism, Don MacGregor addresses the shifting Christian consciousness of our time, inviting us to outgrow former beliefs in favour of newly expanding horizons that are both inspiring and promising. This book provides a timely reassurance for those troubled or confused by such massive and rapid change. ~ Fr Diarmuid O’Murchu, R.C.Priest, social psychologist , Author of Quantum Theology, Reclaiming Spirituality, Evolutionary Faith, Religious Life in the 21st Century, Beyond Original Sin and many other titles

Author Don MacGregor offers the reader of this first book in The Wisdom Series an adventure in reflective curiosity and consideration. He writes with an engaging style which invites us to open the mind to new ways of revisiting and interpreting the Christian teachings that are familiar to many. At the end of each chapter we are offered questions that when undertaken lead to an experiential encounter that adds to our store of unique personal wisdom. Elsewhere he sets out an easy to follow experiment dedicated to cultivating kindness. Throughout the book the author subtly sows the seeds of recognising the evolving group consciousness within humanity. In this reading journey he invites us to consider different aspects of our interdependence, tentatively marrying aspects of the wisdom philosophy with the world religion of Christianity. By doing so he bids the reader to expand their awareness to become steadily more inclusive. In this way, as the quality of loving understanding finds expression within our heart and mind approach to daily duties and encounters, we transform gradually and manifest our individual and collective universal spirituality. ~ Janet Derwent, Chair of Trustees, Sundial House Group for Creative Meditation, Sundial House Group for Creative Meditation

I read Don’s text with growing excitement. This is so much what many of us are longing to hear. It expresses the Christian scripture in language modern people can accept and understand. It makes sense of obscurities, but much more, it offers a way forward for people to engage and grapple with. I find great hope in this. For a big problem requires a big solution, an inspirational practice of meditation and a sense of unity and loving-kindness between people on their life’s path. ~ Shelagh Layet, Jungian analyst, Spiritual Director