The Essence of Jesus’ Teachings

We all need and want peace and joy.  We may even seek truth as a means of attaining these blissful states.  And all but the most ornery of us have learned from experience that practicing love can catapult us into the joyful, peaceful realms.  Dwight Nichols’ Peace, Truth, Love and Joy points us toward practical means of achieving and maintaining “the peace that passeth all understanding.”

This book is not for the happy Christian who “got saved” a time or two, sings hallelujah only when others are listening, then does whatever s/he wants the rest of the time. Peace, Truth, Love and Joy is for the deep Christian – for the Christian who either reads the entire Bible seeking understanding – or who has always intended to but has not yet made  time. This book directs readers to the scriptures which encapsulate Jesus’ actual wisdom teachings, stripping away the stories which lie in between – and thus obscure and sometimes diminish the value of – those primary teachings.

Nichols’ contention that fundamentalists focus “a disproportionate amount of time and attention on the life and death of Jesus, rather than on the gospel Jesus preached” is soundly scripturally based – and he proves that point to any reader who doubts his argument, via a plethora of scriptural quotes. This book is for the Christian who is willing to “walk the walk,” not just “talk the talk.” 

Nichols’ book bridges the gap between New Thought and fundamentalism in a way that sends the reader to the Source just to make sure he quoted it correctly and in context.  It will appeal to readers unlikely to delve into the heady writings of Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, or even Kathleen Norris – yet who are seeking the knowledge those authors gained through personal spiritual practice.  Nichols does not reference Fr. Thomas Keating, M. Basil Pennington, The Cloud of Unknowing, or even The Way of a Pilgrim, yet the spiritual wisdom he has derived through independent Bible study is ultimately the same: “The kingdom of heaven is now, and if we knock, it shall be opened to us.”

Little gems dot the book, including:

“Evil is anything that causes suffering.”

“Our true nature is perfect, created in the image and likeness of God.”

 “We, too, are capable of learning from visions; however, a requirement for learning from visions is learning to be still and transcend the chatter of the ego.”

 “A true Christian is one who is holy; one who is pure in heart and unified with God.”

 “The ultimate prayer is for a clean, pure heart.”

What I view as Nichols’ capstone statement serves as a challenge to each of us:  “There will never be any more peace, joy, and happiness than we have the potential to enjoy this very minute.” 

No, this book is not for the smugly saved or the obliviously self-righteous.  But if you have read this far, Peace, Truth, Love, and Joy may very well be for you.

Doris Ivie, PhD; Professor emeritus, psychology

Editor, Breathing the Same Air: An East Tennessee Anthology