Because Edgar Cayce was a devout Christian and biblical scholar, it is natural that he occasionally recommended certain scriptural passages to suffering individuals. He lived in the “Bible belt” and many of the persons coming to him shared his religious views. In these cases he often utilized the resources of these persons through bibliotherapy. He had a definite preference for the 30th chapter of Deuteronomy and the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th chapters of John. These selections speak of the closeness of God and the promise of help for those who have faith.

Also note that in reading 1099-1, the individual is encouraged to read and think along spiritual lines, leaving the definition of spiritual and the choice of material to the individual. This recommendation is consistent with the reading’s tendency to treat each person individually and to encourage everyone to establish their own spiritual ideals.

Although bibliotherapy was usually suggested to provide comfort and solace, the readings also recommended it as a means of changing dysfunctional attitudes. In these cases, reading and study were not enough – the insights had to be incorporated into behaviors. In other words, “don’t just be good, but be good for something”.

Excerpts on Bibliotherapy for the Edgar Cayce Readings

So read and study the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th chapters of the Gospel according to St. John not as rote, but knowing that these words are to be directed to self. And let self find that the voice is speaking from within and directing to self what the self may do in its relationships to others. Make these a portion of self and of self’s attitudes towards others. Let it become so that the body feels inwardly, “To me, [770], He is speaking: ‘Let not thyself be troubled! Ye believe! Believe in me!'” (770-1)

… there should be the periods when there would be constructive reading or thinking along spiritual lines. (1099-1)

See, feel, use the promises that are thine from the study especially of the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th of John. Let them be as words to THEE! (1614-1)

As to the mental attitudes, – these, as we have indicated, are a part of the physical distress; but there needs to be rather the studying by the body of some form of philosophy as to the relationships of individuals to those environs about them; that is, these should be the basis of such study, – not cisms or cults, not those things that are intended to form merely attitudes or cliques or classes or the like, but rather those things that are based upon the commandments, – especially those recommendations of Moses in his last admonition. Here (that is, in those chapters) we will find that which is both of the mental and the spiritual, as related to not only the relationships to Creative Forces or God. (2325-1)

During the period that the [Radial] Appliance is applied each day, while lying down, let the body read the 30th of Deuteronomy, and the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th chapters of St. John. Make them real, – listen to the reading of these as if this were spoken to thee. For these will aid, at such a period, to enable the body to concentrate, and thus give the opportunity for the correct associations of purposes, of spiritual influence, of divine guidance, as may bring the normal forces for this body – if … used consistency and persistency. (2614-1)

In the mental and spiritual, take a guide – as of this nature:
Know in Whom ye believe. There are those forces that may arise from His word. Study, then, thoroughly, the 30th of Deuteronomy – as applied to self. Analyze self in the light of that as may be obtained by application of self in those tenets and truths presented in the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th of John.
And ye will have that guide, the divine in self, where He has promised to meet thee within thine own temple.
But, DO have that temple attuned to correct consciousnesses by the physical [osteopathic] adjustments; else the lights often become dim….
THEN make the greater adjustment in thy spiritual and mental self through the application of those tenets and truths in the [biblical] references given, in thy relationships to others. (3002-1)

Then the attitude of the body; Begin not as to become just the opposite of what has been in the last two years, but read the 30th of Deuteronomy, especially those portions as to how that which the body would learn is within self. This applies physically as well as mentally, and then turn to the promises in the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th of St. John … (5380-1)

Note: As this information is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, your use of this database of information indicates that you are aware of our recommendation that you consult with a professional healthcare provider before taking any action.