Biblical References in Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth”

For each reference, write down what you think the passage is talking about. Then look up the page in Tolle where he refers to it and write down what his interpretation is. Are the two interpretations similar? Does Tolle give you any new insights?

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you – you of little faith? Matt 6:28b-30
Your take:

Tolle (p. 2 and p. 268-9)

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. Rev 21:1
For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. Is 65:17
Your take:

Tolle (p. 23 and p. 308)

And if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well. Matt 5:40
Your take:

Tolle (p. 41)

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matt 5:3
Your take:

Tolle (p. 43)

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:7
Your take:

Tolle (p. 56 and p. 226)

Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Luke 6:41
Your take:

Tolle (p. 61)

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matt 5:44
Your take:

Tolle (p. 66)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” John 14:6a
Your take:

Tolle (p. 71)

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matt 16:24
Your take:

Tolle (p. 79)

And others are those sown among the thorns: these are the ones who hear the word, but the cares of the world, and the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it yields nothing. Mark 4:18-19
Your take:

Tolle (p. 104)

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
Your take:

Tolle (p. 116)

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matt 5:48 [NRSV study note: perfect is in the sense of whole, complete, mature]
Your take:

Tolle (p. 184)

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back. Luke 6:38
Your take:

Tolle (p. 191)

For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. Mark 4:25
Your take:

Tolle (p. 192)

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. 1 Cor 3:19
Your take:

Tolle (p. 196)

But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also. Matt 5:39b
Your take:

Tolle (p. 215)

But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 14:10-11
Your take:

Tolle (p. 216)

All things are wearisome; more than one can express. Ecc 1:8a
Your take:

Tolle (p. 227)

Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.” Luke 17:20-21 [NRSV footnote: among can also be translated within]
Your take:

Tolle (p. 234 and p. 309)

Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being. Gen 2:7
Your take:

Tolle (p. 245)

Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. Matt 10:39
Your take:

Tolle (p. 254)

The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. John 14:10b
Your take:

Tolle (p. 267)

I can do nothing on my own. John 5:30a
Your take:

Tolle (p. 267 and p. 303)

So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24
Your take:

Tolle (p. 305)

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matt 5:5
Your take:

Tolle (p. 309)