BIBLIOTHERAPY

     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".