SUPPLEMENT TO
"ESCHATOLOGY -- WHAT IS IT?"
William Walter's pamphlet entitled "Eschatology --
What Is It?" was issued in the 1920's as a response to the many letters of inquiry he
was receiving at that time. In that pamphlet he gives basic information about this Science
and the Teaching Plan he developed for its study. This booklet supplements that basic
pamphlet, answering several questions most frequently asked about Mr. Walter's teachings.
What led William Walter to develop the teaching of Eschatology?
William Walter's efforts, which eventually led to his unfoldment of the Science of
Eschatology, began about 1898. As he neared his 30th birthday, he learned he had
tuberculosis, a disease much dreaded at that time. He and his doctor tried every known
remedy for this illness. Mr. Walter even studied medical textbooks and related literature
to be sure that he did everything he could to assist in his healing. Through this study he
gained a sound knowledge of anatomy and the bodily processes. However, at the time of this
early medical treatment, neither the doctor's efforts, Mr. Walter's own study, nor his
prayers for help, brought any improvement in his condition, and he was told his case was
hopeless. He decided to fight that verdict as long as he could.
He then broadened his study to include the writings of all the deep thinkers of the ages.
In this way he fully informed himself about the basic and most advanced concepts of
scientific research, the old and new ideas in philosophical and metaphysical thought, and
throughout his efforts, kept alert to new ideas offered by the medical field, and the work
in related areas.
He also carefully studied the teachings of all established faiths in the world, Christian
and non-Christian alike. Eventually, through exposure to Christian Science, he began to
question how certain individuals such as Jesus were able to heal. It was this questioning
that led to his unfoldment of Eschatology and the complete healing that he sought.
Why is Eschatology not widely known?
William Walter rarely publicized the Science of Eschatology, nor are his writings
widely advertised. He did not want anyone to be persuaded by others to study Eschatology.
He knew that only those who were motivated by their own desire would give this study the
sustained interest it requires. Therefore the purpose of this booklet is not to try to
convince the reader of anything that is stated, but to provide sufficient information to
allow the inquirer to see if he desires to look more deeply into what Eschatology offers.
Why does William Walter make reference to Jesus in relation to the Science of Eschatology,
when he states that its teachings are fully non-sectarian in nature?
He not only refers to the works and teachings of Jesus, but to those of his disciples as
well as the Hebrew patriarchs, such as Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Solomon and others.
His own careful study, particularly of the works and healings recorded in the Bible,
proved to him that these great teachers had gained an understanding of the changeless
basic truths of Life. These teachers applied their scientific understanding for the
purpose of providing the people of their time some insight into the fundamental nature and
ever-present goodness of Life, which would help them enjoy a better quality of daily
living.
Another reason for Mr. Walter's references to Jesus and others is to clarify the
misconceptions that are widely held about these individuals and what they knew and
accomplished. Eschatology teaches that Jesus and his forefathers accomplished the mighty
works they did in a completely natural way and not because some supernatural or higher
power worked through them.
He also refers to the works of Mary Baker Eddy, on whose teachings the Christian Science
church was founded after she published her textbook in 1875. He saw that she, too, had
unfolded the same principles as the great teachers of the Bible, and like them, was
misunderstood.
William Walter's references and reasoned analyses of the Biblical teachings serve to make
it clear that Eschatology does not teach a "new concept" of Life, nor of the
nature of man. It teaches the consistent underlying scientific principles that made
possible the wonderful works of the deep understanders of Biblical times. Even though
their scientific message was misunderstood, their wisdom did convey the idea of the value
of each individual's life, and has served as an incentive in the long fight for individual
rights.
How is the Science of Eschatology presented?
The Science of Eschatology is presented through progressive courses as outlined in
William Walter's Teaching Plan. It is presented through sound deductive reasoning and
common sense explanations of how and why Life itself is the fundamental Science that
underlies all reality.
Each student is specifically taught how he can apply what he learns to resolve all types
of difficulties or problems. No one is asked to simply believe what is presented, but to
use his own reasoning ability, as he studies Mr. Walter's explanation of the fundamental
principles of Life. Mr. Walter carefully developed the best method of presenting his
understanding of this Science in an orderly, systematic way. He knew that this teaching
must be kept on an individual basis, so that any student could learn what the basic nature
of Life is, how to rightly utilize its principles and processes, and why this all works as
it does. Mr. Walter had suffered so much from trying to use the unproved theories of
others, that he determined he would never present anything to others that he had not
carefully tested and fully proved to himself, in many different ways.
How are the classes conducted?
Classes are generally held in the homes of teachers. The number of students in each
class is kept small enough to assure full participation by all. In this way, each one can
have specific guidance in the application of what he is taught, so that he can improve or
resolve any particular problem. A warm rapport develops quickly between the teacher and
student, and among the classmates.
Most teachers also engage in other types of work activity and schedule certain times for
regular once-a-week classes with their students. Class work is kept consistent through the
use of uniform questions and answers related to the assignment of the week.
The student is taught how and why it takes reason, rightly utilized, to unfold
understanding. He is shown what is right thinking and doing, and what is mistaken thinking
and doing and is specifically taught how he can correct his mistaken thoughts and feelings
and thus bring right results into his experience, through persistent effort and interest.
As in any scientific study, such as mathematics, the intelligent way to proceed is to
grasp the right basis first and then follow through with the advanced courses that
progressively enrich one's sense of the subject.
The advanced courses in Eschatology teach an even deeper sense of the same fundamental
principles learned in the beginner's course, and with still greater natural ease in
application. Words that are commonly known are used throughout all the courses of study in
Eschatology.
Why does Mr. Walter compare Eschatology to mathematics?
The science of mathematics is the purest science known to mankind. This is because the
science of math is not subject to opinions, nor to varying beliefs. It is used
universally, even though its concepts and principles are expressed in many different
languages. Math must first be learned in a fundamental way; one learns the Science of Life
that way, too.
Everyone knows that in math, if one makes a mistake, though he does bring forth an answer,
it is not the true or right one. When he finds this out, he can simply re-do the problem
more carefully, and then he does get the right answer. Furthermore, the former wrong
answer is simply forgotten. The right answer has been available all the time. All that is
required to see this right answer is a correct knowledge of fundamentals, and the right
use of the facts of math. Once the individual has the right mathematical answer, he can
demonstrate this to others. He realizes that the wrong answers that others claim to be
true, cannot affect the right answers he has gained through his correct application of
mathematical principles. Wrong answers in math do not mean that the principles or
processes of mathematical science are wrong. This fundamental common sense also applies to
the study of Eschatology.
Once one sees that Life itself is a Science which can become known through study and
practiced in daily living, the individual sees he has a sound foundation from which he can
correct his fluctuations of thought. This is why Mr. Walter compared the Science of
Eschatology to the science of mathematics.
Does Eschatology teach equality of race and gender?
Eschatology teaches why the equality of all mankind is not merely an ideal that many
have longed to find, or tried to make true, but that actually it is an essential
fundamental truth of Life itself. Eschatology teaches that one cannot gain any great depth
of understanding until this fact is understood, and one has freed his thoughts and
feelings of any sense of "prejudice" and "intolerance."
Does Eschatology have any creeds or by-laws?
William Walter imposed no religious creeds or by-laws, nor organization requiring a
membership, into this scientific study of Eschatology, as he considered these as
restricting and limiting to the individual's progress in his gain of understanding. He
only asked the sincere honest effort of any student, and a willingness to lay aside prior
concepts and "opinions" and through reason, correct and change his way of
thinking to that of the right thought explained by this Science.
How will this teaching apply to me?
This teaching is very thorough. Anyone willing to study and utilize what he is taught,
gains understanding and deeper meaning and lasting purpose in his life. Individuals of all
backgrounds, regardless of formal education or familiarity with the Bible, study this
Science and learn to utilize it well.
Furthermore, Mr. Walter teaches that there is no difficulty in relationships with close
associates, or in daily work, or in general environment, that cannot be re-solved through
this correct application of thought and deed, on the basis of this scientific teaching.
The individual deepens his appreciation of empathy, compassion, generosity of thought and
feeling and the kinship of all life through this study.
Thus, through this study, and correction, and genuine effort to understand, one can gain
the experience much desired by all, and enjoy the health, wealth and happiness that is
ready to be unfolded, in the true nature of each individual Being.
There is no question as to anyone's ability to accomplish a change of thought, for
everyone is doing it daily, in what he considers routine, or "everyday" things
of little or no importance. However, by this, the individual has demonstrated his ability
to change his thought, given sufficient reason to do so.
Following through in the study of this Science will require many changes in prior ways of
thinking, in concepts, in beliefs previously held, and in one's sense of all things. But
when this change is made, according to the principles of this scientific truth, there is
always an accompanying benefit in the life of the one willing to make such a change.
How do I find out more?
If you are interested in gaining further insight into the teachings of Eschatology,
some of the booklets in the Common Sense Series would serve this purpose. These are The
Bible, The Man Jesus, The Pilgrim … and particularly Human Belief,
Consciousness, and Right Thinking. In this series, Mr. Walter gives his
reasoned analysis of the most widely accepted material concepts and the scientific message
of the Bible.
Elsewhere on the website is a list of free
pamphlets giving additional information. If the reader is interested in having a
face-to-face talk with a teacher in his area, he should write to the following address.
All requests are welcome, and will be responded to as promptly as possible.
Eschatology Foundation
Post Office Box 85
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
or via email to: director@eschatology-wwwalter.org