A transformative Christian movement founded on messages from ascended masters, promoting spiritual ascension and American nationalism.
The “I AM” Activity is an American religious movement that emerged in the early 1930s, founded by Guy W. Ballard and his wife, Edna Anne Wheeler Ballard, in Chicago. Rooted in theosophical principles, it introduced the concept of the Ascended Masters of the Great White Brotherhood, spiritual beings guiding humanity’s destiny. The movement, named after the biblical phrase “I am who I am” (Exodus 3:14), claims its inception from Guy Ballard’s purported encounter with St. Germain, an Ascended Master, at Mount Shasta. This event marked the beginning of the Ballard’s role as messengers, receiving discourses from these masters, including Jesus, positioning their teachings within a Christian framework.
Origins and Development
Guy Ballard, while hiking on Mount Shasta in California, claimed to have met St. Germain, who revealed to him the teachings of the Ascended Masters. This encounter laid the foundation for the “I AM” Activity, with the Ballards initiating a series of teachings, books, and public meetings to disseminate the messages they received. Their movement drew heavily on theosophical ideas, particularly those of Helena Blavatsky, who introduced the concept of the Great White Brotherhood and Ascended Masters in the 19th century.
Teachings and Practices
The core teachings of the “I AM” Activity center around the presence of the “I AM” or “God Presence” within each individual, a divine spark that connects everyone to the Creator. Through specific practices such as decrees—spoken invocations and affirmations—followers aim to realize their divine nature, achieve self-purification, and ultimately ascend to higher spiritual realms, emulating the Ascended Masters. The Ballards’ teachings also incorporated elements of American patriotism and nationalism, claiming the United States had a unique role in the world’s spiritual destiny.
Legal and Public Challenges
The movement faced several challenges, including accusations of fraud and copyright infringement, which culminated in a landmark Supreme Court case, United States v. Ballard. Despite these challenges, the movement persisted, with Edna Ballard leading after Guy’s death until her passing in 1971. The leadership then passed to a Board of Directors, established during the movement’s incorporation.
Modern Presence and Influence
Today, the “I AM” Activity continues under the auspices of the Saint Germain Foundation, maintaining its teachings and practices through publications, gatherings, and an emphasis on American spiritual heritage. The movement’s history, marked by its blend of Christian mysticism, theosophical teachings, and fervent patriotism, remains a unique chapter in American religious history, influencing subsequent New Age and spiritual movements.
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