Jon Klimo

Joseph Sieber Benner (1872-1938) was an American author and New Thought proponent who wrote under the pseudonym 'Anonymous.' He is credited with introducing the 'Knowledge and Teachings of Impersonal Life,' also known as the 'I AM' Teaching, through his 1914 book, *The Impersonal Life*. Benner believed these words came directly from God. He taught that the phrase 'I AM' signifies the divine spirit residing within every individual. Benner was also a successful businessman in Akron, Ohio, holding various executive and board positions before dedicating himself more fully to his spiritual writings. He passed away in 1938, leaving behind a body of work that explored consciousness, divine presence, and the power of thought.

Benner felt a strong calling to serve as a channel for a higher presence, allowing his mind to be influenced by what he perceived as a larger Mind or Being. His seminal work, *The Impersonal Life*, published in 1914, contained messages he attributed to God. He interpreted Christ's declaration of 'I AM' as representing the true spirit inherent in all people. Benner's teachings inspired the formation of the 'SUN center' in Ohio around 1920, a group that practiced daily periods of "entering into the silence, stillness and peace" at noon. He also developed 'Inner Life Courses' designed to foster self-discipline, discernment, and the awakening of the inner Christ consciousness.

Central to Benner's philosophy, rooted in New Thought, is the idea that humanity is fundamentally unified with God. He posited that God grants each person the power to shape their reality through focused, believed thoughts. *The Impersonal Life* initially presents this concept by repeatedly using the phrase 'I AM' to signify God's indwelling presence and creative force within individuals. Benner suggested that sustained, believed mental imagery projected into the Universal Mind could influence not only one's own actions but also those of others, ultimately manifesting as reality. His book *The Way Out* further expounds on the Law of Attraction, stating that whatever is held in consciousness tends to manifest in one's life.

Joseph Benner's writings, particularly *The Impersonal Life*, had a significant impact on notable figures. Elvis Presley, introduced to the book in 1964, considered it a favorite and was drawn to its message of an internal divine voice rather than an external deity. Presley reportedly distributed hundreds of copies of the book throughout the last thirteen years of his life. Benner's ideas also influenced religious leader Father Divine, who also claimed divine identity. Benner's work continues to be studied by those interested in New Thought, spiritual psychology, and the nature of consciousness.

“by 1916, Benner said he felt he could no longer resist the growing inclination to give himself over as a vehicle to a larger presence, to let his mind be subsumed by (or co-creatively interact with) a larger Mind or Being.”

“the true spirit that resides in every human being.”

“enter into the silence, stillness and peace”

“we are all one with God”

“I AM”