Metaphysical means

Members of institute are convening in Augusta this weekend

Web posted July 22, 2000

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By Virginia Norton
Staff Writer

They use biblical imagery and espouse some Christian beliefs, but they are not Christians.

Dr. Henry Clifford Kinley's vision, drawn out on a bed sheet, included the Moses chart, a portion of which is shown here. The sheet is on display at the Los Angeles branch of the Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research, which he founded. SPECIAL

They are members of the Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research, based in Los Angeles. It is not a church, but a school, members say.

Some 1,200 members are in Augusta through Sunday for a conference at the Radisson Riverfront Hotel, 2 10th St. The conference offers free lectures explaining the movement's understanding of the Creator and Scripture. The seminars are open to the public.

While the institute holds that a divine pattern explains how the universe works, its interpretation of Scripture is unconventional. ``Some things will sound foreign to doctrines like Judaism and Christianity and other world religions,'' said Jon Yaeger, an Atlantan who serves as the institute's president for Georgia.

He also is a teacher for the institute, which has about 8,000 members in some 170 schools or branches, mainly in the United States.

Each branch is headed by a dean, authorized by the group's headquarters in Los Angeles. The organization has tax-exempt status as a nonprofit 501-3C.

The Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research is a religious and scientific organization open to people of any denomination, Mr. Yaeger said.

Although the institute claims it is not a church, most who regularly attend branch meetings join the institute and drop church affiliations, he said.

The institute wants to encourage study in ``the Scriptures, comparative religions, psychology, philosophy and modern (practical and occult) science.''

Members try to keep an open mind, Mr. Yaeger said. ``We are saying: `Read and see what you can get out of it. Study and compare.'.ƒ.ƒ. If you think it is negative, it might teach you something about iniquity.''

Members study the occult to know what they are up against, said Dr. Lamar Greer, a spokesman in Los Angeles.

Dr. Henry Clifford Kinley, a former Church of God minister who died in the 1970s, founded the institute. He claimed he experienced a vision in 1931 which revealed that God is the original model of the universe and that God transformed himself into a three-fold tabernacle pattern, as described in Exodus 25-40, according to Mr. Yaeger.

Dr. Kinley used detailed diagrams to explain his new understanding. ``After he got the vision, he threw out everything he knew. He did not consider himself a Christian anymore,'' Mr. Yaeger said.

After seeing the vision, Dr. Kinley contended that Yahweh was the only source of salvation, but he was also convinced that the world was wrong in how it worshipped the Creator and wrong in its understanding of Scripture, Dr. Greer said.

The institute teaches that the name ``Jesus'' is derived from the names of pagan gods. The correct name for God is ``Yahweh,'' according to the institute.

The movement also holds that several biblical characters, including Adam and Joshua, were manifestations or incarnations of Yahweh, Mr. Yaeger said. ``He has appeared on several occasions. We haven't always been able to identify him.''

The institute has no rites, such as baptism, because they are considered works and people are saved by faith in Yahweh, Mr. Yaeger said.

For more information, call (877) 381-6292 or visit www.idmr.net.

Seminars

What: Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research seminars

Where: Radisson Riverfront Hotel, 2 10th St.

When: 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. today and 9 a.m. Sunday

Cost: Free

Phone: (877) 381-6292

Reach Virginia Norton at (706) 823-3336 or vanorton@augustachronicle.com.