Gary Renard
Gary Renard is the author of the a book The Disappearance of the Universe, a book that recounts a series of alleged paranormal or supernatural encounters. These, asserts Renard, were a series of seventeen encounters with what he refers to as two seemingly embodied 'ascended masters'. The book describes Renard's alleged series of encounters with this pair over the course of nine years, from 1992 until just after the World Trade Center Disaster of 2001. According to Renard, the two 'ascended masters' identified themselves as Pursah and Arten, and claimed to have once been disciples of Jesus under the names Thomas and Thaddeus. Even more remarkably, Pursah is purported to be Renard himself in a future life. These two 'ascended masters' allegedly first introduced Renard to the book, A Course In Miracles (or ACIM), and then assisted him to better understand that book's teachings. The philosophy and teachings as found in Renard's book for the most part follow ACIM, and in particular the school of thought associated with Kenneth Wapnick. For more information about this book, visit the article, The Disappearance of the Universe.
After experiencing this series of alleged encounters, Renard significantly redirected his focus from being a musician and an investor into primarily being a spokesperson and teacher for his understanding of the teachings of ACIM, as well as the promotion of his book.
Given the highly unusual central premise upon which Renard's book is based, it may be notable that it is quite difficult to find anything but highly positive reviews of this book. However, several harsh negative reviews were removed by Amazon.com, presumably after complaints.
Renard leads workshops and seminars lasting from a three to four hours to several days, teaching the principles of both A Course In Miracles and of The Disappearance of the Universe. He currently travels throughout the US, the UK, and Australia presenting these seminars to both ACIM students and other interested parties.