Description
Book SynopsisThe concept of spirituality permeates modern culture: from academic book series on ''''Classics of Western Spirituality'''' to self-help manuals, from the use of Buddhist mindfulness meditation (typically detached from Buddhist religious teachings) in medical treatment to nature spirituality, from spiritually oriented peace activists to spiritually oriented new age music. Spirituality has become a common part of our cultural vocabulary. It is not only an important concept in its own right but plays productive and significant roles in the realms of psychology, ecology, medicine, and even politics. Millions call themselves spiritual but not religious, academics describe much of contemporary religious life in the U.S. as focused on a spiritually oriented seeking, and a quick search on Amazon.com turns up hundreds of books whose titles take the general form of The Spirituality of X or Spirituality and Y. At the same time, the concept is used in widely conflicting, often confusing ways. Mos
Trade ReviewThe single best book giving an objective look at the burgeoning interest in spirituality that exists in the English language. * Rabbi Michael Lerner, editor-in-chief of Tikkun *
We agree with Gottlieb when he affirms a piece of wisdom which traveled the world: 'Do your best and leave the rest to God'...Gottlieb puts his faith in grace and in the human capacity for transformation. * Spirituality & Practice *
Roger Gottlieb has created a piece of art in surveying the literature on how meditation and Yoga might help reduce pain and suffering, then switching to a heart-felt narration of struggles within his own family. * Christopher Chapple, Loyola Marymount University *
This book validates and provides grounding for the wide range of discussions and claims around 'spirituality.' It is much needed in a time when many claim to be 'spiritual' rather than 'religious,' eschewing organized religion for individualized experiences of the sacred. * Stephanie Kaza, Professor of Environmental Studies, University of Vermont *
Gottlieb is an outstanding scholar whose work in areas related to spirituality is well known and much appreciated. This book is timely, perhaps overdue, given the extensive interest in 'things spiritual' in the broader culture, the intense concern for a more eclectic approach to 'the spiritual' in the larger culture, and the need for a single volume text that offers a survey of opinions, options and practices. * Bill J. Leonard, James and Marilyn Dunn Professor of Baptist Studies and Professor of Church History, Wake Forest University *
encourages the reader to reread this volume and to reflect upon his/her own way of life. * Geert Faseur, Journal for the Study of Marriage & Spirituality *
Table of ContentsIntroduction ; Part I: What it Is ; Chapter 1: Spirit in Motion ; Chapter 2: The Spiritual Path ; Chapter 3: Spirituality in Religious Tradition ; Chapter 4: How Spirituality Became Modern ; Chapter 5: Spiritual but Not Religious ; Chapter 6: Practice, Practice, Practice ; Chapter 7: Why Now? ; Part II: Why it Matters ; Chapter 8: Spirituality and Healing ; Chapter 9: Spirituality and Nature ; Chapter 10: Spirituality and Politics ; Part III: End/Beginning ; Chapter 11: Grace and Despair ; Acknowledgements ; Notes ; Index
