Dance of a Fallen Monk: A Journey to Spiritual Enlightenment [Paperback]

George Fowler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1996

After almost twenty years of strict celibacy and silence as a Trappist monk and priest, George Fowler decided reluctantly to leave the Catholic Church at the age of forty in search of a more meaningful spiritual life.  In rejecting the strictures of monastery life, and the constraints imposed on him by the Catholic Church, Fowler came to realize that the inner serenity and spiritual peace he spent his life searching for could only be found "while uproariously ignoring the greater part of what the churches thump their Book about."  Now a nationally syndicated columnist on religious issues, George Fowler has written a penetrating and poignant account of how he learned to hear the music of life--and dance to its joyous beat.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Fowler, a former Trappist monk who was excommunicated from the Catholic church, presents a spiritual autobiography in which he argues against organized religion in favor of a more individualist spirituality.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher

After almost twenty years of strict celibacy and silence as a Trappist monk and priest, George Fowler decided reluctantly to leave the Catholic Church at the age of forty in search of a more meaningful spiritual life. In rejecting the strictures of monastery life, and the constraints imposed on him by the Catholic Church, Fowler came to realize that the inner serenity and spiritual peace he spent his life searching for could only be found "while uproariously ignoring the greater part of what the churches thump their Book about." Now a nationally syndicated columnist on religious issues, George Fowler has written a penetrating and poignant account of how he learned to hear the music of life--and dance to its joyous beat.

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Anchor (June 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385484070
• ISBN-13: 978-0385484077
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,402,699 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb writing too, March 19, 2001

By 

"micherain" (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dance of a Fallen Monk: A Journey to Spiritual Enlightenment (Paperback)

All these other reviews pretty much cover the subject matter of the book, but no one has said much about the form. Well, i just want to add that this is obviously a labor of love, done by a man with an extraordinary gift for writing; the result is just immensely enjoyable in terms of the beauty of the writing, all along. The language is rich, superbly wrought, full of delightful wit and pizzaz. This dancer has got style, lots of it!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Universal Truth!!, October 2, 1999

By 

Louise Cox - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dance of a Fallen Monk: A Journey to Spiritual Enlightenment (Paperback)

Seldom are we treated to such richness and honesty of one seeking his own truth. His quiet courage to continually grow, question, and evolve mentors myself. He arrives at knowing and feeling the Oneness of us all. No judgment, just more and more love.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gift for Any Who Have Considered Leaving Their Faith, September 22, 2000

By 

D. G Sinclair (california) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dance of a Fallen Monk: A Journey to Spiritual Enlightenment (Paperback)

George Fowler records his entrance and exit from years of devotion to God as a monk. For anyone who has had to leave many years of devotion to God to rediscover and reform their faith, Fowler's very candid discussion of his wrestlings and decisions, including a chapter where he wrestles with his sexual identity, are a comforting companion. Here is someone who was and is devoted to God, but had to step out of his first committment to renew his faith. Powerful.