In the Heart of the Temple: My Spiritual Vision for Today's World [Paperback]

Joan Chittister (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2004

This prophetic manifesto for the preservation of the world brings together Joan Chittister’s most powerful, influential, and celebrated writings. Passionate and provocative, this collection combines the spiritual practices of the Rule of Saint Benedict with the contemporary struggles for social justice, feminism, and ecology. Today’s most pressing spiritual, political, social, economical, and environmental questions are addressed and individuals of every religious and political persuasion are challenged to unite under a new and bold vision that honors the earth, its people, and all of life.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Chittister, a Benedictine nun from the vanguard of the Catholic reform movement, imparts her hopes and dreams of a better life for all in this collection of previously presented and published lectures and essays. Holding forth under such headings as stewardship, prophecy, equality and discipleship, Chittister elucidates her worldview, quoting Jonathan Edwards, who said, "Saints do not see things others do not see. On the contrary. They see just what everyone else sees—but they see it differently." Chittister's ideas line up neatly with the progressive wing of her church and offer few surprises. A consistent theme is her lament of Catholicism's treatment of women, along with its perceived retrenchment in the years since the Second Vatican Council. Throughout, she worries about the impact of capitalism, the future of the environment, the plight of the poor and the dominance of men. Although she articulates her concerns beautifully and ethereally, Chittister often falls short when it comes to practical solutions. She provides more substantial answers when writing about contemplation, simplicity and Sabbath-keeping, offering her Benedictine religious community's way of life as an antidote to the frenetic pace of modern living. Readers who share her vision and seek to rekindle the spirit of the 1960s will be delighted to read what she has to say.
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Review

"[Chittister] reminds us that we have a religious duty to question any authority . . . and to overturn the idols of orthodoxy." —Karen Armstrong, author, A History of God

“I was deeply moved by [Chittister’s] courage . . . insight and by her insistence that we are . . . capable of them as well.” —Rabbi Harold Kushner, author, When Bad Things Happen to Good People

"This collection of Chittister's essays, a 'Best of Joan' book, shows coherence and has force." —Martin E. Marty, author, When Faiths Collide

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Bluebridge (October 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974240516
• ISBN-13: 978-0974240510
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,096,324 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joan Chittister, OSB (1936- ) is a Benedictine Sister of Erie, PA. She is the author of over 40 books--ten of which have won Catholic Press Association Awards (the latest 2011: God's Tender Mercy). Her book, The Monastery of the Heart: an invitation to a meaningful life, is prelude to a movement for all seekers: Monasteries of the Heart, recently begun by her Benedictine community. Sister Joan is an international speaker who inspires both her audiences and readers with her passion for justice, for equality and for peace, especially for women in both society and the church. Her PhD is from Penn State University in Speech-Communication Theory. She serves as Executive Director of Benetvision, a research and resource center for contemporary spirituality.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joan Chittester: A Visionary for our time, April 19, 2008

By 

Father Al "Brother Albert + OSB" (Naples, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Heart of the Temple: My Spiritual Vision for Today's World (Paperback)

In the Heart of the Temple: My Spiritual Vision for Today's World

Sister Joan has provided anyone who is a sincere seeker of the Truth (God, Supreme Being, etc.) a unique opportunity to reflect on his/her spiritual journey through this dimension. Her vision transcends her orthodox Roman Catholic background to include anyone and everyone who believes that all humans are created through the incomprehensible goodness of the Creating Force, the Force which sustains us and leads us to be our best selves in this world and to view each and every creature as a unique expression of that Love which surpasses human understanding.

Brother Albert + OSB

5.0 out of 5 stars In the Heart of the Temple, May 11, 2011

By 

David - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: In the Heart of the Temple: My Spiritual Vision for Today's World (Paperback)

Excellent book by the author. Clearly written, provocative in content, speaking to all of us.

I've written a few of her books, and this will lead me to read others.