Customer Reviews

Iona God's Energy: The Spirituality and Vision of the Iona Community

Book Review of: "Iona - God's Energy," by Rev. Norman Shanks Reviewed by: Ellis E. Kell, Jr.

Iona Community leader Rev. Norman Shanks captures not only the elusive essence of the sacred island of Iona, which draws an estimated 120,000+ visitors and spiritual pilgrims per year, but even more importantly provides a clear and comprehensive understanding of the Iona Community's mission and vision. Rev. Shanks points out that many come to Iona mistaken in their belief that it is synonymous with the total community, only to find that the community proper extends far beyond the shores of St. Columba's legendary island off the western coast of Scotland.

The message and focus of the community's work is one of social action and world peace through a global, ecumenical community of faith. The book gives us clear insight into the Iona Community's focus on cultivating vital new relevance in worship for today, and sails far beyond the horizon of some of the more popular approaches to individualistic and escapist spirituality.

The Iona Community promotes a '24/7 faith' - one that permeates all facets of personal and public life, day in and day out. Though the destination of Iona, the island, is one of unmatched serenity and incomparable peace for the traveler, the Iona Community can become the port of departure to a challenge of true faith, sharing and right action for the spiritual pilgrim in today's world.