In the Middle of This Road We Call Our Life: The Courageto Search for Something More [Paperback]

James W. Jones (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 22, 1996

James Jones, a professor of religion and a practicing psychotherapist, shows that the crises we face in life, love, and work demand whole-life spiritual answers--"psychology is not enough."

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The search for the intimacy that gives life meaning is a process involving both spiritual and psychological dimensions. Psychologist James Jones, professor of Religion at Rutgers University, explores the nexus of these two processes in the lives of ordinary men and women who want "something more" out of life. He challenges established orthodoxies within both fields, collapsing dichotomies that typically separate them and showing instead their interrelatedness in the search for meaning. This is a personalized exploration of how men and women are able to transcend the discontent of their lives, the "malaise of modernity," as Jones calls it, through psychological and spiritual transformation. Jones's conservative and commonsensical treatment of the topic is both a strength and a drawback. The book is readable, the ideas accessible and easily palatable, but, especially as one nears the end, they come dangerously near to blandness.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Leaving behind the plethora of New Agey authors, Jones proffers no comprehensive weltanschauung, no self-inventories, no mental exercises, no whiny testimonials of dead-end suffering relieved by surefire routes to redemption. Because of what he forbears to write, his championing of spirituality translates into a wise contemplation of what ails the inner lives of 35-year-old professionals, married, with two kids--a rough tag of the target readership. Such types tend to be, in Jones' presentation, susceptible to the precepts of rational modernity. They then feel isolation and meaninglessness and visit Jones for psychological succor. Their helper happens to be a college religion professor as well, who thinks connecting with the transcendent is as important as diagnosing any

emotional defect. Jones' thesis is that the modernist exaltation of personal autonomy over the self's need for community impedes the discovery of a purpose in life. Those in a seeking mode, as were the lawyer, eye-surgeon, and stockbroker who were among Jones' cases, might be curious about his advocacy of a merging of spirituality with psychology. Space ads and author tour should heighten this title's visibility. Gilbert Taylor --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: HarperSanFrancisco (February 22, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062509616
• ISBN-13: 978-0062509611
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 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: #1,635,539 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Rare Glimpse Into Deeper Meaning Behind Case Studies, July 7, 2003

By 

Christopher Komuves (Chaplin, CT USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: In the Middle of This Road We Call Our Life: The Courageto Search for Something More (Paperback)

When I read this book, it was in a rare manner. My girlfriend and I read it together, taking turns reading it out loud to each other. So many of the issues plaguing the characters (who for a change were real people) were relevant to our own lives and experiences, or at least to other people we knew of.

This is a deeply personal and subjective book, both in the rare way the author reveals his own feelings and viewpoint, and in the depth to which we become privy to the inner workings of the lives of these people. If you are soul-searching, this is a great book to help you to pause and take a look at the bigger issues in life--to see what's really important, and gain perspective.

While I endeavor to provide an unbiased review, I must divulge that the author was a professor of mine back in college more than a dozen years ago, who was a friend and mentor to me in my study of the psychology of Religion, and the nature of knowledge.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic resource., December 16, 2006

By 

Brent Chilcote "BC" (S.A., MI, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Middle of This Road We Call Our Life: The Courageto Search for Something More (Paperback)

A wonderful book for the 40's - 50's age group. After reading this book myself and benefiting from Jones' focus on living a deeper life, I have recommended it to friends and clients. I would recommend this as a resource to other clinicians who utlize bibliotherapy as part of their practice.