In Search of Belief [Paperback]

Joan Chittister (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1999

Renowned spiritual author Joan Chittister examines the Apostles' Creed phrase by phrase, offering new interpretations of its themes and new ways of understanding its tenets.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A refreshing and contemporary analysis of the true meaning of the Creed. Honest and thought provoking, In Search of Belief calls us to a spiritual adulthood...Not for the spiritually faint-hearted. --Edwina Gately

Chittister's meditations on the mysteries that her belief affirms in the Creed are rich. She cautions that disbelief in God inevitably leads to a myopic affirmation of one's own divinity, and she repeats the ancient caveats against creating God in our own image, or believing that a human being is able to grasp God intellectually...Her characterization of heaven is both refreshing and challenging...Her reflections on the annunciation and incarnation soar with hope as she affirms the reality of miracles, the active presence of God who fills human flesh 'with an insatiable capacity for the divine.' --America Magazine

Each age has those who understand more deeply than most the essence of belief and the need to liberate religion from itself -- and God from the constrictions of religion. Joan Chittister brings a religious vision, one deeply considered and richly experienced, to the task. In doing so, she offers us the way to new eyes and new hearts when we pray, "I believe." --Tom Roberts, National Catholic Reporter

Chittister's meditations on the mysteries that her belief affirms in the Creed are rich. She cautions that disbelief in God inevitably leads to a myopic affirmation of one's own divinity, and she repeats the ancient caveats against creating God in our own image, or believing that a human being is able to grasp God intellectually...Her characterization of heaven is both refreshing and challenging...Her reflections on the annunciation and incarnation soar with hope as she affirms the reality of miracles, the active presence of God who fills human flesh 'with an insatiable capacity for the divine.' --America Magazine

A refreshing and contemporary analysis of the true meaning of the Creed. Honest and thought provoking, In Search of Belief calls us to a spiritual adulthood...Not for the spiritually faint-hearted. --Edwina Gately --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Joan Chittister is a Benedictine sister, past president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and a social psychologist with a doctorate in speech communication theory.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Liguori Pubns; 1st edition (February 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764803379
• ISBN-13: 978-0764803376
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,087,384 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

76 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AN EXCEPTIONAL WORK !!!, May 4, 2001

By 

Ana C. Firmat (Miami-Dade, Florida United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In Search of Belief (Paperback)

If this book were a stage performance I would be the first to rise to my feet and deliver a standing and lasting ovation! The author is absolutely brilliant! The work is exquisitely enlightening. Incredibly well thoughtout and written I found myself so engrossed I could not put the book down. Though it is the kind of book that you can easily read through, you will be left with the unnerving need to read it a second, perhaps third time, to fully digests its insights. I consider it a "must read" for every Catholic who has ever wondered about the personal relevancy of the Creed's Prayer in today's world. It is, especially, a "must read" for every Catholic woman who has ever felt frustrated by the patriarchical structure of the historic and modern church - or anyone who has perceived themselves as disenfranchised. I thank God for giving us in today's church people like Joan Chittister who shows the kind of courageous spirit, brilliant mind, and irrevocable conviction and bold faith reminiscent of the early church. Truly a CHRISTian work!

45 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Warning! Reading this book will energize your spirit., March 31, 2000

By 

anthony T. Voell (Tonawanda, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In Search of Belief (Paperback)

This book should come with the warning "Danger- reading this book will energize your spirit". It is scary to have someone so clearly break open the words of my belief. Until I read "In Search of Belief" my creed was just a weekly renewal of my membership in the church. The same as when I recited the pledge of allegiance or boy scout oath. No real deep thought, just go along with the group. But Sr. Chittister has put common sense meaning back into the words of the central prayer of my religion.

Funny thing is I thought I might be alone in my need to reconnect with the creed. That is far from the case. The response to the book has been unanimously positive from the 12 members of a book club where we are devouring it a section at a time.

36 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderfully Thought Provoking Work, November 19, 2001

By 

Jeanette Cooper (Yaphank, New York USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: In Search of Belief (Paperback)

Once in awhile a book comes along which touches something deep inside your heart and soul. This book is a wonderful journey through the Apostles Creed breaking apart each phrase to study and examine. Prayers too often become automatic. In Search Of Belief breathes new life and modern day sensibility into the Creed of Christianity.