Spiritual Quest: A Guide to the Changing Landscape [Paperback]

Thomas Hart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2000

What is holy and what is harmful? How can I judge what is authentic spirituality and what is not? What do I really believe? Many Christians are struggling to find meaning on their own outside the Church, yet find themselves in a world that changes daily. Thomas Hart--author of The Art of Christian Listening--offers a pilgrim's guide to charting a solid path through today's evolving landscape. Hart revitalizes the best of Christian tradition then presents new ways of thinking about God, Jesus, the role of sexuality in spirituality, and how science affects our understanding of God. Illustrated by stories of real people on their own journey of faith, this book summarizes some of today's alternatives to traditional spirituality, including the women's movement, ecology, and social justice. The book suggests ten universal principles for developing a life-giving Christianity. It also includes questions and exercises for reflection, discussion, and assimilation of the material. Hart's work is a favorite with professionals in spirituality--pastors, pastoral counselors, spiritual directors, and teachers--as well as by anyone seeking deeper spiritual meaning in life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An accessible book for courses on spirituality, spiritual direction, contemporary American religion and pastoral counseling. -- Horizons

An invaluable resource. -- Values and Visions Reviews Service

Explores new ways of thinking about God, Jesus, sexuality and spirituality. -- Spiritual Book News

Important. -- Calvin Theological Journal

It is one that can be read many times, each time experiencing new ways to integrate prayer and spirituality. -- Catholic Library World

About the Author

Thomas Hart is a theologian, counselor, and spiritual director in Seattle, Washington. Among his most popular books are The Art of Christian Listening and Coming Down the Mountain. He has also written many books with his wife Kathleen Fischer, including Christian Foundations, The First Two Years of Marriage and Facing Discouragement.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (January 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809139065
• ISBN-13: 978-0809139064
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #116,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #53 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Catholicism > Inspirational

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read, March 23, 2000

By 

Thomas J. Smith (Belleville, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spiritual Quest: A Guide to the Changing Landscape (Paperback)

Spiritual Quest is an excellent survey of current reflections on the spiritual life as well as a superb guide for personal spiritual growth. Hart clearly points to the Mystery in life, always respectful of the ultimate reality that we can never capture God/Mystery in words. He points to the Mystery with insights that move us in the direction of greater knowledge and appreciation of a God who is with us and for us.

Using quotes and references from thologians, poets, playwrights and "ordinary people", Hart illustrates one salient point after another as he guides us through the sometimes bewildering world of living life spiritually. The chapters on God and Jesus eliminate verbage that often interferes with a relationship with the Mystery. In place of excessive verbage, pious pronoucements, and wishful theologizing, he offers clear, personal, emotive descriptions of the real search for God and Jesus.

His chapter on the principles of spirituality deliver on the subtitle of his book: they guide us through the changing landscape of spirituality. In one chapter, he applies his insights and principles to sexuality and the result is a liberating and balanced approach to the beauty of sexual expression.

This book is a "must read" for all people who teach or seek a deeper experience of spirituality.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Changed perspective, May 6, 2001

By 

David McBride (Omaha, Ne) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spiritual Quest: A Guide to the Changing Landscape (Paperback)

I was not comfortable with Christianity until I read this book. I can now say that I believe in God and truly mean it. This book answered many questions I had about religion in general. I now find myself to be a more spiritually enlightened person. Thank you Thomas Hart. And I can't forget to mention your brother I only know him by Father Hart (I can't recall his first name)-my theology teacher at Creighton University. I would recommend that everyone read this book at least twice.