2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Uniquely Informative Guide to Spiritual Places, February 17, 2006
This review is from: The Spiritual Traveler: Chicago and Illinois: A Guide to Sacred Sites and Peaceful Places (Paperback)
This is not your ordinary guide to sacred places. Rather than focusing exclusively on the multitude of buildings erected by religious groups in the state of Illinois, this book broadens the definition of spiritual places to include a variety of sites that encourage reflection on historical events, settlement, human rights, conflict, peace, and nature; that is, places that spark spiritual (and intellectual) reflection within the visitor. Thus, while a host of churches, temples, synagogues, and mosques merit succinct entries packed with descriptions, directions, and contact information, so do such sites as Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Rockford, the site of the start of the Black Hawk War in 1832, the Trail of Tears State Forest, the confederate cemetery in Alton, which is home to a monument memorializing abolitionist Elijah Lovejoy, and the Cave-in-Rock cavern on the Ohio River, which served, successively, Native Americans, French explorers, and river pirates.
The emphasis throughout the book is on the diverse, multicultural character of religious and spiritual observance in the state. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Native American traditions are all well-represented. Elegantly written essays on the historical development of these groups in the state and on what to look for within their religious buildings provide context for the places listed in the logically organized and easy-to-use guidebook section. In addition, sidebars provide useful historical information on specific events and individuals. While the Chicago area boasts the most thorough treatment, with close to one hundred entries, the rest of the state receives close attention as well.
In sum, this enjoyable and informative book is perfect for avowed spiritual travelers seeking uniquely meaningful places as well as for readers interested in Illinois and Midwestern history and religious diversity.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Traveling with The Spiritual Traveler, March 15, 2006
This review is from: The Spiritual Traveler: Chicago and Illinois: A Guide to Sacred Sites and Peaceful Places (Paperback)
The Spiritual Traveler is a 'must' read for anyone traveling in Chicago and Illinois, and a definitely 'should' read for anyone interested in the development of spiritual life in the heartland of the United States. Dr. Chiat guides her readers flawlessly through the complicated historical events that produced diverse faiths in Illinois. She succinctly summarizes 20 faiths in 32 pages before inviting the reader to follow her down various pathways to sacred sites and peaceful places, all of which are brought vividly to life with her descriptions of architectural developments. Her catalog includes cathedrals, churches, synagogues, museums, parks, mosques, historical sites, shrines, natural areas, graves and temples--each carefully chosen for its significance. The context provided by Dr. Chiat makes a visit to any of the places she recommends a wonderful opportunity to learn while her unobtrusive guidance affords those interested an opportunity for a profound spiritual experience.
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