Spirituality: Where Body and Soul Encounter the Sacred [Paperback]

Carl McColman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1997

This interesting text provides an insight in to spirituality in ways that will be of use to practitioners of different religions, or of no religion at all. '

Editorial Reviews

Review

Spirituality is lucid and down to earth without sacrificing substance and depth. McColman may be articulating the secret thoughts of millions of baby-boomers in finding spiritual meaning in such 'unlikely' places as the lyrics of the music of The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, and The Clash.

While the shelves are crowded with shallow, trendy get spiritual quick books, Spirituality finds itself in the venerable company of the relatively few books on spirituality that are authentic and sound. -- Brother Hugh Goforth, Medthodist Lay Speaker, Teacher, Monastic Oblate (New Creation Monastery))

A most gentle book filled with nuggets of spiritual wisdom that will help bridge the reader to a new spiritual dimension. -- Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D., Author, Love Is Letting Go Of Fear

As a young writer, he has been personally influenced by contemporary icons and various milieus of philosophical thought: his theses often spiral through the pages as if in rhythm to the music of the rock bands he has studied. Scholarly in a hip sort of way, his work explores a sacred spirituality that lies hidden within secular expressions of popular culture, fully developing what a commitment to spirituality of body and soul can mean. -- Napra Review

Carl McColman's Spirituality is a basic resource book in the best sense. There are no false notes in this masterful, musical exploration of the depths and heights of our most profound aspirations. It invites the reader into a life of real spirituality, one that avoids mistaking ourselves for lofty angelic beings or for merely materialistic mechanisms. -- Gene R. Thursby, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Religion, University of Florida

Drawing from various religious traditions, particularly Christianity, Carl McColman shows us that spirituality is a way of life in which we encounter and respond to the Sacred through all aspects of our lives. As he dialogues with many resources--books, song, films, life stories--McColman illustrates the daily and varied dynamics of spirituality. This book can befriend all who are walking their spiritual journey, whether they are just beginning or walking down the road a bit. -- Mary Reuter, O.S.B., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Theology, College of Saint Benedict

In a changing world, this book on spirituality provides multiple doorways of comfort and insight through wonder, prayer, and the true meaning of humility, worship, and sacrifice. It is a practical book that can be used for personal, professional, and deep interior exploration. -- Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., Cultural Anthropologist, Author, The Four-Fold Way and Signs of Life

McColeman acknowledges the differences across the religious spectrum while simultaneously discerning the similarities that infuse Roman Catholic contemplation, Jewish mysticism, the Sufi tradition within Islam, and the meditative disciplines of Buddhism. His pathway is based within Christianity, but as a self-professed seeker, McColeman remains open to unfamiliar traditions.Spirituality employs etymology-the history of a word's origin- as a methodological tool. For example, the word, "spirituality" comes from the Latin, "spiritus," related to the Latin word for "breath," "spirae." From the latter comes "respiration." Both Jewish and Christian canonical writings abound in imagery of breath and wind as metaphors for spirit. Within Zen, for example, relaxed breathing is the causeway into the meditative state. Correctly, McColeman asserts that "[t]he dualistic idea that the body and spirit are distinct and separate has had many consequences." [p. 11]McColeman recognizes the densely enmeshed social moorings of human understanding. Sacredness is encountered in a manner that is shaped within a cultural matrix. -- From Independent Publisher

There is a tremendous thirsting for spiritual depth among thousands who are disillusioned with, or unattracted to, 'mainstream' religions. Carl McColman writes from within a clear religious tradition, but in a way which is open and accessible to people who are struggling with what they can believe. I think his book will be of great help to many people today. -- Kenneth Leech, Author, Soul Friend, and True Prayer

This is a book that defines spirituality in broad strokes. At a time when words are twisted by 'spin doctors' and used narrowly and flippantly, Carl McColman paves a path that universalizes spirituality. The spirituality that McColman unfolds is not one of asceticism and separateness, but of community. Mr. McColman's book is a must read for those who are seekers as well as those who have discovered the journey that is right for them. -- Rabbi Gerald Schuster, Chaplain, Weiss Memorial Hospital

Whether the reader prays regularly or prays seldom; whether her spiritual tradition is Charismatic or Celtic; whether theist or atheist; whether they worship in tongues, contemplate in silence, or not at all, the heart is strangely warmed and inexplicably changed by this insightful study. Both the bustling city Christian and the desert monastic will find their imaginations stretched and quickened. I strongly recommend this book. It is a richly rewarding read. -- Rev. Colin G Garvie, Methodist Minister, MCSA, Durban, South Africa

From the Publisher

Inclusive -- will speak to persons of many backgrounds and beliefs. Luminous, visionary ideas -- yet centered and down-to-earth. Innovative -- explores new ways of seeing the spirituality of culture. Uses popular culture -- music, film, the Internet -- to explain spirituality.

In Spirituality : Where Body and Soul Encounter the Sacred, Carl McColman weaves together Sacred traditions and cultures from the world over, to articulate an innovative and daring new vision of spirituality. This vision is free of religious dogmas without being anti-religious, and is transformative and holistic without repeating the formulas of the "New Age." This book could redefine the meaning of spirituality. It debuts Carl McColman as an exciting new voice in the literature of spirituality, positioning him alongside such creative and progressive thinkers as John O'Donohue, Matthew Fox, Kenneth Leech, and Karen Armstrong.

As a practicing Christian with an abiding interest in Eastern and Neopagan religions, McColman grew weary of the aura of competitiveness and sometimes downright hostility that different spiritual practitioners often manifest toward paths other than their own. Spirituality explores the dynamics of relating to the Sacred in a way that refuses to make anyone -- or any path -- "wrong." To do that, he presents the spiritual life not in terms of doctrines and dogmas, but in terms of culture and community.

McColman mines the rich traditions of the past to inform his ideas. From the Eastern Orthodox tradition of Christianity, he celebrates the Icon, as a symbol of the possibilities in culture (and, for that matter, in nature) to reveal the shimmering presence of the Holy to anyone, at any time. He shows how "icons" as a spiritual concept can be applied to different traditions and paths. Yet despite the external difference, the inner reality of the Divine encounter remains the same.

To explore companionship, he reaches into the tradition of his ancestors -- the world of the Druids and the early Celtic Christians. Here he discovers the "Anamchara", the nearly-forgotten ministry of soul friendship. In the warmth and intimacy of friendship, McColman discovers a doorway to an understanding of spirituality that crosses all borders and boundaries. In an "Anamchara," one finds God revealed in the face and heart and soul of the beloved friend.

These, and other concepts, are ancient yet postmodern, "hidden" and yet as plain as day. Through companionship and creativity, we encounter the heart of the Sacred, we bring Divine love into our lives and we are able to offer that love to others. Here is a model for spirituality that "works" whether one is a Christian or a Jew, a Buddhist or a Neopagan, a New Ager or 'none of the above' -- truly a universal model for the mystical life, making it fresh and appealing and relevant for the dawn of the 21st century.

Makes a positive, ethical statement, but without moralizing. Playful -- draws insights from Curious George and Disney films! Written in a friendly, easy-to-read, yet authoritative style. Celebrates 'the middle way'-- a spirituality of balance and harmony. Incorporates ancient wisdom into a postmodern vision of the Sacred.

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: North Star Publications (MA) (April 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1880823160
• ISBN-13: 978-1880823163
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,038,511 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical Blend Review, October 11, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Spirituality: Where Body and Soul Encounter the Sacred (Paperback)

"This is a book for seekers," states Carl McColman. Each of the book's twelve chapters is an essay on one facet of spiritual discipline intended to help its readers distinguish just what spirituality means to them. Carl successfully avoids the traps of dogmatism and overgeneralization to provide the reader with plenty of grist for the mill. And he concludes with a list of recommendations and rationales concerning what practices to take up and why. He draws his lessons from many of the world's traditions, and validates them all while recognizing the importance of choosing one and following its practices with commitment. This is a good book for getting the big picture on spirituality. I would especially recommend it to thoughtful people who are trying to put together for themselves the plethora of influences and traditions available to seekers today.