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The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning [Paperback]

Ernest Kurtz , Katherine Ketcham
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (107 customer reviews)

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Book Description

December 1, 1993
I Am Not Perfect is a simple  statement of profound truth, the first step toward  understanding the human condition, for to deny  your essential imperfection is to deny yourself and  your own humanity. The spirituality of  imperfection, steeped in the rich traditions of the Hebrew  prophets and Greek thinkers, Buddhist sages and  Christian disciples, is a message as timeless as it is  timely. This insightful work draws on the wisdom  stories of the ages to provide an extraordinary  wellspring of hope and inspiration to anyone  thirsting for spiritual growth and guidance in these  troubled times.



Who are we? Why so  we so often fall short of our goals for ourselves  and others? By seeking to understand our  limitations and accept the inevitably of failure and pain,  we being to ease the hurt and move toward a  greater sense of serenity and self-awareness.  The Spirituality Of Imperfection brings  together stories from many spiritual and  philosophical paths, weaving past traditions into a  spirituality and a new way of thinking and living that  works today. It speaks so anyone who yearns to find  meaning within suffering. Beyond theory and  technique, inside this remarkable book you will find a  new way of thinking, a way of living that enables  a truly human existence.

Frequently Bought Together

The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning + Not God: A History of Alcoholics Anonymous + Drop the Rock: Removing Character Defects - Steps Six and Seven
Price for all three: $37.81

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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The aim of this book is to explain the underlying spiritual--although not necessarily religious--principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. Part 1 presents the emphasis of this spirituality, which is the recognition and especially the acceptance of humans as imperfect beings. Part 2 tells how the founders of AA put spirituality to use. Part 3 discusses the benefits: release, gratitude, humility, tolerance, and forgiveness. On nearly every page, the authors retell stories and provide anecdotes from various sources: ancient Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Greek, and more. One need not have an interest in AA to benefit from this fine introduction to spirituality. This is recommended.
- John Moryl, Yeshiva Univ. Lib., New York
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"An  inspiring guide, offering comfort...to those who  want to stop striving for perfection and start  living."--Publishers Weekly  

"A brilliant anthology of  wisdom stories from all the great traditions centered  around a most compelling and discerning  issue."--M. Scott Peck

Product Details

  • Paperback: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Bantam; Reprint edition (December 1, 1993)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0553371320
  • ISBN-13: 978-0553371321
  • Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.7 x 8.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (107 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,960 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
167 of 169 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars More than a book, this is an experience May 23, 2000
Format:Paperback
This book is to spirituality as riding a rollercoaster is to physics. It is not a read; it is an experience. Kurtz and Ketcham have managed to tell their own story in such a way that the reader is invited to share in that experience.

Finding this spirituality of imperfection in Alcoholics Anonymous and the twelve-step program, K&K have scoured spiritual writings throughout history to find the words to describe their experience. Boldface quotes and stories color almost every page.

K&K find the essence of the spiritual in human imperfections and failure, in the inevitability of pain. Spirituality is not the evasion of consequences or errors, but rather learning how to live with them. They call trying to be perfect the most tragic human mistake. They are clear, spirituality is found in asking the right questions, not in finding the right answers.

Perhaps every reader of this book will not be able to hear it's music. Perhaps only those who have been wounded by life, need it. Perhaps only those who have drunk deeply of failure will find nourishment here. All I know is that I did, and to Kurtz and Ketcham I will always be grateful.

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92 of 97 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars This book changed my life March 1, 2000
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
from the author of DREAMING YOUR REAL SELF: A PERSONAL APPROACH TO DREAM INTERPRETATION; and DREAM BACK YOUR LIFE: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO DREAMS, DAYDREAMS, AND FANTASIES.

I read THE SPIRITUALITY OF IMPERFECTION at the end of 1993, at the suggestion of a friend. I had hesitated to read it because it was "a recovery book" and I expected that designation to limit its benefits. What I found, however, were stories that confirmed that to grow we must be willing to fail and make mistakes. This is what it means to be human. With this book's encouragement, hope, and humor, I embarked on my speaking and writing career, willing to blunder and to learn from others. Since then, I have recommended and bought this book as a gift many times. I list this title in my handouts for nearly all of my self-help classes and in the bibliographies of the books I write.

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68 of 71 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite books in Sobriety November 3, 2004
By Paul O
Format:Paperback
I have been sober for quite a few 24 hours, and during that time, I have read many spiritual books. I have learned from all of the books I have read; however my two all time favorites are The Spirituality of Imperfection and An Encounter With A Prophet.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars Permission
I really recognized myself in this book. It gave me "permission" to have some of the roadblocks I do and help in accepting them-- first step to surmounting them.
Published 1 day ago by RKL
5.0 out of 5 stars Seeking more.
A must for those seeking more after 3-5 years in AA. The book roots the feeelings that come with competion of the Steps. The historical background is truly impressive also.
Published 6 days ago by Richard C. Pearce
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Insight
Very well written and easy to follow book. It incorporates truth from all faiths to encompass what true spirituality really is.
Published 12 days ago by Mary A Drew
5.0 out of 5 stars true
for recovering perfectionists,this is a must read.got it from a counselor and loved each chapter because I could see myself in it.Helps to calm your soul.
Published 20 days ago by darcy h. heidt
5.0 out of 5 stars Great
Love this book. What a perfect read to feed the soul. I underlined something from almost every page. It was for our book club and all the members really enjoyed.
Published 23 days ago by Holly
5.0 out of 5 stars The Spirituality of Imperfection
It's a wonderful search for the meaning of spirituality. It provides a lot of hope and inspiration for anyone looking for guidance. I constantly refer to it.
Published 1 month ago by zeena levine
5.0 out of 5 stars 2nd reading
This is an exceptional book for those interested in the spirituality of Alcoholics Anonymous or spirituality in general for that matter.
Published 1 month ago by John Augsbury
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a gift for all us imperfect ones who long for God.
Leonard Cohen said there is a crack in everything and that is how the light gets in. These authors deftly dance to Cohen's theme, flesh it out and give encouragement to all who... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Truette T. Stubbs
4.0 out of 5 stars Release in Storytelling
This work has added to my sense of confidence in the decision to seek out spirituality through the sharing of personal stories and the recognition in that practice of the common... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Barbara B.
5.0 out of 5 stars It Works All The Time
Read it front to back,BUT have reread it / marked it /the topic for today is the page that it opens on.
My very best NO1
Published 2 months ago by allan b cameron
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