Customer Reviews

A Way Out of the Trap: A Ten-Step Program for Spiritual Growth

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The book can be divided into two main themes. The first is the need for religion but not what currently exists. Existing religions have decayed to a point of no return. Only the newest prophet of the Baha'i Faith can bring clarity to mankind. The second is how to deepen in faith with a familiar formula that has three steps: (a) reading and pondering scriptures, (b) praying and meditating, and (c) doing and living the principles espoused in the scriptures.

Mr. Nat Rutstein writes very well indeed and describes this formula with clarity. However, this reader disagrees with the publisher's claim the book is for everyone. The book isn't tailored or generic enough to speak to all people of other faiths. The first theme requires the reader to believe that all religions are man affected, fractured into splinter groups, and have accretions in ritual and organizational structures that make the teachings inaccessible. This argument is specious as the Baha'i's, since the death of Bahaullah in 1892, have divided into at least 9 different sects, have their own organizational structures and rituals.

Notwithstanding, the book should and does receive a high review. For the Baha'i Faith this book is timely and begins the body of "founding fathers" literature. Just as other world religions have had to develop models of prayer life so must Baha'is. Mr. Rutstein does do a great job describing the steps he sees as required to find hope and joy, and anecdotal stories are provided to illustrate the principles.