Above Us Only Sky (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Middle Ages, Grand Narrative, Roman Catholic (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

If there is one Cupitt book to read, Above Us Only Sky is it. It offers the clearest and most complete expression of Don Cupitt's philosophy to date, and will appeal to both long-time Cupitt fans and newcomers seeking an introduction to his philosophy. --John C. Kelly, Sanford Distinguished Professor of the Humanities, Emeritus, University of Nevada, Reno

The fullest exposition to date of Cupitt's new 'everyday' religion of life. Brilliance and daring of thought and style are, by now, only to be expected from Cupitt, but this draws together many of the threads of the last ten years' of his work in a scintillatingly readable declaration of faith and hope. --George Pattison, Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity at the University of Oxford

Product Description

Don Cupitt believes that a new and truly global religious consciousness has been quietly easing itself in around the world. It does not need any visible organization and does not make any non-rational doctrinal claims. It is the religion of life: a secular, purely this-worldly, and radically-democratic affirmation of ordinary life. Where pre-scientific ages saw Heaven, he says, we see only sky. We have given up belief in a supernatural world, and we have felt compelled to break with the received ecclesiastical form of Christianity. But the Christian spirit of critical thinking, of systematic self-criticism and perpetual reform, has spread around the whole world in modern science, technology, critical history, and liberal democracy. In Above Us Only Sky, in 27 brief slogans, he presents a systematic theology of this religion of ordinary life, setting it against its philosophical background, its spirituality, and its relation to other faiths. It is, he says, the legacy and the long-awaited fulfillment of Christianity.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Polebridge Press (November 11, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1598150111
• ISBN-13: 978-1598150117
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #674,811 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The merger of religion and ordinary life, February 9, 2009

By	Douglas Kings (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Since no reviews have been posted yet, I want to provide at least a short comment. Don Cupitt was known in his earlier career as the "atheist (Anglican) priest." Describing him as an atheist is not particularly helpful but he has, as his probably most famous book says, "taken leave" of God. Cupitt is "post-Christian" but readily admits his lingering affection for much of the Christian tradition and it shapes all that he writes. Perhaps less acknowledged is the importance of his clerical background, as his writing also has significant pastoral component. His interest is more than academic for Cupitt is always seeking to provide practical guidance to life in the post-modern world.

"Above Us Only Sky" is a concise summation of Cupitt's writings and thought. He describes how "the religion of ordinary life" is spontaneously taking hold throughout the world as the notion of a god "out there" becomes alien to more and more people. Religion now is to help us to accept that life is contingent, linear, and finite. In response, then, we recognize that life is now "solar", i.e. we live like the sun in a continuous process of "burning out." The book conveys a real sense of Cupitt's comfort both with how his philosophy has developed and with this latter stage of his life (he turns 75 this year). I found this book to be remarkably positive and upbeat as well as an insightful and helpful guide to life "after god." Highly recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Quick to state his point of view with but little explanation as to why he thinks as he does., June 25, 2009

By	John T. Clymer (Tucson, AZ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I would call him quite liberal in his theology. This is not the first book one should read who is begining to question the evangelical teachings of his childhood where reciting creeds is important, accepting the bible as inerrant and beliving that God intervenes in human activities. First they should read books by Marcus Borg such as "The Heart of Christianity" or John Shelby's books. His most recent one is: "Jesus for the Non-Religious". Then topping it off with the recent book: "When Faith Meets Reason" edited by Charles Hedrick. Here 13 Religion scholars relfect on their spiritual journey. It is a quick and easy read. Then Don Cupitt.