A clear and thoughtful examination of secular spirituality
938050
Drawing on philosophy, neuroscience, common sense, and his own extensive experience with meditative practice, Harris makes a persuasive case that spirituality need not be restricted to religious practice, but can be a meaningful part of life for people who have a skeptical, scientific, secular outlook.
3490024
A book suitable for questioning souls and believers too. It's easy to jump from chapter to chapter, browsing the table of contents full of compelling topics that make sense of religion and science. Chapters stand alone, highlighting Browne's research and personal contributions pertaining to myriad topics, ranging from Origin of Life and Evidence of Divine Creation to Spiritual Communication and Origins of Religion. It is a meticulous and noteworthy collection of inspirational studies.  I, personally, enjoyed reading the chapter, Near Death Experiences and the Afterlife, along with Browne's own tenacious efforts to reconnect with God after a period of time, on her own, estranged from religion in Avenues to Miracles. Her journey of faith and perseverance is an awakening of what it can take to earn our way back home. Just open this book, and you'll realize we all have questions from time to time. Browne's efforts seem to bring peace and harmony in a conflicting world of polarizing ideals. Read it. You'll find something in there for you.
1804717
This is an excellent and thought-provoking book, presented in an intelligent and friendly style. I recommend it to anyone looking to understand Celtic spirituality and a faith-based view of our existence.
4101461
To begin with, I agree with Mary Eberstadt concerning secularization, so I was especially open to her arguments and read the book to try to understand more about secularization and what is causing it.  In addition, I found that many of the statements made by Eberstadt resonated with my experience of family life and the transmission of faith and with what I have seen in the larger culture.  Finally, as one who has been in and out of the classroom as a teacher over the years, I can see through the lives of many of my students confirmation for the arguments made by the author.

So I found the book helpful in refining my understand of secularization and that has been helpful to me as a person interested in the common good and in building social community.
3398160
When I was younger, I was interested in the insights of "The East":  Buddhism, meditation, etc.  I was fascinated by the weirdness of Zen Buddhism.  I figured there had to be something there.  But everything I read was so weighted down with religion and other supernatural nonsense that I eventually stopped looking at it.  (I wasn't nearly as serious about studying this as Sam was as a young man.)

Sam's new book is the first I've ever read that cuts through the nonsense and goes to the kernel of reality that underlies all these traditions (including Christian, Jewish, and Islamic mysticism).

The book is beautifully written (as always).  Sam has a direct, clear, and matter of fact style that I really appreciate.  His writing is a great pleasure to read and a breath of fresh air.  Most of his books are quite short.  This, it seems to me, is entirely intentional:  He doesn't waste words.  His writing is very succinct.  All that is superfluous has been pared away to leave only his clearly and well expressed thoughts.  It's a pretty quick read, though it does require close attention (there's no dross, every bit is full of information).

I think that mindfulness is important to aspire to.  It's often expressed as living now (not fretting about what is to come or what has passed).  In reality, all we have is this moment, just now.  Many in the past have recognized this of course.  I've had moments of great clarity, when the noise drops away and I am fully in the moment.  These have generally been in situations such as kayaking a difficult stretch of river, rock climbing, and skiing down a mountainside or through trees.  These experiences are intense and engaging enough to drive out all mental chatter.  It would be great to live more like that during everyday life.  (Going "back in" to a "regular" mental state after such an experience sometimes literally feels like lifting a burden.)

I think this book can point one in the right direction towards that goal.  Without all the superstitious clothing it generally appears in.

People in the secular community generally shun the term spiritual, due to its essentially exclusive use in religious contexts.  English may not have a better word.  If you accept the naturalist view of the world (as most secular people do), then it seems incumbent on one to look carefully at the actual content of consciousness, which, in the end, is subjectivity itself.  This is what Sam is suggesting we do.

This isn't a how-to book.  It's more an introductory guide to how to begin and what pitfalls to watch out for.  As I found in all descriptions of mindfulness, the descriptions Sam uses are rather hard to grasp directly - but, as he explains, this is because of the basic nature of consciousness.  It is subjectivity itself.  All a guide can do is indicate that the path is there and invite you to step onto it.

I'm not sure how far I will pursue this.  But Sam's invitation is more compelling than any I've had before.
4847111
An interesting and short volume written to help Christians acquire a keener spiritual insight at looking past the natural world and physical senses to perceive the ever present God.
Many of the observations in this book will ring true with its readers - the differences between prayers that seem routine and the prayers that seemed to have a vibrant connection with God, the lack of awareness of a supernatural nature, building a sense of spiritual progression and demonstrating a sincere will for the will of God above personal desires.
While I could very easily say the parts of this book that I took great knowledge from, it is in the `Main Characteristics of Faith' section in the final chapter that the book is best summarised. The author speaks from great experience and with a great deal of clarity. Not afraid to reveal his own failings, he reveals how truer faith can be realised.
I enjoyed this book and found it well written, well set out and accessible.
3007099
Recently I have noticed a number of books riffing on Charles Taylors tome, A Secular Age. I have never read A Secular Age in all its 900-page glory, but it was interesting to be exposed to the ideas of someone whose thinking has been shaped by it. This is my first detailed encounter with his philosophies, so I may not be entirely accurate in my understanding of them, but here are my initial impressions:

The first half of this book offers the authors perception of the constantly-distracted, non-introspective-yet-identity-obsessed culture in which we live. In this culture, says Noble, Christianity is seen as a collection of options in a buffet of more-or-less equal ideas, preferences, and opinions that I can adopt to express what I perceive as the real me. Noble desires some way to disrupt this secular way of thinking and make it clear that the Christian faith is a transcendent reality, that tells us who we are and our place in the universe (loved by God, deeply in need of his grace, etc.).

Much of his diagnosis in the first section is insightful (or at least thought-provoking), but I was uncomfortable and bemused with much of the second half. To me, he comes across as nostalgic for his (Charles Taylors?) vision of pre-Reformation days when Christianity was generally accepted because it was imposed from the outside by Christendom and the Church (i.e. the Roman Catholic Church) who spoke with a unified voice. Throughout the second section, fidelity to Scripture (a major concern of the Protestant Reformation and the noble people in Acts 17:11) takes a back seat to promoting a sense of awe and transcendence.

The primary ways he suggests promoting this disruptive awe are: prayer before meals, sabbath-keeping, and especially solemn liturgy with a strong anti-technology bias. He offers little or no biblical support for anything he says. To me, he communicates far more about his own high church sensibilities than he does about what is at the heart of the Christian faith and the sanctifying truth of Gods Word (John 17:17).

Overall, I appreciated the thought-provoking perspective on society in the first half of the book, but was entirely unimpressed with his solution for effectively sharing the faith (and a bit disturbed that the days when orthodoxy was imposed by raw power should be idealized).
2821109
As a secular individual, I recognize that one must develop a code of ethics and behavior independent of religion.  This is no easy task, and although you can take many cues from the rules, laws, and norms of society, there is room for great nuance when crafting a personal code of ethics.  There is no one right answer, but the book will shed light onto what is the best way to go about the process of looking at ethics (both in daily life as well as the biggest questions imaginable).  Books like this are particularly important, because in modern society ethics should be a fluid endeavor, ever changing, rather than something that set in stone for all time.

This book is obviously going to appeal most to atheists and agnostics.  It is also very accessible to those who happen to be on the fence about the religion issue (in which case the author seeks to welcome you to the secular side of things with open arms).  If you do consider yourself religious, there are still some helpful insights into living your life - the book suggests ways of thinking about things like ethics and mortality that could be useful to even the most confident believer.

It should also be noted that this book is not hostile toward religion in content or in tone -- this is somewhat unique when compared to many of the recent books which capitalize off the wave of new atheism (although I'll admit that I do enjoy some of these books).  The author is very respectful of everyone and their beliefs, which I greatly appreciated and will no doubt be appealing to many readers.  The approach is useful here, given that the premise is that you have already decided to live a secular life - now the question is what is the best way to go about doing so?

The author offers a lot of useful ideas and insights.  I intend to go though it a second time at some point in the future, because books like these always help me to remember what is important in life and they inspire me to live better.  I suppose the exact same thing could be said of the Bible and other holy books, although I prefer to view the complexities of life though a scientific and secular worldview.

If you struggle with life's big questions, then you might just find this book helpful.  Anyone who is willing to give it a read is already ahead of the curve, because it means you are open to venture beyond your own views and consider the opinions of another.
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Dr. James Roysters Have this Mind:  Supreme Happiness, Ultimate Realization, and the Four Great ReligionsAn Integral Adventure is a brilliant, scholarly treatise on the deeper meanings of our four major faith traditionsHinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity.  A compelling factor in regard to the authenticity of  his writings is that Dr. Royster spent years in India, Africa, and the Middle East where he lived with and engaged in in-depth dialogue with persons, particularly those in leadership positions,  of  different faiths and cultures and is thus writing from a background of experiential knowledge rather than depending solely upon information gained from intensive reading about our different faith traditions.

As Dr. Royster discusses the deeper meanings of our major faith traditions, he focuses upon ways in which our spiritual faith impacts the quality of our lives as human beings on planet earthour minds, our consciousness; our supreme worth as persons; our goals for a life that fosters supreme happiness; our interrelatedness with one another; our oneness with all that is; and the wholeness of all that is.  Of particular significance in all of our faith traditions, according to Dr. Royster, is the  belief in a transcendent  being, power, energy, or other reality and our quest for spiritual union with that transcendent reality, which we most often refer to as God (at times referred to by Dr. Royster as Ultimacy).

Thus, Have this Mind is a treasure trove for individuals who wish to delve deeper into the meanings of their own spiritual faith, those who are sincerely seeking a transformative way of life that is meaningful and fulfilling, or those who wish to learn about the similarities and differences of our major faith traditions.  It is also a major work that could be used either as a basic text or required supplemental reading in university courses at either the graduate or undergraduate level.  As a sociology professor (now retired), I would be delighted to teach a course in the Sociology of Religion and use it as required supplemental reading.  It is certainly a book worthy of careful consideration as a text or required reading in either graduate or undergraduate theology courses.

Vern Norris, Ph. D.  Professor Emeritus of Sociology
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I found that I liked this book, abut felt I liked it probably more for its concept than its execution.  I found it both rare and lovely that you can literally read the cover of this book and feel you've benefited from it.  The isolation and examination of the Question of Christ is wonderfully mind opening.

I liked the calm, rational conversational style of this author, and I also liked the organization of this book.  I particularly liked the chapter consisting of a list of (some of) the questions and also that there is a small section devoted to answers offered by Christ (this fits in with the theme of questions without shifting to center stage).

Well suited to small groups.
601234
"Secular Buddhism," makes the simple philosophies at the heart of Buddhism accessible and easy to understand.  The format was well organized and illustrated with thoughtful, personal stories.

As a westerner seeking a spiritual path outside of organized religion, I will use this book to further my awakening as well as a foundation for myself and as a tool in teaching my children to search for their own spiritual path.

I look forward to the daily practice of being a better and authentic me.
1505240
Stepping up to Spiritual Maturity by Sara H. Martin is a gem of a book.  It explores the subject of spiritual maturity in readable, informative, and inspiring ways.  It's a useful resource for persons who already consider themselves spiritually mature as well as for those who struggle to find greater strength and comfort from their faith.
  Each chapter contains examples drawn from everyday life, along with meaningful and thought-provoking questions and activities that encourage the appraisal, renewal, and further development of one's religious beliefs and behavior.  Martin effectively engages readers in reflection on what constitutes movement from the kind of faith typically established in childhood to a more mature faith associated with spiritual adulthood.  She also covers well some of the challenges facing persons on a journey of faith as well as factors that can impede spiritual growth, such as religious beliefs that are toxic to self and others, or experiences of discouragement that erode faith in spiritual perspectives.
  It's refreshing to find a book on this subject that avoids lecturing persons about what they should believe and focuses, instead, on how faith can serve or undermine one's sense of well-being and how spiritually mature understandings can further one's personal faith development as well as that of others.  Anne C. Richards.
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Debra Farrington's book offers sage, practical, insightful direction to those seeking to know more about discernment and how to practice this art.  The language is accessible--in my experience, people from high school students to octogenarians engage the material and actively learn from it.  The book is a valuable resource for anyone teaching courses on Christian spirituality.  The author mulches the text with scripture, stories from the tradition, anecdotes from personal history and other sources.  Consequently, the reader is artfully drawn into an ongoing conversation about the practice of discernment, and emerges from the conversation with tools, hope and common sense.
While keeping us mindful of the infinite mystery of God, Farrington reminds us that we have been given capacities to respond to God's desires for us as persons, community, nation, world.
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Brian Hines, author of "Return to the One: Plotinus's Guide to God-Realization", has written an excellent interpretation of this mystic philosopher's rational explanation of creation, human life and spiritual longing.  Plotinus argues for the necessity of a return to our source to fulfill the purpose and potential of our lives and describes our spiritual and material condition  in astounding, compelling detail.  The author's interpretaions are scholarly and incisive as he discusses the bracing rigor of the early Greek philosopher's thought in a uniquely humble, unpretentious and good-humored manner.  This riviting and readable book is useful for thinking clearly about the nature and demands of any spiritual discipline, and I highly recommend it to spiritual seekers and strugglers of any persuasion.
2308788
This book caught my eye at a book table and was then recommended by someone I respect. The idea of celebrating a subject that often makes me groan (discipline) sounded enticing and the chapter headings were about daily aspects of spiritual life that apply to a crossection of religions. Two things I realy like about this book are that it is written in simple, direct language despite the author's rich knowledge base of theologians throughout history. He can grasp themes and summarize them into meaningful and readable prose. The other thing I like is that the wisdom in this book translates to daily life. There are practical suggestions and guidelines as well as theological premises. I recommend this for anyone who seeks a positive and intimate guide for practicing disciplines like prayer, simplicity, and service in their spiritual journed.
3829266
Dr. Saint-Laurent covers an enormous territory in remarkably few words (less than 300 pages).  He accomplishes this not by reduction but with intelligent economy of language: this is a jargon-free book.  Saint-Laurent  crosses major religous boundries without stepping on toes, and reveals in  clear language the theme and variations of human spirituality.  Spirituality and World Religions functions as an enjoyable read,a college  text,an outline,a reference,and a source of enlightenment.  This book is a  true example of the fact that the intellect and the soul are highly  compatible.
4810486
The book arrived quickly and well-packaged.

After a few friendly exchanges with the author via Twitter I ordered this book and am so glad I did. I was relieved to find it is not so much a "guide" as it is a collection of essays and blog entries in which the author shares her insight, reflections, and experiences as a secular parent living in a very religious state. As part of the rapidly growing "Nones" demographic, this book helped me imagine a world free of religious dogma and superstition. A world in which humans are driven not to seek favor or forgiveness from a deity but to be kind and good because it is inherent of us as a species. I have already recommended this book to several friends, some of whom are religious because I think it can serve as a bridge of understanding between us.