Spiritual Writings

In this new collection, Oxford theologian George Pattison translates and selects SØren Kierkegaard's previously neglected writings on spirituality—works that greatly deepen our understanding of the influential thinker. In philosophy and literature, Kierkegaard ("By far the most profound thinker of the nineteenth century"—Ludwig Wittgenstein) is generally perceived as epitomizing existential angst. However, there is much more to Kierkegaard than the popular image of the “melancholy Dane” or the iconoclastic critic of established Christendom. Alongside the pseudonymous books for which he is largely known, Kierkegaard also wrote many devotional works, which he called "upbuilding" or "edifying" discourses. Taken as a whole, these writings offer something very different from the popular view—they embody a spirituality grounded in a firm sense of human life as a divine gift.

There's a constant hunger in the world for books that explore the spiritual aspects of life, but writing about spirituality is far more complex than simply sharing personal reflections about God and the life of faith. Editors and publishers who specialize in spiritual writing find that what is important to work out for yourself on paper may not always be the best way to connect to readers. Because of its personal nature, it can be difficult to find the balance in spiritual writing between what is good writing for you and what is good writing for others. Incorporating her 20+ years of publishing and writing experience, Vinita Hampton Wright provides a practical and straightforward look at spiritual writing for a broader audience in The Art of Spiritual Writing. This slim volume is loaded with writing tips, advice, and exercises to help the writer hone and craft his or her personal thoughts into an engaging, inspiriing, and publishable piece. Readers will learn such things as why authenticity matters, how to find their authentic voice, and how to engineer their creativitiy so that it resonates with readers. The Art of Spiritual Writing demonstrates that by taking the time to learn and implement the process and craft of writing, we can begin to uncover new ways to ocnnect with ourselves, our readers, and God. And as we grow in our writing ability, our spirituality blossoms as well.

A selection, with introduction and commentary, of spiritual writings by one the most significant Protestant theologians of the twentieth century.

In Writing Spiritual Books, Hal Zina Bennett, who has coached such well-known writers as Shakti Gawain, Judith Orloff, and Jerry Jampolsky, shows readers how to focus on their spiritual experience in a way that will enlighten and captivate others. Including both anecdotal and prescriptive material gleaned from his work as a writing coach, the book contains writing exercises, exploratory questions, and other practical guidance. A useful resource section addresses the too-often-neglected issue of finding an agent and publisher with current lists of both. Individual chapters include Choosing a Vehicle for Your Message, Where to Begin — Finding Models to Follow and Read Deeply, and Getting Published and What Comes Later.

Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621), a Jesuit as well as a leading theologian of the Counter-Reformation, had an enormous effect on the religious life of his age. Here are two of his most influential ascetical works: The Mind's Ascent to God, written in the tradition of Bonaventure and John Climacus, and The Art of Dying Well.

Scottish naturalist John Muir (1838-1914) helped spark the modern environmental movement. Living for months and even years in the wilderness, he experienced a deep communion with the sacred and his contemplations on the natural world are filled with mystical intuitions of God's reality. This volume contributes to a strain of spirituality that finds an echo in today's environmental movements.

Excerpts from The Spiritual Exercises, his autobiography, and his collected letters and instructions provide direct insights from Ignatius about the role of humility, obedience, discernment, sin and selfawareness in spiritual life.

William Walker Atkinson was not only a pioneer of the New Thought movement but also the author of many occult and spiritual works which he published under the pseudonym of Yogi Ramacharaka. When writing under this alias he claimed to be a Hindu. Indeed, he was not, but he was imperative to make Eastern philosophy and belief known in the Western world. This compilation includes the following writings: The Life Beyond Death The Hindu-Yogi Science Of Breath Fourteen Lessons in Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism The Science Of Psychic Healing The Spirit of The Upanishads (The Aphorisms of the Wise) The Bhagavad Gita - The Message of the Master