Spirituality A Guide For The Perplexed

'Spirituality' is a word that is used increasingly these days yet it is often ill-defined. What exactly is spirituality? Is it distinct from religion and can we separate it from beliefs and traditions? Does spirituality mainly focus on spiritual experiences and practices or is it something more? This book suggests that, while there may be common features in the use of the word, 'spirituality' is not a single reality. Different 'spiritualities' reflect particular religious or philosophical viewpoints, as well as the cultural contexts in which they arise and develop. Spirituality: A Guide for the Perplexed provides students and general readers with a reliable and comprehensive guide to 'spirituality' as an area of study, religiously, historically, philosophically and in the social sciences. It explores the tools that are used to study the subject and to interpret spiritual classics (whether these are written texts or other forms such as art) from different times and cultures. Attention is paid to spirituality in a variety of religious and non-religious forms in their own terms and comparatively. However, for the sake of simplicity greatest attention is given to the study of spirituality within a religious perspective with illustrations drawn from texts, personalities and themes associated with five major world religions, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. The book concludes with an exploration of spirituality in contemporary perspective - in particular how spirituality is currently employed in areas such as health-care, education and business among other examples.

This book, by the author of 'Small is Beautiful' is about the different ways in which people may see and the blindness of only seeing in one particular way. The arguments Schumacher presents are invigorating, provoking and often dramatic.

"A memoir and meditation book that explores the many paths of enlightenment available to those looking beyond today's churches, temples, and synagogues"--Provided by publisher.

"With every advance in knowledge, scholars of the Middle Ages, much like scholars of the 21st century, were at a loss to explain the gap between religion and the science and philosophy of the day. In this 12th-century volume, Maimonides bridges that gap. As a result, The Guide for the Perplexed, widely considered Maimonides most universal work, influenced not only Jewish scholarship but Moslem and Christian ideas as well. Intended especially for the serious student of Judaism or medieval scholarship, this volume, here in its complete and unabridged form, is a reissue of what has long been recognized as one of the most important works of religious philosophy ever written. Spanish Jewish philosopher and Talmudic scholar MOSES MAIMONIDES (11351204) was the leading intellectual figure of medieval Judaism. In addition to his works on religious philosophy, he is the author of numerous writings on law, medicine, mathematics, and logic."

This compelling book, Craving the Divine, brings us a message of particular relevance today, namely, that a journey through the wilderness-be it emotional, existential, or geographical-can be a transformative and strengthening process, even though it may not seem so at the time. In chronicling the stories of survivors who have traveled through perilous and, at times, unexplored territory, Goldstein not only shows us how to face the challenges of being human, but also delivers a promise of meaning, direction, and hope in our lives. Craving the Divine interweaves stories of contemporary men and women, whom the author has met through his work as a rabbi and law-enforcement chaplain, with those of biblical figures such as Cain, David and Bathsheba, Samson, and several prophets and mystics. Goldstein's words of comfort and inspiration will appeal to secular and religious readers alike. Book jacket.