Spirituality: A Guide for the Perplexed (Guides for the Perplexed)

Philip Sheldrake offers here the type of distilled overview of spirituality which only an exceptionally accomplished expert can provide. He ranges from the more classical forms of spirituality that are associated with religious traditions - Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, to those which are more hidden or "esoteric" - Anthroposophy, Theosophy, Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, non-traditional Kabbalah, Spiritualism and on to those which are secular or atheist. The result is an invaluable resource that will empower those who wish to critically discuss spirituality in the academy, the public square or the temple. -- Bernadette Flanagan, Co-Editor of Spiritual Capital (2012), Director of Research, All Hallows College, Dublin City University, Ireland You are not alone if you confess to being perplexed by the ubiquitous but ambiguous term "spirituality." To your rescue now comes Philip Sheldrake who, in his lucid yet deeply informed way, masterfully surveys the disparate current uses of the term and clarifies the "aspirational" commonalities that unite them. Sheldrake's global and cross-disciplinary tour familiarizes his reader with both religious and non-religious forms of spirituality. It includes a brilliant summary of the spiritual vision of five major world faiths, discussions of spiritual practice, mysticism, and the emerging field of academic study, as well as secular understandings of spirituality within philosophy, psychology and communities such as science, health care, business, and urban planning. His balanced approach affirms the universal human quest for transcendent or fully actualized living. -- Wendy M Wright, Professor of Theology, Creighton University, USA Of interest to students and scholars alike, Philip Sheldrake's latest book gives us an authoritative overview of spirituality in all its manifestations. Scholarly yet accessible, it will truly be a 'guide for the perplexed' to all who want to learn about this fascinating topic. -- Peter Tyler, Reader in Pastoral Theology and Spirituality, St Mary's University, London, UK This book provides us with something rare and valuable: a lucid, intellectually vibrant and moving account of where spirituality has been and where it is going. Philip Sheldrake is an authoritative, thoughtful and always-companionable guide to the strange and wondrous world of contemporary spiritual thought and practice. -- Douglas E. Christie, Professor of Theological Studies Co-Director, Loyola Marymount University, USA, and Universidad Catolica de Cordoba, Argentina